Back to sneakers-n-cake's Profile sneakers-n-cake's Profile

While I've enjoyed all of the entries in the Monogatari franchise for different reasons, Monogatari Series: Second Season is the absolute highest point of the show, in my opinion. This is a layered, amazing collection of stories about (but not limited to) self-love, self-expression, regret, jealousy, hatred, and sacrifice. There is a story in this series for everyone, and I've always felt like that's the point of the Monogatari series.
Every story takes its protagonist somewhere unexpected and unique. This is in great part to the interesting and wonderful animation by Shaft, as well as the fantastic voice acting and soundtrack. I cannot recommend this show ... enough, but its hard when its right in the middle of so much other content. I think everyone should give the Monogatari series a chance at some point. It's a show with a little bit of something for anyone (I know I said this already.)
I'd like to talk about my favorite part of the second season that keeps drawing me back. I really think that the last arc of the series, Hitagi End, is the best in the franchise, behind Suruga Devil.
The story focuses on the money loving, con man antagonist of Nisemonogatari, Kaiki Deishuu. He is asked by Senjougahara to save the lives of her, Araragi, and Suruga from the wrath of young Sengoku. It could be said that Kaiki must save Sengoku from herself, as well. The arc takes on a detective story angle, which is reflected in how Kaiki changes his appearance, as well as the overall noir-esque tone that permeates the already stylistic animation. He is trying to figure out how to trick Sengoku, and it is never a boring task to watch.
The arc is also called Koimonogatari, or love story, and that theme of love really comes through in everything Kaiki does. He is a very stoic, reserved person, and the story reveals much about him that brings certain decisions he made, that had been painted as evil in Nisemonogatari, into a new light. It is a fantastic story that could exist outside of the Monogatari franchise, but it is made all the more whole by being in it.
The climax of the arc, which is in essence, just a conversation Kaiki has with Sengoku, is one of my favorite scenes in all of anime. The impact it had on me when I first saw it has never left me. Shinichiro Miki's voice work as Kaiki in the scene is gut wrenching, and has to be heard to be believed.

The best aspects of the series are all present, here. Of course, everyone has a favorite Monogatari story, and that's fine. This one holds several of mine, and Hanamonogatari is right beside it. Consider this a recommendation for that arc, too!