Anime: This season, the production was done by a different studio, Aija-do Animation Works (famous for work on The End of Evangelion and Here is Greenwood), but still directed by Tsuneo Kobayashi. It aired from April 16th to July 2nd, 2007, and has been licensed Stateside by The Right Stuf International (a release date has yet to be announced).
Story: The Second Act picks up a few months after the end of the first season; Emma's working as a maid at a mansion, and trying to forget William. William's going about his business and trying to forget about Emma, even though he pines over her. In the meantime, there's a butler at the mansion that Emma's working at that's interested in her, and Eleanor's getting ready to make her move.
I'm really happy with this second season. It's lived up to the first season's standard in every way. I'm not going to respell out everything here, so go see my review for the first season if you want to know what it is about this story that makes me go GAH.
There are a few coincidences I'm not all that happy with, and William acts like an insensitive ass at times, but hey, you can't have everything.
Also, I've finally been able to read through the manga, and this corresponds to Volumes Three to the final Volume (Seven (the first season covered everything in volumes One and Two)). This didn't stick so well to the manga source, but trust me, that was a good thing, especially towards the end of the series (the manga had a fairly unbelievable plot line towards its end).
Oh, and the main thing that I can tell you about the ending without spoiling things too much is that it's a happy one this time around, and you'll be thinking "IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!" when it comes around.
Art: You will notice a slight change in the art style since the studios changed between the first season and the second one. But you stop paying attention to it after a while, really. And really, it's just as good as Pierrot's animation, so you won't see me complaining.
Music: I thought they couldn't improve the OP. And then I heard this season's Celtic Version of "Silhouette of a Breeze", and I died. I died again when I heard the new ED, "Rondo of Lily Bell", which pwns the "Minuet for EMMA", hands down.
The background music for this season isn't quite as understated as it was last season, but it's still good.
Seiyuu: For me, one of the real standouts is Eleanor's seiyuu, who also did the role of both Lucy and Nyuu in Elfen Lied. Otherwise, no miserable performances, and an excellent job overall.
Length: This isn't quite the same pacing as last season. It goes at the slower pace at some points, but then it speeds up in other parts. It gets a little jerky, but it works out just fine in the end.
Overall: This is the sequel that most everyone who watched last season wanted.
Story: 9/10
Art: 9/10
Music: 9/10
Seiyuu: 9/10
Length: 8/10
Overall: 44/50; 88% (B)
