To LOVE-Ru Darkness 2nd

Haiku review: Not magical girl Harem fun but serious Degeneracy Prose review for those to whom art doesn’t matter: They’re back and lewder than ever. “To LOVE-Ru Darkness 2” might, by the third episode, be called “Lick x Sis,” as in sister-sister action we learn that the only difference between the folds in the tails of our pink-haired space princesses and their other nether regions is the color. Swap the blacks and grays for skintones and we’re in full-on hentai territory here.I wondered if “To LOVE-Ru Darkness” would take this tendency as far as it could go. It turns out, there was more unprobed territory, so to speak. The first couple of episodes re-establish the strange world and that this is not our world in that there the girls are, for lack of a better term, psychotic nymphomaniacs who may turn on the other person or not. This may serve as a strong warning for viewers who employ the three-episode rule. It’s a commonplace for people to say this show isn’t for everyone, but they’ll know whether it’s for them in the first minute of the first episode. This series pulls no punches, though in keeping with the solemn code governing anime, the protagonist is an idiot. We are reunited with our old friends from the earlier series. They’re unchanged, though Lala is more thicc than I remember (though, in my defense, it’s been almost a whole day since I saw the original Darkness series). Stylistically, there were a few more (disappointing; they’re always disappointing) misplaced rays of foggy light as censor strips, though only a few; they’re better, I suppose, than the stupid stickers licensees use, but if they don’t want full nakedness then they ought to reframe their cuts to begin with, no? And this series there’s a new way of travel, in the form of spring-shaped tornado things that precede one of the various magical girls’ arrivals. It seems a little late in the game to introduce this stuff, but that’s not something unheard of in second-season, lower-budget anime. And they did seem to spend their money where it’s most effective, if you catch my drift. The writing seems much the same (in the dub; who knows what Sentai changed from the original Japanese – it’s not as if the issue has never arisen before), though there was one notable difference, at the end of episode 3. One of our girls is sneaking into the bed of the protagonist in the middle of the night, only to find another of our girls is already there. Did she go berserk and call him a pervert? She did not. She went berserk and called him “you filthy weeb.” I don’t know if this is progress, but it is certainly different – as is the idea that a weeb would ever be in bed with a willing girl. Strangely, MAL lists the series as having 12 episodes, but the one I watched has 14. This leads me to think that there’s a version out there minus two whole episodes worth of material aimed at, um, sophisticates. (The version I saw, a dub, included the occasional explanatory comment, as when a pun that would only be understood by Japanese viewers was part of the dialogue, so perhaps the longer version is unofficial, more’s the pity. The final two episodes, though, were heavily censored subs – meaning an almost completely white screen much of the time.) The series finally got around to a festival episode. It was not explained where they got yukatas that accommodate tails, but they weren’t wearing those or any other garments for a lot of it. Celine – who is supposed to be a plant! -- latches onto any available nipple in search of milk. There’s never a shortage of candidates. And there is a cabbage-chopping scene – don’t worry, established anime cabbage rules were followed – in which the protagonist and his little sister are inadvertently put nearly into imouto/onii-chan territory. That’s not the only time. Anime, wonderful as it is, can get weird. Oh, and there’s more hot tentacle action, too. The long-sought Master Nemesis appears – they didn’t even have to use master bait! – and our protagonist has her tiddies out and has face planted into her coochie before a minute has passed. Good job, though I’m beginning to think he slips and falls on purpose, like some grocery store liability lawsuit grifter. Best line of the series is not from Nemesis: “It’s become clear to me that the laws of physics mean nothing to you,” said to a coochie-gagged protagonist following a tumble down the stairs. (And I never dreamt I would ever write the phrase “coochie-gagged protagonist. I’d be a great title for a novel, don’t you think?) Close second, same character to protagonist: “I love all things perverted. And I love how depraved you can be, too.” Nemesis, who it turns out likes to get herself some tail, can make her boobies get big and small at will, but I think it may have just been the animators demonstrating that unlike other animators they can draw more than just the one size. While we’re at it, the panty wrinkles have by episode 5 become downright explicit – remove the lace edges and change the color and they aren’t there at all. And who the hell makes that sort of electric cat’s paw toy? And who would call it “adorable”? (Well, before its use, anyway.) The music is typical; the OP and ED are both apparently products of the computer program that randomly generates anime theme song lines (and a busy machine it is!), and they’re still longer than they need to be. But yes, Nemesis’s appearance means that there is a plot. What could it possibly be? How can it turn out? Will our beloved characters be destroyed? Will the protagonist have what it takes or succumb to performance anxiety when he must enter the breach?

Note: I am writing this review for those who are already familiar with the To Love-Ru series. Perhaps you had seen the first season of Darkness and enjoyed it, but you're still skeptical of its sequel. Or despite disliking the first season (Darkness), you, for some reason, are still interested. Maybe, even now, you feel ambivalent. I hope this review will help those who are struggling to make a decision. Lastly, I am a huge fan of the series, but I've never read the manga. "To Love-Ru Darkness 2nd" is just as entertaining as its prequels (To Love-Ru, Motto To Love-Ru, and the firstseason of To Love-Ru Darkness); in fact, the disparity between this and its prequels are, in my opinion, little to none. Unfortunately, this implies that many of its infamous flaws are also present in this second season. In this review, I will explore this season's strengths and weaknesses. Story: 5 To Love-Ru, as a series, has a weak story. After 70+ episodes, there is little character and plot development; for example, much of the content in each episode (addressing the entire series) is Rito stumbling or slipping while female characters are conveniently nearby which results in a perverted scene. He is then chased or lectured, but ultimately forgiven. This exact scene repeats many times throughout this season. I, however, personally enjoy them and laugh occasionally because the show is self-aware that these scenes would only occur so frequently in a fictitious world. As for character development, if you're here to watch Rito and Lala grow romantically closer, you'll likely be disappointed; there is one scene, but they simply end up reaffirming those same feelings that they had at the conclusion of Motto To Love-Ru. Additionally, more girls are added to the Harem Plan; furthermore, the characters who, originally, never knew about the plan provide their views on the subject. It's interesting to see different perspectives because some conflict with Momo's beliefs, although I had hoped that they would further elaborate on their reasoning. Still, it's exciting to see that the Harem Plan may not be as perfect as Momo makes it out to be. Interestingly, in this season, there is an antagonist (and I don't mean random fodder alien assassins) with a goal (not minor transgressions like kidnapping). I was also pleased that the show didn't feel episodic; there was continuity unlike To Love-Ru and Motto To Love-Ru. And although it may appear that I dislike the story, I think the lack of progression is justified in some ways. For example, in To Love-Ru's universe, only two years or so (maybe less) have passed since the first episode. I don't know if two years is enough for someone like Rito to suddenly devote himself to over fifteen girls. He's sixteen; marriage, falling in love, and managing the entire universe are things that most teenagers would never think too deeply about at that age. Moreover, Rito is portrayed as an average male student; his only unqiue trait (that is emphasized) is his kindness and reliability when you really need him. So in many ways, I understand why he feels unsure about these things, especially the Harem Plan. The plot makes this clear several times that polygamy is not allowed on Earth; this implies that, for about 14 years, he has been raised with the idea that marriage is between a man and a woman. Maybe he hasn't thought about it until he was 7 or 8, but to ask someone to suddenly change their life values and beliefs in just two years seems improbable. As for character development, I think it's rather realistic that Rito's personality hasn't radically changed. I never expected him to suddenly become a whole new person in merely two years. And yes, several times, Mikan does mention that Rito has changed ever since the arrival of Lala and friends, but it's likely nothing serious as he is still shown to have those same mixed feelings (from the very first season) about marriage, love, politics, and the Harem Plan. This is simply my opinion, and I just thought some of these things were worth thinking about. My final note: If you don't like the theme of friendship, you may not like this season. Art: 9 Compared to the very first season of To Love-Ru, the art has significantly improved (I'm sure many of you reading this know that already). Nevertheless, I don't know much about art; however, to me, the art looks colorful, vivid, and vibrant. I do prefer season 1's art (Darkness Season 1), but Rito's, Yami's, Momo's, Lala's, and Mea's faces are drawn really well this season. (I am in love with everyone's eyes!) Also it's interesting to note that the art is so stunning that when you see even a slight drop in quality, it's rather noticeable. Usually, I have to look for these, but I saw quite a few here -- especially when you're viewing the characters from a far distance (which is understandable). Nevertheless, I was bothered by how bright everyone looked as well. Another example of good art, I think, is the ending. The planets, Yami, and the flowers are all quite artistic. Sound: 9 I know I compare a lot, and unfortunately, I'm doing it here again. I only give the sound a 9 because I really enjoyed listening to Rakuen Project by Ray. Secret Arms is fine; I never skipped the opening if that means anything. Conversely, the ending, in this season, is far better. Kawada's Garden is amazing; if you have some extra time, I recommend listening to the full version as well. The background music, however, wasn't memorable. Characters: 7 Rito: As I mentioned before, in the story section, I think Rito is growing/maturing, but it appears to be a subtle growth. That said, if you watch the specials (episode 13 and 14 which conclude the season), Rito does something quite surprising and out of character (not because he's drunk or anything like that; it's intentional). I wouldn't call it a serious change, but I like the pace of his growth; it might appear too slow for some, but I think it's fine. One of my biggest issues with the character, however, is his passive personality. Lala: Learns something new from Momo, and there is one other minor thing with Rito, but saying anything more will ruin it. That's about it. Haruna, Kotegawa, : Both characters remain static throughout this season, unfortunately. Yami, Nana, and Mea: These three characters are the highlights of this season. If you like any one of them, you're in luck. The theme is friendship. That's all I'll say. And if you didn't like any of these characters before, you might like them now. You learn quite a bit about each of these characters, and I ultimately felt that they were no longer just one-dimensional characters. Murasame Shizu: Even she sort of gets her own episode. Again, the theme is friendship. Rin: There is more revealed about her character as well. Mikan: Keep on eye out for her. She has some great moments this season. Momo: I believe Momo is a character that does not need to change (personality wise). Her presence in the story is what drives a lot of these character actions in the second season. If you liked Momo in Darkness season 1, I think you'll appreciate her role here as well. Her alluring mischievous personality is always fun to watch. Overall, I think it's fine that a lot of these characters are still the same after all these years; at least they're consistent. But until something a little more significant happens to Rito, Lala, and friends, all I can say is that the characters, this season, were good. Enjoyment: 10 As I've said before, I'm a huge fan (Momo and Yami fan) of the series, so much that I ended up watching the first four uncensored episodes and finished the rest of it (along with the specials) in one sitting. Originally, I had planned on waiting until all 14 episodes were available uncensored, but I simply couldn't wait; in fact, I plan on re-watching those 10 episodes again once it's released on Blu-Ray. Overall: 10 To Love-Ru is an anime that truly tests the limits of the ecchi genre; it is the epitome of a borderline hentai. For this reason, you really have to love the characters to continue loving this show. I know I didn't say much, but if you've seen the first season (which I assumed you have) you already know exactly how these characters are. In lieu of a summary, I thought it might be best to tell you what season two has to offer. Honestly, had I not enjoyed the show as much as I did, I'd give this season a 6.5/10. Anyways, I suggest giving at least the first uncensored episode a try! Thanks for reading.

I already liked To Love-Ru before (when it was Momo) but this season is so good that I can not stop watching, even went to the manga. The story is not about the wedding Rito and Lala (protagonists) as in the first season, but it shows more about the other girls. The girls won at least two episodes prominent with Rito, showing why they like him and each showing a different way of acting. It is impossible not to like the girls, they do not have the same mode of operation as in "certain anime" that all girls like the protagonist and are rubbing it, they showthat like the Rito of different and indirectly. Despite being a ecchi he can have a good story without disturbing anything, showing the history and how each girl feel about Rito. Many people criticized for not having the same story of the first season, talking about marriage, but the story of Darkness has its purpose and is essential to the history of marriage continue to succeed .If you watched the first two seasons do not waste time and watch this that has the design better and best voices for sure you will see the anime otherwise and you will love it (or else love Momo as all hahaha.)

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