Story
Compared to last season, the story is way better, although its the same premise, the group entered in smarter and wiser. Something this season did do differently from its prequel was focus more on the songs, but more on that later.
As the story progresses, the team starts to deal with the inevitable truth that their group can only last so long, and through this, the story places an emphasis on the 2nd year trio, being caught directly in the centre of the dilemma. Because of the emotional connection the anime previously established with their first season, the second season went above and beyond to use that emotional connection to create a captivating story and ultimately a very meaningful and heavy ending. The climb to the climax is also extremely well done and had me firmly on the edge of my seat. Not only because the songs are such absolute bangers, but because of how much the characters matured throughout the journey.
Characters
Comparing to last season, the character developments are much better, and when combined with the developments made in the previous season, makes the entire cast feel like a real group of girls singing their hearts out.
Honoka has now become the Student Council President. A role presumably bestowed upon her by previous president Eli because she is graduating. While this sudden decision had most of us completely baffled, her new leadership role ultimately becomes beneficial for the team because it forces her to mature and step into a leadership role, something that she didn't do much last season. This ultimately gives us firm markers to see just how much she's come since the day she proposed to form µ's.
While the other 2nd years didn't receive as much development compared to last year, the show still obliged by giving us a small arc with Umi, Kotori, and Maki suffering from an Artist's Block during the team's training camp.
Rin became one of the more definite highlights in character development, as we dive deep into her opinions on her outer image. This has been touched on by the previous season, but not fully developed. However, in this season, the anime fully put Rin in the spotlight by forcing her onto a position she wants, but she doesn't admit she does. We get to see Rin beneath all her nya~'s and see her mature and grow. Hanayo also, in turn, develops as Rin's best friend, this time taking a leadership role instead of being pushed around to do things to help her best friend express her true feelings.
The focus in the 3rd years this season revolves around Nozomi and Nico. With Nico's arc we see a predictable yet surprising side of her, but also a side of her that we never even seen before. With the introduction of her younger siblings and how she's juggling Idol duties and responsibility of being the eldest sister, we see Nico in a new light, and ultimately makes us respect her signature Nico Nico Nii just a bit more.
Nozomi's arc, despite being a tad bit rushed, still gives us insight into her motives. Despite not seeing a new side of her, we get further insight into the current side of Nozomi we all know. Why she gave µ's their name, why she joined, and just how much Nozomi planned to make sure her friend Eli could lighten up and learn the value of friendship.
Art and Sound
If anyone's ever listened to µ's music, they will know that the second season has the best tracks that the entire Love Live series has ever known. However, there are a few I'd like to place a highlight on.
First, the undisputed most popular song µ's has ever released, Snow Halation. As mentioned in the anime, Snow Halation is µ's first attempt at a love song, comprised of lyrics written by the entire group. When they performed it, the animation was at its peak. The passive lighting the blue gates give to the group, their dance choreography, and even the way the actors sang. It stayed true to its lyrics, simultaneously driving a knife in our hearts and warming it past its boiling point. Second is Bokura Wa Ima No Naka De, which many may recognize as the Season One OP. When they made the callback to this song by performing it in the Love Live competition, I was completely floored, suddenly, everything the group did up to that point made sense, as the OP suddenly took on a new meaning as the epitome, the peak, the highest point µ's has ever achieved. Callbacks to original season OPs aren't a new concept, but the way Love Live pulled it off made it that much more special.
Overall, season 2 went above and beyond, driving the group up past the highest point. it was extremely pleasing to see them grow so high, and ultimately, make the results that much more worth it.
