I've waited for so long to get this reviewed, omg. It's been, what, 13 years since I first watched this. I've rewatched this series over the years more times than I can count on one hand.

Anyway, please watch Season 1 first. The context from the earlier season would be very crucial in this Season, as well as in understanding the dynamics of each character.

That said, hell yeahh-- Ep 1 gives us the 'introduction' of what happened after the first Season. It pretty much showed us as well the fruits of their previous efforts. Now, one would think it'd be chill and more on school life with less of the idol things, but nope-- you're in for another wild ride.

The animation improved drastically compared to the first season. Even their low-res frames were cute, lol. Story-wise, it gives us more depth on their "reasons" for being idols. Previously in the first season, they were driven by circumstances. But now that the said circumstance was finally solved, they set out for the same goal with a different drive now. More as a group, and as friends, not just as students who happened to love singing.

Nico pushing for it, too, gives us more of her serious side. And I'm really happy that even Eli and Nozomi mirror that same desire to an extent, along with the first years.

If you're here, however, for some NicoMaki and NozoEli--- well, I guarantee you, there's A LOT. For those who aren't exactly here for the ships but are curious, some scenes in this ep will bamboozle you in all ways than one. Hit me up for a good yap XD

We also got to see Honoka's so-called "powers", although that's pretty much fandom-y, but you'll understand what it means when you watch the ep and get to that part.