Clannad - Completed Review

What is it?

A bitter delinquent with a heart of gold decides to put his entire energy into building up a complete stranger's dream, the theater club, and along the way they are constantly distracted by other strangers in need and stop everything to help these newcomers. After their "arc" is completed, that person throws their lot in with the theatre club's efforts.

What's good about it?

High production values coupled with, at times, witty dialogue and funny comic gags. Secondary characters offer a strong showing.

What's bad about it?

I don't care at all for the character designs. The plot is incredibly formulaic and the outcomes are quite predictable. The comedy bits are winners, but the series remains a drama at heart and those parts can be excrutiating. The attempts at romance were so pitiful it was laughable. The two main characters only start going out in the very last episode and they blush and freeze up at the thought of holding hands or even calling their boyfriend/girlfriend by their first name. Grow a spine. No one is like that these days (or have ever been like that).

Final Verdict

Alas, the parents of the main female character can't save this series (I loved the bit about the mother's breadmaking skills) because like the other successful characters, they only have side-roles unlike their daughter who is quasi-unbearably lame. That is more proof of the show failure at drama than of miscasting. Characters unattached to the plot are more likely to be there for comic support, which is where the show does ok. The main characters are forced to get serious to advance the storyline, which leads you to want to strangle them. (It's ok to feel that way). There are better series out there. Don't bother with this one.

7.3/10

FYI- Here's what on tap for the rest of the week:

They are my noble masters! - Completed review

Bamboo Blade - Completed Review

First Impressions - Spring anime Season (Part 2)

Monthly anime ranking - May 2008 *(new segment)

I hope to have at least 3/4 of those done by next week. Stay tuned.