***This review may contain spoilers. Please read at your own risk. ***
Story: 9
There are fourteen episodes in this series, each belonging to one of three arcs. "Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody," the first episode, gave us somewhat of an inside look at time travel. Although we don't learn any "classified information," we do learn that Miss Asahina was not lying about her identity, as with her help Kyon is transported to the past and must find a to return to the present. A little part of me wishes this arc was more than one episode, since Miss Asahina is my favorite character and this is the only time she is given a main role. But I digress.
The next eight episodes are comprised of the "Endless Eight" arc, and it is just as it sounds: eight episodes with the same general plotline. This is either loved or hated by fans; some extremists even threaten to drop the series all because of this-but we only have to watch eight-just imagine if you were Miss Nagato! You'd have to watch the episodes over 15,000 times! Really, though, the story is intriguing, the conversations are worth listening to, and each episode has a different tone that makes it worth watching. Plus, most of the character development is during this arc, but you must pay attention to realize it.
The last arc is compromised of several episodes that show just how the SOS Brigade's "masterpiece" of a movie was made. This isn't only humorous; it also has the characters at their best and worst. There's a bunch of character development (or underdevelopment) in this arc, so I wouldn't miss it. This arc also contains the beginning of something very important, as Kyon learns that Koizumi is not the only one with a theory about Miss Suzumiya: Miss Asahina and Miss Nagato have completely different beliefs regarding the matter, and the viewer is forced to choose which side to take. (It's strange; Miss Asahina is my favorite character and yet I find myself siding with Koizumi.)
Art: 10
Just as with the first season, Kyoto Animation has done a superb job of animating this season. Every episode is beautiful and fluid, especially the "Endless Eight" episodes. If you don't watch "Endless Eight" for the story, then your attention should still be caught by the wonderful job concerning art. In every episode, every character wears at least three different outfits, and you can tell that Kyoto Animation worked even harder on these episodes than the others, so please allow yourself to appreciate the beauty of it.
Sound: 9
The opening is "Super Driver" by Miss Suzumiya's Japanese voice actor, Aya Hirano. She, just as with last season, does a lovely job of singing and possesses such a unique and beautiful voice. The ending is "Tomare," sung by the three lead voice actresses. This is also very fun to listen to.
Both the Japanese and English dubs are wonderful. I tend to like the English episodes more, since it is my actual language, but I have to say that when listening to the English version, I really missed "Ai raaab yuu!"
Characters: 8
As with my other review, this will be the longest section as I am going to go into each character.
Haruhi Suzumiya: Miss Suzumiya, much to my sadness, did not have very much development (which is why I gave this section an eight.) I'm trying to stray from spoilers, so please forgive me if this sounds vague. Although we see her shocked for the first time in the entire series, what could have been a chance for a change was not. Instead of letting Miss Suzumiya learn her lesson, Kyon, in his own way, apologizes for his mistreatment of her and she seems to easily let go of the whole ordeal. One could, however, argue that she did change a bit. Although it's not shown outright, I do believe that, after interacting with the Brigade so much, Miss Suzumiya is beginning to realize that her sometimes rash behavior affects others. So, as with the first season, perhaps she is on the path of change.
Mikuru Asahina: My favorite character does not play as important a role throughout this season, although she is important. We begin to see what she has to deal with as a Time Traveler, and begin to sympathize with her. She also becomes a little braver, as she is forced to, since she is playing the lead role in the Brigade's movie. Will this new courage be put to use in the future? We shall see...
We also see some hostility between Miss Asahina and Koizumi, as they believe completely different things regarding Miss Suzumiya. Neither one trusts each other, and Miss Asahina feels very guilty about this.
Yuki Nagato: Miss Nagato is perhaps the most important character in this season. She acts as a hero several times, saving Mikuru and Kyon on several occasions. Additionally we gain an enormous amount of respect for her, as she relives summer more than 15,000 times-and doesn't once complain. "My job is to observe," she tells Kyon.
Although it is subtle, we also notice that Miss Nagato is beginning to feel emotions. She actually looks bored numerous times during "Endless Eight," and once she even gives Kyon an almost sad, pleading expression. By this point, I'm sure everyone is encouraging her to continue down this path.
Itsuki Koizumi: This season is very important to Koizumi. Several times we are reminded what we know about Koizumi's true self: nothing. However, we do learn a few things during those rare instances when his facade begins to crack. Now, this is merely my opinion, but I'm starting to believe that Koizumi is in love with Haruhi. In all eight conversations Koizumi has with Kyon while stargazing, it's blatantly obvious that Koizumi wants to "grab Miss Suzumiya from behind and whisper "I love you" into her ear," however numerous times he states that he cannot. He almost looks regretful, which is very different from his usual smile (of course, these expressions only last a moment.) There are also numerous instances where he calls Miss Suzumiya "lovable" and "charming.” Whether this is a slip of the tongue, and whether it is supposed to indicate something, I believe yes, it is. However, I know a lot of people have different views.
As mentioned earlier, we also learn that he and Miss Asahina have a large disagreement when it comes to Miss Suzumiya. Koizumi has actually told Kyon that he doesn't trust her (although he dismissed this with a joke; but when is he ever really joking?). Even so, he's still very polite to her, which I admire.
Kyon: If anyone changes in the season, it's Kyon. He changes both positively and negatively, though. There was a time when he was so mad at Miss Suzumiya he nearly hit her (and would have succeeded had it not been for Koizumi's intervention.) But, now he's beginning to trade his unmotivated ways to more involved ones.
I've never loved nor hated Kyon, and I can't say that this season has changed that. I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing, however.
All the characters are, just as last season, wonderful, diverse, and unique. I promise they will not disappoint you.
Enjoyment: 10
Lovely music, characters, and art make this wonderful to enjoy.
Overall: 9
Although some may complain about this season, I believe it was bold, unique, and very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it to new and old fans alike.
