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Made in Abyss: Retsujitsu no Ougonkyou is an abysmal continuation to what could have been an interesting story.
The first season showcased fascinating worldbuildind, captivating the viewer with enchanting atmospheres and the promise of a journey in search of the knowledge at the end of the abyss, all qualities this season completely failed in carry on. The movie foreshadowed the shortcomings of the second season, but there the detachment from the strong points of the plot (dynamism of the journey, discovery of the abyss) was excused by the events that were essential for the continuation of the plot. Here the story becomes static once again ... and is abruptly interrupted by what feels like a 12-episode long filler episode, which is, by definition useless plot wise.

We learn nothing more of the abyss, the real protagonist of the story, or of our old characters, with the exception of Reg; can we truly say, though, to have learnt something new about Reg's past? The objective of the new season is the introduction of a new character who is goint to join the original trio of delvers: this is a major goal, but not at the expense of halting the story for an entire narrative arc.

Furthermore, said character's story is complicated and strange in a manner that feels exhibitionist: the gore and the gruesome forms of the beings did not feel organic with the canonic elements. Indeed, the story is quite simple but it seems as if the author's intention was to show off his grisly imagination: it is as if the story was written just to appear strange, as if asking you "Am I not quirky? Am I not incredibly original and different from all the other stories?", just like those people who try to appear eccentric just to set themselves apart from the others.

Some character's design was well-thought-out and respected their personality, but it was not sufficient considering this was true only for two out of a dozen characters. I understand the intention behind the introduction of other languages but the constant repetition of some locutions (yes, I am talking about "Sosu") is annoying and migraine-triggering, especially so when we consider the explanation behind it.
In conclusion, the creepy,nauseating and perverse scenes, that make this whole work feel like someone's fetish come true, would be excusable, as they were in the first season, if it wasn't for a plot that can only be described as boring and insignificant.

The only reason the rate is not 1 is because of Kevin Penkin's Soundtrack, which is, as always, evocative and much more emotional than the plot wanted to be.
If you find yourself at the end of this too long review, just know that it is not born out of hatred for the original story but from the disappointment of what it could have been.