Posted inFate/Zero First Impressions

Fate/Zero – 13

「禁断の狂宴」 (Kindan no Kyouen)
"The Forbidden Banquet of Insanity"

Considering how Fate/Zero was originally slated for a contiguous six-month run, I wasn't expecting the midpoint break to coincide with some finale-worthy material. However, I wasn't expecting ufotable to leave off on a highly suspenseful cliffhanger either, which is downright cruel.

Posted inFirst Impressions Kimi to Boku.

Kimi to Boku. – 12

「中学生日記」 (Chuugakusei Nikki)
"Middle School Diary"

If there ever was an underrated character in this series, Shun would be it. Portrayed as the feminine male who can charm males and females alike, it was surprisingly shocking how that cute face can turn into a badass one when the time calls for it.

Posted inFirst Impressions Guilty Crown

Guilty Crown – 11

「共鳴 resonance」 (Kyoumei)

Considering how the last episode went, this week's was definitely a step in the right direction. Most of my complaints about Shuu's flakiness were addressed with him coming clean with his friends about his Void Genome; however, just as things were looking up, the writers had to script in the most unconvincing reason to get them to help him save Funeral Parlor -- "They believed in me."

Posted inFinal Impressions First Impressions Mawaru Penguindrum

Mawaru Penguindrum – 24 (END)

「愛してる」 (Aishiteru)
"I Love You"

If you've come here looking for answers to Mawaru Penguindrum's ending, I'm afraid I don't have them. The best I can offer is my interpretation of it, which is a bunch of fragmented ideas that revolve around the theme of neglected children and fighting fate.

Update: This isn't official, but this 2chan chart illustrates one interpretation of how the "fruit of fate" was shared between the Takakuras. It suggests that Himari's portion "rotted" after the Sarin gas attack.

Posted inFinal Impressions First Impressions THE IDOLM@STER

THE IDOLM@STER – 25 (END)

「みんなと、いっしょに！」 (Minna to, Issho ni!)
"Together With Everyone!"

I was anticipating A-1 Pictures to pull out all the stops for the 765 Pro's New Year Live, but they really outdid themselves with a fully animated, 2.5-minute special performance of "READY!! & CHANGE!!!!", followed up by a second insert song, "Itsudemo mo, Dokodemo mo", before wrapping the series up with one more ending theme. It was just about everything I could've asked for in IM@S' finale.