R set the bar too high for a sequel.
>Usagi still traumatized by ep45 bullshit, she has to make the tough decision of involving the other senshis again, already a good premise
>first half with villains who are directly involved with the SOL segments pretty much all the time, and bounce off the main cast
>doesn't overstay its welcome and ends up on a high note
>Usagi realizes she can't take her relationship with Mamoru for granted , the plot is still largely about the heroine's romantic life
>great plot hook with Chibiusa and the future, and lol pic rel
>Ayakashi sisters arc starts off weak but turn out to be kino with a lot of great moments for the senshis, decent fights(!) and new cool attacks
>why is Mercury just playing chess tho
>Esmeraude, Saphir and Demande sections don't fall off either
>a fucking dragon fight in Crystal Tokyo
>Wiseman corrupting Chibiusa using her own fears and worries, Usagi making multiple attempts at getting her back but failing because the girl is kinda fucked up actually
There's just no way S, SuperS and Stars could possibly surpass this.
But S did try by challenging Usagi's idealism.