Ep 1. The Memory of a Summer

The Memory of a Summer is the first episode of the second season of the science fiction anime series, Infinite Stratos. The episode opens with our hero Ichika Orimura, a teenager who possesses the unique ability to pilot an intricate and powerful machine called an Infinite Stratos, waking up to a beautiful summer day. It's the first day of school at the exclusive Infinite Stratos academy, and Ichika, along with a group of his classmates, are set to embark on a new year of training to hone their skills in combat.

The episode starts off slow, with Ichika and his roommates discussing their plans for the upcoming school year. It's refreshing to see these characters again, and their conversations add depth to their personalities and relationships. We see how Ichika has grown since the last season, and his friends' reactions to his progress are amusing and heartwarming.

As the day progresses, things start to heat up - quite literally. The students head to the beach for a training exercise, and we get a glimpse of the new mecha suits that they'll be using. The beach is bustling with activity, and Ichika is happy to see all of his friends in one place again. But things start to go awry when rumors of a spy begin to circulate.

Ichika and his classmates are paired up to continue their training, and it's clear that Ichika is rusty compared to the other pilots. This makes for some funny moments, but also shows that even skilled pilots like Ichika need to keep up with their training. The training exercise takes an interesting turn when one of Ichika's friends disappears, setting off a frantic search. The tension mounts as Ichika and his team work together to solve the mystery and find their missing friend.

The Memory of a Summer borrows heavily from the first season, but there are some notable differences. The animation quality has improved significantly, and the new mecha suits are sleek and impressive. The character designs remain consistent, but there are some new characters added to the mix. The episode perfectly balances plot and character development, giving us a chance to reconnect with the cast while still forwarding the story.

Overall, The Memory of a Summer is a solid starting point for the second season of Infinite Stratos. The episode doesn't offer much in the way of major plot developments, but it sets the stage for what's to come and leaves the viewer eager for more. Anyone who enjoyed the first season will definitely want to tune in.