Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Ni!

The second season to the smash hit Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu. With so many idiots running around, could they maintain the same high quality or did they fail the test? Find out after the break.
What is it: Akihisa Yoshii attends a school where class standing determines the quality of your education. Being one lacking in the brains department, Akishia is placed in class F, the worst possible class. Using everything in his power he tries to outwit and outplay those that are 'smarter' than him. Based off of the light novel written by Kenji Inoue with illustrations by Yui Haga. 13 episodes were produced for the second season by Silver Link in 2011.

Why is it special: After the resounding popularity of the first season, many people have been waiting for the second season to air. The comedy and characters really made the show popular and memorable, so did it maintain that same quality?

Plus One:
The comedy: Although it isn't nearly as consistent as the first season, the comedy in the second season was still top notch. Many moments had me laughing up a storm.

The summons: In the first season the summons were only used for battling. This time around, they got more creative and had the summons more interesting and play a larger role.

Character development: With more episodes one would expect more character development and this holds true for Baka to Test. The two that get the most screen time for developing are the two main heroines, Minami and Himeji. 

Minus One:
The plot: Unfortunately the second season takes a turn for more of a filler feel. While the stories are interesting they aren't necessarily well-connected. The first part of the season has everyone at the beach which felt kind of out of place. Also the main theme for the show, battling to move to different classrooms, was dropped until the end.

No Hideyoshi: One main attraction for me to the show was the character Hideyoshi. Actually for many people, Hideyoshi was a main attraction. The first season really played Hideyoshi's character up and teased everyone over the gender. The second season only has a few places where Hideyoshi plays any main part. Sad to see such a main character thrown to the side.

All for One:
Overall the second season felt welcome for Baka to Test. Because it wanted to flush out some of its characters more, some sacrifices were made. If there is a third season to come then hopefully it can go back to its roots and recapture the feel of the first season. Otherwise this is an extension for fans of the series but doesn't bring much else for newcomers.