Durarara!! X2 Ten [Season 2 Episodes 1 to 12]

Durarara!! X2 Ten: A Chaotic Web of Fate and Fandom Reactions

The second season of Durarara!!, titled Durarara!! X2 Ten, continues the wild, interconnected lives of Ikebukuro’s residents, diving deeper into the chaos that defines the city. Directed by Takahiro Omori and produced by Shuka, this cour (Episodes 1-12) ramps up the intensity, setting the stage for the final showdown in Ketsu. Fans have had a lot to say about this installment—some praising its intricate storytelling, while others feel it’s more of a setup than a satisfying arc. Let’s break it down.

The Plot Thickens (and Confuses?)

Durarara!! X2 Ten picks up right where Shou left off, with Mikado Ryuugamine spiraling further into his obsession with an “exciting” life. His transformation from a timid newbie to a borderline unhinged leader of the Dollars is one of the most polarizing aspects of the season. Some fans, like those on MyAnimeList, argue that Mikado’s development is fascinating:

“Finally, we got to see more of Mikado’s true face. The studio handled it perfectly—his motivations and descent into chaos are the most compelling part of DRR for me.”

Others, however, find him frustrating:

“Mikado is a poor protagonist. Whenever he’s on screen, I’m either bored or facepalming at how such a wimp can lead the Dollars. All his growth from Season 1 feels wasted.”

Meanwhile, Izaya Orihara—everyone’s favorite manipulative bastard—continues to be a highlight. His bad luck in season finales has become a running joke among fans:

“Izaya really has bad luck in the last episodes… last time he got stabbed, now he’s captured. When will this man catch a break?”

The introduction of Vorona, the Russian assassin with a soft spot for Shizuo, also sparked excitement. Her confrontation with Izaya was a standout moment:

“Vorona attacking Izaya was chef’s kiss. Love that she doesn’t realize her feelings for Shizuo yet. Her assassin mentality is still intact, and that’s what makes her great.”

The Strengths: Twists, Fights, and That Cliffhanger

One thing Durarara!! excels at is weaving seemingly unrelated storylines into a cohesive, explosive finale. X2 Ten delivers on that front, with multiple confrontations coming to a head:

• Walker vs. Izumi: A hilarious yet intense fight that had fans laughing at Walker’s pyromaniac antics.
• Celty’s Worries: Her conversation with Mikado was a quiet but powerful moment, hinting at the storm to come.
• The Secretary’s Twist: The reveal that Kujiragi (the creepy secretary) is another Saika wielder left fans buzzing:

“That twist with the secretary girl was chef’s kiss. Now I’m dying to see how this plays out in Ketsu.”

The cliffhanger ending, with Izaya captured and Mikado fully embracing his dark side, left fans divided. Some loved the setup:

“This was a great way to end the cour. The wait for Ketsu is gonna be painful, but I’m hyped!”

Others felt it was too abrupt:

“The season was alright, but the ending felt like a commercial for Ketsu. I wanted more resolution.”

The Weaknesses: Pacing and Overstuffed Plot

While X2 Ten has its highs, it’s not without flaws. Many fans felt the first half dragged, with too much setup and not enough payoff:

“The first half was slow, but holy shit, the second half saved it. Still, it felt like a setup season.”

The sheer number of characters and subplots also made it hard for some viewers to stay invested:

“I’m losing interest in the plot. There’s too much going on, and Mikado’s ‘crazy’ act feels forced.”

That said, the season’s focus on Mikado’s descent and Izaya’s schemes kept most fans hooked, even if they weren’t fully satisfied.

Final Verdict: A Solid, if Messy, Build-Up

Durarara!! X2 Ten isn’t perfect, but it’s a necessary bridge to the final cour, Ketsu. Fans who love the series’ chaotic energy and intricate storytelling will find plenty to enjoy, especially in the latter half. Those who prefer tighter narratives might feel frustrated, but the promise of an explosive finale keeps hope alive.

As one fan perfectly summed it up:

“This season was a 7/10 for me—good, but not great. Still, I can’t wait to see how it all ends in Ketsu.”

If you’re a Durarara!! fan, X2 Ten is a must-watch. If you’re new? Maybe start from the beginning—this isn’t a story you can jump into halfway.

Now, bring on Ketsu! The chaos is just getting started.