Jan 8, 2020
So, Chuunibyou demo koi ga shitai! Ren... I read a lot of reviews of this sequel before watching it, and it set my expectations very low (which may be why i liked it) but by the time i was finished, i was thinking about the points that those reviews had made, and wanted to serve this show some justice.
First off, a common criticism that i noticed was that the show had no point, or there was no character growth, etc. They pointed out how Rikka and Yuuta's relationship was unrealistically lackluster, them having not even held hands was brought up many times to support this
...
claim. I do see how this could be a valid criticism from the perspective of a westerner, unfamiliar with Japanese culture. The Japanese are terrible with romantic expression. It is very uncommon for even a married couple to casually tell each other "I love you", that's just how it is, and Rikka and Yuuta's relationship clearly reflects that fact. Another reason why this criticism is flawed, is because their relationship undergoes change consistently throughout the show. For instance, the not holding hands thing, at the beginning of the show, it's uncomfortable for them to hold hands, that is true, but eventually they start holding hands like it's nothing, then Rikka gives Yuuta a peck on the cheek, then they start nuzzling noses, and towards the end, they (almost) kiss on the lips. The relationship grows throughout the show.
Another criticism i saw was that Shichimia, (the childhood best friend) was a stupid and useless character, who was only there for the sake melodrama and a love triangle. While some of the criticism is valid, i don't see how the "love triangle" was melodrama, she had a valid reason for being in love with Yuuta, and it made sense that seeing him again would reawaken her un-dealt-with feelings for him. Her whole character arc in the show is dealing with those feelings, supporting Rikka, and getting over Yuuta, and i think it was pretty well done. She didn't cause melodrama, she strengthened Rikka and Yuuta's relationship.
Some criticisms i do agree with about this shoow however, are the complaints about the side characters, such as Kumin and Isshiki. Isshiki was essentially absent this season, and was only really there as a comedic relief character. His relationship with Kumin was kind of just axed? She never talked to him when she saw him, and literally never even recognized him. wtf. Also he gradually turned black as the show went on for some reason? That never got explained. Kumin was boring and had no arc. She just slept really. And maybe occasionally helped out by giving random advice.
Dekomori and Nibutani were fine. They were definitely more entertaining than Kumin and Isshiki, and i enjoyed their typical bickering. They also had an arc, which was interesting. I won't spoil it but it was pretty good.
Soundtrack wasn't as good as S1, but it services. OP and ED were definitely mediocre.
I enjoyed this sequel overall, and it could have been much, much worse. I think it gets too much crap, and is underrated.
8/10 Not bad for a sequel.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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