Perhaps the biggest problem with Black Butler II is its sour ending, which is redeemed only by virtue of being non-canonical. Moreover, because so much time has to be spent advancing the plot, there’s relatively little opportunity to enjoy the light-hearted japes around the Phantomhive Manor that contributed so much of season one’s appeal. At its best, then, Black Butler II is poignant and affecting: but it’s a shame that these moments are in much shorter supply than the first season. But the horrors of Alois’s childhood trump even this, and do much to explain his violent and unpredictable behaviour. The first season of Black Butler engaged with some disturbing themes, particularly those surrounding the murder of Ciel’s parents, and his subsequent abduction and torture, which formed the background for his pact with Sebastian. The saving grace for Black Butler II comes when the series finally gets round to exploring the back story of Alois Trancy. Twelve episodes aren’t really enough time to unravel the convoluted story, especially when one early episode (about a plot to blow up a train) is complete filler. Amnesia is an uninspiring narrative choice, and the questionable decision to lean into this hoary old trope is compounded by the season’s short length. This, it transpires, is because Ciel has suffered memory loss, and much of the season’s first half is devoted to explaining how this came about. For different reasons, both Alois and his butler Claude become obsessed with the young Earl Phantomhive, which forms the central dramatic arc for the season.īlack Butler II is a direct continuation of the first season, but the beginning is very confusing, and at first it appears to be unrelated to previous events. But unlike Ciel, Alois is an unhinged, capricious, sadistic maniac. In doing so, he has secured the service of his own butler, Claude Faustus, along with several other demonic servants. At the heart of Black Butler II is youthful aristocrat Alois Trancy who, like Ciel, has entered into an unholy pact with a demon. For whatever reason, the producers decided not to base this season on the popular manga, so we instead have a completely original story featuring several new characters designed by series creator Yana Toboso.
First aired in 2010, Black Butler II continues the story of the teenage Earl, Ciel Phantomhive, and his demonic butler, Sebastian Michaelis.
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