Fate/Strange Fake [Episode 2]

Fate/Strange Fake Episode 2: The Meme Dies, and the War Gets Real

Let’s cut to the chase: after years of “one episode a year” jokes, Fate/Strange Fake Episode 2 is finally here—and it’s not just a win for fans who’ve been waiting; it’s a masterclass in how to blend chaos, style, and that signature Fate absurdity. If you thought Episode 1 was a tease, this one’s the real deal: Saber and Ayaka in police custody, a Dead Apostle crashing the party, and enough Sakuga to make your eyes pop. Let’s break it down like we’re dissecting a Noble Phantasm.

First off, the opening picks up exactly where we left Saber and Ayaka: in cuffs. And honestly? For a Fate series set in America, cops arresting a Servant feels less like a plot twist and more like a Tuesday. As one fan put it, “Since this is America, I’m not sure why the cops look so shocked. This feels like a normal Tuesday.” But let’s be real—if a guy vanished in front of you mid-arrest, you’d freak too. The humor here is perfect: Saber’s deadpan confusion (“You see this stick or stone? It’s Excalibur now”) and Ayaka’s exasperated “why me?” face had fans cackling. Their dynamic is already a highlight—she’s the brains, he’s the (slightly unhinged) brawn, and together they’re the chaotic duo we didn’t know we needed.

Then there’s the animation. A1 Pictures didn’t just show up—they showed off. The fight scenes? Cinematic. The way Assassin moves, the flash of Noble Phantasms, even the tiny details like Gilgamesh’s suit (yes, that Gilgamesh in a suit) are polished to perfection. Fans were raving: “They aren’t holding back with the animation. Must have been why they were so slow in releasing it.” Another added, “This might be the best non-Ufotable Fate adaptation to date.” No cap—every frame feels intentional, like the team poured two years of love into making this episode pop.

But let’s talk about the real star of the show: the Dead Apostle reveal. Jester, with his fangs and “I’m here to cause problems” vibe, is a game-changer. As one fan noted, “Having a Dead Apostle in a Holy Grail War is like lighting a match in a room full of gas.” He’s not just a villain—he’s a walking Tsukihime crossover, and fans are here for it. “I need to play Tsukihime to understand more of what Dead Apostles are,” one viewer admitted, and honestly? Same. The lore drops here are juicy, and they’re only getting started.

And can we talk about the ending? The ED is pure Carnival Phantasm vibes—all the characters holding hands in a silly, happy line… except Assassin, who refuses to touch her Master. Fans lost it: “Assassin not holding her Master’s hand—Is it because she’s a Tsundere, or is it haram? Either way, I lol’d hard.” It’s that perfect blend of Fate’s darkness and its ability to laugh at itself.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the wait. For fans who’ve been clinging to hope since Episode 1 dropped, this episode was a victory lap. “The meme is finally dead everyone,” one user cheered. “No more ‘one episode a year’ jokes—it’s real now.” Another added, “Watching this is like going to your child’s graduation.” The relief is palpable, and the hype for Episode 3? Through the roof.

But here’s the thing: Fate/Strange Fake isn’t just for long-time fans. Sure, newbies might need a quick crash course on Holy Grail Wars and Servants, but the episode does a solid job of catching you up without info-dumping. As one fan warned, “I do advise new Fate fans to start with the main series first—no hand-holding here.” But if you’re willing to dive in, the payoff is huge. The characters are distinct, the stakes are high, and the story feels fresh in a franchise that’s been around for decades.

Let’s not forget the little moments that made this episode sing: Gilgamesh playing roulette in a casino (because of course he is), the Holy Church’s Hansa showing up to stir the pot, and that one line that’s already a meme: “The future is always blank. Only your willpower can leave footsteps there.” It’s the kind of line that sticks with you, even when you’re laughing at Saber’s “Excalibur stick” bit.

In the end, Episode 2 isn’t just a continuation—it’s a statement. Fate/Strange Fake is here to shake up the franchise, and it’s doing it with style. The animation is top-tier, the humor lands, and the lore is deep enough to keep you theorizing for weeks. As one fan put it, “This was cinema.” And honestly? They’re right.

So, what’s next? Episode 3 can’t come soon enough. But for now, let’s savor this win. The meme is dead, the war is heating up, and Fate/Strange Fake is just getting started. If you haven’t watched it yet? Do yourself a favor. This isn’t just another Fate episode—it’s a celebration of everything we love about the series.

Final Verdict: 10/10. The wait was worth every second. Now, who’s ready to see what happens when Saber finally escapes custody? (Bet it involves a stick and a lot of yelling.)

—A fan who’s already rewatched the ED five times