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[GoldStarz]

I am still not sure if I like the Kuu's. The story would work pretty well without them, with a lot of people getting very happy about Gelsadra's government and getting him unlimited power and stop to think. It could then spiral out of control by itself with people taking it in their own hand to convert and take out people who are not one with them. The man eating aliens are not needed.

But I do like the long skirt Hajime is wearing on the stairs. Suits her good.

I don't think in modern society people would jump to that conclusion so fast, the series generally takes place in the summer, and we're presumably not in August yet since I'm guessing the Yuru-jii's 100th Birthday Fireworks Festival is going to mark an important point in the story

Spoiler

my guess is he'll be attacked and Tsubasa will finally turn back to the Gatchaman

, it'd take months at the least to get an acceptable majority of the people to turn violent against those who would be dissenters against Gel's authority. The Kuus give us a quicker means to reach that conclusion

Spoiler

also my current theory is that the Kuus are the real mastermind behind this operation, Gel just seems too simple-minded and artificial, it wouldn't surprise me if he was unknowingly just a frontrunner for a larger invasion.

 

[Hot Coldman]

Good episode. Really glad the Kuus' heel turn was both implied and then explicitly shown in this one episode, because I'm really in the mood for things to really get moving.

Hajime was as fascinating as ever. Shame she'll probably have to share the spotlight with Tsubasa's redemption because that character can pretty much fuck off into the sun at this point.

 

[Chariot]

I don't think in modern society people would jump to that conclusion so fast, the series generally takes place in the summer, and we're presumably not in August yet since I'm guessing the Yuru-jii's 100th Birthday Fireworks Festival is going to mark an important point in the story

Spoiler

my guess is he'll be attacked and Tsubasa will finally turn back to the Gatchaman

, it'd take months at the least to get an acceptable majority of the people to turn violent against those who would be dissenters against Gel's authority. The Kuus give us a quicker means to reach that conclusion

Spoiler

also my current theory is that the Kuus are the real mastermind behind this operation, Gel just seems too simple-minded and artificial, it wouldn't surprise me if he was unknowingly just a frontrunner for a larger invasion.

Now that you say it... his Gatchaman suit is a lot of smoke in an empty shell. He could not even be an natural being and just some kind of unwitting artifical, but living transporter.

 

[GoldStarz]

Now that you say it... his Gatchaman suit is a lot of smoke in an empty shell. He could not even be an natural being and just some kind of unwitting artifical, but living transporter.

That's what I'm going for right now. I mean, from what we've seen they don't really have one form since so far they've gone between a G-Suit, Young, and Adult forms and his ability is basically to say whatever will get the most people on his side. Really, when you have good advertising for your invasion, the question isn't "Will anyone stop us?" anymore, it's "Will anyone care enough to stop us?"

 

[Razmos]

The Kuu are creepy as hell. It's been a long build up to this but things are finally hitting the fan and I can't wait to see what happens next and what the true identity of the Kuu's is.

 

[PsionBolt]

I am still not sure if I like the Kuu's. The story would work pretty well without them, with a lot of people getting very happy about Gelsadra's government and getting him unlimited power and stop to think. It could then spiral out of control by itself with people taking it in their own hand to convert and take out people who are not one with them. The man eating aliens are not needed.

I think I agree. I'm disappointed that the no-transformation streak was broken this episode, even if they didn't actually end up fighting. Between that and the man-eating at the end, it's looking like my hope that the series would end without superpowers winning the day was too much to ask.

At this point, I guess the last thing for me to pin my hopes on is Tsubasa sticking to her guns. If they take the easy way out with her, I'll be disappointed again.

 

[Qurupeke]

I just noticed that the OST is out. I can't wait to listen to it, as the S1's OST was simply amazing.

 

[GoldStarz]

I just noticed that the OST is out. I can't wait to listen to it, as the S1's OST was simply amazing.

Yeah, like I said, I've seen people posting up videos on YouTube and tumblr.

I think GatchaRock and De Sprang Die Katze are my personal favorites.

 

[Chariot]

De Sprang Die Katze.

Aww, they almost accomplished a correct german sentence.

 

[MetroidPrimeRib]

Hahahahahahaha fuck Tsubasa

 

[Qurupeke]

Episode 9

Woah. Seems Gelsandra isn't the real villain anymore? If the riddle of JJ is what I think, the VAPE leader is the one that changes, but people will now go against Gelsandra, who is the obious scapegoat. I really hope that the end battle will be Gatchaman vs VAPE vs Gelsandra now. We haven't seen Rizumu's NOTE and Red CROWDS vs Kuu-sama is a nice way to have a big battle going on. Maybe even Berg Katze himself will take part... Still, I want to see where Gel will stand at the end of all these. He's not bad, he just has a very different way to approach the whole "Unite" thing.

Also, I'm annoyed that Joe is getting beaten all the time by the enemy. And Sugane keeps following him and gets beaten too... And goddamn Tsubasa. She is going to be a last minute heroine, isn't she? I don't like that approach, considering that the entire season she was oblivious.

On another note, I loved the wordplay with atmosphere. It stroke me as odd that Gel had air based abilities, but it's clear now why. And they're pretty badass abilities too...

 

[GoldStarz]

Tsubasa was more oblivious to the long-term of things, in the moment, everything was going smoothly. Also, I never really pinned Gel as a villain, unless they made some cheap last minute switch, it doesn't seem in their nature to be outright malicious, even the battle between Joe and Sugane was just him defending himself. To be honest, no one here seems outright evil, although the closest are definitely Rizumu and the Kuu.

Also, props to the show for making the Kuu genuinely terrifying despite their goofy designs.

Also, I'm annoyed that Joe is getting beaten all the time by the enemy. And Sugane keeps following him and gets beaten too... And goddamn Tsubasa. She is going to be a last minute heroine, isn't she? I don't like that approach, considering that the entire season she was oblivious.

That's because he keeps insisting on going against a boss enemy alone. Like he's had to have had success against fighting the MESS and whatever the enemy they fought before them (if there was one) or he probably would've quit the squad a long time ago, but you'd think he'd have learned after fighting Katze TWICE and almost dying the second time that fighting enemies that powerful alone is a no-no.

 

[Razmos]

Been a while since we've seen a fight scene, I like Gel's weapons.

I wonder if we'll see Rizumu's Gatcha-form now?

 

[GoldStarz]

I wonder if we'll see Rizumu's Gatcha-form now?

I don't think Katze-NOTEs have Gatchaman forms, I mean if Rui did have one before their NOTE changed, why didn't they use it during their battle against Katze in Abjection?

 

[Chariot]

It just hit me directly when Tsubasa and Gel-chan were talking. I don't know if that even translates into japanese, but becoming one could be of course total unity ... or literally becoming one. Not in the case of fusing, but eradicating everything until only one being is left. The slightly increasing rate of things that Kuu will absorb you, from actual criminals, to people who are dicks to people who disagree with the majority view remind me of the famours text "first they came for...."

Interesting episode. Even the fight was just a busy dialoge. I like the general idea of a commentary how a dictatorship is bad and frail even with a truly benevolent and kind leader and that things can turn bad even without anyone wants it to. Still, I think this story would work just as good without the absorbing Kuu-chans and would feel more natural. Just put zealots in their place. An autocratic system that nobody actually wanted to build and that just came along naturally as the result of the lazyness of people, apparently good decisions of Gelsadra and the accompaning peer pressure. The most terrifying thing is when there is no monster, no enemy to singleout and blame.

Regarding Joe: he is a phoenix. He gotta get burned down every season to rise again from the ashes I guess

 

[Absol]

Hajime won't be a stranger when it comes to literally becoming one with others. Like how she ate Berg Katze last season lol.

 

[Lain]

Episode 9

Finally Tsubasa opened her eyes. Sad that it had to come down to that for her to realize the path she chose wasn't the one she meant to follow.
Everytime I see Mana, I wonder if she's Hajime's little sister. She's not, but you know, she looks just like a little Hajime.
Hopefully Gramps hasn't been swallowed up by some Kuu yet.

 

[Chariot]

Only now listened to the OST properly. Kollision is sick.

 

[Qurupeke]

Gatchaman Crowds Insight 10

Every Gatchaman is back on action.The final battle is getting close. I doubt Kuu-sama is going to be dragged for much more. It's apparent we're ready for the final boss now and it seems that Rizumu will finally take this place. With 3 episode remaining, it seems quite a lot can still happen. I guess CROWDS will return and we'll have a Rui-Rizumu final confrontation about their ideals. I still hope Berg Katze will do something though.

 

[Razmos]

"Take flight, Tsubasa!"
...
"No, I meant flying, why are you turning into a hover bike? Why do you even have a bird/wing theme?"

Seriously I might have laughed when it looked like she was about to start flying, but then turned into a hoverbike, of all things.
The final scene was HYPE. Utsutsu in battle mode is always fun to see

 

[Chariot]

The episode was entertaining, but I now really think that the Kuu's were an easy way out. Political zealots would've been a way more complicated issue and thus very interesting to solve. You can kill random alien creatures who are a hive minds, but you can't pull that with a bunch of people who are just very intense and slightly wrong in their believes.

 

[Shard]

The episode was entertaining, but I now really think that the Kuu's were an easy way out. Political zealots would've been a way more complicated issue and thus very interesting to solve. You can kill random alien creatures who are a hive minds, but you can't pull that with a bunch of people who are just very intense and slightly wrong in their believes.

I think this is why Insight has been pissing me off all season, the political messages have all been very binary and simplistic to the point where characters became obnoxious strawmen to bulldoze.

 

[GoldStarz]

The episode was entertaining, but I now really think that the Kuu's were an easy way out. Political zealots would've been a way more complicated issue and thus very interesting to solve. You can kill random alien creatures who are a hive minds, but you can't pull that with a bunch of people who are just very intense and slightly wrong in their believes.

You say that, but I think this episode shows exactly why that wouldn't work. First of all, no personal connection can be made between an extremist group and Gel as one can with the Kuu. Ignoring that, a group of extremist humans would be small in number and easily dispatched and would ultimately serve no threat to anyone really. Again, the Kuu are the subconscious atmosphere of the people their power isn't so much a threat as much as it is their number, which is only being replenished as the Gatchaman rail through them, while you couldn't kill a group of humans, you could disarm them using Amnesia Effect and take them into custody. You say using people would be better, but when you actually substitute the Kuu with an extremist cell, the plot just falls apart. I mean this isn't even talking about how their ARE political zealots present with the resurgence of VAPE which, again, is due to the Kuu's involvement. You say it would be harder, but in reality it would be easier because ultimately the real people behind the Kuu is the general population of Japan, a much larger group than a bunch of nuts with guns.

 

[Hot Coldman]

10

The fightback against the Kuus was too easy. That's clearly not the end-game - Mr. "I Can Impersonate A News Reporter Despite My Outrageous Orange Hair" is the villain, as he probably should be, because he's a total shit. I'm guessing a) he has a Gatchaman form, if he has a NOTE and b) he might actually put up a fight.

I knew the Tsubasa redemption moment would be fairly "water under the bridge" whatever, but I was hoping for it to be the talk with granddad, and I really enjoyed that whole scene. Especially the way it mingled with Hajime's chat with Gel. (I'm glad Gel isn't such a tragic character, she's so sweetly naive.)

Anyway, next two episodes are basically my most anticipated shit ever.

 

[Chariot]

You say that, but I think this episode shows exactly why that wouldn't work. First of all, no personal connection can be made between an extremist group and Gel as one can with the Kuu. Ignoring that, a group of extremist humans would be small in number and easily dispatched and would ultimately serve no threat to anyone really. Again, the Kuu are the subconscious atmosphere of the people their power isn't so much a threat as much as it is their number, which is only being replenished as the Gatchaman rail through them, while you couldn't kill a group of humans, you could disarm them using Amnesia Effect and take them into custody. You say using people would be better, but when you actually substitute the Kuu with an extremist cell, the plot just falls apart. I mean this isn't even talking about how their ARE political zealots present with the resurgence of VAPE which, again, is due to the Kuu's involvement. You say it would be harder, but in reality it would be easier because ultimately the real people behind the Kuu is the general population of Japan, a much larger group than a bunch of nuts with guns.

It happens all the time on earth. Crusades, Nazis, Sowjets. It's not about weaponized militants, that's not my point. I wanted to see political enemies. Enemies you can't just gut in a democracy - and that in the worst case even genuinly think they're doing good. Think of a group of growing extremists who start out by setting good examples of harmonies for people, then trying to convert others at an increasingly pushing rate until they are strong enough that their group spirit alone passively overwhelms people. A story about peer pressure, good intention gone wrong and the flaw/advantage of democracy that allows different thoughts and opposition. Basically what we have, just without Kuus as obvious evil.

 

[GoldStarz]

It happens all the time on earth. Crusades, Nazis, Sowjets. It's not about weaponized militants, that's not my point. I wanted to see political enemies. Enemies you can't just gut in a democracy - and that in the worst case even genuinly think they're doing good. Think of a group of growing extremists who start out by setting good examples of harmonies for people, then trying to convert others at an increasingly pushing rate until they are strong enough that their group spirit alone passively overwhelms people. A story about peer pressure, good intention gone wrong and the flaw/advantage of democracy that allows different thoughts and opposition. Basically what we have, just without Kuus as obvious evil.

*points to Millione*
we gots that. it's the media.

*points to VAPE*
also still VAPE

 

[Chariot]

*points to Millione*
we gots that. it's the media.

*points to VAPE*
also still VAPE

My point went right over your head. I am saying that the Kuus are superfluous and constructed do the Gatchaman could punch something when the setup and idea invited to the interesting discussion on a shockingly realistic level where your enemy is good that spiraled out of control. It would be much scarier to see human society decay by itself. Aliens that eat people are far too on the nose. It's the easy way out.

 

[GoldStarz]

My point went right over your head. I am saying that the Kuus are superfluous and constructed do the Gatchaman could punch something when the setup and idea invited to the interesting discussion on a shockingly realistic level where your enemy is good that spiraled out of control. It would be much scarier to see human society decay by itself. Aliens that eat people are far too on the nose. It's the easy way out.

Oh this again.

The problem is, as I have said earlier, that takes time and build up, too much time for a 12-episode anime to show and still be quality. As for the punching, I've already addressed that, you assume that the Gatchaman would even need to fight them. They have the power of Amnesia Effect, which pretty much allows them to nip a problem like that in the bud before it gets out of control (ignoring how that isn't actually their responsibility in the first place). Not to mention what you're saying what you want to see isn't really what they're doing in the first place.

 

[PsionBolt]

I thought there was something pretty interesting here, for a while. I don't think that anymore.

 

[duckroll]

Caught up on the series over the past few days. I see there's quite a bit of debate over the themes in the new season. I think that quite a bit of the messaging on the show works, but is hampered heavily by the choice of how they chose to execute it. Terrorism and political systems is not what the show is actually interested in, that much is clear, but they are topical devices used by the narrative to deliver the real message the show has - the harm of groupthink and mob mentalities, apathy towards self-thought and decision making, and how the combination of such factors given the right (wrong?) push could result in anti-social movements driven by social desire. I think thematically it hit a homerun when contextualized as a parallel to Japan's role in WW2. Unfortunately, that's also only one of the few moments it actually comes together and works.

Using modern terrorism (VAPE) and the election campaign to structure the overall story arc has been a misstep because it overreaches way beyond the writers' grasp. They have no real interest in addressing these subjects in depth, and instead try to use them in the most superficial ways to deliver the actual message of the show. VAPE as a terrorist organization is nonsensical and has no context. The elections are structured around changes in Japan's political system which will not only never happen but make no sense whatsoever to anyone with even a passing interest in politics. All of it is done to streamline and simplify the elements just to allow the real story to be told, but in doing so it harms the credibility of the entire narrative. Pretty unfortunate choice. If they just went with Gelsadra becoming a cult of personality instead of the "Prime Minister", and if they dropped the VAPE thing entirely and maybe used Berg Ketze as a sounding element to point out that people will eventually destroy themselves because of that, it would have been so much more effective.

I'm still enjoying the season quite a bit though. Not having to wait a week between each episode probably helps too. I think the highlight of the series is once again how Hajime is presented, and I really like how the show played with the dynamics between the characters. Tsubasa's grandpa has really good lines too. Ultimately, like Crowds, Insight is very much about social dynamics viewed under the modern lens of social media and heightened connectivity, so it's not surprised that those scenes remain the main strengths of the series.

 

[Lain]

Episode 10

I liked ten. I found it to be a pretty alright episode. For one, Gramps got the respect he deserves. For two, Tsubasa finally started listening. For three, Gel went back to kid form and updated himself, in a way.
I didn't like what happened to Mana's dad though.

Hajime is still the best, hands down.

 

[BudokaiMR2]

I think this is why Insight has been pissing me off all season, the political messages have all been very binary and simplistic to the point where characters became obnoxious strawmen to bulldoze.

I can agree with you to a point, but then again a message being simplistic isn't always a bad thing. Especially when it is a simplistic message that authority figures still have an issue addressing.

I don't see how anyone can criticize the actual themes and messages in this show as being superficial. I mean episode 10 has a Japanese WWII vet talking about public complacency in the lead up to the war.

Did I fall asleep for a few years and wake up in a future where Japan doesn't have a problem addressing stuff like this? I mean the current government of Japan has huge problems owning up to much more obvious things that happened during that time period.

That scene with her grandpa felt like a pretty big deal to me...

Am I wrong in thinking that a show touching on a message like that is extremely progressive for Japanese media? I mean most of the critically acclaimed JP media that deals with this subject matter usually has a very sympathetic tone. Nothing wrong with that, but I like the fact that Insight is basically saying "That is only one part of the story."

 

[SephLuis]

Caught up on the series over the past few days. I see there's quite a bit of debate over the themes in the new season. I think that quite a bit of the messaging on the show works, but is hampered heavily by the choice of how they chose to execute it. Terrorism and political systems is not what the show is actually interested in, that much is clear, but they are topical devices used by the narrative to deliver the real message the show has - the harm of groupthink and mob mentalities, apathy towards self-thought and decision making, and how the combination of such factors given the right (wrong?) push could result in anti-social movements driven by social desire. I think thematically it hit a homerun when contextualized as a parallel to Japan's role in WW2. Unfortunately, that's also only one of the few moments it actually comes together and works.

Using modern terrorism (VAPE) and the election campaign to structure the overall story arc has been a misstep because it overreaches way beyond the writers' grasp. They have no real interest in addressing these subjects in depth, and instead try to use them in the most superficial ways to deliver the actual message of the show. VAPE as a terrorist organization is nonsensical and has no context. The elections are structured around changes in Japan's political system which will not only never happen but make no sense whatsoever to anyone with even a passing interest in politics. All of it is done to streamline and simplify the elements just to allow the real story to be told, but in doing so it harms the credibility of the entire narrative. Pretty unfortunate choice. If they just went with Gelsadra becoming a cult of personality instead of the "Prime Minister", and if they dropped the VAPE thing entirely and maybe used Berg Ketze as a sounding element to point out that people will eventually destroy themselves because of that, it would have been so much more effective.

I'm still enjoying the season quite a bit though. Not having to wait a week between each episode probably helps too. I think the highlight of the series is once again how Hajime is presented, and I really like how the show played with the dynamics between the characters. Tsubasa's grandpa has really good lines too. Ultimately, like Crowds, Insight is very much about social dynamics viewed under the modern lens of social media and heightened connectivity, so it's not surprised that those scenes remain the main strengths of the series.

Well said. Perhaps they could do it better if they had 20+ episodes, but they have to rush a bit because of the season end.

And they have material for a season of 20+ episodes. Most of the gatchaman stories are superfluous and they only show or act rarely. They could expand on that.

 

[Qurupeke]

Gatchaman Crowds Insight 11

Wow, that was brutal. The whole fight with Gelsandra was great and the finishing was really hard to watch.The episode caught me off guard. Hajime-ssu saves the day but damn, I don't like that. I really hope she won't die. ;_;

 

[Razmos]

Jesus that death was brutal. I wonder how exactly that all went down. Did Hajime take their form? but how?

 

[Qurupeke]

Jesus that death was brutal. I wonder how exactly that all went down. Did Hajime take their form? but how?

Pretty sure that Berg Katze has to do something with this. He had that shapeshifting ability after all. There are still some things that are unknown. Was the Gelsandra they fought Berg Katze or Hajime? And how Katze agreed to help? And how exactly was Hajime hurt? I guess the final episode will answer those.

 

[GoldStarz]

Jesus that death was brutal. I wonder how exactly that all went down. Did Hajime take their form? but how?

Hajime has Katze's NOTE, so logically she can use his shapeshifting powers if she wants to, it worked that way in S1 with Rui's NOTE, at least.

 

[Chariot]

Huh, not much happened this episode since most of it was the "fight", but it really hit the nerves it wanted to hit. I was wondering why Gelsadra was silent, this is always a sign for something being off. I believe it was Hajime channeling Bergkatze's power, not he himself. I can't imagine him shutting up that long and playing the role faithfully. And I wonder how "Gel" could use the wind powers. Neither Bergkatze nor Hajime have those, right? But there is also the fact that Hajime's body seems to be okay.

Really intrigued how they solve this.

Anyways, I am a bit relieved that the Kuu's were not an evil force themselves and really just the will of people. Still could've done without them, but it's better than what I feared it would be.

 

[ColossalLazy]

Episode 11

The battle was nice. But dat end ;_______;

I pretty much have an idea of how Hajime will be saved.

 

[Qurupeke]

Gatchaman Crowds Insight 12

First, I found the second series a bit worse than the first one. Binary logic and its points weren't as strong as S1, even though it tackled some interesting themes. In the end though, it was really good and I enjoyed it. The ending was far better than S1 but unfortunately it doesn't tease a 3rd season the same way the first one did. I was afraid they'd left Hajime unconscious, but they decided to end it on a happy moment, totally fine with that. Katze is alive and kicking too.

The final episode was pretty good. I liked that they showed the battle from Hajime/Katze's POV and they really did a good job making this feel even more brutal than first. Despite showing quite a few people that were against Gelsandra, it seems that the world is more peaceful than before, with even Crowds and Kuu-sama co-existing.

Anyway, I love the show for its style, music and Hajime, so give me a 3rd season please. : >

 

[MetroidPrimeRib]

Kinda funny how Hajime was pretty much a Christ figure at the end there.

Think it would've been more interesting had the series ended and she was still in a coma but pretty good ending anyway, especially compared to s1

 

[Chariot]

Ah, ah. Showing the battle again and from that perspective was really mean. It was already hard to watch the first time. Don't do that to me and my poor soul ;__;
And apparently I got the theme of the season wrong for eleven episodes. I never even thought at "hastiness" being the issue until this episode, although it makes sense.

I agree that the series was satisfying though and that I want a third season. Ending with a comatose Hajime would've been a great hook though. The next season could've indeed went with a cult worshipping Hajime gone completely wrong.

 

[Clov]

Loved the first season of Crowds and I loved this one too! I might like it a little more than S1 right now actually, but that might just be the excitement speaking. I guess I need to cool off and take my time to think about it. Hajime's advice can't be wrong!

In any case, just some impressions while I'm still excited about the whole thing; I like the direction the new season went with, though the themes of individualism and mob-think didn't feel quite as fresh as the social media angle that the last season went with. Still, they incorporated the social media aspect well with the new themes of the season.

One thing that was a bit unfortunate was that some characters got a lot more screentime than others. It's a bit inevitable when you're introducing more characters into an already big cast. My friend who's a huge Sugane fan was a bit upset at his lack of screentime. Personally, as a huge Rui fan, I left the season very happy. I was pretty surprised that they gave Umeda, a somewhat minor S1 character, some screentime; it was nice that he wasn't forgotten about and got some pretty nice scenes. I really liked the role Katze played in the season; they was fun to have around in their new harmless state.

Regarding the finale, I couldn't help but feel like it needed a little more time. Perhaps another directors cut on the BD version could happen? It's not in desperate need for one like the unfinished TV ending to S1 was, but I think it would be nice. Anyway, I loved this season, and while I still need to form a more carefully considered opinion on it, I still think it will end up as one of my favorite shows of the year.

 

[MetroidPrimeRib]

https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video/CP3adXXXAAA7rXQ.mp4

best part

 

[Kyuur]

Watched 11+12 last night, incredible finale. I know a lot of people were worried about how they were planning to do the climax which a lack of build up but they definitely delivered.

The replay of the battle in 12 was done very well, Hajime's VA putting in work and so were the animators. The use of

Spoiler

Katze's power

was very sensible and the moment you figure it out was a great 'OH!' moment. Not to mention the final battle was gorgeous, they've really gotten into their groove with blending in 3D models, probably the best looking of any other anime I've watched.

Overall, I think it was better than S1, mostly due to a much stronger finish. I don't think the themes were any more ham-fisted than the first, and the pacing was pretty identical. Tsubasa was a frustrating character but her arc felt pretty natural and I'm sure she'll make a great character next season.

Speaking of next season, anyone have numbers for BR sales for the original series and this? I'm really hopeful.

 

[Chariot]

Original had average sales of 7,301 according to somethinganything. Numbers for this season will take some time of course.

 

[Mauricio_Magus]

The final episode was great, I like how it was more about explaining to others how becoming "one" is a bad idea and they had to think on their own instead of fighting a big bad guy.

 

[Lain]

Episode 12

Satisfying end overall. I can always count on Hajime to make things better.
For a 12 episodes show, some themes and elements were rushed, but I feel they did well with the time and space they had.

 

[duckroll]

Finished the last two episodes. I liked how it ended and the extended epilogue nature of the final episode. What I think didn't work as well as the nature of Hajime's "plan". It was just sort of overcomplicated and weird. It seems to work more as a "plot twist" than an actual practical plan, but even the twist itself was painfully obvious, so when they did a full recap of the entire sequence again in the final episode along with the actual interactions, it felt really unnecessary.

The tone of the ending itself was spot on though. The Gatchmen had to show that not taking personal responsibility and the ease of making frivolous choices on important decisions was destroying society. While on a whole the execution of the season leaves much to be desired, I think its heart was in the right place. Especially with how passive Japanese society is towards politics and the recent moves Abe's government have made in trying to change Japan's military position, it seems like a pretty timely reminder for the public.

Considering the production disaster the first season was towards the end though, I'm surprised that they actually managed to finish the series this time with a proper ending!

 

[Moaradin]

I'm watching the first season of this now. It's a strange show but I dig it. Hajime is pretty fun :>

edit: Finished the season season. Don't want to bump the thread because it seems pretty dead, but I really enjoyed it. Seems a lot of people like the first season more. Not sure if it's because I watched them both back to back, but I really enjoyed the second season. A bit more than the first actually. Thought it built on everything I found interesting about the show in cool ways. It was less "action-y" than the first season, but I was pretty into what they were going for.