Despite being turned off by the many problems the first season had, the positive reviews and the amazing art made me want to continue watching this show. Luckily, I was not disappointed.
Although the music is still a bit too generic and immature for my personal taste, there are lots of fun new songs and dance sequences. The dance sequences seem to have definitely improved as the CG is either used less or in a more subtle way (or maybe I've just become used to it). As such, all of the performances are seriously striking and make you wish you were up on stage dancing with μ's, too.
Additionally, the art is as gorgeous as ever (if not more so) and features some of the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen in anime. The voice acting does not disappoint either, and the girls quickly transition from sounding slightly annoying to actually sounding kind of cute.
Most importantly, however, the story itself is far more interesting. Although the girls are still trying to participate in the Love Live! Contest and face many problems along the way, their struggles now seem far more believable and even relate-able, specially for fellow girls (after all, who has never dealt with the horrors of gaining weight, feeling awkward when wearing cute outfits and enduring painful workouts and diets?)
As if that wasn't enough, there is far more emphasis on the girls as individuals with their own fears and ambitions rather than simple singing blobs that all love each other for no apparent reason. By showing more of their family, childhood memories, and personal problems, it is easier to see them as real human beings that try really hard to fulfill their dreams. Unsurprisingly, their relationships also benefit greatly from this and allow for far more genuine interactions.
Overall, this is a surprisingly enjoyable show that, while slightly cheesy and juvenile, portrays human relationships, struggles, failures and successes in a way that is both beautiful and believable.
