Well I can't say I didn't see this coming.
After such a wonderful first episode, things have pretty much gone down to generic slice-of-life levels. It's such a waste, since that first episode had such high production values and had a really interesting story in the prologue alone. Seriously, I can't express enough I much I really liked that opening prologue in Episode 01. It had top-notch animation, a great score, and an interesting story all right there. Studio Gokumi should have just used their entire budget making this a full-length feature film.
Still, it's not a bad show by any means, it's just that it's now pretty much exactly like every other slice-of-life show. The first half of this episode focused on character introductions, introducing us to our supporting characters as well as reintroducing us to our main heroines. The narration comes in the form of Alice, who throws in her own little comments about each character. I'm guessing that we'll be following Alice's perspective throughout the series, which I think is a welcome idea. If they can keep that consistent, the writers will have ample opportunities to use her unfamiliarity with Japanese culture for some good comedic bits, and maybe even allow for some character development.
"Miss Karasuma, your English sounds a little awkward!" Speak for yourself!!
Owing in part to its origins as a 4-koma series of comics, the story jumps around to various bit-sized comedic scenarios. There's an amusing scene during English class, Shino's attempts to interact with some foreigners, and a misunderstanding revolving around the girls believing Alice to be homesick. Again, typical slice-of-life fair when it comes to stuff like this. It's really lighthearted and there isn't a big overarching plotline that I can see, which can be a good and bad thing. If you love watching cute anime girls talk about everyday life with a comedic twist, you'll find a lot to enjoy.
But once again, they could've done a lot more if they gave it an actual conflict for the characters to worry about. Perhaps they could've focused more on Alice and Shino struggling to make their friendship work despite their cultural differences. Unfortunately, that was pretty much averted the moment the time-skip occurred and Alice suddenly knew Japanese. If they had just one strong central conflict throughout the series that would show their growth as characters, then this show would've been so much more.
That last joke made me chuckle for some reason. Some people just don't know how to read the mood.
Alice is actually pretty short for an English girl. Even her Japanese friends are all taller than her!
Only in anime do the high school students look like grade schoolers and the teachers look like students.
XD it will get worse.