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I watched this season a while ago with subtitles, but I like to wait and watch both Japanese and English variations before I write a review. Just so everyone is aware, I knew that eight of the fourteen episodes I was ordering were similar. I hope I don't offend anyone in saying that I loved every episode, including the Endless Eight arc. With that said, let's begin.

***This review may contain spoilers. Please read at your own risk. ***

Story: 9

There are fourteen episodes in this series, each belonging to one of three arcs. "Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody," the first episode, gave us somewhat of an ... inside look at time travel. Although we don't learn any "classified information," we do learn that Miss Asahina was not lying about her identity, as with her help Kyon is transported to the past and must find a to return to the present. A little part of me wishes this arc was more than one episode, since Miss Asahina is my favorite character and this is the only time she is given a main role. But I digress.

The next eight episodes are comprised of the "Endless Eight" arc, and it is just as it sounds: eight episodes with the same general plotline. This is either loved or hated by fans; some extremists even threaten to drop the series all because of this-but we only have to watch eight-just imagine if you were Miss Nagato! You'd have to watch the episodes over 15,000 times! Really, though, the story is intriguing, the conversations are worth listening to, and each episode has a different tone that makes it worth watching. Plus, most of the character development is during this arc, but you must pay attention to realize it.

The last arc is compromised of several episodes that show just how the SOS Brigade's "masterpiece" of a movie was made. This isn't only humorous; it also has the characters at their best and worst. There's a bunch of character development (or underdevelopment) in this arc, so I wouldn't miss it. This arc also contains the beginning of something very important, as Kyon learns that Koizumi is not the only one with a theory about Miss Suzumiya: Miss Asahina and Miss Nagato have completely different beliefs regarding the matter, and the viewer is forced to choose which side to take. (It's strange; Miss Asahina is my favorite character and yet I find myself siding with Koizumi.)

Art: 10

Just as with the first season, Kyoto Animation has done a superb job of animating this season. Every episode is beautiful and fluid, especially the "Endless Eight" episodes. If you don't watch "Endless Eight" for the story, then your attention should still be caught by the wonderful job concerning art. In every episode, every character wears at least three different outfits, and you can tell that Kyoto Animation worked even harder on these episodes than the others, so please allow yourself to appreciate the beauty of it.

Sound: 9

The opening is "Super Driver" by Miss Suzumiya's Japanese voice actor, Aya Hirano. She, just as with last season, does a lovely job of singing and possesses such a unique and beautiful voice. The ending is "Tomare," sung by the three lead voice actresses. This is also very fun to listen to.

Both the Japanese and English dubs are wonderful. I tend to like the English episodes more, since it is my actual language, but I have to say that when listening to the English version, I really missed "Ai raaab yuu!"

Characters: 8

As with my other review, this will be the longest section as I am going to go into each character.

Haruhi Suzumiya: Miss Suzumiya, much to my sadness, did not have very much development (which is why I gave this section an eight.) I'm trying to stray from spoilers, so please forgive me if this sounds vague. Although we see her shocked for the first time in the entire series, what could have been a chance for a change was not. Instead of letting Miss Suzumiya learn her lesson, Kyon, in his own way, apologizes for his mistreatment of her and she seems to easily let go of the whole ordeal. One could, however, argue that she did change a bit. Although it's not shown outright, I do believe that, after interacting with the Brigade so much, Miss Suzumiya is beginning to realize that her sometimes rash behavior affects others. So, as with the first season, perhaps she is on the path of change.

Mikuru Asahina: My favorite character does not play as important a role throughout this season, although she is important. We begin to see what she has to deal with as a Time Traveler, and begin to sympathize with her. She also becomes a little braver, as she is forced to, since she is playing the lead role in the Brigade's movie. Will this new courage be put to use in the future? We shall see...

We also see some hostility between Miss Asahina and Koizumi, as they believe completely different things regarding Miss Suzumiya. Neither one trusts each other, and Miss Asahina feels very guilty about this.

Yuki Nagato: Miss Nagato is perhaps the most important character in this season. She acts as a hero several times, saving Mikuru and Kyon on several occasions. Additionally we gain an enormous amount of respect for her, as she relives summer more than 15,000 times-and doesn't once complain. "My job is to observe," she tells Kyon.
Although it is subtle, we also notice that Miss Nagato is beginning to feel emotions. She actually looks bored numerous times during "Endless Eight," and once she even gives Kyon an almost sad, pleading expression. By this point, I'm sure everyone is encouraging her to continue down this path.


Itsuki Koizumi: This season is very important to Koizumi. Several times we are reminded what we know about Koizumi's true self: nothing. However, we do learn a few things during those rare instances when his facade begins to crack. Now, this is merely my opinion, but I'm starting to believe that Koizumi is in love with Haruhi. In all eight conversations Koizumi has with Kyon while stargazing, it's blatantly obvious that Koizumi wants to "grab Miss Suzumiya from behind and whisper "I love you" into her ear," however numerous times he states that he cannot. He almost looks regretful, which is very different from his usual smile (of course, these expressions only last a moment.) There are also numerous instances where he calls Miss Suzumiya "lovable" and "charming.” Whether this is a slip of the tongue, and whether it is supposed to indicate something, I believe yes, it is. However, I know a lot of people have different views.

As mentioned earlier, we also learn that he and Miss Asahina have a large disagreement when it comes to Miss Suzumiya. Koizumi has actually told Kyon that he doesn't trust her (although he dismissed this with a joke; but when is he ever really joking?). Even so, he's still very polite to her, which I admire.

Kyon: If anyone changes in the season, it's Kyon. He changes both positively and negatively, though. There was a time when he was so mad at Miss Suzumiya he nearly hit her (and would have succeeded had it not been for Koizumi's intervention.) But, now he's beginning to trade his unmotivated ways to more involved ones.

I've never loved nor hated Kyon, and I can't say that this season has changed that. I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing, however.

All the characters are, just as last season, wonderful, diverse, and unique. I promise they will not disappoint you.

Enjoyment: 10

Lovely music, characters, and art make this wonderful to enjoy.

Overall: 9

Although some may complain about this season, I believe it was bold, unique, and very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it to new and old fans alike.

I’m not extremely familiar with anime, although out of the few I have seen this is by far the one that I enjoyed the most. Although not perfect, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya has an intriguing mix of warmth, beauty, style, and comedy that make this anime worthy of such a high rating.

**This section may have spoilers. Please read at your own discretion.**

Story-9/10

The story follows the adventures of the SOS Brigade (Spreading Excitement all Over the World with the Haruhi Suzumiya Brigade,) which consists of Brigade Leader, Haruhi Suzumiya, “Mysterious Transfer Student” Itsuki Koizumi, “Mascot” ... Mikuru Asahina, Literary-Club-Turned-Brigade-Member Yuki Nagato, and Average Student, Kyon.

The intrigue starts when the many characters reveal their true identities to Kyon: Yuki Nagato is an Alien, Mikuru Asahina is a Time Traveler, and Itsuki Koizumi is an Esper, and the reason they are all at North High School is to observe Haruhi Suzumiya, who, although she doesn’t know it, has the ability to destroy the world!

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is, in my opinion, primarily a science fiction series, although it adds enough humor to make it fun. The episodes range from the main character, Kyon, discovering that his classmate, Haruhi is, as alien Yuki Nagato put it, “the key to human evolution,” to the SOS Brigade partaking in a baseball tournament.

The original broadcasting order of the series was not chronological, however I recommend viewing them in proper order. I recommend this because it just makes more sense that way. I was hooked enough since episode 1; I didn’t need extra confusion to make me continue watching.

Art-10/10

As I stated earlier, I don’t watch many anime, but even I can see that the art is beautifully done. The animation is superb: every single episode is graceful, beautiful, and fluid. The animators clearly invested their time into making this masterpiece, and I sincerely thank Kyoto Animation for doing so.

Sound-10/10

The opening and ending are sung by Aya Hirano, and are, in my opinion, just lovely. I adore Japanese music, and these songs are one-if not my favorite-of the genre.

The voice acting for both the English and Japanese versions are wonderful. I prefer dubs to subs, but either are great in this case.

Character-9/10

(This section will be the longest since I absolutely loved the characters.)

This anime has every stereotypical type of character: the “average guy,” the “pretty boy,” the “silent one,” the “cute one,” and the “headstrong one-“ and yet, each one of them are so unique that it would be an injustice to call them simple stereotypes.

Kyon-

Kyon is your everyday high school freshman; moody, sarcastic, and indifferent. He has a cynical approach to nearly every problem he faces. His development with each individual character is too much to write, but the catalyst to his change was Haruhi. In the first episode, Kyon seems selfish and unmotivated, but that all changes once he joins the SOS Brigade. Although he still seems reluctant, he will do nearly anything that Haruhi says, though he will object to her schemes if need be. He becomes much more open and accepting, although he still has a ways to go.

Itsuki Koizumi-

Itsuki is a polite, gentlemanly young man; nearly every girl’s “dream guy,” if you will. He reveals himself to be an Esper who was sent by “The Organization” to keep an eye on Haruhi Suzumiya. Thus he is very compliant and greets all of her demands with a smile, albeit a fake one. Itsuki is perhaps the most mysterious character in the bunch, because his true personality is unknown.

He often brings up very philosophical points when conversing with Kyon. Most people find his speeches (on topics such as the Anthropic Principle) to be bromidic, but I think they’re fascinating. If you enjoy science (or cute boys), then you’ll probably like Itsuki Koizumi.

Mikuru Asahina

Miss Asahina is sweet, timid, and kind. She was “voluntarily arrested” by Haruhi and, much to her apparent dismay, is the club’s “mascot” due to her attractive figure. Haruhi often dresses Mikuru into cosplay outfits, such as a bunny, nurse, and maid. Many say her only role is for fanservice, but I disagree.

Miss Asahina’s true identity is a Time Traveler: she comes from the future, although how far in the future is unknown (it’s classified.) She was, just as the other supernatural beings, sent to observe Miss Suzumiya. I find her to be quite admirable. With the help of Kyon (who is her protector of sorts,) she puts up with much abuse, and does so, for the most part, with a straight face. She even attempts to hide her feelings for Kyon, all due to her mission to keep the world safe.

Yuki Nagato

Yuki Nagato is introduced as the lone member of the literary club. Introverted and reserved, Miss Nagato rarely speaks, although when she does, it’s usually very important.

Miss Nagato reveals herself to be a Humanoid Interface, sent by the Data Integration Thought Entity to observe Haruhi Suzumiya. She is very powerful and is often the sole protector of Kyon and the rest of the SOS Brigade when they are in a dangerous situation. Quite important, she can manipulate data around her (although not to Miss Suzumiya’s extent) and prevents many disastrous events from occurring.

Out of all the characters, Miss Nagato is perhaps the one with the most depth. Although originally taciturn and stoic, she begins to experience human emotions after observing them for so long. Hopefully she will continue to learn and grow, and one day will be able to smile along with her fellow friends.

Haruhi Suzumiya-

I saved the most memorable character for last-Miss Haruhi Suzumiya. Eccentric, brave, and beautiful, Miss Suzumiya embodies the human spirit of raw eagerness and determination (which is ironic, considering that she is, in fact, not human.)

Miss Suzumiya seems to be the most relatable character-although strong on the outside, on the inside she is quite vulnerable and yearns for purpose and meaning. The root of this desire began when she had the realization that she was only one of billions of people. In order to make a name for herself, she began to pursue the inhuman.

Although she is not aware of it, this wish was granted, and due to her request. She is, in fact, a powerful being who has the ability to create and destroy the world-of course, she doesn’t know this.

So, she creates the SOS Brigade, despite half the member’s unwillingness to join. This is when we see all of Miss Suzumiya’s less desirable traits; despite being beautiful and athletic, she is narcissistic, bossy, and rude. She thinks only of herself and caters only to her own demands. It’s thanks to Kyon that she begins to realize the error of her ways and slowly but surely begins to accept other’s opinions-although it will be a long, long time before one can call her considerate.

Enjoyment-10/10

This story is the perfect mix of excitement, humor, and intrigue. I would watch this again and again.

Overall-9/10

The majority of the story is well-thought-out and interesting, the animation and vocals are wonderful, and the characters themselves are fantastic. If you have not yet seen the series I would without a doubt recommend it. I look forward to future seasons and hope that the show’s message of friendship and acceptance will resonate in the heart of every viewer.