Winter 2017 Week 12 Recap

4 shows ended this week, and 2 more are ending next week. In addition, Spring season is starting. I binged The Eccentric Family in order to watch the sequel, so I’m pretty excited about that. It’s always sad to see a season go, and I actually quite enjoyed winter quite a bit, especially compared to last year’s winter. Next season isn’t likely to have any shows I like as many as my top shows this season, but I hope we get one. I have a few shows from this season to binge real quickly just for completion sake, but outside of that I have to keep working on the backlog. It’s a grind but it’s a fun one, so wish me luck.

Rakugo S2 – Episode 12

And it’s over. This was a fun epilogue — not really necessary to the show, but still something worth including. It’s great to see that rakugo not only survived past Kiku’s death, but that it has seen a massive rebirth. Konatsu finally getting the chance to be on stage along with the rebuilding of the theater show that rakugo isn’t returning to its former glory, but instead is creating a new, brighter future. This show has had some issues, but they’re not really all that important in the grand picture. This piece on the importance of art to the individuals who are involved in it is something worth remembering for a long time. It doesn’t quite reach a 10 for me, but it’s really close, and that’s worth something.

MaiDragon – Episode 12

This is probably my favorite episode of the series. It managed to do everything else the series has done well so far, while also leaning harder on the supernatural elements of the series. The entire first half was super cute, but the flashback to Tohru and Kobayashi meeting stood out. It was incredibly sweet and really showed why Tohru fell in love with Kobayashi. The second half with the bandit girl was great too, especially since it gave us some real context on the other world and Tohru’s position as a maid. I love this show dearly and am sad to see it go next week, but it’s gotten better every episode and this one is no exception. Hopefully the finale nails it.

Kemono Friends – Episode 12

This was perfect. It was emotional, cool, and satisfying, closing enough threads to feel complete while leaving enough open for another season. This show nailed absolutely everything other than the animation, and the confirmation of a continuation makes me incredibly happy. I love Kaban and Serval and I’d like to see more of them(they’re a very good ship). I’m shocked that this show exists, but it’s proof of why anime is worth watching.

Urara – Episode 12

This was a fun finale. For the most part it was just an epilogue, carrying the feeling of any one of the show’s usual episodes, and I’m happy for that. The plot for this “arc” if you will ended last episode, and we don’t really need more of it this quickly. I really enjoyed this show, and while it isn’t a favorite it’s a show I’d gladly recommend to fans of the genre. I’m happy to see that Kirara can keep putting out new adaptations without having them all feel dull and samey. I’d like another season in a few years, but just this was enough to motivate me to eventually buy the manga, so the show certainly served its goal.

LWA – Episode 12

I liked this episode. It managed to merge the show’s fun hijinks with the current transition into further plot progression and character development, and I’m happy for that. I particularly liked the scene where Akko watched Chariot having fun at the end. Akko’s biggest issue is that she often isn’t having fun, she’s just doing what she thinks she has to in order to be like Chariot. I think she’s finally realized that what made Chariot so amazing and enrapturing was how much she enjoyed what she was doing, and that knowledge will allow Akko to move towards the point she needs to reach.

GabDro – Episode 12

Very solid finale. The scenes in which Gabriel was pretending to be a kind-hearted, pure angel were absolutely hilarious, leaving me laughing to the point of nearly falling out of my chair. The rest of the episode was solid too, serving as a fitting point to end the adaptation while still feeling like there’s plenty of room for more. I enjoyed this series quite a bit; while it certainly isn’t a favorite or anything, it is a very fun comedy which I’m happy to have watched.

Kirakira – Episode 8

I liked the way that they learned to work together this episode. Akira and Yukari are still absolutely excellent, and I can’t wait until their episode together(episode 10). I’m still a bit disappointed that there’s no hand-to-hand combat in this show, but it’s fine. This was another fun episode of a fun show. This show isn’t likely to reach Heartcatch, but I see no real chance of it being drop-worthy either, so I’m satisfied.

IBO S2 – Episode 24

I really liked the scene I have a screenshot of and the final scene with Gaelio and McGillis. Both of those scenes manage to capture a lot of what’s enjoyable in this series. The only thing I’m really worried about is how they plan on pacing the final episode. A lot has to happen for it to be satisfying; at least some of Tekkadan has to escape, Mika and his girlfriends need a resolution, Rustal needs to be punished in some way or otherwise given closure, and there’s going to need to be a good bit of fighting. I’m not positive it can actually be pulled off effectively, though I’d like to hope. We’ll see.

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