• Much like other moe shows like K-On, Yuru Yuri, or New Game! The second series are usually far superior, due to the fact the the studio seems to be more comfortable quirks, and the audience is more familiar with the girls’ cute quirksーso character and story exploration can take place. Encouragement of the Climb doesn't betray its sister shows in that aspect.
• Along the same vein of Akari having an existential crisis at the end of the second season of Yuru Yuri, the second season of this series goes more into Aoi's fear of heights. The first season does touch on it, but since the shorts in the first season are far shorter (episodes in S1 are three minute segments, while the ante is ramped up to fifteen minute weeklies in S2), before, the show only had time to teach us about hiking.
• Moe shows about a protagonist overcoming a fear or personality flaw is a stereotype, but a stereotype that I often enjoy. I really enjoyed that Girls und Panzer took Miho's character a step further than the rest, by having her deal with PTSD and an overbearing, abusive family.
• I enjoyed the cute little vignettes that made you think that this collection of stories is sweeter than a diabetic pony. I can also say that Encouragement of the Climb got me really interested in hiking, which is spectacular since I rarely leave my house. The arc where the girls climbed Mt. Fuji, or Fuji-san as they call it, was particularly touching and well-written.
• Overall, if you want to watch something adorable, emotionally moving, and something that will encourage you to break your shut-in habits, then you would probably love the hell out this series! If you don't like moe, then don't, but it’s a very fun and encapsulating experience for a series of short episodes: seriously the times range is from 3-13 minutes. I give the first season a 5/10, the second season a 7/10, and the third season a 5/10.
