3 Reasons Why Hayate no Gotoku Season 2 Sucks
As I mentioned before, the second season of Hayate no Gotoku was one of the shows I was looking forward to the most. However, it was also one of the most disappointing of the season. At first, I thought that it was probably because my expectations were too high. However, after watching 6 episodes, I finally understand why I dislike it so much.
1. Too similar to the manga
I started reading the HnG manga because I liked the anime so much. I was pleasnatly surprised because for the most part, the two stories were mutually exclusive, making it feel like new adventures with familiar characters. However, the new season is basically a direct adaptation of the manga starting from chapter 52. I usually don’t have problems with direct adaptations. I usually like seeing direct adaptations as the action usually plays out better in animated form. My problem with HnG is that it’s essentially exactly the fucking same.
More accurately, it feels like a trimmed down version of the manga. The chapters are too short to be stretched into an episode, but too long to fit 2 chapters of material into one. This means that some scenes need to be cut, and others need to be rushed, which disrupts the flow somewhat. The manga and its humor is pretty slow paced and relaxing, which was part of the reason I liked it. However, the jokes also get cut to make way for the story. The second season of the anime made me realize that the story really isn’t that good. I’m pretty sure that the writers of the first season realized this too, which is why they decided to make it as random as possible.
2. No more references
This point has probably been beaten to death by the rest of the anime blogging community, so I’ll keep this short. The pop culture references in the first season were probably the funniest moments of the series period. Now there are no more references and too much moe and plot. The show isn’t funny anymore.
3. No more nom nom moments and shiritori
The first season of HnG had a pleathora of running gags. My personal favorite was Nishizawa’s nom nom moments, where she would always be eatting something at least once per episode, even if she had nothing to do with the episode. It had no purpose, but was still funny, and I looked forward to it every episode. The other running gag was the eyecatch shiritori. Once again, no purpose, but still a fun gag. Now the eyecatches are boring, and the series could really do without them.
Ok, so I’ve spent the past ~450 words bitching about HnG2. So why do I stick with it. The first reason is fandom. I’m such a big fan of the manga and first season that they could give me shit on a stick, and I would be somewhat interested in it as long as it had the HnG name on it. The second reason is:
I love the character and love this song too. The single comes out next week, and I’m eagerly awaiting its upload. A loli Maria from the opening image is nicetoo.
That’s all for now. Expect more manly posts in the future. Adios!
Hard Work and Guts: An Anime Blog 
May 13, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Agreed that the second season is definitely subpar compared to the first. The charm and humor just aren’t quite there. Like you stated, the first season had plenty of self-referential material to make it all hilarious, but we’re not getting enough of that to make it worth our while.
Hopefully it’ll improve, but only time will tell.
May 14, 2009 at 2:00 am
Why don’t you watch Zettai Karen Children then? The show has shiritori, anime references, and some of the things that you watched in the first season of Hayate no Gotoku. Zettai Karen Children is just a show aired after Hayate no Gotoku in the same timeslot so they are pretty much the same.
One problem with the first season is that they are forced to be aired on morning, which provides restriction for the safety of younger audience and NOT because they realized the story isn’t great at all. Which is why most gags are nonsensical. Another reason is that most kids do not like shows with plot at all. Which is why the first season was trimmed down to a plot-less random show. It is a good thing that the show is now on J.C. Staff. In reality, I want to see the adapted version of the manga I love with little or no differences.
About your number 1:
I have a different thought. I think that it is a lot better for the show to be more focused in the manga. That way, a lot of nonsensical waste of time gags that never made people laugh can be decreased.
Besides, I think that Hayate the Combat Butler has a great story (contrary on what you are thinking). What makes the manga even greater is that it nearly never abandons humor which is why I loved the show.
About your number 2:
Not quite. There are still references like the episode 7’s title which is a reference to the anime Yakitate Ja-Pan.. There is also the Pretty Cure Max Heart parody which is not removed.
About your number 3:
I think it is now a tradition in SynergySP to have Shiritori and Eyecatches. Hayate and Zettai Karen Children have it. I am not sure about Cross Game though.
@zzeroparticle
If it is the art, then the second season is definitely subpar compared to the first. However, if it is about the adaptation itself, it is still early to judge it. The butler wars in the first season was definitely boring except the Duel Butler, and the 39th episode of the show.
============
Oh, kurogane, randomcuriosity, subculture. Those are some anime bloggers that dropped the show because the humor ultimately dropped the longer the first season goes. Even I nearly got bored. kurogane focused more on the manga that he liked even more. But kurogane is now taking the second season with a good review (because of Hinagiku).
And yes, if you are a fanboy in any heroine, then you’ll definitely love the second season SOON since there are many portions of the manga that will never get animated by the makers of the first season because they try to prevent plot as soon as possible. Look at how they did Hinagiku’s birthday in the first season! Look at how Hinagiku’s mom changed! J.C. staff version of Hinagiku’s mom is more win.
But anyway, if you just like nonsensical jokes per se, then there should be no problem of you wanting the first season more. I just missed the first season’s art which is quite attractive to the eye… much better than the second season’s art which has a stronger color. And to tell you the truth, I love SynergySP’s reputation in anime adaptation with good art quality since not only they are good in the eye, they are nearly consistent. Unlike some of J.C. staff’s anime.
May 14, 2009 at 9:39 am
I watched the first 13 episodes of ZKC, and I loved it. I’m just waiting for the rest of the batches to come out so I can splurge on it some more.
I feel that the morning time slot of the first season actually helped the show a lot. I enjoyed the censor man and how they broke the 4th wall to mention their broadcast limitations. I have to disagree with that comment about kids like shows without plot. One Piece is probably one of the most watched shows in Japan, and it’s full of plot.
About your about your #1
I’ve read the manga up until what has been scanlated (131 chapters), and I feel the chapters so far are pretty episodic without a lot of overarching plot. I’ve heard shit gets real later with Athena later on, but I haven’t gotten to those chapters since I don’t like skipping. I guess that part of the reason I like the first season over the manga is because some of my favorite characters, like the student council trio and Sakuya, are more suited for gags than plot. I don’t like Nagi, and am pretty much indifferent to Maria, so that’s why I don’t care for the plot points too much.
About your about your #2
Pulled straight from the chapter title and manga respectively. I guess I was hoping for something new.
About your about you #3
Cross Game doesn’t have shiritori, but is still a great show for completely different reasons that HnG S1 was. I highly recommend it if you aren’t watching it.
I know that the next couple episodes are going to be all about Hinagiku, but I already know how it is going to pan out based on the manga. My main problem with direct adaptations like this is that you see everything coming, and essentially just watching to see the same scene in color.
I actually liked the Hinagiku birthday episode in the first season. She’s not THE main character, so they have to keep her at a lower status.
I wonder if we would be complaining about SynergySP’s art had the studios been switched for the seasons. Is it nerd nature to complain about change, or is it actually better?
I guess the difference between you and me is like the difference of wanting a cheeseburger and a patty melt. They’re similar yet different enough that when you don’t get what you want, you feel disappointed. I got my patty melt with the first season, and you’re getting your cheeseburger with the second. I just wanted another patty melt is all. You can reverse the analogy in your mind if you’re more of a patty melt kind of guy.
May 14, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I guess you made your point. I want direct adaptations while you want something different.
Anyway,
>>She’s not THE main character, so they have to keep her at a lower status.
The show’s only main character is Hayate. Nagi is beginning to lose her status as a heroine as time passes by. Even majority of the fans consider Hinagiku as a better heroine than Nagi. She is even the MOST popular in the whole series up until now. Not only she wins the popularity contests, but also dominates the other contender. Even Kenjiro Hata admits it. Even the latest chapters (around 220) seems to dictate it as well. Of all the female characters in the whole series, Hinagiku is the only character that keeps having a high profile… Much higher than Nagi.
July 3, 2009 at 4:42 am
[…] understand that there are those who are actually displeased with this season of Hayate no Gotoku, and to some extent I can see why. Hayate in a sense is […]
October 8, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I kinda agreed to you.. I mean..
1st, though i never watced the manga before but.. wont those manga readers feel bored when watching Season 2 that is THE SAME as the manga, right?
ur 2nd, I always laugh when watching HnG laughed but i never laughed when i watch the season 2.. Seriously, not one from my heart out.
ur 3rd, Yeah.. i never laughed about those num num ones.. but, those are seriously random.. XD And I liked that too. Like, ayumu only had a little screen time.. thats why the author wrote those random parts out. Not like season 2, they made Ayumu one of the MC[main character]s but Ayumu had LESS screen time than HnG!
One more from me,
They dont have the “*****” to let you guess already! =(
~~~
Dont know if you would agree to me with this..
It’s about Hayate X Athena OR Hayate X Nagi..
Let see..
Most people prefers Hayate X Athena because..
1.) She is Hayate’s first..
2.) She teached him a lot of stuff especially butler powers.
3.) She has a … big br***. TT.TT [<<< Hayate no gotoku style! XD]
4.) She's cool and pretty.
But if u ask me, I prefer Hayate x Nagi.
Why?
1.)if Hayate never met Nagi, there WONT be a 'Hayate the combat BUTLER', right? [Hayate realized that too in Hayate no Gotoku!]
2.) Hayate and Nagi always have 'fight'. That make me think they're a cute couple.
3) Nagi is the main herioine!
4.) She saved Hayate from his debt!
5.) She really cared about him!
6.) He became much powerful after meeting Nagi!
7.) If he never met Nagi, He wouldnt meet Hina, Miki, Rika.. and more that are from his school!
You know.. It's a waste tat Hayate doesnt know how much Nagi loved him.. Hope you reply..
October 8, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I’m pretty sure the series will end with HayatexNagi since she’s the main heroine, and I don’t expect Hata to be original. I’m pretty sure an indecisive end is also likely where Hayate gets chased off into the sunset by his harem since he can’t choose one. The series far from over so speculation is kind of meaningless at this point.
October 8, 2009 at 8:18 pm
eto.. I dont understand..
Whats Hata?
October 8, 2009 at 8:26 pm
He’s the manga-ka.
October 8, 2009 at 8:30 pm
I kinda feel bad for Hina too..
Especially my friend who is a Hina fan, She said that Athena’s stealing Hina’s popularity.. If nagi never appears, I’d rather have Hina than Athena you know..
October 19, 2009 at 7:20 am
me too!!! and who’s athena i think hayate is better with hinagiku than nagi or ayumi but if hayate never met nagi then hayate never had the chance to meet hina right!!! so i dont know who’s perfect for hayate but i only pick one of does two hina or nagi how about you?
October 19, 2009 at 7:27 am
in episode 13 or 14 hina call hayate ayasaki-kun right when she realised that she likes hayate in the end she called hayate hayate-kun by the way hayate was so funny when he was cryin ahahaha!!! sorry for wrong spelling
October 19, 2009 at 9:06 am
I don’t like Hayate much as a hero so I would prefer it if he ended up with Nagi. Maybe I just want my favorite character’s purity to be maintained lol.
October 16, 2009 at 1:12 pm
If season 2 was as stupid as season 1 who would like it bitch
October 16, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Season 1 was probably one of the best parody/reference anime out there. If you didn’t find it funny you clearly haven’t watched enough.
October 21, 2009 at 4:41 pm
well as for me the top 3 girls for hayate are:
Izumi Saginomiya
Hinagiku and Nagi
October 21, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!Izumi Saginomiya super cute!!!!!!!
October 21, 2009 at 7:38 pm
You sounded like you’re spamming. *Nagi style*
October 21, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I’m more of a man of Segawa Isumi personally.
October 22, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Haha.. I see.. ^^
December 26, 2009 at 9:10 pm
i agree that the second season is not as good as the first one due to the over-emphasize (or should i call exploitation?) on “fan-service” rather than comedy, originality, funny narrator, pop-culture references, and dramatic irony(the characters are aware of the fact that they are in the anime lol,i find it hilarious XD)
season 2 is still a nice anime and i don’t think it’s that bad =]
9.
March 19, 2010 at 10:18 pm
I really miss the little transitions when they would say completely random stuff. in season 2 its just cards… boring!
Btw, my fav character is either isumi or izumi. they are both hilarious! and izumi DOES know hayate’s name!
August 11, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Uhm… i thing that the Second season of HnG was way better then the first because of the storyline it had…o.o the first season kinda confused the hell out of me….although the comedy was great but still…i just cant wait till te 3rd season :o~~~~
August 11, 2010 at 7:06 pm
If you read the manga, the material is mostly random and comedic like the first season. The story for the second season is the same boilerplate love triangles we’ve seen JC Staff animate time and time again.
I preferred HnG when it was original and experimental like the first season rather than resorting to shameless fan pandering to sell more body pillows.