Shows like Geass are the worst definition of design by comittee. Geass season one was a suprise success and so the plot had to be stretched out. It had it's flaws but there were some very well done moments and cliche busters. In contrast, R2 has basically increased the negative elements to attract mass consumption. More fanservice, more useless characters, more angsty teen romance. Some of that I can accept are due to it's intended demographic, since despite what some will tell you I'm not one of those fans who think all anime is made for adults. It was made as a primarily teenage drama, hence the timeslot and merchandise. But that doesn't excuse it being a jurabled mess. The continual argument from some is "Well, it can't please everyone". That doesn't excuse the mess it is and is why I compare it to Destiny. Shows like Geass and Destiny are swimming in lowest denominator materal. Multiple pairings, mindless mecha, teen culture like shopping trips and cellphone obsessions, etc. The problem is, it conflicts with the actual story. In contrast, I enjoyed 00 because the elements flowed togethor well. We saw more elements of reality like politics and war, not the cast being dragged off on shopping trips and generally not the entire world view presented through the visor of a Japanese teenager. There are some wonderful elements in Geass, very fresh and intellectual. But so long as it's the latest pawn is mass merchandising it'll likely never realise them, since it will always return to the old standbys and familiar elements. Just like the mindless majority of most entertainment the world over.
