Before I can begin my review, I think we should cement the fact that normally season 2 of harem shows go down the gutter, no matter how good the first season is. That is what I felt during the beginning of the season. Each episode felt like a chore to watch, but as the story progressed, something magical happened. I actually started having fun watching it. I started looking forward to what it had in store every week. I think that is where The Quintessential Quintuplet's profound strength lies, although being generic, it adds special ingredients to spice up the show allowing it to shine brighter than others in its legion.
:: Story ~ 8 out of 10 ::
This season gives each girl enough time to shine, unlike the first season, which primarily focused on ahem ahem… Miku. Personally, I was constantly in turmoil which girl to cheer on, each time I got anchored on one, next episode changed my perspective. The waifu wars was real with this one haha. BUT, if I were to choose one, I would go for Nino. I feel like she was the highlight of this season. I mean, her confession scene was so adorable! The whole season as a whole is very well done, I really have no complains whatsoever!
:: Art & Sound ~ 10 out of 10 ::
I saw a lot of people complaining how the art style has seen significant degradation from the first season. I think that's balderdash. The art feels much more clean and refined, which looked kind of gritty and grainy in the first season. And those sick transitions in the opening wins my heart every time. The music also saw a significant step-up! The OSTs are so so adorable, and I have been jamming to the opening ever since it came out on Spotify! All in all, I can confidently give this section of the anime a perfect score.
:: Characters ~ 9 out of 10 ::
I mean, you can't hate any of the characters in this show can you? Well... maybe except Ichika. I although felt bad for her—she lost the waifu wars even before she could try—but I didn't like her ways of trying to win Fuutaro through subterfuge. Even then, I cannot "hate" hate her, cause in the end of the day, nobody wants to let go of the person they love (except maybe Yotsuba). Coming back to the topic at hand, all the characters are chic and sweet with Nino being the best girl though!
:: Enjoyment & Overall ~ 9 out of 10 ::
If not evident already, I thoroughly enjoyed this show. It is in the top three of the season for me, the conglomeration of charming characters, excellent art and music and good enough story telling, provided me a lot of joy throughout its airing cycle. If this has been in your PTW, I think you should certainly start with it!
