Welcome to the second part of this review of The Devil is a Part-Timer! By way of thanks, here’s yet another beauty of a facial expression, courtesy of the Devil’s most trusted general. (Yes, these really happen during the show.)

Today, I want to continue to highlight the best characteristics of the show, and hopefully make a case as to why you should consider watching it. In the first part, I touched on the show’s clever use of situational humor and its use of the odd premise to take an outsider’s look at human life as we live it today. In this half of the review, I want to look at more closely at show elements that contribute to its charm and overall enjoyableness.

Character-wise, The Devil is a Part-Timer! has a pretty stock cast as far as role/title go (Hero, Devil, Sidekick, almost-nauseatingly-cute-teen); however, the fresh portrayals of these characters almost makes you forget their assigned roles. The Devil is not really, seriously plotting to take over the world or slaughter all humanity; his sidekick general plays housewife and does an incredible job of managing the budget; the Hero falls down stairs, makes ridiculous faces, cries from humiliation and even teams up with her archenemy on occasion. One of my favorite aspects of anime in general is the use of ensemble casts, and The Devil is a Part-Timer! does an excellent job of managing the different character relationships.

Also impressive is the show’s ability to balance the comedic side against the lingering reminders of the events of Ente Isla. Some shows struggle to balance the heaviness of a dramatic, supernatural plot against humor, but The Devil is a Part-Timer! manages quite well, while avoiding lame/stupid endings for bad comedy’s sake like Haiyore! Nyarko-San.

Also, as someone who really dislikes fan service, I appreciate that it was generally kept to a minimum. There were, of course, moments which made me unhappy, but they were fleeting and far between.

And now it’s time for the final summary. The Devil is a Part-Timer! is, in my rankings system, a high Tier II level anime. Unlike many shows in Tier II, it doesn’t have a gaping flaw, just a lack of themes and thoughts and heavy emotions that would mark it at a piece of higher art. That being said, it is a highly enjoyable show and it mostly avoids objectionable content.

Reasons to Watch:

• Clever premise, hilarious situational humor.
• Well done character relationships; the human element is quite strong and very endearing.
• Mostly avoids fanservice and other unnecessary sexual jokes, etc.
• Light-hearted, charming and overall a show that will make you rethink how you approach your work. Joy is possible to find in a world of low salaries and the constant struggle to keep up, even if you are the Devil and the Hero is breathing down your neck.

Recommendation:

I would recommend this anime to anyone. Don’t come to it expecting to have major revelations on the nature of life, just be ready to enjoy the ride, the characters and the humor. Maybe by the end, you’ll wish you worked at McDonald’s…

Thanks for reading, and comment below with your thoughts on the series!