Magic Knight Rayearth (Season Two)
Overview
This will be a toughie to do without spoiling Season One for people who haven't seen it, but I'll try. After granting the wish of Princess Emeraude, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu return to Tokyo feeling unfulfilled. Not too worry though, they soon have their chance to return to Cephiro which is again embroiled in conflict. This time there are three invading countries (From other planets) and each one has their sights set on acquiring the Pillar System from Cephiro. The Magic Knights must once again fight for this land they hold dear in their hearts.
Storyline & Narrative
This season is somewhat different from the first one. For starters, there are far more characters. Everyone from the first season is back, there are a few enemies from each of the three invading countries, and there is Lantis, the younger brother of High Priest Zagato who has returned to Cephiro for unknown reasons.
Despite the multitude of invading countries lined up to take advantage of Cephiro, the true threat seems to come from a freaky looking Shadow lady that Hikaru dreams of. Who is she, and how does she factor into all this. I'll leave you to find that out.
I don't feel this story is as good as the first season even though its more complex. A lot of time is taken up by the Magic Knights moping around, and flashbacks to the first season. I realize this was important for a television audience that waited an entire year or so after the first season ended, but it tends to be annoying watching them through on tape.
Characters & Dynamics
Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu are still the focal point of this series and while each maintains the qualities that have defined them in their last trip to Cephiro, it's clear that all of them have matured. Umi in particular is more fleshed out and well rounded in this series while still maintaining her amusing temper.
Lantis is the most important new character for this season and no one knows what his intentions are. Long absent from Cephiro he has returned but his silent withdrawn nature doesn't help the Magic Knights figure out how to deal with him.
Eagle, Commander of one of the invading countries is another important character. Though he's an enemy, he is well liked by everyone fighting him and has one of the most strong willed, heroic hearts in the land.
Animation & Visual Direction
The Animation is to the standards of the first one, with very expressive faces and eyes, the drawings are the windows into the characters thoughts and hopes and there's no fog on these windows. Much of the landscape tends to be bleak though, since that's the setting in which the episodes take place.
Voice Acting & Soundtrack
Following the fine trend set by the previous season, the voice acting in the subs is just as good. Even those characters who had relatively minor roles still played it out masterfully. The music is good, though it does not surpass the intro from the first season. There are actually two intro songs this time, the first one I didn't like but it grew on me and I found myself enjoying it more with each episode. The second intro is awesome, nearly as good as that of season one. The closing songs I didn't really like (They took out the cute chibis, waaah!).
