Nothing about Angel Links is believable, but that's not the point in this sort of show. The first DVD was fun but utterly mindless, and perhaps it should have stayed that way instead of toying with melodrama as does the second DVD.

Writers Hajime Yatate and Takehiko Ito spend a bit more time developing main and secondary characters - especially Kousei and Leon - than in the first four episodes, but the effort yields mixed results. However, intriguing hints of future revelations bubble to the surface, such as a secret arrangement between Leon and Cheno Li. Perhaps the best is yet to come.

Plenty of flash and glitz, but recycled footage begins to grate after the fourth or fifth iteration. The ship and vehicle designs are interesting, especially Kousei's lobster-shaped car - its smooth retro lines evoke a whimsical 1920s notion of a futuristic design.

Both the American and Japanese voice actors are serviceable, though the Japanese actors are better at expressing extreme emotion. The dub does take some liberties with the dialog, though nothing major.

Violence galore, but fewer corpses than the first installment. On the other hand, anyone troubled by underage Meifun's sexualized appearance won't be pleased to discover her nude shower scenes or the romantic interest Leon shows in her (see below). Though Leon is a gentleman and nothing happens between them, the subject matter really isn't appropriate for kids unless a parent is prepared to discuss this with them.

An average DVD with minimal supplemental offerings that include a textless opening sequence, some TV promos, trailers for some other Bandai titles and the DVD credits.

Manly Leon dating a 16-year-old girl? Hmmm. Not unheard of in Japan, but definitely a taboo in North America! Maybe Bandai should have bumped Meifun's age to 18 as other Western anime companies do in similar situations - at least in the dub version.

The mass driver launch sequence of the Angel Links' ship was dramatic the first few times, but repeated use of the same footage nearly every episode brings to mind the canned transformation sequences from cheesy giant robot shows like "Voltron." That's not a good thing.

Love it? Hate it? Buy it.