One of season one's strong points was its ability to, in the plot, build up anticipation and suspense to the viewer, using cliffhangers and twists. R2 follows the same trick as its predecessor, but delivers much better. The best way to describe the plot of R2 is dynamic, meaning it changes very much. The story that is created and built in season one is, without spoiling too much, completely turned around and changed from what any viewer would expect. By doing this, the viewer goes through a whole different experience. Rather than allowing a viewer to think and predict what will happen in the future, they are presented something completely new, which makes the story that much better. Plot devices such as the chess motif is still used, and may I say, used a little better.
As far as production value goes, I'd like to say it's great. The animation is astounding, mostly in the mecha action scenes. But character designs and environment, directing, and the like are good as well. I don't think CLAMP could have done a better job at making character designs the way they did, as they fit the character remarkably well. I'd also like to give R2 and its predecessor kudos for its voice acting. I watched both seasons in English, because compared to other shows, its pretty damn good. It's not very easy to tell what good and bad voice acting is in a foreign language, so because it's in English, I can safely say it's damn good.
I would also like to note it's moral value, at least what I got out of it. The ends justify the means, correct? Or does it? Is it really worth going through what you will to get to your goal, even if it is a good intention? Or is the evil that spawns from your good intentions too great? I'm sure there is a little more to it, but this is the jist of it.
For insert songs, OP's and ED's, and soundtracks, R2 surpasses season one. The songs alone are good, but used in the way they were in the anime made it much better. The timing and choice of music made the show much better than it would have without, not saying that it wouldn't be good without it. It just wouldn't be as good.
What I like most about R2 is the ability to be dramatic. It is the likes of which I haven't seen since Clannad, and even though the two are completely different, I can say that the dramatic effect on me from R2, while not as strong as Clannad, was much more drastic than other shows. With the use of the dynamic story as I stated above, R2 increases its dramatic effect on its viewers. Of course, I can't exactly tell you what happens, so all I can say is watch it for yourself, and you'll understand.
R2 is good. It's great. Hell, it can be called brilliant. It makes little to no mistakes, and works hard. Overall, it's incredible. I recommend it to anyone, and obviously the first season.
