The story of course, revolves around Yutaa and Rikka the love couples as they are now seniors in their high school last year where they haven't made any further progress in love, as expected since the 2nd season even though they live together. But when Rikka's sister, Touka-san planned to take her to move to Italy, everything changed. Out of suggestion from the gang, they eloped around Japan with the pursuit of her sister and the two friends that were threatened with certain secrets. Both being underaged, tried to survive in the realistic world as they find their objectives along the way as he takes her on.
Their runaway is portrayed in such a way that it gives you insight to the struggle of both person that loved Rikka, namely Yutaa and Touka where they both insisted on their way and only wanted Rikka to be happy. And Rikka, to make a decision that would decide their future.
Moving on the characters part, the good news is the gang is back as a whole! The senpai, Kumin still seems to be oblivious as she was of her surrounding, loves to nap but gives wise advice occasionally. Nibutani and Dakemori are back with more of their fights, their quirks and their disagreement over trivial matters. Shichimiya still maintains her role from season 2 as the friendly girl who aids Rikka in making important decisions with her past experience and the cheerful laugh that she tried to seal her feelings with. Then there's Ishikki. A ghost bald boy who appears out of nowhere as quick as he is to be ignored by Yutaa.
There are certainly deeper characters development on Rikka and Yutaa in this final ending and more screen times for the entertaining duo - Nibutani and Dakemori and cheese as the story progresses.
To the arts part, Kyoto Animation certainly has their way with it, portraying the characters' personalities to its finest. Not to mention depicting the beauty of the many different landmarks that they have travelled together to, and using each setting to bring out the effects of different scenarios. The sparkling eyes, of course steals the spotlight the most, just like it did in Hyouka or Violet Evergarden.
The eyes brings out the essence of the characters and the thoughts and feelings that they wanted to say but couldn't express it. Yutaa and Rikka met at the first time with their eyes staring blankly at each other, and it ended with it as well, but this time, as they look into each other's loving eyes, it reflects the whole adventure and dramatic conflicts that they have faced until the end.
The songs are complimentary and exceptional, where " Take On Me " is used as they carry out their runaway from the evil Touka-san and her 'underlings' to portray the fun that they had with a bit of wanting to do more. The outro song, " Kokoro no Namae " just deeply echoes Rikka's wish to be together with Yutaa without worries and how she is afraid that changes will lead to her losing him.
Enjoyment is great as well, with the entertaining fights from the duo from time to time, the shy actions from Rikka and the overall adventure that she shared with Yutaa adds a little excitement to it. There are also some random scenes of Yutaa asking 'God' to help him whenever he is clueless that shows how he appreciates the relationship and doesn't want to make a wrong choice. Even if one is not hooked up on to the theme, one can still enjoy it as the story is well-constructed and doesn't jump around to fit the plot and the cute romance of the shy couple.
Overall, Take On Me will present you a beautiful ending the first season ended with, utilising the build up of emotions from the second season to give a perfect closure that everyone wanted so badly. A promising closure that evokes the feelings that got you in the first season, and gives an extension for their journey that they will continue together.
