There’s something about some shows that I just can’t be bothered with about half way or a quarter of the way. Either, every episode is the same and nothing happens for 25 episodes or by my own vices, I spoil it for myself and would rather not watch ahead. Also, I have a bad habit of not finishing things - books, movies, shows, essays, projects, you name it. What I think though is perhaps, these shows aren’t really all they’re cracked up to be. True, some of them aren’t that great in the first place but here is my unfinished list. But, should I give them another chance? Figure out what episode I stopped at and try and remember what happened up until then? Keep in mind, the pros and cons are up until what I’ve watched NOT the entire show.

1. Witch Hunter Robin
I had relatively good expectations for this anime, since I had watched Ergo Proxy and I loved the darkness of it. I also liked the character design for both series. I thought Witch Hunter Robin would be a slightly obscure, but somewhat action oriented with perhaps some novel magic motifs. Instead, as someone had mentioned in a review, it’s more of Magic CSI (minus the gory bodies of course). Although the episodes weren’t so bad by themselves, each episode was basically a mystery that the team had to solve and find the culprit. I got through halfway before I decided I couldn’t stand watching a few more episodes of that. Although, I know that the ending goes somewhere I didn’t want to skip ahead and instead I put it on hiatus. Well, that was pretty much a year ago…I didn’t like any of the characters that much. Robin is okay, but she doesn’t have a strong personality and Amon kind of pisses me off. The animation is pretty good; sometimes the characters look very line-y and rough when the zoom goes out but that’s just a small minor detail. I liked the OP and ED fair enough but I don’t think I’ll be finishing this one anytime soon.
Pros: Good animation, a good mood, characters are somewhat likable
Cons: Slow plot line, weak internal character development

2. Welcome to the NHK!
When I stopped watching it, I actually did like it - I just had final exams and summer holiday. It sort of got old a bit but I still enjoyed the dark cynicism and mocking nature throughout the show. It wasn’t as extreme as I’d like, and I got annoyed at the protagonist at times but I felt sorry for him and that’s hard for me to feel. I did not like the girl (see how I can’t remember their names) but she didn’t appear very much. I didn’t mind the main character’s friend but I wasn’t that interested in the whole eroge thing, not surprisingly. However, I plan to finish watching it because I did enjoy it. Somewhat. Plus, the ED sequence is A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Babababa….
Pros: The ED (well up until whichever ep it may have changed), interesting plot, parody/mocking
Cons: Loses steam early, vague plot direction

3. Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto
While I agree that this is an overlooked anime, I also don’t find it THAT good. Having watched 7 or 8 episodes of it, I didn’t particularly like any of the characters. Not to mention, remember any of their names, at all. Which is not a problem, but it doesn’t help when the characters aren’t developed/don’t seem interesting - for me. I like the animation, it’s very good and it’s beautiful even at times, with the colours and the background. The action is also very good and exciting, at times. It probably helps to know Japanese history at this time to fully appreciate the political situation and the characters’ role in it. The bit of mysticism definitely drew me in in the first episode but I got lost amongst just how much was happening. The opening is also great, done by Yuki Kajiura and the music is to be commended for as well. I just have to pay attention…and stay awake.
Pros: Great set-up, interesting range of characters, good animation
Cons: Lacks any compelling factor, poorly developed characters

4. Chrono Crusade
I watched it mainly because of Rosette’s seiyuu Tomoko Kawakami who did Utena Tenjou in one of my favourite series, Shoujo Kakumei Utena. This was one of the series I ruined by reading what happens at the end, which I can say, kind of ruins the whole thing. It was fairly entertaining - I found Rosette kind of obnoxious and annoying and the sibling-chasing theme was getting stale for me so I gave it up. Easy watching - mediocre animation, music and I didn’t quite like the character design but I got used to it. I suppose the appeal would be nuns with guns.
Pros: Entertaining, Plot moves along quite well
Cons: Mediocre in most departments, Chrono

5. Tsubasa Chronicle
Good God, this is such a BAD series. I can’t decide if Bee Train’s at fault or if CLAMP got lazy and just wanted to Kingdom Hearts their characters. I watched it and things were the same, go to a world - get a power - beat bad guy - Sakura remembers a bit. I only watched 11 episodes or so but I got the idea. I only watched it that long to see if anything was going to happen but no. That’s all there is to it. I would almost use the word scam, but that’s not quite true. Kajiura nicely does the music, but it isn’t her best work and like Bee Train’s bad habits, is often repeated which gets tiresome. I will definitely not finish watching this, not even the two new characters (can’t remember names again) can help it. And definitely no second season for me.
Pros: CLAMP’s beautiful design, Kajiura as the composer
Cons: Everthing else

6. Death Note
I might get slammed for this one, not sure but although it’s very well written (clever, engaging, suspenseful and all that) I just didn’t want to watch many more episodes of psychosis and opted to read the ending on Wikipedia. It didn’t phase me out and not watching the rest of it didn’t bother me either so that’s where I stand. The animation is good and the characters are well developed but alas, it didn’t engage me that much. It’s probably a good series, I just don’t care much for it. Too bad though because Mamoru Miyano is Light and he’s a good seiyuu. And I just want to call Light an assclown here and now.
Pros: Excellent plot/setting, good and interesting characters, good animation
Cons: For me personally, I just didn’t care enough to keep going

7. Paradise Kiss
Okay. Basically, I admit that Ai Yazawa’s art skills are unique and her stories are worthwhile, in some ways and although this show mimics the fashion industry - it’s as pointless and empty even if it looks beautiful on the surface. Like the main character whom I can’t stand: Yukari/Caroline. Lazy, rude, boring, has no backbone, is rather stupid, self-pitying/wallowing/whiny, BORING, has no reason for any sympathy. She’s not starving, she’s not turning into chiropteran, she hasn’t got a terminal illness. The other characters are also annoying and have no sense of reality - maintaining a stupid fantasy of pseudo romantic decadence but mostly being complete bullshit. I don’t care if the manga is better, I am not a fan of Yazawa’s themes. Unless it’s even if someone is beautiful, being a complete idiot comes through no matter what.
Pros: Good animation, attractive character design, Tommy Feburary6’s “Lonely in Gorgeous”
Cons: Everything else

I’ll review any series I actually finish eventually, but don’t count on Tsubasa. It’s almost going on my blacklist which currently only has Demonbane which is unbearable after watching 1 episode.

Tags: bakumatsu kikansetsu irohanihoheto, chrono crusade, death note, tsubasa chornicle, welcome to the nhk, witch hunter robin

Category: Series Reviews

A. Papillon is not amused.