If characters like Kumin feel like they've been cast aside it could be worse, they could be like Makato or Touka. Makoto, the guy in season 1 known for shaving his head after getting caught making a hottie poll, disappears this season. I could count on one hand how many times he shows up the entire season, his appearances are treated as punchlines like who the hell are you? He's the definition of a joke character, a one liner to fill the scene. The incredibly hot older sister, Touka, is also a rare occurrence in season 2 as well, maybe not to the extremes of Makato's disappearance though. She's best known as the dominant priestess chef who leaves to invest in her life as a chef. It was great to see her half-way in the beach episodes, the comedy hit well around that time in the season. With these characters being cast aside, where did the attention move towards?
Season 2 is a shift in a new direction for writer Torako when he introduces a new chuuni girl, Satone Shichimiya. Satone was the main reason why Yuuta became a chuuni himself, they spent plenty of time together till Satone developed a crush on Yuuta as well. Instead of letting her feelings ruin her persona as Sophia Ring SP Saturn VII, she steels her emotions aside. When she moves and becomes neighbors with Yuuta and Rikka, she learns of the contract or relationship between them and becomes jealous. This is one of the stronger moments of season 2, I love how the pain of regret is painted artistically here without losing the tone of the series. Regardless, this momentum altercation changes the storyline where before the focus was the club with comedic high jinks, whereas romance was a side element to the story.
As the transition towards a more serious romance series the story lost forward progress, the relationship of Rikka and Yuuta isn't moving fast enough. I understand and will give credit to the writer, Torako, that he needs to be faithful about the implications of being in a chuuni relationship. It's complicated personality wise compared to what would be considered normal. Add in the fact that Rikka is already a shy girl when it comes to anything romantic, it would be difficult finding the right approach to progress said relationship. The nail in the coffin is Yuuta isn't the type to be romantic at all, he's a stereotypical bland, kind, dense, MC you'd expect of these storylines. But since there is a shift in story where romantic feelings are everywhere, it all left me underwhelmed by the end of the season, no real kiss, just words of encouragement that they'll go at their own pace.
There is one bright light that will never go out for this anime and that is Kyoto Animation. They are the bright star in the bleak sky that thrives on consistent production, and from the perspective of setting up an anime IP they set up Chuunibyou to be a beautiful success! Though the animation in season 2 never blew me away like in season 1 it didn't need to be anything more than it was. Nevertheless, KyoAni has a secret weapon underneath their sleeves, better watch out, it's their eternally outstanding art style! I don't know how KyoAni makes their anime look ageless, all that I do know is it'll look as good as it does now for the next couple of decades. It's impressive when you compare older series of the same age to KyoAni's shows, while those anime made by other studios present aging, anime like Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu look exceptional today. The same can be stated for the art style of Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren, overall outstanding production.
Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren failed to meet the expectations of the first season. After changing tone with a more romance heavy storyline it started to lose steam fast. The introduction of Satone Shichimiya was controversial too, the romance needed to progress faster! Yet despite it's short comings there is a ton to find enjoyable here. The production by Kyoto Animation is top shelf as always, looking ageless even, and the comedy is still present too. As a sequel I just wanted something different.
I recommend Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren to those who relish a decent romance story with awkward yet charming characters, and those who love Kyoto Animation.
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