She’s still as beautiful as the last time I saw her… 🥹!!!
I can hardly believe I’m reuniting with Holo and Lawrence. Fifteen years ago, Spice & Wolf became one of my all-time “treasures,” and even now, it holds an irreplaceable spot in my heart. The first episode of this remake brought back a flood of memories, just like when I first watched it all those years ago!
Set in a medieval world, the story follows the northward journey of merchant Lawrence and Holo, the witty harvest goddess with a wolfish twist. The blend of historical charm and a dash of fantasy is simply impeccable—elevated by rustic, folklore-inspired OSTs from Kevin Penkin. (Last season, Evan Call stole the show with Frieren, and this season, Kevin Penkin proves he’s no slouch either.) But the true heart of the work lies in the sharp, captivating banter and chemistry between Lawrence and Holo, which retains all its original allure. (The seiyuu duo, Ami and Jun, are flawless—it’s as if they’re stepping back into their roles from 15 years ago with ease.)
What thrilled me most, though, was how the opening minutes burst with joy. Fans of the light novel will know what I mean 🤣—it’s a promising sign that Passione and the team are committed to a faithful adaptation. And there’s good reason to believe it: this version of Spice & Wolf will run continuously for two cours (25 episodes), signaling a long-term project from the studio. Plus, the involvement of Takahashi as chief director—he helmed the previous two adaptations—alongside Sanpei, who directed episodes in the second season of the original, assures us this remake is in expert hands. It’s poised to deliver top-notch quality and draw in a fresh wave of fans.
Overall, the pilot episode feels complete. For me, it stirred a bittersweet nostalgia as memories of “back then” came rushing back. If it maintains this momentum, this could be a standout adaptation worth watching this season!
10/10 for the pilot. Spice & Wolf dives deep into the economics and society of its era, crafting scenarios that test Lawrence and Holo’s bond. If you’re tired of isekai tropes and high school casts, this is the perfect story to dive into.
