(Note: This is more for the series as a whole than solely Owari season 2, but I do touch on some points)
I've been making my way through the Monogatari series for a couple of months now and I've finally reached the end. At least, the end until Zoku Owarimonogatari comes out. When Bakemonogatari unexpectedly blew me away, I strapped myself in and prepared for the wild ride that I felt I was fully prepared for. There were moments that tested my faith, like both Nekomonogataris and Tsubasa Tiger, but I held strong and kept on watching. With each moment that tested my resolve in the series, there were so many other moments that blew me away, like the Kizumonogatari movies, the rest of Monogatari SS, and Ougi Oshino and her story. Maybe Monogatari won't leave me as my #1 anime of all time, but it definitely ranks in the top 3, if not concluding as my favorite series of all time.
Owarimonogatari S2, however, contains the brilliant conclusion to a fascinating series and set of characters. In a sort of irony that only Monogatari could pull off, the series comes full circle to conclude. It's impossible to describe how perfectly the ending was pulled off without spoilers, but suffice it to say that the story of Koyomi Araragi ends, as it began, with him going above and beyond for someone incredibly dear for him, a situation that he found himself in time and time again throughout the series. It's hard to say that Owarimonogatari S2 is something of an adrenaline pumping experience but that, I think, is what makes this series so special. It shrugs off adrenaline pumping action and achieves it instead with words, interactions, and aesthetics. Sure, it may drag at times, but usually you find yourself having an epiphany over that seemingly irrelevant conversation or some random symbolism in design, gaining insight into who Koyomi Araragi, or the latest girl he's helping out, is on the inside. It's incredible how deep and developed every single character is by the end of the series, despite many of the 'side characters' not having exorbitant amounts of screen time. The dialogue simply builds their personalities so effectively that more episodes with them aren't necessary, no matter how much we wish there was more Kanbaru.
I would recommend the Monogatari series to anyone, but especially anyone with an interest in character-driven stories, interaction-driven exposition, and unique aesthetics and stylistic designs. It is a unique anime experience to be sure. I had no idea how much I would come to love this series, but I sure am glad that I started. In fact, I'm already planning to re-watch it in the future, with a different order. So what are you waiting for? It's time to watch Bakemonogatari already!
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