So I watched K-On originally with little to no expectations, i basically knew nothing aside from the fact that it was supposedly good. Here I am today though on my 5th rewatch in like 5 months, my favourite anime by a landslide really. One reason for this is just how easy the show is to watch, most of it is just the main 5/Sawako fucking around with any drama rarely entering the story, which means it never really gets tiresome. There's more to it though, few things can make me as emotional as some of the later episodes of S2. The series does a really good job of showing the friendship and bonds between the main 5 girls growing over the series, how they change each other and grow closer. Because of that, despite the series seemingly episodic nature when you compare early season 1 to late season 2 you can tell the differences just from the subtleties in the character's interactions with one another, how they all grow closer to and more comfortable around Yui especially over the course of season 1 with episode 12 being the culmination of that. It's one of my favourite episodes because of it, despite how simple it is the re-enactment of the episode 1 scene resonates really hard with me because the idea of Yui finding a place with her friends who truly care for her even after only joining after feeling obligated to do something is incredibly real feeling. Ritsu's "We all love you, Yui" feels an especially sincere line. But yeah, despite how much I love season 1 season 2 is an improvement in basically every regard, from direction to humour, with the Azusa/Ui/Jun episodes being the only ones I don't consider excellent in some right. The frequent showings of the turtle/the presence of Ton-chan being a representation of the show's message to take life slowly and enjoy it are wonderful. A big fan of how the series has it's characters realise things like this, with episode 4 of Season 1 (reinforced by episode 9) showing that Mio is the first one to truly understand how valuable their time together as friends is. Episode 20 is probably my favourite episode, even above 24, because it feels like a non-stop celebration of everything the series has been til now. I get emotional from the second the Sawako scene happens, and U and I is likely my favourite Hokago Tea Time song not just because it sounds awesome but due to the context in which it's played on both occasions; someone as airheaded as Yui trying to get across her sincere appreciation through song is incredibly touching, and when it's played in 20 it feels like a thank you from Yui to everyone who has supported her up until now. Then of course the scene after the concert is perfection from beginning to end, makes me cry every time I watch it. It's so beautifully done, the slow realisation that their time together after school is slowly coming to an end hits the audience exactly as it does the characters.
In conclusion, this is the first time I've ever really tried to write anything so it's probably a mess but I fucking love K-On, it's the best.