A sequel that shatters all expectations and improves on every aspect over its first season and doesnt shy away from portraying the physical and emotional tolls of athleticism thanks to the brilliant use of a new main character. It captures the harsh reality that hard work doesnt always lead to victory and that sometimes dreams need to be reshaped or let go because of how much of a jerk fate is aswell as celebrate the growth coming from failure and the strength found in friendship and not giving up. The narrative deepens its themes of friendship / rivalry and personal growth as both Teio and McQueen have to deal with how harsh reality can be when in the pursuit of greatness dealing with lifechanging injuries selfdoubt disappointment and not living up to expectations. Teios and McQueens dynamic in the season is nothing short of greatness both of them are absolutely amazing and their relationship is without a doubt the strongest one in the whole series when Teio was at her lowest point it was mainly McQueen who gave her the strength to push forward. This only makes the latter episodes even more emotional when the roles are reversed and its Teio who gives McQueen the encouragement to not give up and makes a miracle happen. The new introduced cast in the season doesnt disappoint the one that shines the brightest though is no other than Rice Shower along with her companion Mihono Bourbon. Seen as a socalled heel that ends others winstreaks and shatters their dreams being hated by everyone in the public and getting booed whenever she wins to the point of making her want to stop racing completely due to being both sad and afraid is simply heartbreaking. Its thanks to mostly Bourbon and Team Spica that she is eventually able to achieve the determination to keep on racing despite the loneliness and criticism the determination to achieve her own goals in pursue of cheers and greatness. She really is outstanding and she managed to steal the show for the little amount of screentime she got becoming one of my favorite characters in the series going from a heel to a hero While season 1 was already enjoyable as a more silly show in my honest opinion theres no better word to describe this season other than masterpiece the unexpected change in narrative from seasons 1 to 2 solidifies the Uma Musume franchise as one of if not the best Sports anime / manga franchises available out there 1000https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/780469837671170093/1309450064959242240/Screenshot6676.png?ex=67419fe7is=67404e67hm=b0c8fefc39788a92a06f619e18032c1aa9742d5c99470de34ba9bb50d1196bff