Character:
Very well developed. They're consistent in what they say and do, so by the end of it you have a very good feel of who they are and what they're like. Many of them harbor strange philosophies, but it should be remembered that these philosophies belong only to the characters, not the show. They change subtly at a micro level and drastically at a macro level, and it's quite nice to see these characters adapt themselves to the things and people that begin to surround them.
Story:
Much more dramatic than the first season, be warned. It's still funny, but not as often and not as much. Things that have only just begun to simmer in season 1 will here burst to a boil. The story details the three main characters' relationships with each other and observes their slowly changing group dynamic. As you know, many of the characters in the series are very self aware about themselves and the rules governing their friendships, which adds an extra, very complicating dimension to the way in which they interact with one another. The story investigates what happens when these self-aware, awkward, philosophizing people begin to collide and form relationships. It's quite charming to watch. And above all, the show investigates this single question: what makes a relationship genuine?
Art:
Animation is a big step up from season 1, and the lighting adds so much to the show. People often underestimate the power of visuals, editing, pacing. This new art style and quality allows for so much depth of emotion. And the way the whole show is put together is enchanting. Time is given where time is required. There is a shot where the main character walks alongside a girl under the fading, egg-yolk sun, glowing just above the horizon. There's no swelling music or anything, just them walking. He reaches over and holds her grocery bags for her, and the whole thing takes perhaps 20 seconds, and I felt contentment just watching it. It's exactly the show it tries to be.
Sound:
Great voice acting, pleasant music. Fits the show perfectly.
Overall:
Fantastic show. It's deep, and it asks big questions not for the sake of asking them but in service of the characters. Everything is in service of the characters, and their changing eyes as they slowly adjust to the world around them. I really loved the show. For some reason I gave it an 8, because that's how it feels to me now, I'll probably change it to a 9 soon. Not only is the story great, the animation, the directing, the editing and sound -- it all fits together like pieces of a puzzle.
