The second incarnation of the very popular NARUTO anime. It covers Part II of the manga storyline which takes place two years after Part I (which ends with the Sasuke Retrieval arc, episodes 107-135 of the first TV series). The anime chronology differs from the manga as the Shippuuden series happens two and a half years after the end of the first Naruto series.
The story revolves mainly around Uzumaki Naruto's and Haruno Sakura's new adventures and their search for Uchiha Sasuke after he left Konoha-gakure (Leaf Village) to gain Orochimaru's power. The plot also shows a more active Akatsuki in their quest for obtaining all the tailed beasts.
After his failed attempt to retrieve Sasuke, Naruto learns that circumstances have granted him slightly less than three years to prepare for a confrontation with Orochimaru, who has to wait that much time before he can transfer into Sasuke's body. Naruto also must prepare for his eventual confrontation with Akatsuki, who are after the demon sealed within him. To prepare, Naruto leaves the village and undergoes intensive training under Jiraiya. At the same time, Sakura becomes Tsunade's apprentice, and Sasuke trains under Orochimaru. Thus, all three members of the original Team 7 are now training under one of the Legendary Sannin.
Review
Ok, the story is definitely a major strong point with the new series. The plot has tons of unexpected twists and is emotionally powerful. It made me, a pretty tough cookie, cry (Kakashi, Gaiden, watch it, if you aren't touched in the heart you don't have one). Problem is that you need to be able to survive the first season (ep. 1-32). Episodes 1-10 and 26-32 are fairly well paced, but it is slow in between. Thankfully none of the other seasons are that long or as slow. But beware, Shippuden has a lot of character death, yes a lot and many a soul has lost some of their favourite characters... including me ;_;. This said the series is written for a more mature audience, there is a little more blood and thematic elements are far stronger than the original series. Furthermore there are fewer stupid things like Sexy no Jutsu and all the characters act more logically, except those two... yeah I hate them.
Another bonus is the after episode shorts that start some time in season five and show up roughly every other episode and are hilarious (poor Yamato). The reason for this is that the series got an extra 1:05 of run time per ep.
The story line reaches it's greatest height in season six, it's simply breath taking and by itself I would give it a score of ten out of ten. This is one of the few shows that can keep me at the edge of my seat in anticipation waiting for the next ep. to air.
Now the bad news, filler (seasons 3 and 5). The filler is incredibly better than the original series, even having some very touching and enjoyable moments in them. However it still was not as good as the main series. It at times is repetetive and boring, but there were occasional sections of excellent writing. The filler may be skipped and you will not loose the plot, but it does have some very good moments to enjoy if you have the patience watch it.
Art: 9
The art is quite spectacular. Even the parts where they are leaping through the tree canopy are more interesting and better made. The character designs are a major step up. However I don't really like Sakura's new look personally. But it was immediately when I saw Naruto's new face that I knew it was going to be a very different series.
The backdrops are fantastic making the whole world seem to come alive. Especially when it delves into lands where the previous series didn't tread.
The actual animation is also better, you may not notice it but it's much better. Some episodes are better than others, there was even one episode where the animation was as good as a very well made feature film. Think Haruhi Suzumiya just better. You'll know it cause it's right after _______ dies.
In the sixth season something happens, I don't know what but I think they got new artists or something, because suddenly the art is noticely better, and I hope it maintains that into season 7.
Sound: 8
Now I know this is a matter of opinion, but I found the music in Shippuden much better than that of the original series. The reason it changed was that the old composer died (requiescat in pace). I do miss the old Orochimaru theme, a lot. The intro and ending music came from amazing to just good, nothing aweful though. But I wasn't too keen on Sha La La.
The voice acting improved as well, I love how the actors (in the sub) changed their voices a bit accounting for that these characters are passing through what's call hell on earth (aka puberty). I was especially impressed with the new members of the cast.
Character: 10
Yet again character won through as the strong point of the series. The original characters took a big step up and even the filler cast were enjoyable. The villians gained far more attention in this series than in the last. This show continued it's reputation of making me hate a character for 100+ episodes and then turn my opinion entirely around in ten minutes. The main seller of the new series was if it could produce a new character that fit the rest of the cast. And it did.
Yamato joins the cast in season two, and I liked him very quickly. He has a dark past that is still yet to be developed further. What has been told so far is fascinating and I really really REALLY want it to get covered. And he serves as an excellent punching bag in the shorts.
Background gets covered much more and flashbacks are faster paced and more compelling. Kakashi and Jiraiya both get two episodes solely on their past!
Best thing yet though? Naruto's not as much of an idiot, he's still an idiot, just not as much of one. But after season 4, he changes, and if far more intelligent.
Overall: 9
If you never watched the original series, or if you dropped it, try picking up on Shippuden and give it a chance. It does take a specific type of person to like this show, it's love it or hate it. I may be one of the few reviewers highly recommending this show, but it is really this good. Loveable characters, plot twists, tears, and laughter, it's got it all.
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