Since this is technically a review of Refrain, I’ll keep my thoughts on the first season brief: it does a fantastic job of preparing you for the second season, as far as character interactions and building of the world, and also creating an attachment with them. I believe that without the first season, the second would not have nearly as much of an impact as it did, and so I am thankful for its existence, even if it isn’t as strong as the second season.
Now, for the actual review. (Note that I have not played the VN, so I won’t be comparing the two.)
Refrain is, in a single word, wonderful. In many words, it is wonderful, beautiful, insightful, creative, fun, inspirational, hopeful, enraging, and so much more. The show shines in so many ways, from the lovely storytelling to the soundtrack. Though I think the real strength of the show is the characters. Though Refrain focuses mainly on the main five, I can appreciate the way the rest of the group was handled in the show, even if they were not the main focus. They were not tossed aside, and even if at times it seemed like they were, there were always things to give you the feeling that they were watching over the others as they grew and changed. For that, I am thankful. As for our main cast, Refrain is where we get the majority of their characterization. Masato is no longer just the idiot who is constantly teased, Kengo is no longer just the distant competitor, Rin is no longer just the shy and awkward girl, Riki is no longer just the uncertain follower, and Kyousuke is no longer just the fearless leader. Though these traits remain, the truths behind why they are the way they have become are revealed, and in a beautiful fashion that garners respect for each and every one of them. Though they all shine like stars, I would like to note Kyousuke and Rin in particular. His character development is superb. As a viewer, I constantly found myself drawn to him, often conflicted, trying to decide whether I loved him or hated him. He raised more questions than any other character, and also generated the most emotions in me personally, though others may disagree. In the end, I can gladly say that Kyousuke is my favorite character in the Little Busters series. Not to be outdone though, Rin’s character development is also incredible. Though it is slow throughout the first season, the way she changes through the second is amazing as well. It almost evokes the feeling of a parent watching a child grow, gradually becoming stronger and more mature as time progresses. Her main episode toward the end of the series really drives these feelings home, and really solidifies just how caring and lovable Rin really is.
I’m not the best judge of animation, but I would say that the quality was generally solid. At times it was able to enhance the show, but mainly just served as a stepping-stone for greatness to be built upon. Even so, I have no complaints. The soundtrack, however, was beyond expectations. Though there weren’t too many tracks on the OST, the few that were included fit the show’s ambiance so well that it could only serve to move the viewers even further than if they had not been. I rarely find myself completely satisfied by a soundtrack, but this time, I have no real weakness that I can point out within it, only strengths.
Maybe you are thinking the way I did: if the first season isn’t so great, I shouldn’t bother watching it, even if the second season is good. For those of you on that train of thought, I would like to tell you how much you are missing out. Sure, the first season is weak, but it is by no means bad. The characters are likeable and the story plays out well, and it could stand on its own if it needed to. But the addition of Refrain only leads me to urge those thinking this way to give the show a chance, even if they aren’t exactly certain about its quality. The second season makes up for the weaknesses of the first, and then some, wrapping up a beautiful world and a beautiful series. Though it may be predictable at times, the uncertainty adds to the experience. It is rare to find a second season that is stronger than the first, but in this case, Little Busters Refrain is unique, and a true standout in anime, and is definitely worth the watch.
