Movies / Animé and Toons

Black Butler Season 1, Part 2

By Chris Zimmerman
March 7, 2011 - 13:06

I don’t think I would be out of line in stating the Japanese seem to exhibit an unnatural fascination with Maids and Butlers. I don’t know why, nor do I know where it stems from. What I do know is that several anime and manga have used the servants as key plot points or supporting characters. Take Black Butler for instance: A seemingly mild mannered butler waiting on the whims of his young master set in Victorian era Europe. Of course, if that were all the story would be dull.

When last we checked out Black Butler, we were introduced to Sebastian and his master Ciel. Though the two exhibit a normal relationship between master and servant, there is more to them than initially believed. Sebastian with his red eyes and prodigious skills is at the beck and call of Ciel, who in turn serves under the Queen.

As it so happens, Sebastian is a demon of some sort, and Ciel his sacrifice, in a manner of speaking. Ciel’s soul is the object of Sebastian’s desires due to a ritual that bound the two. As such, Sebastian is under contract to fulfill Ciel’s desires so as to collect on the boy’s end of the bargain.

In the last set, the pair had faced gangs and grim reapers. However, nothing could have prepared them for a wandering prince named Soma and his servant Agni. They wind up staying in the company of Ciel and before long, Sebastian finds himself at odds with Agni, whose skills rival his own.

After that, we get a mishmash of adventures, introducing new characters and missions for the pair to sort through. Eventually we’re treated to a dramatic two episodes that act as the finale. A conspiracy to kill the queen is underway and Ciel is the suspect. The pair must also contend with an angel named Ash, who proceeds to make life hell for them, first burning down Ciel’s estate, and causing collateral damage on the city. The series ends on a dour note but considering there is a second season, I wouldn’t put too much stock in the character’s fates being final.

This set of Black Butler, though still episodic in places, was an improvement upon the first. The advancement of the story and the characters was beneficial though I could have done without the yaoi aspects that trickled into the episodes. There was also a greater sense of urgency pervading the final few episodes, as the tension built to its ultimate crescendo that saw the culmination of all the story elements that had been left to fester.

Funimation made sure to pack on their usual assortment of trailers, as well as a couple of commentaries. They aren’t all that informative, but are good for a listen, if only to hear the actor’s talk about their enthusiasm for the show and their views on certain character relationships.

While I enjoyed Black Butler, its definitely a polarizing show. The show has a supernatural flare that should appeal to fans of gothic fantasy, but the yaoi aspects are sure to turn some people off. However, if you can look past it, you might find a devilishly good time awaiting you.

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Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12