@Orion: I could probably get another post out of the characterisation alone, which just exemplifies the amount of hidden substance in a show that comes across as having very little at first glance. Take the op them for instance and then look at that MAD Owen links to above - the MAD sums up what I enjoyed most about the series, which is not at all apparent from the op sequence (the song of which grew on me, much to my chagrin).

@Owen: I’ll only be repeating myself really, but suffice to say I was bowled over by the amount of heart and soul on show in the series. It’s a shame that it’ll be overlooked or misunderstood because that’s so easy to do but quite a mistake too. Again, awesome MAD link.

@kauldron26: No fear! Haruhi was alright but I didn’t think it lived up to the hype at all - Lucky Star was actually more enjoyable! Kanon I haven’t seen and looking at my current backlog, chances are I never will.

Besides, I still think the in-use definition of moe is flawed and quite frankly bollocks so I can’t be bothered to discuss that point further

You can say that again. I’m really glad you saw Lucky Star the way I did, because it’s a rare thing to have other people share your vision so accurately — when it happens, it’s an awesome thing indeed.

I think episode #22’s Kanata focus worked so well because we grew so attached to Konata and her father. As a result of that, just the slightest insight into their personal life made for something immensely tear-jerking, even if it wasn’t intended to do so.

Oh, and it goes without saying that Soujirou’s love for Kanata wasn’t a sappy or contrived thing, but something that truly deserved manly tears. It wasn’t milked for lachrymal or melodramatic reasons, and I hate to say it, but I still get choked up whenever I see anything related to those scenes, even screencaps, so I know where you’re coming from with that.

Speaking of which, this Dango Daikazoku/Lucky Star MAD is quite the one-two punch.

This was a great review (nothing like reading about an anime blogger overcoming his prejudices!), and I hope I can see you writing more about stuff you wouldn’t usually see, even if you’re going to pan it.

Great article, reminded me of many of the things I enjoyed about the show. The “Wow I can relate to that!” parts of the show were one of my favorite aspects of the show, no doubt.

I also agree that the voice acting was top-notch all around. Probably was a really fun show for them to work on, too.

I also have to agree with your analysis of the characters - they were caricatures, but also so much more built on that. I described the stereotypical appearances as being a hook, something that made the characters instantly familiar, while leaving room for real development down the road.

Good stuff, good stuff. Makes me want to go back and watch it again.

Rejecting the moe debate may be a wise decision, unless you feel like taking a PhD in moe.