UlasanAnime.com – The common love-hate reaction towards Guilty Crown is a complex phenomenon, often stemming from criticisms that the show hypes itself excessively and panders too much. These critiques frequently point to generic characters, predictable plotlines, and a reliance on angst and fanservice to meet audience expectations. However, the assertion that it was “designed by committee” remains notably absent from these discussions.
In reality, Guilty Crown doesn’t heavily exhibit these traits. Its production, while industrial, aligns with what has historically been successful in action anime and video games. What once worked might still be effective, and a stronger pilot could have been achieved by presenting the first two episodes as a cohesive whole.
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The criticisms often leveled against the show are, in themselves, quite cliché. The industrial nature of its production is undeniable and, in many ways, refreshingly transparent. We appreciate shows like Ghost in the Shell for their aesthetic appeal and thematic depth, exploring the dichotomy between a person’s heart and their desires. Similarly, the visual representation of a singing bird, balancing sensuality with vocal talent, is a common trope. The setting, a hybrid world of underground terrorism and campus life, with a protagonist caught between these two spheres, is a familiar narrative device that has been employed countless times. Singling out Guilty Crown for this is somewhat unfair, given anime’s long history of utilizing such elements.
More importantly, the lukewarm reception regarding Guilty Crown‘s characterization and plot elements isn’t necessarily misguided, but rather misplaced or imprecisely articulated. There’s an irony in how these complaints are often phrased, failing to capture the nuanced emotions that drive the success of shows like Gundam SEED Destiny or explain why one might rewatch the initial episodes of Guilty Crown multiple times. Beyond its visuals, direction, and music, the show clearly excels in other areas. Despite the writing potentially feeling campy or derivative, the character development and their comportment contribute to a dramatic and engaging experience.
It’s akin to how tastes evolve with the Final Fantasy series. What was captivating in 1997 might not hold the same appeal in 2011. However, unlike Square’s iconic PlayStation game, Guilty Crown remains enjoyable even by contemporary standards. This is a testament to its refinement of formulas that have been in use for over a decade, perhaps since Code Geass. Yet, one wonders how many viewers temper their enjoyment due to an unwillingness to be honest about their feelings, influenced by this tendency towards cliché armchair criticism. And in a meta-commentary, how many people find amusement in observing this tsundere-like reaction unfold?
