Rating: 8/10

Overall Series Rating: 7.5/10

Impressions:

All in all, the first season is a lot more impressive. Shana II isn’t necessarily not as good as the first series, save for the simple fact that the first season impresses, and this does not (to me of course). Shana II is far too much like its predecessor, hardly seeming like a second season at all. I probably would have had a lot more interest in the series if this played straight after the first 24 episodes. In any case though, m overall view of Shana hasn’t changed much, and if a third season comes out (which I assume will, due to the lack of closure in this season), I’ll still be sure to watch it.

Leaving aside what happen to Bal Masque, there’s only one thing I want to talk about: Yuuji’s choice. In last few scenes, it is suggested that Yuuji finally chooses Shana, as she sees someone/something approaching her and becomes highly ecstatic. Of course, it could be someone or something completely unrelated, but as a ShanaxYuuji fan, I like to believe the first idea. In terms of relational development, quite a bit has happened since the start of the season, but unfortunately, I actually believe Shana has lost most of her original tsundere charm. She’s too soft now. And Yuuji is far too indifferent for my liking. But the two as a pair still make quite an attractive couple…

Rating: 8.5/10

Impressions:

Wow, it’s already the second episode. Things feel highly rushed right about now, but it’s understandable, and with only one episode left, I have a feeling that this may end in a cliff hanger. Are they really going to settle things to a point where a conclusion can be drawn with the Bal Masque? Or will it be something like the ending of Code Geass? In any case, I’m really surprised to see the amount of blood that gushes out of Margery when she’s hit by something so blunt. It goes to show how accustomed I am to seeing Bleach-like violence, which usually involved highly unrealistic injuries and all that.

Rating: 8.3/10

Impressions:

This is what I love about Shana—the relationships (when they actually get somewhere). This episode certainly takes the one large lingering issue yet to be dealt with pretty far. They set everything out really nicely, even though it’s pretty corny and (most likely) wouldn’t happen in real life (as far as I know). Regardless, it seems like a tragedy is going to befall everyone, and a greater tragedy than Yuuji not going to either girl at that. Another highlight is Yuuji’s new younger brother or sister (though I doubt we’ll ever see it grow up). That also included some nice character development for his father, but at this point in time, it’s not really significant.

Rating: 8/10

Impressions:

An excellently executed in my opinion—I love the first OP insert during the climax of the episode. I said I didn’t like the song as an OP, which holds true, but when used as an accompanying piece to such a battle scene, the effect is glamorous. It definitely hypes the entire ordeal up by a lot. They also placed a nice Shana-almost-confessing scene in the midst of things, which almost makes it seem like the season doesn’t need any further development between the two (which would suck, but it works I admit). However, I have a feeling this is just the calm before the storm in terms of the relationship between Shana and Yuuji.

I guess the main question that lingers now is, what is going to happen in the remaining few episodes of the show, when one of them main threats has been eliminated? We all know that Bal Masque has something up their sleeves, and Yuuji’s silver flame has not come close to being resolved yet, so it could be something relating to that. I doubt the series will finish with this second season, so the conclusion will have to be quite open. If I’m not mistaken, the anime is actually really close to the latest novel, which sees a drastic change in Shakugan no Shana. Right now, I still want more Yuuji x Shana.

Rating: 7.2/10

Impressions:

The problem with Shakugan no Shana fights is that they only thing they dare include is variety, and nothing that really impresses. In the end, we only get to see the two sides exchange blows, in various different fashions, but all in all that’s quite boring if you ask me. Ah well, I don’t watch Shakugan no Shana for the fighting anyway. The more important thing, IMO, is the story and relational development (which, by the way, isn’t getting anywhere. It’s not like Shana and Yuuji are gonna get together before the end of this anyway…) I wonder if the author had dare kill off an important character like Wilhelmina…probably not.

Rating: 7/10

Impressions:

Sorry for the late post, I’ve been really busy with homework lately so I haven’t had a chance to sit down properly and blog. This episodes gives us some well needed Yuuji development, as ever since he started training to be able to fight against Tomogara, his change in demeanour has been quite obvious. For now, his resolve seems quite pure, but I’m not sure about whether that will last or not. The actual plot of this particular episode seems a bit stupid to me, especially how the sense of danger is hardly existent at all. It may just be me used to more serious and pressuring violence though.

Rating: 7.8/10

Impressions:

This episode gives Yuuji a lot of important character development, and will contrast with future events heavily, as you will soon see. Right now though, I like the idea of a more resolute Yuuji, even if it means leaving behind his friends. I’m still waiting for a possible confession to Shana, but as it seems now, I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon. In comparison though, the problem with Yoshida has been set up so that Yuuji definitely needs to resolve it fairly soon. More importantly though, I’m looking forward to the progress of Yuuji and his training, as well as the processions of Bal Masque.

Rating: 7.5/10

Impressions:

Yuuji’s acting strange…and I don’t think it’s just his will to become stronger. Perhaps what’s inside him is affecting him somehow… whatever the case, I really don’t think this bodes well. He’s far too serious, and it seems like this is only going to get him into greater trouble. I wonder if Shana is ever going to confess now though, since the story isn’t slowing down, and Yuuji’s determination is going to let her make any moves any time soon. The series is about to end soon anyway, so it will be interesting to see how it goes down, and how far it gets in relation to the novels (I think they’re almost up the current novel, if I’m not mistaken).

So Eita puts himself out of the picture…The show is steadily becoming more localised, if that’s the right word, since the interferences by side characters are being reduced, with the disappearance of Konoe and Pheles, the assumed absence of Eita and Ogata, as well as the stepping up of all the other more important characters, like Shana, Yuuji and Hecate. In other words, everything seems to be coming together very nicely now, and I’m itching to see some decent action soon to come. I can’t help but feel all the earlier episodes involving Konoe have gone to waste, as seriously, nothing happens during those episodes.

Rating: 8/10

Impressions:

I like the calm and tranquillity after the storm in many cases, and not so much the type that exists before the storm. It gives a sense of achievement, as it evaluates the results of the action in the previous episodes, and gives you an idea of what might come next. This particular episode also brings a lot of character development, especially in Yoshida, and although I don’t like her at all, I must approve of this method of execution. If you ask me, Yoshida isn’t going to die any time soon no matter what. She’s been built up as a tremendously strong support character, with all the attention she gets, as well as the acknowledgement from the main characters.

The next episode seems to be not be about the main story, despite the great importance of the things that are already happening: Bal Masque putting their plans into its final stage, Yoshida and her hougu, Yuuji and his training/preparation etc. Of course, I want to know more about the things that I’ve listed than Satou and Margery, but I can say I’m confident enough in the producers, and the novels foremost, to say that however the show continues from now, won’t disappoint. I do think we’re getting close to the latest novel, so that might pose a problem in terms of the show and anime originals, but hopefully, with not many episodes left, that won’t be the case.

This episode introduces a new OP and ED, which is a bit late by usual standards, although the first season of Shakugan no Shana does the same thing. Both songs are sung by Kotoko—the OP is alright, but not that good for her standards, IMO. It could be just that, but I actually think it’s simply due to the different feel of the song in its entirety that reduces my good opinion of it. The ED, on the other hand, is quite generic for a Kotoko song, but IMO is the far better of the two, and I can say that I like it a lot. In terms of animation though, the OP no doubt has the better production, and this time, the producers really have made an effort to make it fantastic.

Rating: 9.5/10

Impressions:

Definitely the best episode thus far—the action is actually animated really well, while things just keep happening one after another, as Marcosias mentions in this episode. Konoe’s mystery is finally solved, as it turns out she is simply a faux body (perhaps similar to the one Pheles uses) of Hecate, though the emphasis on the memories Konoe has of her friends makes me think that it will change something within Hecate, perhaps making her reluctant in any future dealings with Shana and co. It’s also interesting to see that she possesses quite a strong power and is able to stand up to a Flame Haze.

I really love the Shana x Yuuji moment in this episode, and was once again hoping she would finally confess, but it doesn’t happen. What worries me though, is the figure in armour that appears from within Yuuji. It’s definitely part of a large scheme of the Bal Masque, and the sheer importance of this project suggests that the armou-clad being will eventually face off with Shana and the ‘good guys’. Yuuji also seems to be obtaining extra powers, but it’s quite cloudy regarding whether these powers will do him good or bad. There’s still a question of what role Johan will have in this (if he’s still alive).

Note that Hecate is the ‘Priestess’. There is still no ‘King’. (anyway…gonna watch the next episode NOW)