Hunter X Hunter 2011 - 49

I hope people keep talking about the impending demise of Madhouse, because every time they do the studio does something that really knocks your socks off.

Sword Art Online - 13

If you go by the assumption that any episode without Yui is a good episode, SAO #13 was definitely a big improvement.

Kokoro Connect–13 (TV End) and Series Review

As interesting as it could be, ultimately I think I’ll remember Kokoro Connect’s TV run mostly for untapped potential.

Eureka Seven: Astral Ocean - 22

I hardly know where to start, but “Damn!” is as good a place as any.

Koi to Senkyou to Chocolate – 12 (End) and Series Review

KoiChoco ended up being like a sandwich with a delicious filling on slightly stale bread.

Binbougami Ga! – 13 (End) and Series Review

It’s somehow fitting that Bingougami Ga! ended on the very same day that a second season of Haiyore! Nyaruko-san was announced.

Shirokuma Café - 26

Holy crap – they actually got Sakurai Takahiro to sing!

Omake Wednesday: Amagami SS+ plus, Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita

Chouyaku Hyakunin Isshu – 13 (End) and Series Review

Well, it just wouldn’t have felt like Utakoi with a happy ending.

Doctor Who Season 33 - 04

“The Power of Three”

Mobile Suit Gundam AGE – 49 (End) and Series Review

There were definitely times over the last year where I felt that Gundam AGE was finding its stride, and attacking some serious and interesting moral questions in a worthwhile fashion.  Sadly, today isn’t one of those times.

Hourou Musuko - 113

“Level-Headed Mako”

Tari Tari –13 (End) and Series Review

Hey – the sun rising in the East is predictable too, but it’s not like you’d want to be surprised tomorrow morning…

Uchuu Kyoudai - 25

Awesome.  No other word I can use to sum up that episode.

Hunter X Hunter 2011 - 48

Among the nearly innumerable things I love about Hunter X Hunter is the glimpse it provides into the mind of its creator.

Lost in Tokyo: An Idiot Abroad

I’ve mentioned this in some of my blog posts, but I’ve come to believe very strongly that most of our regrets in life aren’t what we did and wish we hadn’t, but what we didn’t do and wish we had.

Sword Art Online - 12

If you were a big fan of this episode, you should probably avoid going anywhere near that “Read more” link.

Kokoro Connect - 12

No matter what it does, Kokoro Connect can’t seem to escape the cloud of scandal that’s settled around it.

Accel World – 24 (End) and Series Review

I’m not sure, but it’s entirely possible that Accel World has had more crying than any anime since Uchuu no Stellvia…

Eureka Seven: Astral Ocean - 21

If I really thought this was the penultimate episode of Astral Ocean, I’d be very worried.  As long as that’s not the case I think it served its purpose quite admirably.

Koi to Senkyou to Chocolate - 11

To be honest, this isn’t going to be an especially fun post to write.

Binbougami Ga! - 12

The mix of comedy and drama in Binbougami has been just right lately.  That is to say, mostly comedy – but comedy where the characters actually matter and behave in a way that makes sense.

Shirokuma Café - 25

Once in a while, Shirokuma Café seems to like to like to break out a sincerity bomb.

9/20 - Part I

Comparing Tastes: LiA vs. RC

Just for fun, here are the top 10 (so far) in the Fall Season polls here and at Random Curiosity:

Mix - 05

“Then Why?”

Doctor Who Season 33 - 03

“A Town Called Mercy”

Chouyaku Hyakunin Isshu: Uta Koi - 12

I think the overriding message of Utakoi is, “You know – maybe people just aren’t meant to get together.”

Ginga e Kickoff - 18

There were some very important firsts in this episode of Ginga, but all the good stuff that’s been a constant since day one didn’t take the week off.

Mobile Suit Gundam AGE - 48

That was a pretty impressive display of character deaths, both in terms of volume and importance.

Fall 2012 Season Preview

Spring forward, Fall back?  Not so much in 2012 – while Spring mostly lived up to its billing as one of the best anime seasons in the last five years, Fall  - while a notch or two below that on paper – looks like it has a chance to be very good as well.

At the very least this coming season should be a big step up from Summer – but there’s nothing unusual about that, as Spring and Fall are traditionally the most diverse and interesting seasons for anime.  Previews of the shows on my radar are below the fold: as always, please take a moment and vote for your top picks in the Fall Season Poll in the sidebar.