REVIEW: ‘Spy x Family,’ Episode 2 – “Secure A Wife”

Spy x Family is an action/comedy shonen anime produced by WIT Studio and CloverWorks. With Anya managing to pass her entrance exam, Loid was one step closer to completing his mission. But the unexpected snag of needing a wife threatens to derail it once again. Now he has only 48 hours to find a woman willing to stand in for the upcoming party in Spy x Family Episode 2.

Sometimes it takes unwavering skill and determination to complete a complex mission. Other times, plain old blind luck will suffice. This is as true for spies as anyone else. When Loid takes Anya to a clothing store to have a nice outfit made for her he stumbles into Yor. A 27-year-old civil servant who happens to be available. What’s more, she is in desperate need of someone to play the part of her boyfriend at an upcoming dinner engagement. The stars have aligned it seems for both of the struggling singles. Though Yor does come with a secret of her own. Luckily for her, it is one that prompts the telepathic Anya to play matchmaker for the duo.

The whirlwind courtship of the soon-to-be couple takes center stage in Spy x Family Episode 2. What makes this episode shine is how the show handles the two characters’ complete obliviousness towards all the signs that say the other is not who they claim to be. Rather than coming across as simply being stupid, both characters are portrayed as so preoccupied with their troubles that they accept the less than watertight excuses that are given as cover for their less-than-normal moments at face value.

What pleases me the most about Spy x Family Episode 2 is how well Yor looks to fit in with the other two primary cast members. Her quirks and strengths feel like they will allow her to mesh perfectly with Anya and Loid. As she will also be leading a double life all her own, I look forward to seeing how the show keeps all the elements together and how Yor and Loid try to fulfill their various missions without allowing the other to know. While all the while Anya will be aware of it all and be adorable.

The animation throughout Spy x Family Episode 2 continues to serve the series tone wonderfully. Every event is brought to life through the framework of the series’ humorous core. Whether fighting off killers or surviving a dinner party the show never fails to entertain with its pitch-perfect comedic delivery.

Spy x Family Episode 2 manages to continue delivering the stellar blend of story, heart, and humor of its pilot. With all three family members now present, I can’t wait to see how the show works this trio in with each other as they all strive for their own ends while also stumbling through the illusion of being a nice “normal” family.

Spy x Family Episode 2 is streaming on Crunchyroll.