Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne Season 2

Watching Rinne no Lagrange II is like taking a walk on the beach but with a breeze of fresh air where you feel and experience the fun as well as the joy of being young. But somehow, some way, this series at times seems like one of those titles where you can watch through but feel bored of the somewhat repetitive moments. Those moments are heartwarming, filled with joy, but occasionally also has emotions that can be connected to each of our own young lives. At any rate, this series seems be one of the most underrated titles of this summer. But that's ok becauseRinne no Lagrange II isn't here for a popularity contest but rather to deliver entertainment that the audience deserves. Rinne no Lagrange II (also known as Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne Season 2) is the direct sequel of the original series that takes place several months after Lan and Muginami leaves Earth. Homesick yet? Well, Madoka should be but thankfully, she gets a surprise visit soon. Now that she's a high school student, Madoka has responsibilities to handle but with a little bit of help from her friends, she can do just that. Like the original series, this sequel is also lighthearted with an atmosphere that is suited for more of the younger demographic audience. That doesn't mean it's for little kids though as there is some drama and intensity involved later on. But still... if you're looking for some sex, gore, or mindfuck, then this sequel might disappoint you. (unless a small bit of yuri is part of your taste category) The setting of the sequel is roughly the same. Friendship is one of the key themes in the original series and as such, the Jersey Club is reformed once again and becomes the flower of hope. It's more about cute girls doing cute things although at times it is, especially some of the filler episodes. Speaking of which, the story itself in this sequel plays a more direct approach and addresses some more sibling-like dilemmas involving the brothers of two main characters in the series. It becomes more emotional and dramatic to watch and sheds some of that lighthearted feeling. Still though, the filler episodes added in occasionally gets quite bothersome. It certainly isn't “maru!” like Madoka often yells throughout the series. No, it's not perfect and the story does seem to lose touch at times. Thankfully though, we have the Jersey Club to make up for that. The club still consists of three members: Madoka Kyouno – She is a cherry young girl who is now attending high school. Often or not, she's very cheerful, friendly, helpful, and patient with dealing with not only with her problems but those who she cares for. When she accomplishes something or likes what she sees, the term “maru!” comes out of her mouth. She is an adorable character in this sequel especially in some of the latter episodes that explores more of her inner self, in more places than one. Laffinty Fin E Ld Si – or simply just Lan! This girl is a strange one in this sequel alright even from the original title. Her personality hasn't changed much although from the beginning of this sequel, she seems to be off balance a bit. Thankfully though, there's the Jersey Club who help the helpless. And of course, being a prominent member herself, her cute “woof” personality is retained in this sequel. Muginami – the dramatic character of the trio. In this sequel, she still has that witted personality. Her motivations are to be what's best for her friends and maintains a good relationship with her beloved brother. But at times, she shows her emotional self and is even willing to harm others to protect what she treasures the most. These three girls still brings forth entertainment, joy, and also emotions in this sequel on a peaceful Sunday weekend. Well, not exactly. Not everything is peaceful because there are still conflicts. In the latter half of this sequel series, there seems to be troubles brewing among the older peers concerning past events that have left both physical and emotional scars. Beyond that, a new character named Yurikano also joins the series who has one hell of a time during a particular episode with our Jersey Club member, Madoka. She is a strange character to say the least that seems to blur the lines between cheerful and moody. How do I say this? Sometimes, she seems bossy but other times is more emotional especially with Diselmine whom she shares a special bond with. On the more antagonist side, Moid loves brewing trouble and shows his colors to the audience later on. The artwork and battle scenes in this sequel remains relatively the same. Production I.G. delivers that lighthearted style of the typical cool life with the bright sunny daylight and cherry atmosphere. Some of the battle scenes inspire some thrilling action but mostly still retains that lighthearted style of fighting. It's not something like Muv Luv: Total Eclipse where aliens are out to eat you alive and have to be exterminated immediately. No, it remains its typical lighthearted Rinne no Lagrange style theme with the girls half naked riding those bad boys (Ovid) in combat. It's amusing to watch again in this sequel and brings some chuckle to our heads thinking the way they fight with the danger it poses yet to them, it's like playing a video game without the joysticks. Overall though, the art is alright. Not too special but to the point. The soundtrack of this sequel remains somewhat intact although I have to admit that the original OP song has a better rhythm to it. "Marble” by Megumi Nakajima does not seem to work here in my opinion. It lacks a sort of rhythm that the original OP song bought to the viewers. That and the fact that it's a near replication montage of the Jersey Club girls is a bit repetitive to watch. Jin Aketagawa (Honey and Clover, Nodame Cantabile, sola) is someone who has experience with creating lighthearted music. In this sequel, he once again presents that soft touch of Rinne no Lagrange-like melody that is dramatic to the ears. But at the same time, it seems to lack any flavor and inspires more of that boredom. It's hard to judge but give or take, the music is just so-so. Rinne no Lagrange II is a fun series to enjoy and watch on a bright sunny weekend. You know the first thing you wake up, open your windows, and smell the morning breeze? Ya, that's a similar feeling you get when you play the episodes. It's not all about play and games though as there is a story going on here. Unfortunately though, the story seems be a bit out of shape although it comes together at times. Pushing forward and rushing it through the story is not a good idea and in this sequel seems to repeat a bit of that mistake. But at the same time, the series presents entertainment of the Jersey Club that is enjoyable to watch. Cute girls doing cute things may be a bothersome at times, but I'm sure Madoka has a few things to say about that especially since her hobby is to help others in need. It's not bothersome to help people and you'll feel good about it. That's what the Jersey Club is there for and in this sequel, it's exactly what they do. Ultimately, Rinne no Lagrange II isn't a “Maru!” or “perfect” as Madoka states. Yet, it can be a relaxing, enjoyable series to enjoy on a weekend with the Jersey Club.