Nodame Cantabile: Paris-hen

Being eager to continue the Nodame Cantabile series after thoroughly enjoying season 1, I instantly jumped into season 2 and finished it in a day's time.

Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed with what it had to offer. Season 2 seems a bit more like a watered down than the first season, and it didn't hold my attention as well as I expected it to.

Story: There not really a story here to be frank, it's just Chiaki performing in Paris. Season one had a similar case of a sort of loose story structure, but that was somewhat passable because Season 1 was very humor-heavy. These 11 episodes just ... simply aren't as funny, due to the (in my opinion) dull new side characters as well as the poor management of Chiaki and Nodame's relationship.

Art: The art is the same as the previous season. Nothing too great, fairly average.

Sound: I didn't like the OP and ED this time around as much. They weren't terrible, but I definitely found last season's much more catchy. Other than that, the OST's quality still holds firm with a variety of classical music.

Character: The new side characters just don't compare to last season's. It takes a long while to get used to them, and once I finally started building a connection to some of them the series was over. Personally I feel that the way J.C. staff handled Chiaki and Nodame's relationship development was a complete flop. Looking past such a disappointing reality, their dynamic together is still impeccable as it was in the first season, making this show still worthwhile, especially if you loved season 1.

Enjoyment: I won't say I didn't enjoy it. It simply gets a bit bland at times and when I think back to how much I loved the first season I cannot help but be a little critical of this season's mediocrities.

Overall: If you liked season 1, you'll enjoy the second season as well. It's underwhelming for sure, but with Nodame and Chiaki in the spotlight, as well as the great classical music, it definitely doesn't hurt to give it a watch.