UlasanAnime.com – The discussion around anime endings can be complex, especially when bridging cultural storytelling differences. However, there are aspects of endings that resonate universally. Instead of judging a show solely by its initial episodes, a stronger case can be made by examining its conclusion. Some anime truly depend on a strong finish to be considered “good,” and this season presents a few prime examples for various reasons.
Consider Another, a horror anime that adopts a classic Hollywood pacing and style. It aims to evoke a wide range of emotions, from happiness to dread, with its Final Destination-esque deaths being a significant draw. This approach is reminiscent of Angel Beats!, where a more impactful ending might have been achieved if the characters’ comedic deaths had actual consequences, unlike their pre-existing state of being deceased.
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A show like Another critically needs a powerful conclusion. Thematic or poetic redemption can elevate or break such a series, especially when it relies heavily on the emotional investment built over the season. A weak ending would negate this emotional journey, leaving viewers with a negative impression. This is precisely why Shiki, despite its flaws, was made bearable by its climax and conclusion. High hopes are warranted, especially given its writer is the husband of the woman who wrote Shiki.
Another series heavily reliant on its ending is Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne. Technically, Lag-Rin is structured like Fate/Zero, with its first half airing this season and a presumed continuation in the summer. For audiences to remain invested, the show must deliver a compelling conclusion to this initial arc. The build-up this past week was exceptionally high in quality, offering hope for a positive sentiment heading into the break, despite the show’s tendency to undermine goodwill through lackluster character development.
While not as critical as the previous two, the romantic throwback Ano Natsu de Matteru also requires a very strong ending. A primary reason for this is that it has already expended most of its emotional capital; the emotional climax has likely passed. What remains is the audience’s lingering expectations. Simply meeting these lowered expectations would result in an unremarkable series. However, precisely because expectations have been tempered, it’s the opportune moment for the show to surprise viewers with something clever. A car chase could serve as a strong starting point for the finale. Given the series’ thematic ties to filmmaking, a significant push towards a cinematic conclusion wouldn’t be surprising and would be a welcome development.
Among these, however, the anime that most desperately needs a good ending is Guilty Crown. While it hasn’t entirely lost its initial audience, the viewership is beginning to dwindle. The show has provided ample material for jokes, but if it fails to deliver the dramatic, climatic turns typically associated with its high-energy, high-budget formula, it risks being forgotten. It might end up garnering a similar level of recognition as Star Driver.
These are the shows I am currently watching and have come to expect a strong conclusion from, for better or worse. If an anime is truly dire, a great ending might not be enough to salvage it, suggesting there’s a fundamental truth to that observation.
