I finished watching
Monogatari Series: Second Season, which covers the
Hitagi End arc.
Honestly, Monogatari is a special series. Much of what occurred in the first season was absolutely spectacular. But the 2nd season, undoubtedly, shapes up to be a classic with 10/10 storytelling, direction, VA work and music. Simply a series that is literally 95% talking can keep so engaged. Admittedly, there are some perverted comedy bits, but that doesn't degrade the story in any way. As the tone shifts when the series needs to be a serious, it is well done.
As we know from the Nadeko Medusa arc, because of the involvement of Ougi, Nadeko Sengoku become a God. Which essentially resulted in her eying to Koyomi. Though Senjougahara was able to buy time for her, Koyomi and Shinobu until they graduate. The issue remains that these 3 will die if nothing happens in their favor. So Senjougahara makes a call to a man she hates, Deishuu Kaiki. As he was responsible for the Crab apparition back in Bakemonogatari.
Now this arc takes in the perspective mostly of Kaiki which is rather unexpected. As a con artist, Senjougahara wishes for Kaiki to deceive Sengoku. Although the actual task to that is complicated. First off, Sengoku is now a God. Essentially, you end up in the hole those three are in if you anger her. The other thing is why would Kaiki risk himself. Which brings us to Hanamonogatari and, if we recall, Kaiki cares about Kanbaru's mom by extension, Kanbaru herself. Because Kanbaru is affiliated with Senjougahara then by ignoring her request she would be putting Kanbaru at risk.
Despite on the surface level, we see Sengoku as an antagonist of sorts. Part of Kaiki's plan to deceive Sengoku revolves around gathering information, so he visits her at the shrine she stays at now. One of the most concerning things that he picks up right away is that how much she doesn't care about the situation that he caused in Bakemonogatari. As he was the con artist who caused her pain. But as he brings up Araragi her mind is much more absorbed on that.
In many ways, this shows that despite becoming a God, it seems like Sengoku feels very much the same girl as before. The issue is that Koyomi rejected her, saying that love will never come. In her twisted mind now she is fine with her love not being answered, but being rejected is a no-go. It comes down to the fact that people are fine if not knowing their love is required. The issue here people will be heartbroken when their love is rejected. So her killing Koyomi would imply her love will never happen. Though there is a mess of logic in her thinking. But given that she has no hatred from Kaiki from that.
This arc really puts it into a position where you look at Sengoku and instead of loathing her. Instead, you feel bad. She seems so pure and innocent. The other thing this arc really does extremely well is showcase the mental state of Senjougahara. She is taxed with the issue of Sengoku wanting to kill herself and her boyfriend. She knows Koyomi's personality isn't one to give up on Sengoku, in which it has led her to ask Kaiki for help. Even so, planning even the smallest chance of surviving must be stressful. When Kaiki gives her the plans with reassurance, the way Senjougahara loves so happy and relived was great. Despite the tough attitude, nothing means more to her than her boyfriend. The fact that she has hope is all she can ask for.
As Ononoki is working for Gaen-senpai. She wants Kaiki to back off from the case he is doing. Simply put, Gaen has been working to put that town in the best position it can be. We also learn that Sengoku wasn't the one destined to be the God, but rather it was supposed to be Shinobu. After all, we learned from Shinobu time that, she was once revered as a God. But because of Ougi's involvement, that title belongs to Sengoku. For Gaen the fate of Koyomi, Shinobu, Senjougahara and Sengoku doesn't matter as much as the fate of the town and the many. Meanwhile, for Kaiki as a con artist, money is the most important thing. He also has a pride of doing a job, so backing out here isn't an option for him.
After Kaiki sneaks into Sengoku's room and sees what she was hiding in her closet, he meets up with Hanekawa which is an important conversation. Unlike with Senjougahara, Hanekawa has a decent grasp on Sengoku. The two big things is that nobody's words could ever reach her and I don't she is in love with anyone. This brings up the point that she isn't truly in love with Koyomi. Which adds the point why her logic is fine with killing him. Normally, if you truly love someone you would never want to kill them. Look at Senjougahara she is doing everything in her power to prevent her boyfriend from dying. Since his death would make her feel her life is meaningless. Despite being friends with Tsukihi they had a more neutral friendship. While Koyomi was the first person who showed what she perceived as kind. Which she latched onto that. More than likely, this is more of an obsession than love.
This really gives the term for Hanekawa the phrase that she uses "I don't know everything, I know everything I know". While she does not know everything, nobody does. Given how smart and perceptive she is, she can figure out things relatively quickly and precisely. Like the Hanekawa we know, she is the only female in this series that has a big enough heart to matchup with Koyomi. As expected, she wants to save Sengoku. Despite Sengoku saying she is happy, she knows just because someone says they are happy it doesn't mean they are. Hanekawa experienced that first hand.
Also, one neat bit of information given to us a bit later is that when dealing with the issue of Senjougahara and her mother being obsessed with the cult. He made the decision that would help Senjougahara. Unfortunately, her mom moved to a different cult and their family situation just got worse. Which, of course, resulted in her hating Kaiki for ruining her life. The fact that Kaiki can look at her and be proud is rather unexpected. But it shows the kindness of a character we viewed as a villain initially.
However, as the time came to deceive Sengoku, Kaiki failed. For the plain reason that she never trusted him one bit. Which can be alluded to the fact that she has never let anyone inside of her heart. Not even Koyomi. Which can seem odd. You take it from the fact that Sengoku hated who she was. It was because that she hated herself that she trusted nobody. If she hated herself, why would she open to herself if people complimented her? In fact, her one friend Tsukihi was brutally honest with her in their last conversation. Which kind points out the things Sengoku considers the most important in a friendship.
As we know, Sengoku was hiding something in her room that she kept hidden even from Koyomi. We get the twist that what she was hiding was a manga she created. Originally, this being a big reveal seems odd, but when you consider the fact that for most of this series so far, her character was defined as being in love with Koyomi and nothing else. We knew nothing about Sengoku besides this. Her snubbing people was less being rude, but more so closing them off from her heart. Manga is a form of art itself and we are our biggest critics. Sengoku most likely over criticized her work, so much so she wanted to hide that away from anyone else to see.
But this is Sengoku's true passion. This is what she wanted to do and what she loved. All it took is for one person to compliment her work for her to open her heart. To think this person was Kaiki is beyond surprising. This is a life lesson not only for Sengoku, but anyone in general. You are the only want that can seek out your dreams and accomplish them. You are the only person that can take of yourself. We will have loved ones, but if you can't love yourself, anybody else can love you. Truly this shows also Kaiki is a kind man underneath it all. He not only saved Sengoku here, but was able to open her heart and have her understanding what is it that she truly wanted.
As Kaiki wraps up his job and saves Sengoku, he finally comes to face with Koyomi. Having extracted the talisman that she ate, he gives him back the talisman. He gives a word of advice to Koyomi not to interact with Sengoku anymore. Koyomi clearly cares for Sengoku, but it is because of that, they ended up in this situation. Very much the same way that Kaiki's kindness is what brought upon suffering in Senjougahara's life. Which is why she absolutely hates him. It is not to imply that Sengoku hates Koyomi. But more there is nothing Koyomi can do for her. Let her live her life and make her own choices. It is fitting that Koyomi saved Senjougahara from the consequence of Kaiki's kindness to her as Kaiki saved Sengoku from the consequence of Koyomi's kindness.
The really interesting bit here is that this is wait Gaen wanted. Which makes sense if the plan was to make Shinobu the God rather than Sengoku? It is very touching. Though Kaiki gets hit by what is most likely the boy who cursed Sengoku that caused her suffering in Bakemonogatari. More than likely part of Ougi's moves. I assume he will be fine since he appears in Hanamonogatari. Still, this makes the events going forward rather interesting as it dives into the final season. Monogatari really is a special series and a well done anime.
that's sounds great! I think since there's so much good feedback the staff might want to stick it out for the next season. Never heard of Bocchi the Rock. Is it on Crunchyroll?
I'll check it out!
, to action, to slice of life 
