The Stories of Girls Who Couldn’t Be Magicians – Episode 2 Review

If Episode 1 of The Stories of Girls Who Couldn’t Be Magicians set the stage, Episode 2 dives deeper into its themes of breaking traditions, reigniting lost dreams, and challenging the rigid expectations placed on its characters. This episode continues to impress, blending sharp humor with moments of heartfelt sincerity. It’s a show that feels like a mix between Little Witch Academia and The Owl House, yet it’s carving its own path by expanding on ideas of self-worth and the restrictive nature of magical society.

Let’s break down why Episode 2 hits all the right notes.

Old Magic Glyphs and Loopholes – A Lesson Beyond the Norm

At the heart of this episode is Minami-sensei’s unconventional teaching style, and I have to say, she’s quickly becoming one of the most interesting characters. She’s not just another quirky, rebellious teacher—there’s real depth to her approach. By teaching her students to draw spell arrays by hand rather than relying on the “magic notebooks,” she’s tapping into an older, perhaps more authentic, form of magic that has been forgotten or cast aside by society.

Her method reminds me of Mister Miyagi’s iconic “wax on, wax off” lessons. At first, the students (and the viewers) might question why she’s making them do these seemingly irrelevant tasks, but it becomes clear that she’s preparing them for something much bigger. It’s not just about learning magic; it’s about learning how to think critically and understand the deeper mechanics behind the spells.

Yuzu and Kurumi – From Dream Squasher to Believer?

One of the most intriguing dynamics in this episode is the relationship between Yuzu and Kurumi. Yuzu starts off as the dream squasher, consistently pulling Kurumi down. It’s obvious now that Yuzu’s attitude stems from her own dashed hopes of becoming a magician. She’s trying to protect herself from disappointment by assuming magic is out of reach and projecting that onto Kurumi.

But things are starting to shift, especially after Minami-sensei’s rescue and the near-death experience. Yuzu is slowly coming around to the idea that maybe, just maybe, magic is within reach. Her character arc has a lot of potential, and I’m excited to see how her attitude will continue to evolve as she learns that giving up isn’t the only option.

Breaking Traditions – Magumi and Gender Roles

This show isn’t just about magic—it’s about breaking down societal norms. We’re introduced to the rigid tradition that only Magumi can be magicians, and only men can lead dance troupes. This system of exclusion feels archaic, and it’s clear that the show is setting up its characters to challenge these limitations.

Maki’s situation particularly stands out here. Even though she seems fine with her brother inheriting the dance troupe, there’s a subtle hint of disappointment that she’s masking well. I wouldn’t be surprised if Maki eventually finds a way to challenge this tradition and carve out a path for herself, showing that talent and passion shouldn’t be restricted by gender roles.

Suzuki-sensei: Small Stature, Big Presence

Okay, Suzuki-sensei might be small in size, but she’s quickly becoming a big favorite. Watching her stand on a step stool to teach was hilarious, but what really struck me was how determined she is to help the girls achieve their dreams. She’s cute, sure, but there’s a fierceness to her, especially when it comes to making sure her students don’t give up on themselves.

Kurumi, in particular, seems to be growing under Suzuki-sensei’s guidance. She’s not quite there yet, but we saw glimmers of her potential in this episode. She just needs a little more confidence and finesse, and Suzuki-sensei seems determined to help her get there.

Minami-sensei’s Philosophy – Rote Learning vs. True Understanding

Minami-sensei’s disdain for the current state of magical education is palpable. It’s clear that MagiUni has become overly reliant on rote learning, with students simply following predefined “recipes” from their magic notebooks. But what happens when those recipes aren’t enough? What if a challenge arises that requires creative, independent thought? This is the gap that Minami-sensei is trying to fill.

Her focus on teaching the fundamental principles of magic, rather than just following steps, is what sets her apart from other teachers. And while the students might not see it yet, this approach is setting them up for success—not just in magic, but in life. Structured thinking and problem-solving are skills that transcend magic, and it’s clear Minami-sensei is determined to make her students thinkers, not just followers.

Villains in the Shadows – What’s Their Game?

While the episode is mainly focused on the students and their growth, there are hints of darker forces at play. The show is slowly teasing its antagonists, and I can’t help but wonder what their ultimate goal is. The mysterious villains clearly have their sights set on something big, and it seems like they’re plotting in the background, ready to strike when the time is right.

There’s also some tension surrounding Asuka’s twin brother and Suzuki-sensei, which I’m curious to see play out. There’s clearly more to the criteria that determine who becomes a magician, and I get the feeling that things aren’t as black and white as they seem.

Final Thoughts – Episode 2 Brings the Magic and More

Episode 2 of The Stories of Girls Who Couldn’t Be Magicians continues to build on the strong foundation laid by the premiere. The show is carving out its own identity by blending humor, heartfelt character moments, and a deeper look at the societal constraints that shape its world.

The art is stunning, the character dynamics are rich, and the story is starting to take shape in a way that promises plenty of magic, both literal and metaphorical. I can’t wait to see where Yuzu, Kurumi, and the rest of the girls go from here.

What did you think of this episode? Are you rooting for Yuzu’s redemption arc? Let’s chat in the comments!