Today's guests were Ryuukishi 07 (creator of the original doujin game and supervisor of the anime series), Nakahara Mai (Rena), and the duo anNina (artist for the ending song). Inoue Kikuko (Mion/Shion's mother) was present for the CLANNAD stage, but didn't appear in the Higurashi event.
For the second season, Ryuukishi 07 personally requested the producers to add the original Yakusamashi-hen prior to the two answer arcs, as to complement the abridged/missing plotlines from the first season.
The opening song, "Naraku no Hana" by Shimamiya Eiko, is a powerful song, but lacks the eerie atmosphere present in the first season. The opening sequence focuses on Rika and Hanyuu, probably a precursor of what to come. Interesting shots of Takano and Rika are worth noting.
The ending song. "Taishou a" by the duo anNina, is a luscious ballad. Although the female vocalist Annabel is half Argentinean, she doesn't sing in English (or Spanish for the matter), unlike the first ending song (which probably doesn't qualify as English anyways). For the ending sequence, Rika and Hanyuu caught my attention once again.
Spoiler for Episode 1:
Episode 1 of the Yakusamashi arc is basically comic relief. The episode centers on the zombie tag (onigokko) scene at school, which is depicted quite true to the game.
We get to see some new scenes, such as:
Satoko inoculating herself with the serum/antidote (fanservice galore).
Rika drinking wine, disguised as grape juice.
Shion transferring to the same school as the gang, upon Satoshi's request to look over Satoko.
Rika talking to Hanyuu (not depicted).
Rika's recollection of the past.
The onigokko scene was so hilarious, I had trouble controlling myself. The nature of the schoolchildren's lies to lure Keiichi out of hiding, Rena's sex appeal, Keiichi's boner, Satoko and Rika's maid cosplay, Keiichi's swan suit, etc.
Topping it all was Irie's dramatic entrance, followed by the introduction of Takano and Ouishi Tomitake. Things start to take a turn for the dramatic towards the end.
In hindsight, the Yakusamashi-hen serves as the filler arc, interwining portions of the question arcs, and subtly adding hints which will lead up to the remaining two answer arcs.
The artwork for Episode 1 was stunningly amazing, not that I had any problems with the first season by Deen. The comedy-centered episode featured extensive SD shots. I just hope the artwork can remain consistent at this level for the remainder of the series.
Upon seeing Episode 1, any reservations I held for the second season was for naught.