For a while there, I thought the purpose of this episode was to induce as many heart attacks as humanly possible among the audience. This was so close to being one of the classic Chihayafuru episodes ever. It had almost everything – drama, humor, long-awaited interaction with Arata, classic lines […] Read more
Ah, that’s how I like my Valvrave – extra crazy with a side of absurd. No half measures for me – if I’m going to connect with Kakumeiki Valvrave, it has to go all-in. Last week’s ep was almost sensible by Valvrave standards, and that’s why it didn’t do much […] Read more
Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince continues to be full of surprises. After the Yin of last week’s interior, reflective episode (that’s actually been close to the norm) GKMP goes completely Yang this time with an episode that’s wall-to-wall action. This series has certainly lagged behind Gargantia and Valvrave in terms of […] Read more
I continue to be amazed at how well Hataraku Maou-sama executes the basics. I’ve said it already, but this is just a damn good show – plain and simple. There are flashier series out there, but in a sense Hataraku is anime boiled down to its essence. Casting, animation, pacing, […] Read more
This series can be as hard and cold as a steel blade – or scissors – when it wants to be. I’ve spoken about the almost peerless ability of Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge to juxtapose the beautiful and the terrible to great effect. Darkness and light, tenderness and depravity […] Read more
The bugs are getting bigger, right alongside the plot. No Haiyore! as a dance partner for Mushibugyou this week, but that’s fine – I’m more than happy to give this series its own post. Occasionally I get one right, and I think I did when I pegged this series as […] Read more
“Second Sons” I know I’ve had the odd bit of criticism for Game of Thrones over the last three seasons – as a fan of the books it would be almost a miracle not to – but more than anything, I think you have to marvel at how this series […] Read more
The main plot may have been deferred, but the debt has started to come due. I don’t want to take up this post rehashing the last two episodes, but the two subjects are linked pretty closely and I think the question of what was accomplished in episodes 5-6 is an […] Read more
“The Name of the Doctor” Bring on November 23rd. It’s been an uneven season (or half-season) for Doctor Who. Let’s just be honest – it’s been a mediocre one. Only “Hide” and Neil Gaiman’s “Nightmare in Silver” were solidly above-average episodes by the standard of the Tennant/Smith era. And Clara […] Read more