Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It Season 2: A Quirky Rom-Com That Pushes the Boundaries of Love and Logic

Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It r=1-sinθ (Heart), the second season of the beloved anime adaptation of Alifred Yamamoto’s manga, aired from April 2 to June 18, 2022, and continues its delightfully nerdy exploration of romance through the lens of scientific inquiry. With its unique premise, charming characters, and a blend of humor and heart, Season 2 builds on the foundation of its predecessor while introducing new dynamics and unexpected twists. However, it also stumbles in places, leaving fans with mixed feelings about its execution. This review dives into what makes Season 2 a unique and informative continuation, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and the lingering questions it leaves behind.

A Scientific Romance That Evolves

Season 2 picks up where the first season left off, following Saitama University graduate students Shinya Yukimura and Ayame Himuro as they continue their quest to scientifically prove their love for each other. After their romantic kiss under the Okinawan sunrise in Season 1, one might expect the couple to settle into a typical rom-com trajectory. Instead, the show doubles down on its premise: love must be quantified, measured, and validated through rigorous experiments. This season introduces new variables, such as oxytocin measurements and comparisons with a “control” couple—Chris Floret and Suiu Fujiwara, longtime partners from the Biological Sciences department—adding depth to the scientific framework.

The core appeal of Science Fell in Love remains its ability to blend intellectual rigor with emotional vulnerability. Yukimura and Himuro’s analytical approach to romance—complete with graphs, equations, and fourth-wall-breaking explanations—remains both hilarious and endearing. For instance, their attempts to measure oxytocin levels during romantic scenarios, like hand-holding or reenacting manga-inspired scenes, are both absurdly funny and surprisingly educational. The show’s commitment to incorporating real scientific concepts, such as statistical analysis and biochemical markers of affection, makes it a rare rom-com that entertains while subtly teaching its audience.

Character Development: Hits and Misses

Season 2 expands the spotlight to include the supporting cast, which adds both richness and inconsistency to the narrative. Yukimura and Himuro remain the heart of the show, with their awkward yet heartfelt interactions stealing the show. Halfway through the season, they take a significant step by setting aside their scientific detachment to confess their feelings in a more conventional, emotional manner—a pivotal moment that proves the show can balance its gimmick with genuine romance. Sora Amamiya and Yuma Uchida deliver stellar performances as Himuro and Yukimura, capturing their quirky chemistry and gradual growth.

The secondary characters, however, are a mixed bag. Ena Ibarada and Kosuke Inukai, the lab’s resident chunibyo and gamer duo, see significant development in their will-they-won’t-they dynamic, hinting at a potential spin-off. Their backstory and budding romance add a layer of depth, making them fan favorites for many. Conversely, Kanade Kotonoha’s arc takes a darker turn that feels jarring for a rom-com. Her pursuit of a “normal” romance with Naoya Shikijo culminates in a shocking plot twist where Naoya reveals his yandere tendencies, kidnapping her in a disturbing sequence. This dramatic shift in tone, especially in the finale, feels out of place and unresolved, leaving some viewers dissatisfied.

The introduction of Haruka, a high school student and the daughter of a scientist, adds a fresh perspective but feels underutilized. Her carefree attitude contrasts with the lab’s hyper-analytical environment, but her storyline lacks the depth needed to make a lasting impact. Similarly, the return of manga artist Arika Yamamoto adds comedic chaos but doesn’t significantly advance the plot.

Animation and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Treat

Visually, Season 2 maintains the high standard set by Zero-G’s animation in the first season. The character designs are vibrant, with Himuro’s expressive ponytail (which wags like a dog’s tail when she’s happy) adding a whimsical touch. The art style complements the story’s lighthearted tone, with clean lines and colorful backdrops, particularly during the Okinawa scenes. The opening theme, “Love-Evidence” by Sora Amamiya, captures the show’s quirky charm, while the ending theme, “Bibitto Love” by CHiCO with HoneyWorks and Mafumafu, feels like a mini-episode, adding a playful coda to each episode.

Strengths: A Unique Blend of Education and Entertainment

One of Season 2’s greatest strengths is its ability to make science accessible and fun. The show’s use of fourth-wall breaks to explain concepts like oxytocin or control experiments is both informative and engaging. These segments, often delivered by a bear mascot, ensure that even viewers with minimal scientific background can follow along, making the series a rare blend of entertainment and education. The humor, while occasionally repetitive, lands well in moments of over-the-top scientific analysis, such as when Yukimura calculates the force required to break Himuro’s glasses case or when the lab debates the “mood value” of a romantic bridge.

The season also takes risks by exploring new romantic dynamics and deeper emotional stakes. The focus on Ena and Kosuke’s relationship, as well as Kanade’s struggles with societal expectations, broadens the show’s scope beyond Yukimura and Himuro’s romance. The addition of Chris and Suiu as a benchmark for “mature” love challenges the leads to confront their insecurities, adding nuance to the narrative.

Weaknesses: Tonal Inconsistencies and Unresolved Threads

Despite its strengths, Season 2 struggles with pacing and tonal shifts. The first six episodes maintain the lighthearted, episodic charm of Season 1, but the latter half, particularly episodes 7–12, introduces a darker narrative with Kanade’s arc. The sudden shift to Naoya’s yandere behavior and Kanade’s kidnapping feels like a tonal whiplash, clashing with the show’s otherwise comedic vibe. Many reviewers, including those on Anime Hajime and Blushing Geek, noted that this plot twist was poorly foreshadowed and felt like an unnecessary deviation from the rom-com formula.

Additionally, the season’s finale introduces a love triangle involving Kanade, Ayame, and Yukimura, which feels forced and unnecessary. While Ayame’s decision to “compete” with Kanade for Yukimura’s affection adds drama, it undermines the satisfying closure of their mutual confession earlier in the season. This, coupled with the lack of resolution for Kanade’s trauma and other subplots, leaves fans with more questions than answers. Some viewers, as noted in a post on X, gave the season a 7/10, appreciating its comedy and romance but feeling it fell short of expectations.

Informative Insights: Science Meets Romance

What sets Season 2 apart is its commitment to integrating real scientific principles into its storytelling. The show explores concepts like oxytocin release, statistical significance, and experimental design in a way that’s approachable without feeling patronizing. For example, the use of oxytocin as a measurable indicator of love is grounded in actual neuroscience, though exaggerated for comedic effect. These elements make the series a fascinating case study in how anime can bridge the gap between entertainment and education, appealing to both science enthusiasts and rom-com fans.

The show also offers a refreshing take on the rom-com genre by portraying scientists as multidimensional characters. Yukimura and Himuro’s blend of intellectual rigor and emotional naivety challenges stereotypes about scientists as cold or unfeeling, while Kanade’s struggle to balance her quirky personality with societal expectations adds a relatable layer to the narrative.

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Lovable Experiment

Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It Season 2 is a bold continuation of its quirky premise, blending humor, romance, and science in a way that’s both unique and informative. Its strengths lie in its charming leads, educational elements, and willingness to explore new character dynamics. However, the season falters with its inconsistent tone, particularly in the latter half, where dramatic plot twists clash with the established rom-com vibe. While the animation, voice acting, and music remain top-notch, the unresolved subplots and abrupt ending leave room for improvement.

For fans of the first season, Season 2 offers more of what made the series special, with enough fresh elements to keep things engaging. However, newcomers might find the tonal shifts jarring and the scientific jargon overwhelming. If you’re looking for a rom-com that dares to be different, Season 2 is worth a watch, but be prepared for an experiment that doesn’t always yield conclusive results. Here’s hoping a potential Season 3 ties up the loose ends and returns to the heart of what makes this series so lovable.

Rating: 7.5/10

Where to Watch: Season 2 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Recommendation: Perfect for fans of rom-coms with a twist or those who enjoy a blend of science and silliness, but approach with caution if you prefer a consistent tone.

---

This review incorporates insights from various sources, including IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Anime Hajime, and Blushing Geek, to provide a comprehensive and balanced perspective on the season’s reception.