This is a little late, but a couple of friends suggested I make a season ending ranking list so that they have and idea of what to watch and what to avoid. These chaps are kind to make me suffer on their behalf, so like the good guinea pig that I am, here’s a (very) quick rundown of the shows last season — from the best to the worst, and all the way down to the outright abominable. Let’s do this!
#11 – Luck & Logic
A confused show that is bludgeoned further with poor animation and overly obnoxious dialogue that doesn’t make any emotional connects. Final rating: 4/10
#10 – Dimension W
A show that had a lot of potential, but was ruined with excessive exposition and obtrusive fan service, and then battered even further with untimely reveals and vague technobabble. Final rating: 5/10
#9 – HaruChika: Haruka to Chika wa Seishun Suru
Mundane super-sleuthing combined with slapstick humor where music is only a secondary vehicle to achieving pretty much nothing. Final rating: 5.5/10
#8 – Myriad Colors Phantom World
Visually beautiful, but empty with a forgettable plot. Final rating: 5.5/10
#7 – Active Raid: Kidou Kyoushuushitsu Dai Hachi Gakari
Good world-building aspects, but thwarted by ridiculous villains and even more ridiculous subplots. Final rating: 6/10
#6 – BBK/BRNK
A compelling concept with a fundamentally solid plot and great character designs, but unfortunately fails to convey its messages effectively enough to make it great. Final rating: 6/10
#5 – Gate: Jietai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri 2nd cour
A good thought exercise with its depictions of political strife, but tends to go overboard with outright military violence. Animation is also just passing. Final rating: 6.5/10
#4 – Dagashi Kashi
Warm and inviting, but works more as a slice-of-life than an outright comedy. Still, its always fun to hang out with these kids. Final Rating: 7/10
#3 – ERASED
A gripping show that functions better as a dramatic device than it does a thriller show, but excels in providing a compelling story that speaks of the power of belief and trust in kindred spirits. Final rating: 8/10
#2 – Hai to Gensou no Grimgar
The concept of “stuck in a fantasy world” isn’t novel, but the execution of this show is far from cliche. Avoiding tired anime tropes, Grimgar weaves a pleasing story about the strength of the human spirit to overcome both physical and psychological hardships, and celebrates the wonderful but oft overlooked gift of friendship. Final Rating: 8.5/10
#1 – Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu
Classic, powerful, sorrowful — a tragedy best experienced than explained in words. It’s a poignant drama that is hard to relate to at first, but displays characters that feel real in a story that is so self-composed, it’s almost like watching a stage play unfold on screen. A masterpiece for winter, and a fitting pick for the top show of the season! Final Rating: 9/10
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