Ah, Initial D: Second Stage. The much-anticipated sequel to Initial D: First Stage, one of the finest animes in the racing genre. Unfortunately, Second Stage did not meet my expectations for an Initial D sequel. It seemed to me like they just flipped Initial D upside-down and we have the exact opposite of what made First Stage so popular. In Second Stage, we're handed dull racing sequences and interesting characters. Quite a difference over Initial D: First Stage, I'd say.

There are quite a number of racing sequences in Second Stage, almost as many as in its predecessor. A total of FIVE races take place in just 13 episodes, that's a whole lot of racing. However, each race is very short compared to the original which leads to them feeling very rushed so it can get back to character development. And wow, the characters in Second Stage were SO much more interesting than before. Before, it felt like they just existed to move the plot along. However, now they are actually entertaining and dynamic.

Unfortunately, one thing I hated most about the First Stage is still back: character relationships last only one or two episodes and then everybody just forgets about them. In Second Stage, Itsuki's romance with Kazumi was taking shape and then she abruptly left, we don't even hear back. Quite a disappointment. On the other hand, we finally *almost* get some advancement with Takumi's relationship with Natsuki when he finds out who she's driving in the Mercedes with. We don't find out who it is until Third Stage, though.

Which brings me to my last point: there is no ending to Second Stage. If you want to watch this series, then you MUST watch the movie that follows it or else you'll just be left in the dark on many things. Also, if you want to watch the First Stage then you must watch this one after because First Stage also has no ending. It's really very frustrating.