Spoilers ahead for all of Second Season A prime example of how imaginative and unique Nisio can really be with his writing. All the concepts and characters built up within the first season come to a head each going some different bizarre direction that the viewer may have never expected. A shift in perspective becomes a common aspect for the rest of the season Koyomis viewpoint is only used for two arcs so hes hardly the focus yet the effects of this season shape his attitude and personality just as much as everyone elses. The variety of narrators and almost absurd quality of the writing in Second Season is incredible so much so that each arc within this season really deserves its own review. However this review intends to keep things brief. Neko White starts everything off and although it retreads a few things in a shorter manner it focuses wholly on Tsubasas perspective and thoughts. Hitagi is great in this arc as well as the first episode focuses on the two main girls finally breaking the ice between them and befriending one another. Tsubasas efforts to reconcile with herself via Black Hanekawa and accept the imperfect ugly parts of her personality bring a very satisfying emotional end to one of the best girls in the cast. Kabuki allows more time for Shinobu to interact with Koyomi strengthening and deepening the strange relationship between the two. The guilt Shinobu expresses for eradicating the world shows just how far shes come from being an aloof ancient being who couldnt bother to learn Koyomis name. Not only this but the alternate KissShots final scene gives us an insight into how early on Shinobu had developed an actual emotional bond with the protagonist giving further credence to the fact that what KissShot truly desired was a genuine human connection with someone after 400 years of isolation and regret. In conclusion a very solid start to the season but it suffers from the prior Tsubasafocused arcs that have already presented us with what was essentially the entirety of Tsubasas character whereas Kabuki expands on Shinobus character dramatically. The middle of Second Season spikes dramatically in quality though that isnt to say the first two arcs are poorly written. Otori just happens to be one of my favorites. It gives a unique perspective on a character that was previously presented as a simple cute girl. Conversely Nadeko turns out to be anything but that yet she isnt written in a way that simply stops at subverting that adorable appearance. Instead shes a girl whos wholly unstable in almost every aspect hiding and shirking around the reality of who she is to just get by and live normally as best she can. The progression and inversion of Nadekos inward hatred for her outward self is very interesting to watch. The change from an internal monologue acknowledging her own faults and discontentment to outbursts of raw feelings and emotion towards her teacher and classmates showcases the contrasting sides of Nadekos rapidly deteriorating psyche. The final rejection of Koyomis pleading almost feels satisfying to watch considering that in truth Nadeko is as much a victim as she is the perpetrator. Her insanity is made even more potent for the viewer when she breaks the fourth wall and offers her fantasized version of the final confrontation in the aftercredits scene. Overall the perspective shift to such a deranged untrustworthy narrator is a very welcome very fascinating one easily cementing Otorimonogatari as one of the best arcs in the entire series. Moving on to the later arcs: Oni although a weaker arc in comparison to everything else in SS is more about building up some aspects of the world and the rules for apparitions and monstrosities for later stories. It falls short due to some lengthy portions of exposition dumping which obviously are never pleasant for any viewer. Even more egregious is the fact that half of the information is prior knowledge. Still the final episodes that focus more on Mayoi are very heartfelt and touching. Shinobu although having a more minor role lets more of her real personality spill out although its nothing as significant as in Kabuki. Ultimately it really doesnt hold up to the rest of this season but its brevity and finale keep it afloat among the other parts. Finally Koimonogatari. Like all good sequels Koi builds off everything set up in Otori. One completes the other making a single coherent story about a mentally unstable girl and an underhanded yet caring swindler. Kaikis perspective is the most unique yet offering insight into the inner workings of what was previously the only antagonist of the series. His methodology halftruths lies excuses and notsoshady history with Hitagi are explored in full alongside his efforts to save his hated rivals from Nadeko. Kaiki goes from a previously minor albeit rather foreboding antagonist in Nise to a rich fully realized character. Six episodes of characterization and development are enough to propel him to the very top of almost every tier list I have seen a fact owed entirely to Nisios phenomenal writing within this arc. In fact its safe to say every episode in this arc is practically perfect. Hitagi herself has some very genuine moments as she reconciles her past with Kaiki entrusting everything she holds dear to the man she thought she hated thus proving her affection and loyalty towards Koyomi. An overall excellent performance from most everyone involved in this portion. Overall Second Season reiterates just how skilled Nisio is in writing exciting intriguing characters and storylines. Bakemonogatari may have been slow for a first viewing but the payoff in Second Season is so immense that it easily affects ones opinion of the beginning. There is something within this section of Monogatari for everyone regardless of whether youre a fan of Tsubasa Hitagi Hachikuji or otherwise. Characters that hardly seemed important are thrust forwards and given some of the best development seen yet placing them easily among the likes of Tsubasa or Hitagi. Not only this but these previously uninteresting individuals carry their respective arcs on their backs with their unique unreliable take on the world and people around them. Its safe to say that such a nearperfect season deserves all the acclaim and praise that it receives and it definitely earns its spot among my favorites. Of course the events of Second Season affect more than just those contained within it. Ougi is introduced abruptly and shown to be a very strange mysterious actor within the story seeding the minds of viewers with that uncomfortable feeling that something is off about her selfalleged role. Even more worrying Ougi is revealed as the one who leaked the location of Kuchinawas body to Nadeko during Otorimonogatari muddying her true goal even further and deepening the mystery surrounding her. Izuko is also given more screen time within Oni showcasing her more serious admittedly merciless side in her handling of the Mayoi situation. Neko White specifically foreshadows and hints at some particularly exciting situations that are revealed in Kabuki and later in The finale of Koi even ends with the very first true death creating an appropriately pathetic end for one of the best characters.