English Dub Review: Date A Live “A “Second” Date”

Overview

Shido returns to a time before the final battle with DEM began when no one has died yet. To avoid repeating the same future, Shido asks Reine out on a date. After hearing the story from Shido, Kotori, and the Spirits support their date.

Our Take

After the harrowing trick up his sleeve thanks to Kurumi, Shidou returns from the future and asks Reine out, aiming to keep her unaware of the guiding influences. Using Maria to communicate about a future battle, he reveals that all the spirits die, leading Kotori and the other spirits to support the date. Despite Origami bugging Shidou’s clothes, the spirits are already aware and back the plan.

A good portion of the episode is spent mostly on the classic dating sim elements the show is known for, with the crew voting on Shidou’s choices, adding a nostalgic and entertaining touch with various callbacks to earlier seasons where Shidou goes on dates with spirits to stabilize their powers, with the crew voting on his responses. The episode includes Reine fanservice and a tribute to Shidou’s original date with Mio by returning to the beach where they ended their first date…

Overall, this episode successfully blends nostalgia with character development, returning to the series’ roots while setting the stage for future conflicts. The dynamic between Shido and Reine, though awkward due to her mature and somewhat cold demeanor, provides a refreshing change of pace. The comedic elements and heartfelt moments highlight why fans enjoy the series. Despite the looming threat from Westcott and his forces, the proceedings at least gave its audience a brief respite with some lighthearted moments. But the question now is what will happen in the last 3 episodes of the Season?