Nisekoi: (2015)

[ニセコイ:]

Director: Akiyuki Shinbo
Studio: Shaft
Starring: Koki Uchiyama, Nao Toyama, Kana Hanazawa
Episodes: 12

Synopsis:
Now that Chitoge realizes she has feelings for Raku, she struggles to figure out what to do with their relationship.

Impressions:
Being shorter than the first season, this feels a little more focused, even if the primarily episodic format remains. If you know how these romcoms tend to go, just because Chitoge is aware of her feelings doesn't mean much in the way of tangible progress. After all, Onodera's been pining for Raku for years and Marika even longer than that. If you're actually wanting headway to be made, you're not going to see much. The addition of Onodera's sister Haru to the cast seems to be somewhat contentious, as she's an obstacle to a ship that's not got much chance of sailing anyway, she's got an unjustifiably prickly personality, and she's ultimately destined to be just another addition to the harem. Episode 8 makes the curious decision to devote half the episode to the Magical Patissiere Kosaki-chan! spinoff (whose manga happens to be penned by Taishi Tsutsui of Bokuben fame). Probably the most punch is found in the two-parter with Chitoge's mom. In the final tally, I think this is enough to satisfy fans of the series (though we may never see the final arc of the manga animated), but it's not going to change anyone's mind. As I narrowly gave the first season a "Watch It", I'll do the same here. At least it's not friggin' KanoKari.

Rating:
Watch It