Review of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2009)

If you picked up the first season of "Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu", it is probably inevitable that you will see this second season. It is not as good, and the Endless Eight repetitions (the infamous time-loop arc) are painful, but I still would not recommend skipping this series. For better or worse, the Endless Eight is the most memorable part from the entire anime and, now that it's finished airing, simply hilarious. Story [3/10]: Considering that more than half of the season is taken up by the Endless Eight and another five episodes are dedicated to a single arc, there is little plot. Ithelps that this anime is not plot-centric, so the dearth of story doesn't exactly hinder it.

Pacing [2/10]: The pacing is abysmal. Even the five episode arc is slow and torturous.

Art [8/10]: When Andy Warhol began printing his soup cans, the face of pop art came into the foreground. The Endless Eight takes a bold step in this direction and dares the audience to treat Melancholy as art in the same vein. It is like Groundhog day in the eyes of someone other than Bill Murray, a total experimental decision without precedent in television. That said, the drawing style is as sharp as that of season one and a pleasure to watch.

Sound [7/10]: As with most anime, I did not particularly notice the music which means it was apt and nothing superb.

Character [5/10]: Endless Eight arc notwithstanding, the characters and relationships are disappointingly stagnant. In some ways this is understandable considering that it needed to fit within the constraints of the first season (season 2 fits in the middle of season 1). Everyone remains neatly tucked away in their archetype.

Enjoyment [7/10]: If you're looking for a harrowing journey of self-discovery, choc-full of monsters and romance, then surely you already gave up in season 1! Sit back and relax, Melancholy is still fun and hilarious, and perhaps most importantly, memorable.

Overall: [6/10]