First of all, I never expected to get a sequel so soon after the first season ended in 2019 but when I saw the announcement, I was more than thrilled. Kaguya-sama: Love is War is back the flair and grandiose comedy that we fell in love with the first time around and the lovable, eccentric cast is back with the inclusion of a brand new member as well. I didn't think that I'd have more to say after I wrote my season one review last year but here I am, praising this anime once again.
Like the first season, Kaguya-sama is just as consistent in delivering its comedic skits in a fun and visually pleasing way. Now, did season two surpass the first? Personally, I think it did. The anime always tends to elevate its source material for each episode but this season they seemed to go above and beyond. They blew my expectations out of the water. The gorgeous animation and visual representation is there for every episode and not just the big important arcs. A1 didn't have to be this extra, but they were. For a rom-com, it really is beautifully well done. The exaggerated character reactions and actions are great as well, making scenes even more hilarious. Even the OP had me surprised. I didn’t think the second opening could possibly top the first, but I should’ve known that Kaguya-sama always beats my expectations.
The characters are the same as last season. Quirky, extravagant and full of personality. Kaguya and Shirogane's relationship is great as usual as they become closer to each other and Chika is still a force to be reckoned with. This season we received the introduction to Miko Iino, the small but fierce member of the Public Morals Committee and auditor of the Student Council. She has this uptight and authoritarian attitude than not many are fond of, but in reality she is a sweetheart and a very caring person, only behaving the way she does because she has a strong sense of justice. While Iino’s scenes are minor this season, she is a great addition to the already stellar cast, adding more fun onto the table. Her story during the election arc is impactful and really shows the kind of person she is. Hayasaka and Ishigami got more screen time than in the first season, expanding on their characters which I loved.. When it comes to best girl, Hayasaka comes in close second, right behind Kaguya, for being elegant, smart, cute, quick-witted and for being the only one to be able to put up with Kaguya’s childish tantrums. Who else can do what she does? Also, this is totally irrelevant but it is crazy to think that if Hayasaka got more screen time, she would dominate the best girl charts. My man Ishigami finally gets his long awaited arc, and we get to see how much he has grown as a character —from a shy, introverted, reluctant chad to a more outgoing and braver chad— and why he truly is the GOAT/best boy/ bet girl. His arc reaches the same highs that the fireworks episode did and I began screaming when I finally heard him utter these words:
The VA’s were outstanding, giving life to their characters and making me love them even more. Honestly, just listening to the silly reactions and sounds is therapeutic. And no, I’m not developing some weird fetish. I’m just praising their work. The soundtrack is also another subpar thing about the anime. It can go from childish, to calm, to dramatic to frightening and scary. And can we talk about the amount of references they added into the anime this season? I don’t remember if they did that much last year but this time it was noticeable and great. We got a Charlie Brown reference and Thomas the tank engine, some of the tracks seem to have similar beats/parody songs like “You Spin Me Round” and “Holding Out for A Hero”. I think I saw a reference to “Your Lie in April” when Iino is praising Fujiwara and I saw someone mention a reference to Monogatari which I have not seen. Kaguya's smirk reminded me of that one meme with girl smirking as a house burns down in the background lmao. There were probably many more that I did not notice (feel free to let me know). Again, the production is isane and really delivering the best it can.
I don't believe it is an overstatement when I say that Kaguya-sama is the current king of Rom-Com. It is simply delightful. If season one didn’t convince you so… it definitely should’ve convinced you. Like last year, I'm going to miss Kaguya saturday's. Each week I questioned myself how the new episode could continuously raise the bar and then it just goes and continuously raises the bar every week. It's comedic presentation always lands perfectly and never seems to miss. At this point I feel like the Student Council inflating the balloon except my fear is the fear of being disappointed. The crazy antics of the student council are a treat to watch and each episode is as engaging as the last. I hope season three gets announced soon. As stated in my first season review, I think everyone should watch this anime. If you happen to feel stuck inside with nothing to do because of these times, this is definitely something that will liven your spirits. WATCH KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR.
