Junjou Romantica 2

Whelp, I'm assuming that if you're reading the reviews for season two, then you likely already watched season one. Either that, or you're like me-- you like to watch every anime you start to completion, and you just wanted to see what you're in for. Regardless of what brought you here, I'm going to give it to you straight-- if you're here after liking the first season or liking shows akin to the first season of this anime, then you're definitely in the right place. This anime is for you. I can't say that this season is the same level as season one, but it ... caters to all of the same tastes.

Let's start off by talking plot. Last time around, I mentioned in my review that this anime had very little plot. Well, seems that the anime gods heard me (or I asked for the same thing that everyone else wanted, seeing as I'm writing this years after the show aired, haha!) and added more than just makeouts and smutty scenes to this season. However, to people who like the other couples more than they like Akihiko and Misaki, I have to apologize-- our main couple completely hogs the spotlight this time around. The others are barely even in it other than for an episode or two, and even then, they just domestic troubles opposed to the smutty goodness I suppose most of the viewers want. Not being particularly what one would classify as a fujioshi, I was actually surprised that they managed to make their semblance of plot into a sexual undertone anyways. It's kinda cheap-- they use predictable elements and just make complicated love triangles and sexual assault-y situations for fan service, really. But this isn't a completely negative review!! Stick around. :)

As for the art, I can say that it has improved. It's by no means good art, but it's much better than the first season. A lot of things still seem lazy about it, and all the human forms look really unnatural and creepy, but at least they don't look like somebody drew them with their eyes closed anymore. It's slightly more refined, basically.

I still have a problem with the background music being too cheery while rape is essentially happening, but other than that, I think they did a pretty good job with it. Again, the OP was pretty good, but I found the closing pretty boring. The voice actors were forgettable, but nobody was especially grating, so it's not a big deal.

The characters got a lot better. I appreciate that they recognized what was happening was rape. Was I bothered Misaki fell in love with his rapist? Yes. Do I still think Akihiko is hot? Unfortunately, yes, even as much as I hate myself for it. There was significant development in the characters of the other two couples, but Misaki and Akihiko remained kinda consistently flat. The introduction of Aki's family did help the situation, but it seemed forced to me either way.

I know this entire time it sounds like I'm insulting the show, but in the end, I really enjoyed it too. And I hate myself for enjoying it. It has events and romances that are unhealthy, abusive, and unrealistic, but as much as I go off harping about all the bad things about this show, it's become a guilty pleasure. So make your own decision-- can you live with yourself after liking something against pretty much all of your values and beliefs about consent? Can you like with something that fetishizes and makes pretty much soft porn out of a an entire sexuality? After answering these questions, I think you can take a go at this. :)

I would recommend this if you: liked the first season, like Misaki and Akihiko, like love triangles/boy magnet ukes

I would NOT recommend this if you: didn't like the first season, like the other couples better than our main, don't like love triangles

Have a great day everyone!