UlasanAnime.com – Upon initial consideration, this season appeared to be a weak one. However, after a broader look, it’s proving to be not so bad, perhaps even slightly above average. It certainly doesn’t match the quality of the previous season, yet many bloggers seem to perceive this season as weak. It’s difficult to say definitively. If we were to put all these shows to the test and see which ones stand out, there might be an average number of successful titles among them. I wish I possessed a magical ability to summon empirical studies on demand, like, “Magical makeup! Summon science!” [Of course, if you’re among those who believe Fujiko was the pinnacle of last season’s anime and the only one worth watching, you might as well save us the trouble and go die in a fire.]
I’m presenting these in no particular order. Shows that aren’t listed are either still ongoing, were dropped before reaching the third episode, or in a few cases, I didn’t even attempt to watch them. Hopefully, I haven’t missed anything significant. [Edit: I’ve now added Joshiraku to the list.]
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- Jinrui wa Suitaishimashita: Thumbs up. This offers solid satire with a sharp edge, and it’s easy to digest, as all good satire should be. It’s so good, I could watch it episodically, and I’m tempted to do so!
- Total Eclipse: Thumbs missing. My initial impression of Muv-luv Alternative: Total Eclipse was actually this “pervy” figure of Cryska, followed by Yui with an SMG. You can tentacle some armada if you’re interested in more details, along with some background on the Total Eclipse story. I experienced the first real taste of the action at AX, where we were shown back-to-back episodes one and two immediately after a Kurinoko/ayami performance. I think I enjoyed that more. But to be fair, the first episode after the two setup episodes felt somewhat like this, attempting to evoke a Top Gun-esque narrative. I’m going to wait until episode 5 before making a definitive judgment, as the story, in my opinion, didn’t truly begin until episode 3.
- Tari-Tari: Thumbs up. It carves its own unique path, which is sufficient reason to watch if you have any interest in the subject matter. It looks sharp and is largely entertaining; I’m just waiting for the story to coalesce and for the CDs to be released.
- Oda Nobuna no Yabou: Thumbs up. This is likely the dark horse anime of the season. Its production quality is surprisingly competent. Studio Gokumi collaborating with Madhouse is quite impressive. Kanae’s performance significantly elevates the show, as does its good pacing. Its only drawback is that some prior knowledge of history, perhaps from the games, would greatly enhance enjoyment.
- Campione: Thumbs down. The only redeeming qualities are the generous fanservice and the voice cast. While the concept could be interesting, its execution is rather dull.
- Kokoro Connect: Thumbs up. Character drama requires strong acting, and this show delivers. I was concerned Hisako Kanemoto might be the weakest link, but after the Yui episode, she actually did a commendable job. The animation style resembles a Kyoani knock-off, but there’s nothing offensive about it.
- Sword Art Online: Thumbs down. I don’t personally enjoy it, but it’s a compelling watch. The production values are high, and I can empathize with the grief experienced – the kind of grief you feel after being intensely trained, or in episode 3’s case, when someone in your guild goes Leeroy. I suspect, however, that by the end of the series, actual viewers might experience a similar sense of grief, at least concerning the “griefing” aspect. The best strategy is to savor the small moments of joy each episode offers now, rather than waiting for later.
- Kono Naka ni Hitori, Imouto ga Iru: Thumbs down. Nakaimo is a trashy show you could drop, but it’s undoubtedly the one good trash show among the season’s other trashy offerings. Its main strength lies in its interesting plot and presentation. Conceptually, it’s far worse than most shows this season, possibly even the worst. However, this can also be seen as a credit if you look at it from a different perspective.
- Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate: Thumbs down. I appreciate the show’s approach to politics and elections, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s primarily for fans of harem/visual novel genres (i.e., it’s somewhat trashy). I’m not thrilled with the art style, but it serves its purpose. I’ll probably end up watching it, though, LOL.
- Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai: Thumbs down. I’m sorry to say, Aya Endo fans, but I believe this is worse than QB season 3.
- Natsuyuki Rendezvous: Thumbs up. Why? Because I appreciate the persistent approach from the NTR angle. It truly injects life into what would otherwise be a somewhat bland josei fantasy. I’m also impressed by how it manages to incorporate both male and female fanservice into such a neat package. Beyond Kou Matsuo and his team, it harks back to the basics of noitaminA, which is usually worth at least a look.
- Binbougami ga: Thumbs up. Another show with a potentially declining trajectory, the initial episodes have a significant impact. However, it’s the kind of show that often settles into a pattern and can quickly become repetitive. I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up dropping this show in a few weeks. It’s good to hear Hanazawa in an unusual role, but I’m not a huge fan of this particular performance. The toilet-level slapstick comedy, however, does scratch my itch. It feels like a companion piece to Jintai.
- Hagure Yuusha no AESTHETICA: Thumbs down. Speaking of toilet humor, this one hit rock bottom first. I suspect I might enjoy this show if it ramps up the absurdity over time, but that also means it’s not for everyone. Perhaps if the animation were better, some of the more voracious viewers might give it a chance and get as far as the stoic-dere loli character voiced by Kanatan. Which is to say, you’re not missing much. However, if you’re on the Kana Ueda yuri-kei train of thought, consider Hagure Yuusha the bullet train from Yuriseijin taking you to paradise. If you enjoy the populist nonsense in this show, well, don’t take it too seriously.
- Utakoi: Thumbs up. Because it offers the somewhat risqué josei/shoujo content some of you enjoy, but it’s also better than average for its category (edutainment). I should probably drop it, but given that all the shows I want to watch air between Thursday and Sunday, it fits nicely into those empty Tuesday-Wednesday slots.
- Joshiraku: Thumbs up. I have a soft spot for what happens in the ED, but aside from that, the jokes generally come at a good pace and enough of them land. And sure, I like the girls enough, but more as characters than as “cute girls.” (Are they even cute? Even Kigu?) I’ve realized I can enjoy many of the jokes in their raw form (which means not very many at all), but the tedious buildup to the punchline makes the whole thing less enjoyable when you’re bogged down with the not-so-funny parts. So, I suppose dropping this show would be the sensible thing to do if the fansubs cease.
I believe that’s it. Other shows of note:
- Eureka 7 Ao: Episodes 12-13 significantly pick up the pace, which is earlier than in the first series. The setting plays a more crucial role than ever before, which is a nice touch for long-time fans. I wonder if they can actually tie this in with Xam’d setting-wise, wwwwww.
- Rinne no Lagrange: In Stellvia, we had the group-cry episode. Now we have the group-yuri episode. Thanks, Tatsuo Sato. At least you’re consistent!
- Space Brothers: Yawn.
- Yuru Yuri: Yawn??
- Sengoku Collection: At least I have no idea what the next episode will be about! But it’s becoming rather boring, especially over the past month; they need to liven things up.
- Moyashimon Returns: I’m in the camp of people who believe the first season was special and the second season is missing that certain something. Nevertheless, it remains a decent watch.
- Dog Days: Hopefully, season 2 will significantly surpass season 1. So far, it has. But I’m not watching this show~
- Accel World: I was hoping to see this plot concept earlier, but I suppose it’s acceptable to have this story now.
- Hyouka: Still quite dull, even though the school festival episodes have been a genuine treat.
- Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere 2: The barometer is: “Will I doze off during any of their long exposition/tirades?” If yes, it’s a so-so episode; if no, it’s a good episode. So far, the count is about 1 to 2, and I suspect by the end of season 2, it will be close to even.
And I’m still watching Sket Dance. It still aligns with my sense of humor.
PS. What’s amazing (again) is that apart from Hyouka and Joshiraku, every show on this list is getting a North American “stream.” (Excluding Funi’s 2 new shows, which I presume they will catch up on in the very near future.) I wonder why?
PPS. I’m actually keeping up with over 20 shows at the moment. And I thought it would get better after last season. Time to cut, cut, cut, cut. I guess I already did with AKB0048?
PPPS. Yep, I missed a show. To make up for it, here are some links to people from GG and their notes on Joshiraku. It’s quite fun to read. Check it out.
PPPPS. I went back and watched Joshiraku 3 and slotted it in. And removed Ebiten because, well, it’s just clutter at this point. So yeah. By the way, Ebiten HP is LOLs.
