REVIEW: ‘High Card’ Season 2 Episode 1 — “Knightmare”

High Card returned with a bang in its Season 2 premiere, titled “Knightmare.” As a sequel to a successful first season, the premiere seamlessly dives back into the complex world of the Kingdom of Fourland. If you haven’t watched before, this is where a royal family guards a deck of mystical X-Playing cards with superhuman powers. Created by Homura Kawamoto, Hikaru Muno, and brought to life by TMS Entertainment, High Card Season 2 Episode 1 continues the series’ ability to weave together mystery, magic, and political intrigue.

For those who missed the first season, High Card Season 2 Episode 1 might be an unconventional starting point. Labeled as Episode 13, it offers little recap or exposition about the characters and the world itself.  Instead, it thrusts viewers directly into the aftermath of Season 1’s pivotal moments. The Kingdom of Fourland is reeling after a near theft of the X-Cards. This prompted the formation of High Card—a special group assigned by the King to recover the scattered cards. The narrative revolves around Finn (Gen Satō), a charismatic orphanage caretaker, recruited into High Card to thwart the schemes of rival car company Who’s Who and the Klondike mafia family, both vying for control of the X-Cards.

High Card Season 2 Episode 1 kicks off with the mission to retrieve the Jack of Hearts card from a player named Jason Daltrey, showcasing the fantastical abilities the X-Cards confer. Finn, now holding seniority over his mentor Chris (Toshiki Masuda), maintains their banter-filled camaraderie, injecting humor into their high-stakes mission. However, the episode swiftly transitions from levity to grim political reality, with the funeral of Prince Dylan, murdered by the Klondikes in the previous season. This very casts a shadow over the narrative, reminding viewers that this series is not for the faint of heart.

Further, the Shield police’s parallel investigation into both the Klondike mafia and High Card adds another layer of intrigue and tension. Tragedy strikes during their operation, emphasizing the high stakes involved the calculated attack nearly claimed Sugar Pea’s life.

Even if briefly, High Card Season 2 Episode 1 doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutality of the conflicts. It showcases spectacular yet brutal animation that reinforces the gravity of the characters’ situations. No more than ever, the stakes are high for High Card as they race against time to prevent the X-Cards from falling into the wrong hands, ensuring the safety of the kingdom.

One of the High Card Season 2 Episode 1′s highlights is the revelation of Finn’s past and his connection to the mysterious Black Knight that has haunted his nightmares since Season 1. As the truth unfolds, it becomes evident that the Black Knight is not a mere figment of Finn’s imagination but a tangible and formidable threat capable of dispatching X-Card wielders effortlessly. The Black Knight’s apparent lack of alignment with any major factions raises speculation about the darker corners of Fourlands’ history. This revelation adds a layer of depth to Finn’s character and the overarching plot as questions arise about the Black Knight’s motives and origins.|

As High Card Season 2 Episode 1 concludes, the emphasis on the bonds forged within the High Card team becomes clear. Despite the challenges they face, the camaraderie between Finn, Chris, Wendy (Haruka Shiraishi), Vijay (Yūichirō Umehara), and Chelsea (Yurika Kubo) remains unbroken. This unity not only bolsters the characters but also underscores the series’ theme of teamwork and friendship in the face of adversity. As the season unfolds, these relationships promise to play a crucial role in navigating the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and the looming threat of the Black Knight.

In a series defined by magical abilities and political intrigue, High Card Season 2 Episode 1 succeeds in balancing lighthearted banter with intense action and narrative development. The bonds between High Card members, emphasized at both the episode’s start and end, serve as a constant reminder that the characters’ connections will play a crucial role in facing the challenges that lie ahead. As High Card continues its quest to reclaim the X-Cards, “Knightmare” promises a season filled with suspense, revelations, and, undoubtedly, more high-stakes action.

High Card Season 2 Episode 1 is out now exclusively on Crunchyroll with new episodes every Monday.