Cardfight!! Vanguard Final Thoughts--Imagine

I know what you're thinking. Let me explain.

Spring 2011 Final Impressions

Image from Safebooru

Now that the summer season is underway, I'd like to share my final thoughts on series that have ended and my current thoughts on series that are still airing. Please keep in mind that the following is my own opinion; I'm just a fan with a blog, not a professional reviewer.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 13--Mother Knows Best

It's all about family in this episode, as Ohana's mother spends the night at the inn, which lets Ohana get some closure about Ko.

[C]-Control Episode 11--And Nothing is Resolved [Final Thoughts]

So. Things pretty much turned out how I expected. Except for Masakaki's troll comment at the end.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 12--Love Pentagon

Dealing with the fallout from the previous episodes, Ohana finally makes a decision about Ko while Minchi continues to hesitate around Tohru. Oh, and Ohana's mom continues to make random choices out of nowhere.

[C]-Control Episode 10--Insanity

Mikuni's success in stopping "C" leads to nothing as America bats it back to Japan like it was a fly. A final plan to stop Mikuni and save at least part of the future is put into action as the show sets itself up for the final battle.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 11--Five Out of Ten

The title is the rating for Ohana's day, not for the episode itself, which was great. There are also less screencaps in this post than usual, since I'm trying out a new posting style.

[C]-Control Episode 9--After the Storm

"C" heads through Japan and Mikuni manages to protect the present... But is what comes after really worth it?

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 10--Sick Day

Ohana gets sick and feels like she isn't really needed at the inn after all. While the plot isn't a strong point in this episode, the character interactions and a strange dream keep things interesting.

[C]-Control Episode 8--Burning Paper

Moving quickly away from the slow pace of the last episode, Kimimaro finally makes up his mind and the real danger of the Financial District is revealed. A last major question is presented: Who or what is "C"?

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 9--Count on Me

Continuing where the last episode left off, Ohana manages to find Tohru and give all of the guests a memorable stay. But on the romance side of the episode, poor Ko-chan didn't get to see her at all...

[C]-Control Episode 7--Walking the Same Road

A slower episode this time around as the show re-iterates Mikuni's motivations in the first half and begins exploring the possibility of Mashu and Kimmimaro having a relationship in the second half. This is all well and good, but it's nothing that the show hasn't touched on before.

Hanasaku Iroha Epsiode 8--Think of the Customer

In the first of a two-part storyline, the inn has to deal with an influx of customers that probably has to do with their upcoming magazine rating. Things get more complicated when Ohana's grandmother suddenly becomes sick, and idiot management woman makes a reappearance. The result is a compelling episode; why couldn't every episode be like this?

[C]-Control Episode 6--Possibility

Despite a drop in animation quality in some scenes, this week's episode didn't skimp on plot. The introduction of a rich philanthropist with new ideas about how to survive the Financial District casts some doubt on Mikuni's intentions. Is economic stability worth sacrificing the future?

Spring 2011 Mid-Season Impressions

Now that we're a little over halfway through the current anime season, I'd like to share my thoughts on some other currently airing series. Please keep in mind that the following is only my personal opinion and that these shows are not completed.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 7--Survival Game

A much better episode this time around, combining humor with much-needed character development for Tomoe, the head waitress, as the inn deals with a difficult group of customers.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 6--The Problem With Side Characters and Fanservice

Speaking of annoying characters...

[C]-Control Episode 4 & 5—Investing in the Future

Building off of episode 3, Kimimaro faces off against one of his teachers, who is in the Financial District for the sake of his family. He suddenly learns the possible cost behind bargaining his “future” in the Financial District and what Mikuni intends to do about it.

Hanasaku Iroha Episode 5--Stop Listening to the Writer

Misunderstandings abound in this episode, as the staff makes the leap from "exposed love triangle" to "Tohru is going to work at the rival inn" all too quickly. The erotic novelist has always annoyed me, but Minko annoyed me in this episode as well. Stop calling people names and say clearly how you feel, sheesh!

[C]-Control Episode 3--Cat's in the Cradle

A slow episode this week as the show builds up some character development by focusing on Kimimaro's father issues and by introducing us to the blond investigator who showed up last week (her name is Jennifer according to MAL). Also, Mikuni has an awesome house.