I marathoned this and didn't keep up with it, because the change in art, really turned me off. But I got used to it, and it's not that bad, except in the case of Hachiman.
I think the biggest difference between the two season, is the focus and style of narrative. In the first season, aside from being an introduction and all, it's mainly a social commentary, given by Hachiman. It greatly focus on him, and his point of view, his cynicism and his experiences, that led to his life style and mentality. The other characters, aside from maybe Yukino, really didn't get much focus or fleshing out or anything memorable, which the second season improved on greatly. Hachiman didn't change in it, because at this point, he wasn't ready change, he changed a bit, but not fully.
The second season, focused, on Hachiman, and his relationship with other characters (mainly the three main characters), it was a very noticeable change, it was no longer just about Hachiman, and his view, because we are already familiar with it. A lot of dimensions where added to characters like Yukino and Yui, and supporting characters, that were fairly one dimensional (Fujoshi girl, Hayato mainly), I thought Hayato had the potential to be an interesting character in season one, because he wasn't just the antithesis of Hachiman, and the stereotypical popular guy, there were hints of being more to him than that, but I didn't really thought he would actually live up to that potential in season 2, so that was really nice and appreciated.
The problems I had with season 2, was the pacing, and certain necessary but boring drama. for the first 6 or so episodes, everything seemed kinda slow, the drama from the first request (confession to the fujoshi girl) was really overdramatic and kinda dragged out, and I really didn't enjoy it. It only saving merit, and the reason it was necessary, was because it led to the conflict between Hachiman and Yukino, in the type of methods he takes. The student council, was also very boring, but it was necessary for Hachiman and Yukino's relationship, which led to Hachiman being finally ready to change, his confession of wanting the real thing, this was a big highlight of the season, I honestly didn't see coming, it felt very genuine and heart wrenching for me, felt like they were good progression between the main characters, making them feeling more dynamic. Again, the school project thing with the other school was super boring, it honestly not that necessary, it could have been dealt with a more interesting way, felt like it stalled time, and it weren't for Hachiman's confession of wanting the real thing, it would have been entirely pointless.
I didn't really like Yukino's sister, actually I take that back, I really dislike her. I'm not sure, what's the angle of her character. I have two impression of where her role is going, but both seem awful, and I wish she didn't have that much screen time, this season. I'm also not that biggest fan of Iroha, she feels unneeded for the dynamic of the main characters. But some of her scenes were funny, so she is not that bad.
One of the good surprises of this season, was Yui. She is really more mysterious than the other two leads, because of her cheery personality, I didn't think there was much to her, in the first season, than her crush on Hachiman, which was a bit confusing (already know what ties them together with the accident, but it still feels there something off about her). She seems more aware, and not just an air head. She is hard to read, unlike Yukino and Hachiman, and that adds some complexity to her character.
All in all, both seasons had their cons and pros, and while appreciate, the serious tone, the development and progression, and change in style of narrative in season 2, I prefer the first season, maybe it's because the first one, below my mind, with Hachiman, so I'm more biased to it, as I will always love Hachiman more than actual show.
I really loved, this final episode. Seeing just the main trio again. Felt really melachonic, like I will really miss them. At times, the drama of previous episodes, made the atmosphere really heavy, so much, that it feels like I'm in there with them. So this mostly fun episode was appreciated. And I liked the last dramatic part of it. I hope, in the following volumes, the progression continues, but it's more straight forward.
Season 1. 9/10
Season 2. 8/10 |