Lucky Star - Episode 24 (FINAL) Discussion / Poll

[Pellissier]

Welcome to the discussion thread for Lucky Star, Episode 24 (FINAL).

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[Calawain]

Final episode...... <sobs uncontrollably>

[jaziek]

/cry
/breakdown
/WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

im gonna miss it... so, how long do we reckon before it gets the dub-brush?

[MajideTime]

how long do we reckon before it gets the dub-brush?

Dubbed Lucky Star? The very though of that makes me cry. And I'm already pretty down due to this being the last episode.

[anselfir]

this show is too japanese to be dubbed.

[darkchibi07]

this show is too japanese to be dubbed.

That didn't stop ADV from dubbing Pani Poni Dash. :rolleyes:

Lucky Star will get licensed in the future, and I wouldn't be surprised if Kadokawa USA pulled a marketing stunt on this by using Haruhi Suzumiya as a follow up.

[jaziek]

There are so many things that JUST WONT WORK in english.

[Panzer Bandit]

There are so many things that JUST WONT WORK in english.

I would buy it regardless.

And as much as I'm looking forward to this episode, I do feel a little sad to see this fun little journey come to an end. I had the same feeling as I read the last volume of Love Hina.

[Midonin]

I'm looking forward to seeing what Akira and Minoru pull off for the last Lucky Channel, the last ending, and one more round of silliness from our favorite girls.

[Solafighter]

Last episode... :sad:

[EBitinDechtit]

Looking very much forward to it and at the same time it's a real downer to say goodbye.

this show is too japanese to be dubbed.
mm-h, but that won't stop 'em. :heh:

[Moridin]

This is a special moment for me, and it will be more and more special untill Ive watched this last episode. I started with anime almost a year ago (10 months) and I have only watched series that are already finished, exept lucky star and claymore. I cought up with Lucky stars at episode 16, so since then I have had to wait for the next episode, and that realy givs a special feeling for the anime. You get to think about what happend in the show for a whole week before next episode comes, and that realy makes you attatched to the anime. Im already feeling that when this show ends tomorow Im going to miss it very much, and that is going to be my first case of "post anime depression"!

[anselfir]

well considering the popularity of ls among english speaking otakus, i must concede

[Claies]

This show is too awesome...I don't know what else to watch after this. It has become the ONLY anime I've watched over the past few months.

[EXEs]

Dammit, why must all good things come to an end? Now after Lucky Star, I've got nothing to look forward to...*sniff*

[Kaioshin Sama]

Do people want to wait for the episode to actually air before voting perfect? I mean I know it's Lucky Star and people vote perfect no matter what, but don't cheapen the meaning outright. If people can react negatively to people giving earlier episodes a 1 out of 10 before it even aired, I think that people should be just as mindful of the opposite end of the spectrum and show some respect to the people that ponder over how to review and rate things as they actually see them.

[Steg]

I wouldn't worry too much about Lucky Star just popping out of existence in the anime world. I mean there's a good chance it could be licensed in the future, and the manga is still being actively written. I mean, even a second season isn't totally out of the question.

Even so, it'll be really hard to watch Lucky Star end. I can't wait until it airs.

[Panzer Bandit]

Do people want to wait for the episode to actually air before voting perfect? I mean I know it's Lucky Star and people vote perfect no matter what, but don't cheapen the meaning outright. If people can react negatively to people giving earlier episodes a 1 out of 10 before it even aired, I think that people should be just as mindful of the opposite end of the spectrum and show some respect to the people that ponder over how to review and rate things as they actually see them.

They have seen the future, and it was good.

But yes, I agree, at least wait for the episode to air before giving a vote, whether positive or negative.

[Alesiopdv]

I had the same feeling as I read the last volume of Love Hina.

You mean, happiness because justice was finally made?

^_^ Sorry, I never like Love Hina.

Now after Lucky Star, I've got nothing to look forward to...*sniff*

Yeah, me too.
I hate this conspirancy of making the "Big Hit of The Year" that forces all us to buy merchandansign and worship the series that by the end of the year dies and we quickly forgot about it.

Haruhi was like that last year.

And before that FMA.

[Pellissier]

The votes given until now, when the episode has yet to air, have been deleted.
Yes, please wait at least that it airs before giving a grade (good or bad) :)

[Kaioshin Sama]

You mean, happiness because justice was finally made?

^_^ Sorry, I never like Love Hina.



Yeah, me too.
I hate this conspirancy of making the "Big Hit of The Year" that forces all us to buy merchandansign and worship the series that by the end of the year dies and we quickly forgot about it.

Haruhi was like that last year.

And before that FMA.

Nobody forces anybody to worship a series, it's our own decision to take or leave them as they come and how to show our appreciation or in my case discontent. That's the beauty of free choice, my favourite thing in the whole world.

Just as well as being forced to buy Lucky Star merchandise would not be my cup of tea, in terms of that sort of thing being like an Orwellian State, not really wanting any to begin with, and me not willing to spend money on it.



Dammit, why must all good things come to an end? Now after Lucky Star, I've got nothing to look forward to...*sniff*

Post a description of what your looking for in the Suggestion thread, and I'll come by and see if I can recommend anything that will fit. There's always something to look forward too in life.

[Panzer Bandit]

You mean, happiness because justice was finally made?

^_^ Sorry, I never like Love Hina.


Ouch, shot right through the heart... :(

It's probably my favorite manga series of all time, and I've yet to pick up a series that drew me in as much as Love Hina did. I had a lot of mixed emotions as I read the last volume...I was pretty satisfied with how it ended, so the closure was there, although I would find myself wishing that I had more volumes to look forward to every once in a while.

I'm hoping Lucky Star leaves me with the same feeling. And who knows, with the manga ongoing, maybe we'll get to see a second seasons (or at least a few OVA's) somewhere down the line.

Speaking of which...it should be airing soon. Everyone ready?

[jaziek]

Ouch, shot right through the heart... :(

It's probably my favorite manga series of all time, and I've yet to pick up a series that drew me in as much as Love Hina did. I had a lot of mixed emotions as I read the last volume...I was pretty satisfied with how it ended, so the closure was there, although I would find myself wishing that I had more volumes to look forward to every once in a while.

I'm hoping Lucky Star leaves me with the same feeling. And who knows, with the manga ongoing, maybe we'll get to see a second seasons (or at least a few OVA's) somewhere down the line.

Speaking of which...it should be airing soon. Everyone ready?

I've only ever seen the anime, never read the manga.. is it much better?

[Moridin]

Do anyone know when its going to air? If you know, can you please tell me in GMT or local japanese time? would appriciate it much :D . and by the way, is there some sort of way to find the japanes tv schedule (dont know what it is called in english, the list of what airs on different chanels and at what time)?

[Konata-chan]

Do anyone know when its going to air? If you know, can you please tell me in GMT or local japanese time? would appriciate it much :D . and by the way, is there some sort of way to find the japanes tv schedule (dont know what it is called in english, the list of what airs on different chanels and at what time)?

I know it airs around my area at 8:30AM PT, so 4:30PM GMT?

[Alesiopdv]

Umm... I didnt mean that.
Nobody thinks is suspicious that an "Under Series" suddenly became a financial succes? I mean Haruhi was at firts just a popular ranobe, Lucky Star a 4 koma in Comptiq, heck even Digi Charat was a commercial at the beggining.
What I always see is that there is a Series of The Year, there are no pauses, one dies another comes by, maybe was liek that in Japan since a long time ago, but for Latinamericans one series can be the big succes and sustain years of airing.

Anyway this is just non-sense babbling, Im a conspirancy-theory-nut at the level of The Question (not the orignal one of course, the DCAU version of him).

I beleive the global warning is a cover for experiments with weather-altering machines so......

I've only ever seen the anime, never read the manga.. is it much better?

Not really, at leats for me. I feel the message is "life sucks for everybody except for that stupid tsundere girl who ruins everyones lifes" oh and "being a wuss makes you a magnet for chicks (yeah, right)"

I agree with Shiraishi: Kagami is NOT a Tsundere. Dont ever call her like that!

(I hope the last episode title is a hint of some kind)

[AVPlaya]

Now that I'm done with EP23's ref post, I have this sinking feeling of not wanting to watch 24. I can't believe that the next one will be the last one. I still have 21 and 22 to finish, but knowing there won't be a new L*S next week is just... a heavy feeling. I've never gotten so "otaku" over an anime before, and I don't know if I'll ever do it again. L*S made me spend long hours looking up interesting obscure facts about Japan and helped me develop interest in things I would have never paid attention before. In it's small way, L*S is life-changing for me. I don't know if I'll ever feel like this toward another anime again.

Well, one thing I do know.. even after it's finished I'll still be hanging around here. I can still go back and do the references for 1 to 13; I just there will be future fans to enjoy them. I can see this forum becoming like the Haruhi forum - still going strong until the second season announcement. Yes, I am firm in my belief that for many, many reasons, there will be a second season.

[Ravenblitz]

argh wanna have season 2 :D

[EXEs]

Originally Posted by: Kaioshin_Sama
Post a description of what your looking for in the Suggestion thread, and I'll come by and see if I can recommend anything that will fit. There's always something to look forward too in life.

Yeah, thanks man. :)

[Sheba]

There are no OP.

From what I've seen in 2chan's screencaps:
- Lot of Patty. Nice news for her fans.
- There are another cameo of the Miyakawa sisters.
- Kona wears Yuki's witch costume.
- Akira makes her first appearance in the actual show. And final one.
- Pompom Girls dance for the festival.

Gonna wait for the raws then the subs.

[Larcx]

is there any sign of season 2 at the end of eps?:confused:

[Sheba]

is there any sign of season 2 at the end of eps?:confused:



Alas, no clue about it.

[jaziek]

Theres no OP? BLASPHEMAH!

[Sheba]

Theres no OP? BLASPHEMAH!
What would be the point? They are dancing Motteke Sailor Fuku near the end anyway.

[Ascaloth]

What would be the point? They are dancing Motteke Sailor Fuku near the end anyway.

But you didn't say that. :p

[Fat Cat Lim]

Raws out! Time to see how it all ends~

[Sheba]

But you didn't say that. :p

I was not clear enough. With "No OP", I meant no opening animation like in SuzuHaru ep10 and ep14, or FMP: TSR ep13.

[shiro83]

No... time's fun when you are having flies...
Hopes for season 2, if any...

[kj1980]

So I guess we will be seeing the cheerleading sequence in its full entireity on youtube after this wwww

[takumi2k4]

True to L*S fashion, it ended in the most unexpected way possible.

Can't wait to see the subs tomorrow! There was a lot of dialogue here, so yeah.

But, great episode though. I for one await to see the mass videos on Youtube tomorrow.

[Kaoru Chujo]

Beautiful. Every character had a telling cameo. Kaga-Kona were so great together. Patty (Sasaki Nozomi) had her time in the sun. Konata dressed as Yuki the witch was an image for the ages. I liked Aaya doing Minorin, too. And the Minami-Yutaka dress-up was great, as well.

The credits say this episode was actually written by the mangaka, Yoshimitsu Kagami. First episode he's written. It seemed to be something new, not from the manga (is that so, manga-readers?), and perhaps they wanted to make sure it didn't stray from the spirit of Lucky Star, while still wrapping up and getting Motteke Sailor Fuku in it. It was directed by Ishidate Taichi, who has directed many eps of this, Kanon, and Haruhi. And he also did the storyboard -- along with the overall director, Takemoto Yasuhiro.

I have no problem doing without an OP: they did the OP later, with the new animation -- some good new things, along with re-use of bits from the original (with a new background). Maybe my only problem was the ED: I know it was unrealistic, but I was getting my hopes up for a live Motteke from the cast. This was a decent song from Shiraishi, with a good feeling in the visuals, but nothing special. At first, I was disappointed in the actual ending, when we see the light of the curtains opening. More, I want more! But the feeling gradually sinks in: of endings, and of beginnings. Sasuga Yoshimitsu-sensei.

When this series started, I was just pleased it was pretty good. Now by the end, I realize that it was very good indeed. Not a little side-show for Kyoto Animation, but a major work.

EDIT: I think that what Patty bribes Konata with is a ticket to a Hirano Aya handshake session.

EDIT2: If there's enough money to be made, I guess it could happen, but I don't see a second season. Since the main four are about to graduate, is there enough in the manga to do a season based around Yutaka-Minami-Patty-Hiyorin?

By the way, thanks to moyism for everything, and particularly for being so quick this week. With something or other.

[Moridin]

Soooooooo.. Im left sitting here in my chair, feeling both satisfied and a little "lonely". Dont want it to be over!
I liked this episode, but im going to wait to vote on it until I have seen the subed version. Some series I understand well without subs, but Lucky star is way above my level of japanese understandigt hehe.
I thought that it fellt like Lucky star all the way through, exept a very small part when they had a new song, but otherwise it fellt like this anime usualy feels... But I realy think it would have been better if they didnt do it like that. Instead of ending it where they do, I would have wanted to keep seeing what was about to happen, and they should have used some slow, mildly depressing song and changed the pacing and used close-upps and such. I think it would have been very dramatic if they did it that way. I realize that a lot of people surely wants a happy and smiling end for this anime, but I dont. After all, this is sort of a sad moment, cus now we have to say godbye to all those lovely characters.

this is just mu preliminary thoughts about this episode, I might change my mind after seeing the subed version.

[Rembr]

The ending scene wasn't unexpected. And the sendoff was rather fitting.
There were nothing concrete for season 2 foreshadow. Only argument that could be made for it is introduction of few more minor characters. Overall, though, the episode had an ending vibe.

It was a fun ride. The well-rounded yet explosive character expression as well as exploration of contemporary Japanese culture (otaku and normal), backed up by Kyoani execution of details and new ideas definitely made this a breath of fresh air, with hint of nostalgia. The fact that this was an experimental piece probably made them try a lot of new things, and judging from the reception, it worked really well.
Despite not being able to get 100% of the content, it's good to see that this show had a good reception over here, too.

If anyone wants a quick translation of certain scenes, lmk. I will post explanations here.

[Fat Cat Lim]

Basically Patty hears about the opening ceremony and convinces her classmates to participate with a cheerleading event. Konata at first has reservations about Yutaka joining the event because of her health but Yutaka says she's been feeling better lately. Whilst in discussion, Konata receives a call from Patty, whom she manages to bribe Konata with a ticket to a Haruhi concert (event?). Konata eventually convinces her friends to join in as well.

The girls later practice the whole OP cheerleading sequence during the rehearsal. At the end of the show, they are nervous about performing in front of the crowd but then Shiraishi's mobile rings in the middle of his introduction, and the ringtone is him singing Miracle Beam badly. The auditorium burst into laughter, including the Lucky Star girls. They now feel much more relaxed and are ready to perform as the curtain is raised.

Nice to see everyone in the show get a speaking part (except for Minami's mother) and even Akira makes an official appearance! Not exactly an epic episode but it's nice to see them perform the full OP dance sequence without having to buy the DVD, lol.

What was the announcement at the end of the episode anyway?

[Midonin]

I'm waiting for the episode itself, but I peeked around the Internet and saw the "Motteke!" dance.

"Cute" is not nearly descriptive enough.

[Konata-chan]

So I guess we will be seeing the cheerleading sequence in its full entireity on youtube after this wwww

I'm waiting for the episode itself, but I peeked around the Internet and saw the "Motteke!" dance.



But, great episode though. I for one await to see the mass videos on Youtube tomorrow.

There's already one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1noh0HcwDo)

[Keruri]

I really hope it's not bad that I'm crying. Lucky Starrr. I'm going to miss you. *cling*

I also really hope that it's not bad that I've already learned the "new" dance. All the way through. I'm THAT obsessed.

Thank GOD that I decided to make the cheerleading uniform! It's halfway finished; this is even more of a motivation to finish it.

EDIT- After rewatching, I took a few notes.
Akira got her "cameo", and Shiraishi friggin' opened his eyes! They're a green, almost hazel colour.

[None]

What was the announcement at the end of the episode anyway?


An announcement for Magical Rental starting october 7th, apparently on the same timeslot as Lucky Star (not 100% shure.. might have misread).
If that's the case.. wonder what they're broadcasting on that slot the next two weeks..

[htsuji]

Really good finale!
A few second after I started watching the episode 24, I was sure KyoAni would show us something different from usual because the staff list appeared on the screen even though the opening song and movie didn't started yet.

Anyway, I love this anime. Maybe I would be even happier if I have a sequel. But I'm already happy.

[Steg]

I'm pleasantly surprised that the show didn't end with the original four girls graduating from high school. If you think about it this leaves a much bigger window of opportunity for a second season (or maybe some kind of extension of the first somehow?), especially since the show didn't even cover all the manga (which is still being written anyway).
Basically, I just don't want this show to end, ever. This was a pretty bittersweet episode, even with all the hope for a second season. Still, great episode of a great show that I'm very sad to see ending.

[Kaioshin Sama]

About what I would expect in the end, nothing lost nothing gained and a little predictable that the ending would be them dancing (think about who's doing the show for a second), but the right thing for the series.

The series was a mixed bag for me overall. I don't see the epic masterpiece others do, but I see a show that has fun with itself (sometimes at the expense of the viewers) and a solid ride the most of the way through (with a couple speed bumps here and there). I wouldn't expect any less in my light entertainment anime, but I still think they could have done a lot more with the characters and that time management was a bit shaky for the series. Lucky Channel was not my cup of tea, that could have gone and they could have used the time to give some of the more tertiary characters a bit more time.

So to sum the series, up another good adaptation from Kyoto Animation for what the series is, but it could have been a lot more with a little better use of it's time (production troubles and directoral changes aside).

[Woland]

Very fitting and pleasant end episode. Perfect for a series like Lucky Stars, a nice mood and a bittersweet undertone, but I would have avoided the ending song by Shiraishi this time. It's like he spoiled a bit the episode (and well I grown a bit tired of this kind of ending lately) while the curtain scenes was just too right IMHO.

Last chapter (for now?) of the Aya Hirano show

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4701/snapshot20070916210914um0.jpg
but she doesn't mimic one of her past role this time.

A great performance overall for her (and I was so perplexed at the beginning when the cast was announced :heh:)

[Kinny Riddle]

Simple plot for the final episode: Patty proposes to get a few of her friends to do a special dance for the school cultural festival.

First, she recruits Yutaka, who is eager to show she can do something, and once she joins, Minami-chan and Hiyorin had no choice but to tag along as well. :D

Next, she bribes Kona-chan with Haruhi concert tickets.

Kona-chan easily convinces Tsukasa-chan to join using her charm, though Kona-chan had to use the good ol' "guilt trip" strategy to trick Kagamin to join.

(Kona-chan: Yu-chan's working hard on it, but it's such a pity we won't be able to find enough people......
Kagamin: OK ALREADY! I'm in then! )

Kona-chan recruits Mi-wiki, who agrees right away, though she is oblivious to Kona-chan's ulterior motive in recruiting her (cough*big "assets"*cough).

Kagamin later gets incensed when she finds out Patty still hasn't completely decided to actually organize the dance, since Patty didn't expect this many people would sign up (She had originally wanted to do "Hare Hare Yukai". :heh: )

Patty pulled the final straw in Kagamin by saying "I can't understand your complicated Japanese". LOL Resulting in Kagamin going in a passionate outburst.

To which Kona-chan comments: So Kagamin is actually the most passionate in doing this dance huh?
Kagamin (blushes): S...SHUT UP!

Tsukasa-chan should consider using balsamic vinegar for her fortune telling. :D

We see Misao and Ayano sign up for the dance as well.

We next find out what activity Yu-chan's class is having: Doing a Takarazuka Revue themed cafe. The brainchild of none other than Hiyorin, who has already arranged for Minami-chan and Yu-chan to be the lead waitresses, for obvious reasons. :cool:

(Please refer to this wiki for more. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takarazuka_Revue Note the cafe is called "Kaze Gumi" (Wind Troup), which isn't in the original Takarazuka troupes, obviously created by Hiyorin herself. )

The first part of part 2 deals with the girls telling their families about the dance. (Soujirou gets fired up and prepares his camera, as expected. )

Kona-chan and Misao-chan teases Kagamin for being so fired up in training the girls for the dance. Another +10 dere points for Kagamin.

Minor characters Miyazawa Hinata and Hikage make another cameo, since it is the last episode after all. They original came to see their friend's rehearsal, but were told only students were allowed to watch the rehearsal. In other words, Hinata came one day too early, much to Hikage's chagrin, since they're always low on money, due to Hinata's otaku habits. (More on their friend below)

Kona-chan shows off her "fortune telling" attire: Nagato Yuki's famed witch costume. (OMFG) She (Hirano Aya) even imitates Nagato's (Chihara Minori's) monotonic recital of the results.

You have to see Minami-chan and Yu-chan's costume to understand what's so yuri-licious about them. Words are inadequate here.

But that's not the funny thing, the funny thing is Kagamin let slip her fondness for yuri when she said "What a great match". Stunning both Minami-chan and Yu-chan. :heh:

Finally, the friend Hinata and Hikage were talking about: AKIRA-SAMA!!! FINALLY in the main show itself! She was given a chance to perform by Sakuraba-sensei, who's also making a cameo appearance here. Sakuraba-sensei is assisted by none other than Shiraishi, who pulls a polite face.

However, when Sakuraba-sensei turns her back away, Akira-sama and Shiraishi quickly show their intense dislike for each other, but decide to tolerate it since it's the last episode. Akira-sama gets to sing "Misoji Misaki", for only one second. Shiraishi explains that there isn't much time anyway. Akira-sama was unsurprisingly furious. lol

And Shiraishi's reason becomes obvious right away When we finally see the dance itself. As everyone has noticed, Kyo-Ani has performed the entire dance sequence without having to resort to a DVD version. The whole episode has built up to this, and it was definitely worth the wait.

The second last scene has the girls reminiscing on how fun the rehearsal was, but with the BGM, you can't help but feel they were talking about the past 24 eps as a whole as well.

Finally, on the festival day itself, the girls prepare to come out of the curtains to face the crowd. As expected, they were all feeling extremely nervous. Fear not, for help has arrived from the most unexpected source: Host Shiraishi's mobile phone has gone off, revealing the silly dialtone of "Mi-Mi-Mirakuru Minoru-run". :D

This has the instance effect of relaxing everyone's nerves. (Remember to pay attention to how even a quiet girl like Minori-chan laughs. :love: ) And so, they step onto the stage as the curtains raise to great applause.

No Lucky Channel, since Akira-sama has finally got her wish and appeared on the main show. So last eps Lucky Channel was probably the final one (though technically, it should be LC 21 that's the last, before Shiraishi smashed the studio to smithereens. )

The final ED was equally silly and idiotic, true to the spirit of the nonsensical Shiraishi EDs.


Such a long post, probably my last long post for Lucky Star. LS is one of those shows that have me staying up in the middle of the night just to write these long posts, so this has got to be a very fun show to watch, if not a good show. Kyo-Ani, you have defied the critics and done it again.

Now bring on CLANNAD.

[Seska]

I just wanna say, that i enjoyed the trip of Lucky Star. In the first i heaved my problems, but then i began to enjoy it (Mmm reminds me of my Simoun days :)).

I am curious what next Anime this Studio will bring out.Oh, and Kaoru Chujo, your Homepage is a great one. I like it... :)

[jaziek]

I dont know the slightest thing about clannad.. and yet i am anticipating watching it...

goddam you kyoani.

[Konata-chan]

We next find out what activity Yu-chan's class is having: Doing a Takarazuka Revue themed cafe. The brainchild of none other than Hiyorin, who has already arranged for Minami-chan and Yu-chan to be the lead waitresses, for obvious reasons. :cool:

(Please refer to this wiki for more. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takarazuka_Revue Note the cafe is called "Kaze Gumi" (Wind Troup), which isn't in the original Takarazuka troupes, obviously created by Hiyorin herself. )

You have to see Minami-chan and Yu-chan's costume to understand what's so yuri-licious about them. Words are inadequate here.

But that's not the funny thing, the funny thing is Kagamin let slip her fondness for yuri when she said "What a great match". Stunning both Minami-chan and Yu-chan. :heh:



Takarazuka Revue?! I love the Revue and especially their "yuri undertones". Yutaka/Minami would so play the role of the otokoyaku/musumeyaku even more than Konata/Kagami.

Props to the episode 24 dance! Here's hoping it gets honors on Youtube.

[htsuji]

I forgot to write one thing here.

I know many of you (including myself) have been annoyed with Shiraishi's ending songs for a long time. But at least, the title they chose as the episode 24's concluding song was really a pleasant surprise to me.

Sure. The school festival is over.

[QBnoYouko]

Ah, what a great ending. I expect over a gajillion dance parody videos on YouTube by the end of the week.

And it seems I was about right, more detailed background characters (though not all).

The end was rather ambiguous though, wasn't it? Makes me wonder if KyoAni even plans on something more in store for LS.

[Tatiana Razajev]

Props to the episode 24 dance! Here's hoping it gets honors on Youtube.

Is it bad that I've already re-watched the dance scene several times in a row? In any case the final episode and the series over all is pretty awesome. So the sooner it gets licensed the sooner I can prepare for the task of collecting it. It definitely deserves higher priority. Especially if licensed by a decent company or well in this case I should say especially if Kadokawa partners with a decent company. Either way the waiting game begins for me.

As for the subject of dubbing brought up earlier. I'm confident it's possible to do a decent job with the dub so long as real effort is put into the dub. Which is the gen If I find the dub to be at least good enough then I will likely stick with it for the initial watch of the DVD version. After all I'd have already watched it in Japanese by way of raws and fansubs. If the dub is not good enough for me then I'll just be like "Ah well" and stick with the subbed version. Granted before any of this can happen the series needs to be well dubbed first.

[krln99]

I was the first one who called a "song and dance" at the end of the series:

http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=54408

:)

I had a feeling it was gonna be the intro when they skipped it in the beginning and once Patty was talking about a cheerleading dance it was a foregone conclusion. But even though we knew what was coming it was interesting how we got there. It also placates those hardcore L*S fans who thought the intro was "out of character" KyoAni loli fanservice. Essentially, the series has come full circle. A second series or SP would be nice but even if this is the end I'm happy. This was a delightful little series about "nothing" in a sea of sci-fi, melodrama, and mecha anime.

[fallenangelash]

the dance rocked. period.

[Decagon]

I don't have the kind of emotional investment some people have with this show, but I will miss this part of my weekend schedule. Top of my "to rewatch" list for gloomy days.

[iamthebest22]

I loved it. Yeah I also feel sad... that this the last episode. Man there are so many Anime that could have and should have been continued, but didn't (i.e. Fate Stay Night, and Lucky Star of course).

[dahl_moon]

Never felt so satisfied with a final episode in a looong time. I had been skimping on the episode posts for a while, but this one deserves a must.

Of course, the highlight of the episode is the mass cheerleading dance. Although less of an impact compared to my first sighting of the opening, it was greatly enjoyable.

Other highlights
The schemes of the otaku trio (Patty's bribing Konata, Konata's acting to recruit Kagami, Hiyorin's Takarazuka Revue!!!! (is it her scheme?))
Kagami's leadership. She's just wonderful to have around, isn't she?
Patty's "I don't know difficult Japanese~" and then Kagami blowing up!
http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/4893/muzukashicc9.th.png (http://img475.imageshack.us/my.php?image=muzukashicc9.png)http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/2214/blowup1lc6.th.png (http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?image=blowup1lc6.png)http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/2061/blowup2rz1.th.png (http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?image=blowup2rz1.png)
Misao also gets upset for the first time. First time I've heard her seiyu really well. Good job.
Miyuki's proposal receiving just one vote, and laughed off by her own mother.
Shiraishi opening his eyes

[Death Angel]

I guess I'll watch it when I get the chance...

[Shana]

I'm going to cry, oh wait, I'm crying. I loved this episode, is a typical Lucky Star episode, but closes prefectly the series.

This episode had a lot of quality, as I expected from KyoAni. More quality than Kagamin's scene in episode 21, more than Kanata's scene in episode 22; This episode made me cry, the last Lucky Star episode... Yeah.

Perfect 10.

[Sheba]

Not noted yet and waiting for the sub. I am just going to say that it is an enjoyable series; it is not groundbreaking, but it is definitely not the forgettable kind unlike some says, at least for me.

I did read in various places that some complain about no plot development. Please, it has not plot to begin with.
Now, can I compare it with Azumanga Daioh or PPD? I cannot. Not because any of the three is superior or inferior to the others, but because they have their own brand of humor. Let me elaborate, I can laugh at Friends, Married with Children, Life of Brian, H (french comedy series set in an hospital) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H_%28French_TV_series%29), Kaamelott (delicious french parody of Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaamelott) and Malcolm of the Middle, but I do not compare them, I don't see how one can be superior or inferior because they are so different. And seriously, I need variety everywhere, even in the comedy genre.

In conclusion, like Azumanga Daioh and Excel Saga, Lucky*Star will very likely end up in my DVD collection, should it be released in France.

[kenjiharima]

aghhhh~~~!!! The ultimate loli dance!!!

A must see final episode. Seems like Patty looks like NIA from Gurren Lagann with the stary eyes *_*. Even the Moe Drill game girls got air time!

Need to DL the raws!!!


I want a season2!!!

[Vexx]

Not noted yet and waiting for the sub. I am just going to say that it is an enjoyable series; it is not groundbreaking, but it is definitely not the forgettable kind unlike some says, at least for me.

I did read in various places that some complain about no plot development. Please, it has not plot to begin with.
Now, can I compare it with Azumanga Daioh or PPD? I cannot. Not because any of the three is superior or inferior to the others, but because they have their own brand of humor. Let me elaborate, I can laugh at Friends, Married with Children, Life of Brian, H (french comedy series set in an hospital) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H_%28French_TV_series%29), Kaamelott (delicious french parody of Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaamelott) and Malcolm of the Middle, but I do not compare them, I don't see how one can be superior or inferior because they are so different. And seriously, I need variety everywhere, even in the comedy genre.

In conclusion, like Azumanga Daioh and Excel Saga, Lucky*Star will very likely end up in my DVD collection, should it be released in France.

Tried to cookie that assessment but I must spread the rep more it seems, so a quote will have to do for now. I, too, am getting tired of the "label and stop thinking" syndrome I see too much of on forums. L*S is more of a character study than a "plot" and is no less entertaining for that.

[Chi-no]

Towards the ending is nice ... Especially the

"Cheerleading dance Done by them using The opening theme. "

Really like this series and Azumanga Daioh also....

[PirateSkittles]

To know that it's actually over saddens me a lot. T_T

This is actually the first anime series I've watched at the same time as it was released, if I make any sense. For other series, I would usually be late (either by the whole series or a few episodes).

This was the first time I actually anticipated to see the next episode, tried to be as patient as I could until it would finally come out. I'm not really good at japanese, but I'd watch the RAW version until the subs are out.

Now that it's over, I feel like a big part of my life's empty. T_T

I really do hope they have a second series.

[Kyuusai]

For those dying to see it ASAP, the Guerrand softsub is out as of now. :)

[Lunariska]

that is just like this "what should i do now" feeling when you finished a game you wanted so badly and played though it like in 2 weeks and got this unstatisfied feeling in the end.
i can only agree with the posts above me:
2nd Season. NAO!

[Teiran]

For those dying to see it ASAP, the Guerrand softsub is out as of now. :)
Hardsub is out as well. :)

Haha, Kona-chan busted out the "Kagaminya" for the first time in about twenty episodes.

[Shiroth]

I've also loved hearing Nozomi Sasaki's Patty --- she was on top form this episode. Also i'd like to point out that Kaoru Mizuhara's Misao is quite possibly the best voice i have ever heard.

[Anh_Minh]

I'm sad to see it go, but it was an enjoyable episode.

Hostile Shiraishi is annoying. Akira can get away with it because she's cute, but he should just resign himself to being a human carpet.

Konata in her witch costume's not quite as cute as Nagato, but it was nice all the same.

Minami should learn to smile.

Minami x Yutaka in Zuka costumes do look good.

[Midonin]

So, the final episode...

I enjoyed it. Everything about the series that made it great was packed into that half-hour. Konata's otakuism, Yutaka and Minami, Kagami's snarkiness...everyone was at their finest. The full "Motteke!" dance was cute, and seeing the curtain go up in the end was a nice final shot for the show. I like that they even got in Lucky Channel, in a way. Akira and Minoru haven't changed a bit.

9/10, a satisfying finale. The kind that makes me glad I started watching.

[•••Shadow•••]

I was looking so forward to end of this ep....
everything was great,,,, EVERYTHNG........ but that end.... just ruined it all.....

[HaZzArD]

Min-Min-Miracle Mino-run-run :heh:

[Meophist]

Something my brother noticed:Not only does Konata wear the witch costume Yuki wears in Haruhi, she also wears the same school uniform underneath.

[Moridin]

Now I have seen the subed version too :) It was great!
But now I have some questions. After they practise their performance they use two words: Dondake and Ikahodo. I looked up dondake and got an interesting story about a drag queen called Ikko in a show called Lincoln, and apparently that is his catch-phrase. The meaning of it is rougly "wtf?!"
http://www.kilian-nakamura.com/blog-english/index.php/battery-powered-dondake-signals-its-imminent-demise/
But I couldnt find anything about Ikahodo except that it means "how much" "however", but Im guessing there is someting more to it, cus otherwise it wouldnt fit in that context they are using it. So someone with apropriate knowledge, please enlighten us :)


At around 12:00, Konatas cousin says she will "enfuse them with big sister power" ( :heh: ) . The way that dialog is made and their reactions reminds me of Azumaga Dioh when "Osaka" is trying to help one of the other girls by giving some of her power to that girls "Good-luck-charm" (dont know the english word for that, but Im guessing you guys will understand). Osaka thinks it will help, but the others thinks it will do the opposit.
Because I was already reminded of Azumanga once during this episode I couldnt help it when bits of it suddenly got recalled into memmory, especially after the cheerleading practice in this episode, when Konata wants their teacher to pay for thier drinks! :D If Im not misstaken, that was also during the cultural festival in Azumanga. (Im editing this now because I migt be wrong about that, it might have had something to do with some sporting event instead..)

[Woland]

At around 12:00, Konatas cousin says she will "enfuse them with big sister power" ( :heh: ) . The way that dialog is made and their reactions reminds me of Azumaga Dioh when "Osaka" is trying to help one of the other girls.

Yes, but the "Onee-chan power" is also a famous take from School Rumble, even if the execution is different (...maybe I just remember the quote :heh:).

[MajideTime]

Brilliant. That's all that needs to be said. The Motteke! Sailor Fuku! performance=win. Plus, Haruhi references abound! Win.

[Claymore_Obsessed]

Besides the dance, I really loved to see Akira and Minoru at their best as in the good old days :)

I also acquired a new catchphrase, as of today I can officially apologize by saiying "I don't know those hard Nippon words!" :heh:

I also loved that scene where Patty shows the dance on her cellphone, and Konata is mesmerized ..."ooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuoooooooooooo" :D


Great ending, but still a ending... I'm feeling sad...it feels like a friend is waving goodbye :(

[white-devil]

God, I felt so dang sad there at the end. Im going to count this as one of those really really cute and overall sweet anime series that you wont forget.

[Ashlotte]

Well that was a cute capper to an enjoyable although mostly forgettable ,for me ,show...

Don't get me wrong it gave me a good laugh, but as far as impact it just didnt make much of any like most KyoAni series i've watched. Atleast it did a good job of making me long for Season 2 of suzumiya like crazy...Especially the nagato reference in this episode.

I think in the end the VA performances are what stuck in my head the most overall... ;)

[luckystar3]

:( :upset: lucky star is gone.... i want them to make more episodes. they better do it. im extremely sad but it was the best episode and it was awesome how they did cheer leading with the theme song and it was awesome. thats the only thing i need to say. it was perfect

[Alesiopdv]

Simple put.

Why can anime be eternal like the Simspons?

As far as I recall Bart graduates form 4th grade Sixt Times.

Its a freaking cartoon, dont need to have realistic flow of time, its called comic book time.

See? Is a conspirancy. We all like the show, but still it HAVE to end.

Bah, yeah yeah perfect 10. Nice episode. Whatever. Im sick of japanese shows that ends. The only one with cojones to still be on air is Pokemon.

[himemiya613]

i loved this series, i feel really sad that it ended

[DeshoDesho]

Bah, yeah yeah perfect 10. Nice episode. Whatever. Im sick of japanese shows that ends. The only one with cojones to still be on air is Pokemon.
i agree,Pokemon isnt that good to last 700+ episodes,after the 3 Season i stopped seeing it.
See this quote
There are some anime shows who should be death and arent,and some that Shouldnt but are

[kenjiharima]

hmm...that maybe a great idea.

a never ending school of loli's, each time a season ends a new story or finally we'll see a plot on L*S. I know Simpsons has been there since 1988 almost 20 years Bart hasn't graduated. :heh:

Why not an anime? Well as some say anime has a different genre... XD

[Claymore_Obsessed]

Simple put.

Why can anime be eternal like the Simspons?

As far as I recall Bart graduates form 4th grade Sixt Times.

Its a freaking cartoon, dont need to have realistic flow of time, its called comic book time.

See? Is a conspirancy. We all like the show, but still it HAVE to end.

Bah, yeah yeah perfect 10. Nice episode. Whatever. Im sick of japanese shows that ends. The only one with cojones to still be on air is Pokemon.

All tastes are tastes...
I love anime also because they usually end, sooner or later.

Yes, it might be sad at first, but think wisely.

What's better: having a finished masterpiece that will last forever in our hearts and souls as shiny as that day we saw it in its full splendour, or a endless show that at first runs, then walks, then painfully crawls struggling in vain to be as good as it once was? Sharks are hungry, and they don't really like jumpers...
(all references to actual shows aren't casual :heh:)

[darksider]

hmm...that maybe a great idea.

a never ending school of loli's, each time a season ends a new story or finally we'll see a plot on L*S. I know Simpsons has been there since 1988 almost 20 years Bart hasn't graduated. :heh:

Why not an anime? Well as some say anime has a different genre... XD

I know that that thing is referred as the (cursed) Sazae-san dimension in Japan.

Once you put on the One Ring, although you won't age anymore, you'll begin to feel your life getting thin and stretched...

[Seska]

Ever good/loving/emotion Story/Anime/OVA should end when all is told. No forced continue. it is like mix Water with Wine....

[Yuu-neko]

God! Thanks Paty-chan for making them all dance! This was the most "moe" episode ever! :D
Second season, please second season TT.TT...

[kumori]

it was a nice ending that fit very well to the style of the story =] goin to be sad that it's over. =/ it was one of those nice carefree funny episodes that brightens your day whe you feel down. it also counterbalances my action anime. Going to miss it, and hoping for a second season!! =D

[Vexx]

One of my biggest reasons for enjoying anime is that they usually come in complete packages with a beginning, middle, and end. I had gotten sick of never-ending series and I find I really have a bad taste in my mouth relating any of the "never ending anime" series some folks like so much.

Now "slice-o-life" (or more properly in Lucky*Star's case --character studies--) is an odd duck in that it doesn't really fit that scheme, but I enjoy those as well because they communicate the human condition in an often humorous way.

They need to let more 4-koma accumulate before taking on more Lucky*Star and since they've had the girls graduate.... either I'd like to see interstitial OVAs or OVAs regarding the second tier. I don't know that a second season would be good for the material. Hell, I'd like to see an anime-only "post graduation" OVA about the gang as a kind of nice epilog, but since the manga is ongoing - who knows.

[Risaa]

All tastes are tastes...
I love anime also because they usually end, sooner or later.

Yes, it might be sad at first, but think wisely.

What's better: having a finished masterpiece that will last forever in our hearts and souls as shiny as that day we saw it in its full splendour, or a endless show that at first runs, then walks, then painfully crawls struggling in vain to be as good as it once was? Sharks are hungry, and they don't really like jumpers...
(all references to actual shows aren't casual :heh:)
QFT. This is exactly right. With anime like Pokémon, if you were to loyally watch it from the first season to the very last episode that's been aired, chances are you lost a lot of the hype. It's no longer exciting, and what you gather from the series is an overall "OK" feeling, no matter how great you initially thought it was.

(Of course, the aim of shows like Pokémon is to draw in a new audience all the time anyways... They don't really expect any regular fan to keep up with all the seasons they've shown - they expect old fans to move on and to draw in new fans. Only really DIE HARD fans of Pokémon would continue to watch it ne.)

With something like L*S, I'm really glad it ends at 24 episodes. It's perfect in that it's not drawn out so much that we lose our excitement over it, and it's not just a 3-episode OVA that gets us wound up (like taking a steak away from a dog ne). In other words... It gives us a lot, but it still leaves us wanting more. :)

Edit: Now that I think about it.... If an anime makes you emo when it ends, doesn't that mean it did an excellent job? :)

[SukyAnime2]

Ah, the perfect ending for an easygoing anime.

No offense, but a neverending show of this would be horrible over time. Imagine 100 episodes of girls ranting off their problems.... IN COLLEGE!

Anyway. I don't regret watching any bit of this anime as it's a great series to watch when you're bored.

Move over Lucky Star. Bring in CLANNAD. :D

[himemiya613]

i dont think there will be a second season, if there was, the girls would have to be in universitiy/collage

[archanfels]

Beautiful, beautiful.... T^T

(goes to corner and be emo and will be back later)

[Ahasuerus]

What's better: having a finished masterpiece that will last forever in our hearts and souls as shiny as that day we saw it in its full splendour, or a endless show that at first runs, then walks, then painfully crawls struggling in vain to be as good as it once was?

An important point and well-said. I can think of several series that should have been shot at episode 25 :heh:

I really loved this episode, and it brought a sense of bittersweet closure to the series. From the lack of an OP I had high hopes for a cheerleading sequence, since KyoAni's dance sequences are a showcase for such great animation. And unlike a lot of viewers, I enjoyed the Haruhi references even though it got a bit repetitious :p

Since they're doing a slice-of-life, and Haruhi is so popular, I can easily imagine the students utilizing TMoSH elements into their daily routines. But I was practically giddy when they did do their dance number, and especially liked that Guerrand didn't put subs over the dance while it played. Nice touch :cool:

Frankly, I didn't expect to like the series so much, as I don't get a lot of the refs, but that didn't stop me from being thoroughly involved with the... er, "story." I enjoy the more "unusual" anime, and despite some viewers saying that LS isn't anything special, I have to disagree. I haven't yet seen PPD, but nothing else I've seen comes close, except possibly the randomness of TMoSH.

In my opinion the episode deserves a rare (for me) Perfect 10. I can't think of anything serious to complain about, but then I'm not given toward bitching about unimportant stuff LOL

And, I don't see anything that would prevent a second season coming along, especially with how promo-savvy KyoAni operates :heh: Perhaps Haruhi 2 will tease us with some hints ;)

I think I love Aya :heh:

Thanks to all who posted here and helped me to get so much of what (so much :heh:) I didn't understand, and also to the forum for providing the References Thread. Without these factors I wouldn't have been able to enjoy it as much as I did :cool:

Next weekend I'm going to have a LS marathon; maybe that will ease the missing somewhat. Now, to fill this awful, gaping void, I think I'll go watch Kanon... :D

[GGP]

i thought the episode was great

i think that there will be a season 2 because it has a huge fan base and they can either have them in college or start over high school (pull a simpson), or focus on konatas cousin and her friends

and, even if they dont, the anime is still ongoing and we can still find it translated online

and they are making L*S video games as well. so, i wont get too sad after this amazing anime has ended... if it has ended

pray for season 2

[Shiroi Hane]

Full OP dance, in show, in context? And Akira finally making her in-show debut at the last minute? Perfect 10.

[Panic!]

Lucky Star over. I cannot accept reality.

The last few scenes, especially the final practice and the actual end itself seemed almost surreal to me. It wasn't an over the top final episode or anything, just more of the slice-of-life-yness its always been. Watching their act was perhaps a perfect ending for me, who got hooked in the first place by a seemingly crazy, hyper-energetic OP Youtube link posted on the WoW OT forums.

Actually, that Lucky Star OP vid is THE reason I got into anime (beyond Cartoon Network stuff). Konata was my introduction to the otaku, Kagami is my original tsundere (but apparently thats debatable), and Motteke! is my original Hare Hare. It was the first series I had to wait for every week starting with Ep. 6, and it started me off on my next 2 series: FMP (from the Bonta placements and Fumoffu's) and Haruhi (obvious). Basically, I have not had to exist without Lucky Star before, and no other series can match my attachment to it, except maybe School Rumble, but for different reasons.

I don't think I'd want a straight 2nd season, because I think it ended just how it should've and I don't see how they could keep the same formula running much longer. Maybe a Hiyori or Misao based spinoff because they seem like the most interesting "Tier 2" characters. HiyUri's setup is pretty much self explanatory, and with a bit of tweaking, Misao+Ayano with a touch of Kagami could work too I think. Mahou Shoujo Misao anyone?

[margafred]

My rating - ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆/10

Not enough stars to rate this great anime..only God knows how this last episode of Lucky ☆ Star really gonna make me miss Konata and the gang like crazy.

Really enjoyed the full course dance version of Motteke!Sailor Fuku..

[Calawain]

I think this is going to be one of those times where the fact that it's over won't hit me until next Monday when I can't come home and start my LS torrent. It's not a show that made me cry at the end (I admit it, I'm looking at you Kanon), but I'll miss it dearly.

As for the episode itself, I gave it a 10/10 because I felt it was an excellent wrap for the series. It was rare in that it had a coherent plot from start to finish, but it was appropriate for the finale. I loved the fact that Patty had a lot of screen time for this episode, she was my favorite secondary character in the show and her seiyu once again was brilliant. Like many others I thought the dance was great, although I saw it coming right from the start. I was glad they gave every character some screen time to show why we loved them, no matter how small the part was. Lucky Star has an amazing supporting cast, and they really shined here.

Parts that made me laugh the most included:

-Zuka cafe, the yuri jokes and situations set up by Hiyori throughought the series provided a lot of laughs for me, especially since I watched Strawberry Panic a month ago.

-Kona-chan's Yuki outfit, complete with her prediction- I enjoyed the Haruhi references, I don't think they were as overwhelming as was feared earlier in the series

-Akira and Minoru showdown, looks like they didn't learn enough from Gotouzo-sama!

As for my overall series reaction, it's going right in my top 10 of all time, I absolutely loved this show. It was the show that brought me to these boards in particular, something to look forward to not only to watch, but to have multi-day discussions about. Whether it was culture, characters, or otaku references, the show got people talking all over, and here on the boards I really think there was a great dialogue.

People may compare it with AzuDaioh, but aside from them both being slice-of-life shows about high school girls they really have little in common. The characters, show style, animation, and subject matter are completely different. I think that both of them are masterpieces in their own right, and since I've read the AD manga I hope that soon they begin to release the LS manga source as well. I also can't wait for this to come out on DVD, not because I think the dub will be amazing, but because I really enjoy the show.

Well that's it for my rambling. I plan to stay around here on this board as, like AVPlaya said, I think that there is plenty to discuss about this show for a long time to come. I hope that people stick around here. And I also hope to see many of you on the Clannad boards =)

[outcast_within]

shiraishi ending felt old.

and it missed a certain sadness feel/ending feel.

[GGP]

oh, i forgot

and, another reason for season 2. they need to advertise the haruhi dvd's for season 2. what better way to do that, than in lucky star?

[deathreape98]

1/10


ended waaaay too soon, wasn't nearly as funny as previous episodes, and seemed to be wasting the time on multiple parts on purpose. If it ended about 2 minutes later, i may have given it a 5

[Shiroi Hane]

I was getting my hopes up for a live Motteke from the cast.
Seeing Aya's panties on the Gekisou video only whetted your appetite for more, huh? :heh:

The full Motteke worked a lot better for me than the full Hare Hare dance, especially since it was done entirely in context, bringing us full circle.

If it ended about 2 minutes later, i may have given it a 5
If they had performed the dance twice you would have given it half marks rather than rock bottom. Huh?

[teachopvutru]

Very nice episode ... happy yet bittersweet ending. It makes me kinda sad to end it. (there's this whole atmosphere) I didn't think I would miss the series this much before... ;_;

I wish they would do something else beside the Shiraishi song though... still 10/10, however

[GGP]

i didnt think id miss it this much either. and it just ended and the feeling is setting in

but, im working on a lucky star project so i wont get too sad. i suppose its cause i only watch L*S, that im very sad

[4as]

They messed-up the ending.
Instead of showing there practice session, they should show full cheerleader dance with audience and having credits roll along with them dancing. That would have had a much greater impact.
That is, if they're not doing the 2nd season...
But maybe ending it at curtains opening is a metaphore to something bigger comming.

[Hazelshock]

That was an amazing episodes ties up with the best episodes of this series but I'm disappointed that something so great had to come to an end, the very last moment of the episode hurt me on the inside, kinda feel really sad atm but kinda happy as well. Gonna miss Lucky Star I really enjoyed watching it

[Kaioshin Sama]

I guess I'm the only one who's world isn't shattered by the ending of Lucky Star. It was enjoyable, but there are so many other shows out there to watch that are just as enjoyable that there's no need for me to feel that it's the end of an era as some are calling it elsewhere or that nothing is worth my time anymore. Plus with a new Gundam series around the corner I'm in better spirits then I've been in over 2 years. I'm movin' on down the line with no regrets. I wasn't as attached to Lucky Star as most (in fact there were a number of things I didn't like about it), but I just feel that no matter what it's not healthy to get to hung up on something and that moving on is and always will be a part of life.

Speaking of what is coming up, I should mention that Clannad isn't the only series coming out in the fall folks. Sometimes I wonder whether people are up to date with what's coming in Fall 2007. If not, Deathie wrote a post (http://animehistory.wordpress.com/2007/09/16/what-will-you-be-watching-this-fall-_/) about it, so you can check that out. Kaoru Chujo also has a list up on his blog with commentary and information. Shounen, Mecha, Sci-Fi, er...loli, mystery, pretty much everything. The picks haven't been this good since the 90's. 2007 has been the best year of anime since the turn of the century. I truly believe it.

[Vexx]

I love Lucky*Star (manga/anime) a great deal... but "end of an era"???? That's just hyperbole and really only serves up fodder for the cranks on the negative end of the spectrum.

I enjoyed the ending, some marvelous bits of animation and characterization moments.
I'd like to see some OVAs down the road. I'm not sure I'd want a second season unless the 4-koma material accumulates for the younger wave of characters or a short season covers the last few months of the 'gang of 4' in high school.

Once you tell a story or complete the character study, its done. More would just dilute the impact. I'll now happily wait for the R1 release and add the series to my 'special shelf' for things like AzuDa, Ichigo Masimaro and such.

[Avacado Burger]

Decent ending and closure with this last episode. With all the bad endings in anime out there, closure is ALL I ask for! I'll definitely miss Lucky Star.

I'm going to admit; I thought the show was crap for the first 3 -5 episodes (before the director change), and I personally think KyoAni is overrated (and struck it rich with Haruhi, but I'll spare the rhetoric here)... But I've stuck with every single episode of this show.
Without the undeniably lovable and quirky characters, I don't think this show would have become popular as it has. When I wasn't too big on the show at first, I would watch the whole show for the great moments when Kagami would get pissed off at Konota. Classic.

I'd be iffy on a second season here; I mean, what else can you do with it. Now the idea for a spinoff with Misao and Ayano... I'm first in line for that <3

[SeijiSensei]

Personally I would have been happier seeing the voice actresses appear in person in a karaoke studio at the end than another Shirashi ending.

I enjoyed this show, but like Kaioshin_Sama I'm not shattered that it's ended. As I commented in a PM recently, Lucky*Star to me was sort of the anime equivalent of fast food; tastes good going down but probably won't be a memorable dining experience. I might watch it again in a year or so the same way I did recently with Haruhi. Or I might have to watch it sooner with my daughter just for those daddy/daughter otaku scenes.

Right after we finish watching the remaining 50 or so episodes of Monster we have left.....

I did like the wistful character of the last two episodes, though. Rather a pleasant change of pace from the more gag-filled episodes that came before.

[Vexx]

Aye... a voice actor group ending would probably have sent my "9" to a "10". But at least I got a lot of good character moments to round it up.

Patty and Misao I will miss :)

[Bondius]

I can't believe it's over ... one of my favorite animes. The perfect ending, I couldn't ask for anything more (than a second season in university heh). Well, all good things come to an end. I admit, I'm a bit sad because I'm really gonna miss all of the unique characters I've grown to love. Thank you, Lucky Star, for all the good laughs and moments you've given me

[takumi2k4]

I disagree about not having a second season. Sure, it's ending left a really wide-open ending that leaves the viewers wondering how it really ends. I don't know about you, but I believe that when you start a story, you MUST finish it no matter how convoluted the story gets.

For example, Metal Gear Solid, the whole story is such a complicated mess you would have to actually do a second reading or analyze what the hell is actually going on. But, as you know MGS4 is the final MGS game, but they still plan to end it. Also, how many of you here wondered what the hell actually happened at the end of The Sopranos? But that's a bit off-topic so we'll not get into that.

And that's how I feel L*S should do too. I don't mean that it has to end with their deaths or some retarded crap like that, but a simple conclusion would do. Such as a small paragraph at the end detailing what the girls are doing after high school. Sure, it kinda still is an open ending, but it's not wide enough for the fans to garner speculation.

TBH, I feel that L*S has surpassed Haruhi so much. Yeah, Haruhi had a ton of great moments, but Haruhi felt that you were just watching the lives of the SOS-Dan, compared to L*S where you actually hitched a ride with the characters and spent all those 24 minutes every week to good use. Rarely does an anime do that, heck, I actually have never seen an anime do that yet.

But needless to say, L*S might be the top contender as the best anime of 2007. But for me, unless Code Geass Season 2 pulls out one hell of a season, then it'll be a tough choice.

[Pakxenon]

Lucky Star needs a second season. There simply isn't enough character spotlight on the lately-introduced secondary characters.

Sad to know that I won't be having my weekly does of Lucky Star from now on. What a great way to end the series!


Full thoughts of the series here: http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=animeatt&aid=4777 (pakxenon, of course!)

[Chiisa]

Aaahhhah, I feel so satisfiedafter watching that episode but at the same time I want more! :heh:

I hope someone comes up with a routine for the full version of motteke sailor fuku, I'd love to be able to have that and Hare hare Yukai under my proverbial belt :)

This episode was so rewarding with everything that people have mentioned before being my hi-lights, it had feelings at one point that were similar to Azumanga Daioh, the only difference being is that we get to see the AD girls graduate :]

Hmmm... that just gave me an idea... *goes off to draw*

[Omfgbbqwtf]

Sniffle... very sad. for whatever reason, saddness just built up in me at the part where they stay at school late for preparation. The dance is nice, I would expect some street performance in Japan sooner or later. The episode is really nicely done, although I think it would be better if they save the dance and show it at the actual festival, that would probably have end the show at a high note and leave me with a strong impression.

Of coz, it would be a 10/10 from me. Very character pretty much get to show their faces except......anime tenchou. Sigh.....it's always sad to watch the last episode, I couldn't wait to see it but after finishing it, the saddness is just unbearable, especailly for a wonderful series like Lucky Star.

[XxKawaiiAngelxX]

OMG ITS OVER !!
Im so sad... but Happy cuz i loved the ending and i cant wait to learn the sailor fuku dance like hare hare yukai lol!!

[grey_moon]

Wow great series and a great way to end the show just as we were about to enter the peak of the festival, talk about ending on the high note :D.

Only thing I felt was missing was seeing Kon's dad go on the rampage.

For some weird reason I have the urge to really see Haruhi again....

I really fear going to any anime expo's as my powers of foresight tells me we will see lots of hairy legged men cosplaying the cheer leading dance :p

[iamthebest22]

I'm assuming that pretty much everyone here watched the final episode, so I'm gonna ask this, just before the end, when the curtain goes up, and they get ready for the show, there is the Japanese Letter that states something about Lucky Star on Oct.7th . Anyone what that one is about?

[TigerII]

How else could this end? I mean they go on and live their lives...not much else could happen. Some go into the working world, many go to college. I am sure the main four stay friends.

[Kyuusai]

(Warning: The following is written in illness-induced RamblingSpeak.)

With the closing of several gags and the "everyday" feel we saw the previous episode, I knew ahead of time that I should expect something different from this episode. Still, while I love Lucky Star, I knew better than to pin all my expectations on a amazing final episode. I'm not sure how I really feel about this, though.

As best I can explain: It felt more like good Lucky Star doujinshi project than the Lucky Star we've come to know over the series. Or, if it makes more sense, a non-canon OVA episode that, while enjoyable, doesn't quite hit the mark and somehow just doesn't quite feel like the original.

I'd been waiting to see a Lucky Star episode that didn't jump around constantly, but instead integrated the original 4koma material over a longer, more coherent narrative. It had done this successfully before for short periods, but never an entire episode. I finally was fully pleased, though, as the previous episode successfully jumped around as much as any other, but managed to feel "smooth" while doing it, from start to finish. Wouldn't you know, once I found satisfaction as they perfected their style in the previous episode, an episode-long narrative comes along for the finale and I finally get my wish... Well, sort of.

Somehow, the punchy comic styling that Lucky Star has had until now, with or without awkward timing, was lost, (I really began to dread what was to come when I noted the odd pause in Kona's reaction to Yutaka during their conversation at the table), and at best it felt like it was trying to be imitated. Don't get me wrong--I think there were certainly some good jokes: Disappointed Miyuki (so moe!) and Patty feigning linguistic ignorance ("Mutsukashii nippongo wakaranai"? Oh, Patty, you card.) were both absolute win. ...yet they didn't really feel like the characters as we know them. Without the manga material to drive it, I felt like the episode floundered. Everything felt very drawn out, and every scene focused on building up to the final payoff of the dance (which was neat, but not anything so special to deserve an entire episode's anticipation).

And it came to an emotional close. Have you ever walked in on the end of a movie and notice how awkward or melodramatic the scene is, but been aware that if you had seen the whole work, you might be a bit more emotionally affected? That is exactly how much of this episode felt, and the ending most of all. The difference is that I have seen the whole work, and it never built up to this. I relate to these characters and am emotionally invested in them, but the series hasn't built itself in a fashion that lets me relate to these characters in that way. It's tried this before a few times, in scenes I probably don't need to mention, and my impression has been the same. The series COULD have had a presentation that builds up to this, but it didn't, and without that preparation, the emotion falls flat. Anything I felt was because I knew I was seeing the last of the series and its characters, not because I was drawn into the scene.

Oh, and after all of that trying to build to a firecracker finish, we get the least energetic Shiraishi ED to date, blowing away any of the mood that had managed to rub off.

So while I did enjoy the episode, and give it credit for showing us in some ways what Lucky Star could have been all this time, I was overall disappointed. I would have been very pleased with an ordinary episode, honestly. In my mind, episode 23 is the real last episode, and this is just an entertaining imitator. I don't think it being what it was ended up being all bad in my case, though. I was looking forward to this episode as I did because I love the show and the characters, and didn't want to see them go. I still don't, but seeing this cooled my jets enough for me to stop and reflect. I think I can be OK with stopping here. Not that I want to--and not that I don't think the series could have done a few things differently over its life to make me more satisfied with it as a whole instead of feeling that it's ending just when it's hitting its stride. Now, though, I have a bit of a shakeup that's resulted in giving me the perspective which allows me to let go of the show and pick up the torch as I follow the manga.

*sigh* It's over now, just after it had begun to truly shine with its full potential. Lucky Star, I'm going to miss you...

Other episode notes:
- The references were at a minimum here. Granted, we had a "Hare Hare Yukai" reference, Haruhi in Nagato's costume, and Shiraishi's ringtone, but those feel more like a Kyoani inside joke than the usual series reference. I'm OK with this. Even though it's an abrupt change for the series, Lucky Star works without it. More importantly, though, much like the "kusai" gag, this meme closed in the previous episode.
- Hirano-san does a pretty good Nagato voice. :heh:
- INAPPROPRIATE THROW-AWAY-CHARACTER VOICES AGAIN. This has always infuriated me.
- Misao was underutilized in this episode. She had one real scene to herself, but it sort of fell flat. She did better than Ayano, though, who managed to go the entire series without having a chance to do anything more than act as a vehicle for presenting Misao.
- Although I felt that the entire episode wasn't quite "right" or in the same style as the typical Lucky Star, the scene with Soujirou and Yui felt especially off.
- HOLY CRAP, WE CAN SEE SHIRAISHI'S EYES!

[Mirrinus]

It seems Kyoto Animation has picked up a habit of inviting the original author to pen the final episode of their shows. Granted, SHnY's was technically shown in the middle, but it seems to be the same idea. At the very least, it's easier to argue in favor of it being canon.

I'm going to be missing this show, heh. I'm still amazed by how many of my friends who don't even watch much anime (much less know what SHnY is) that really liked this show for some odd reason.

[grey_moon]

- INAPPROPRIATE THROW-AWAY-CHARACTER VOICES AGAIN. This has always infuriated me.


I've always thought that and the clone service women were part of the LS charm :D

[Kyuusai]

It seems Kyoto Animation has picked up a habit of inviting the original author to pen the final episode of their shows. Granted, SHnY's was technically shown in the middle, but it seems to be the same idea. At the very least, it's easier to argue in favor of it being canon.

I really wasn't aware that Yoshimizu Kagami had written this.

Just to prevent misunderstanding, then, I should state more clearly that, though I felt the focus from start to end on the final dance was likely a mistake that created unnecessary melodrama, I felt that where this episode failed was in its presentation, not its writing.

In short, I'm blaming Kyoani for any dissatisfaction, not Yoshimizu-sensei.

[phototem]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5Z9_b1zYWU
The Cheer Dance!!!

[Ahasuerus]

I have a feeling that there might have been a festival-dance endpiece planned in front of the student body, but that it might have been TOO similar to Haruhi's "concert". They've probably caught a lot of flack from whiners about the Haruhu refs so reconsidered (all only spec, of course). I liked how they used their practice to give us a full view of the performance without audience cutaways and such.

Then when the curtain went up, we can let our imaginations take the story forward as we will...

And yeah, an ED with all the voice actresses karaoke-ing live would have been great, and brought full circle from the earlier EDs! Maybe on the R1s *HINT HINT* LOL

[WanderingKnight]

I disagree about not having a second season. Sure, it's ending left a really wide-open ending that leaves the viewers wondering how it really ends. I don't know about you, but I believe that when you start a story, you MUST finish it no matter how convoluted the story gets. But... you do know what sort of genre we're talking about here, don't you? This is slice of life: there's no storyline here to finish. Azumanga Daioh (which, in my opinion, is a series that has everything LS has striven to achieve but has never quite done it) ended similarly: the girls finished their high school cycle, and voila, end of the series and of the manga. Of course, you could keep on going forever with gags and so, but keep in mind there's no actual storyline here to finish.

Well, as I said, the ending was appropriate, but I feel that, as a whole, the series hasn't given me as much as AzuDai has. Everyone who loved Lucky Star should seriously consider watching that series, which is like Lucky Star but with a better slice of life feel, better organized (scenes are less random, they follow a certain pattern all along an episode), where the 4-koma style is less evident (IMO a sign of better overall direction), a much more sound finale, and no Haruhi references.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's bad. I'm just saying the comparison with Azumanga Daioh is inevitable. I refrained from making such judgment during the running of the show, since I tend to focus more on series as a whole and not in individual episodes, but looking back now, it has given me entertainment, it has made me laugh, but unlike Azumanga Daioh, it's not giving me enough reason to watch it again. And again. And again.

[Nate-Rivers]

What a grand episode. Wrapped up several emotions at parts. Hard to believe it's over, may I just don't want to believe it's over. Maybe it isn't College still lies ahead, and hey konata has to use that ticket doesn't she :wink: I am hoping for a second season. This was of those episodes that leave you begging for more!

[bayoab]

Personally I would have been happier seeing the voice actresses appear in person in a karaoke studio at the end than another Shirashi ending.
Add another to the list who think it would have been much better if they had all of the voice actors, including shirashi's and akira's, there doing something in live action. Karaoke or the Op dance live or whatever. Hopefully Kyoani has an extra planned for the DVD. Not that I didn't like Shirashi's song, but it felt completely abrupt to transition into that now.

It seems Kyoto Animation has picked up a habit of inviting the original author to pen the final episode of their shows. Granted, SHnY's was technically shown in the middle, but it seems to be the same idea. At the very least, it's easier to argue in favor of it being canon.
As far as I know, this is only the second time this has happened and in Haruhi, the author specifically requested to do it.

I'm assuming that pretty much everyone here watched the final episode, so I'm gonna ask this, just before the end, when the curtain goes up, and they get ready for the show, there is the Japanese Letter that states something about Lucky Star on Oct.7th . Anyone what that one is about?It says nothing about LS on the 7th. It is about the next show in LS's timeslot, Rental Magica.

[Cloudkiller1]

A show that left me with a lingering feeling of sadness but yet I'm glad that it's over. Not that its a bad thing nor good. But a yearn..

This feeling is the same as if I were there myself.. XD

This is definately an anime that will be up there with AzuDai, Hantsuki, and FLCL. Never forgotten with the past of time, this is a treasure that will truely be a gem in its own rank. :D

[Zero Shinohara]

Phew... I'll be writing this without reading any of the other posts, just so I don't fall bias to any comments/references or anything of that sort.

And I have to start by saying that Lucky*Star will be missed. Very very missed. For reasons that whoever has watched it already knows, Monday nights will never be the same without out favorite High-School Slice-of-Life, otaku randomness group of outstanding characters, voice actors and scriptwriters. If there was one thing that, for the past few weeks, made Mondays be worth waiting for, that was Lucky*Star. Unfortunately, like all good series, it has met its end. ( Not to pick on Naruto, but I think you guys know what I mean. )

I tried watching this episode alone and isolated, because I didn't want to lose a single bit of it through any disturbances anyone could cause. I managed to do that and I'm glad I did, because I'm sure it'll leave an imprint on my mind for years to come. Despite the sadness of seeing one of my favorite series reaching its final episode, I have to say that, overall, the episode was very good. However, as I can see from Kyuusai's post right above mine, it seems like the last scenes weren't to everyone's satisfaction. And I agree to that, but I'll dwell on it a little bit later.

For those of us who wanted a little more Patty action, this episode came at a very good time. Her character really sparkled, and her personality was easily seen when Kagamin~ started yelling at her, and she simply "I can't understand these hard japanese words~!"ed it. It says a lot about her, and with Kona and Patty around, Kagami sure will have a hard time. Misao also had her slice of the cake, showing that she seems a little bit more responsible on the inside than she has shown throughout the series. It's good that's she's not a complete goof as we were told, but again her voice matches her personality so well that, quoting someone at the Favorite Character Poll, "She could be reading the phonebook and I would be in stiches." Very true. And of course, Kagami and her tsundere cuteness reached its peak during this episode. Her seiyuu did a great job in interpreting her cute and sweet side, so kudos to her. Kagamin~ saying "I didn't want to be the only one who didn't have a memory of you guys..." is what every Kagamifan could ask from the heavens.

Yu-chan and Minami also had their moments, and you can see that both have grown quite a lot ever since being introduced to the series. Minami disputing some of her friends' opinions and being rebelious is something I really couldn't have forseen before, even though if her rebelions are the Minami-chan way. Yutaka trying to give her best to let everyone have a good time is also remarkable, although I think she's the type of person who would do that from the start. Hiyorin and her costumes and, of course, the mention of her older brother, which opens up an interesting discussion under the fact that it could be, perhaps, a little spoiler on what's to come? Ayano spoke a bit, which is good. Soujirou and Cousin Yui also had memorable final appearances that suited them quite well.

I was never a huge fan of Shiraishi or Akira, but I think that Shiraishi came out quite nicely after spending a few weeks in the mountains. Did anyone realize we finally got to see his eyes - of course, without the Episode 21 psyco expression in them? Him picking on Akira was awesome as well. "Okay that's enough for today--".

Now for the last scenes. Look, I also didn't like the fact that the series ended this way, without any more memorable scenes for us to take along the long life we have ahead of us. Lucky*Star deserved it, it deserved to have a bombastic, epic, the best ending any anime series has ever had. Unfortunately, it didn't. I will be frank, and I'm sure most of you will agree: Animation studios always screw up at the last episode. There have been rare instances where the final episode of a series ends the way it should have, the way it deserved to have been. But what can we do, that's how things work. Perhaps the "Maybe we'll make another series to milk on the blind fans in the future, so let's leave things open and unfinished so we have a place to start at the next time" mentality takes over. But really, and epic ending doesn't have to patch everything and close the curtains on a series that has so much room for extension like L*S. It's unfortunate, but I think we have to accept it and hope for a continuation, an OVA, or whatever satisfies us completely somewhere in the near future.

But, looking through another perspective, the ending fit the series quite nicely. Why? Well, aside from episode 22, there have been rare moments in L*S in which you would actually ponder about the dramatic context of a scene. In my opinion, a stronger blow would have been dealt to us, fans, if they had actually performed the complete dance at the beginning of the festival. If that had been the last scene in the series, wouldn't you feel a bit empty? I'm sure I would. Now that the cheerleading would be over, they would be separated and each would leave for their own class to deal with their specific activities. All of our beloved characters wouldn't "end together", and I think that would be a little sad. I'm sure I mentioned this before, but I am eternally grateful that Lucky*Star didn't end like Azumanga Daioh, where all I felt at the end was that I was left behind and everyone else kept on with their lives. At least we have a "few more months", in the Anime's timeline, in which they can all enjoy High School together.

With all of that having been said, I'm sure that this series will stay with us for a long time. I, personally, want to have a few tokens of its existence with me for a long time to come, and so I'm planning on getting a few of my favorite character's CDs and importing the DVDs. I already have Motteke! Sailor Fukku coming in on the mail this week, so I can, at least, have it shining brightly in my shelf.

[Psycho Power J]

Overall, I'd say the whole thing left me with and "Eh, it's okay" feeling. Having only 24 episodes for this kind of genre just isn't enough. There need to be more to make it a truly great series. And I have to say, for being one of the first character besides the main four to be introduced, Ayano sure didn't get a lot of attention. She never gets beyond being the nice background character.

[Anh_Minh]

I was quite satisfied with that ending episode (even if I could have done without the Shiraishi ED, or the damn clone voices). It felt like a good-bye.

Like they were desperately trying to hold on to the moment, but no matter what they did, the time to part edged closer and closer. Inexorably.



And I don't know what LS was shooting for, or if it achieved it, but, all in all, I appreciated it more (even more) than AzuDa. It felt more energetic and had more of the kind of absurd I like.

[Ascaloth]

Watched the final episode. And I was in the midst of writing a really long discourse on Lucky Star and why I liked it so much, when I thought, "Wait, with this kind of length, it will easily be a RIUVA post..."

And so that's that. My thoughts on Lucky Star will be for the blogosphere, and it'll be up soon.

Just a thought; specifically about Kona-chan channeling Yuki. Was that Chihara Minori, or was it Aya-chan showing off more of her voice talents? :twitch:

[Kyuusai]

But, looking through another perspective, the ending fit the series quite nicely. Why? Well, aside from episode 22, there have been rare moments in L*S in which you would actually ponder about the dramatic context of a scene. In my opinion, a stronger blow would have been dealt to us, fans, if they had actually performed the complete dance at the beginning of the festival. If that had been the last scene in the series, wouldn't you feel a bit empty? I'm sure I would. Now that the cheerleading would be over, they would be separated and each would leave for their own class to deal with their specific activities. All of our beloved characters wouldn't "end together", and I think that would be a little sad. I'm sure I mentioned this before, but I am eternally grateful that Lucky*Star didn't end like Azumanga Daioh, where all I felt at the end was that I was left behind and everyone else kept on with their lives. At least we have a "few more months", in the Anime's timeline, in which they can all enjoy High School together.

I have to agree with all your statements here. No matter how the dance scene came across, using it to end with the girls all together was really the only reasonable and right choice. My main objections to it aren't necessarily the ending sceneitself, but the clear expectation of dramatic impact that it holds, and the lead-up to it.

And on a different note, I have to add...

Many may not have caught just how hilarious Patty's statement that she couldn't understand Japanese was. :)

The idea itself is good and it was pulled off with great humor, but especially because of the way she expressed it. You see, she said it in a way that would only come naturally to a Japanese speaker who is intentionally mispronouncing it . :D

All the details of this can be niggled with and argued about, but I wanted to cover all the bases.

If an ignorant foreigner with proper pronunciation had said it, it likely would have been
難しい日本語分かりません
"muzukashii nihongo wakarimasen"
Which is the polite form of "I don't understand difficult Japanese." This is a "canned phrase" that most any one learning Japanese as a second language picks up from a list of phrases intended to defend oneself with.

Instead, Patty says
難しい日本語分からない
"mutsukashii nippongo wakaranai"
She uses the less common reading of the kanji in 難しい, the word for "difficult" (which an ignorant beginner would likely not know), she uses a less common reading of the 日本語, the kanji used for the word "Japanese" (using the wrong reading of which is a rudimentary mistake, but a mistake made by some one familiar with these basic kanji--although it wasn't technically a mistake in thisi case, just completely unlike an actual ignorant gaijin), and she tops it off with the plain form of the verb (which generally isn't used much by beginners, because they learn the polite form first).

That's a very long, boring explanation of something that was absolutely hilarious in the second-and-a-half it was said in. :D

[Alesiopdv]

Jumping the shark? Lucky Star? Seriously?

To make my point clear Ill refer to this list:
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main.LongRunners

Who could possible get bored with Married With Children, The Simpsons, South Park or Detective Conan? Naruto and One Piece go on and go on and go on and go oon (Like the freaking battery bunny).

(Of course, the aim of shows like Pokémon is to draw in a new audience all the time anyways... They don't really expect any regular fan to keep up with all the seasons they've shown - they expect old fans to move on and to draw in new fans. Only really DIE HARD fans of Pokémon would continue to watch it ne.)

Pokemon! Tengo que atraparlos! Pokemon! Mi amor es reaaalll!!

Its been 10 freaking years and Im STILL WATCHING Pokemon and I will be!!!

Really if one series is good why ended it? They can always come up with something new, they cna always strect time and say the 60 are actually the late 80, Superman and SPiderman have benn publishing from over half century, somebody really cares that Dick Grayson is 29 and Bruce Wayne on his mid-30??

NO! Its funny god damnit!!

No offenses but japanese people are very drmamatic, they love those gainax endings where everybody dies at the end, lose the love of his/her life to somebody else and once finish high school life is over. But actually life always goes on. Eterenal series are like some country house you have, you can always come back there becuase they are still airing and the house is always the same even when it looks different.

My complaint in school animes is that: they just have three years that flies by. If someone reads Mafalda, remember how may times she started and ended one school year?
My complaint in accion animes: you can kill this arc enemy but it will always be a new one around the corner. How many crisis the DCU has been trougth?

Okey, Im mad just because the anime producers always think the series on packages of 13-26, maybe 52 episodes instead of thinking on seasons of 21-22 per year and see how much it can hold on. Thats what kill Negima (first series scuks, second one no comments)
Code Geass seems to be the only exception so far.

[therationalpi]

I felt this was a good ending. It had a sense of closure, but it was still enough of the same that it didn't feel like a different show.

Having spent my highschool career focused on performing arts (Plays, Choir, and Band) I must say that the entire cheerleading thing kind of struck a chord for me. There was that sense that they got lost in the moment, so focused on doing something fun with people they cared about, that they didn't realize until the last moment that it would all be over with a flash, curtains rising, the cheers from the crowd, and the curtain falling again. Ending at the curtain rising seemed appropriate too. Really, the last thing you remember about a performance is the last dress rehearsal. When you are actually performing, you go on autopilot and let the rehearsal and preparation do it's work. I think that because it ended like how my highschool life ended, it really felt like a solid end.

Aside from this sense of closure, it felt like other episodes. Good Kona-Gami moments, Tsukasa's subtle comments, Miyuki's idea getting mocked by her mother, and the "2nd tier" characters all got their moments too. The characters are what made this show what it was, I'm glad this was not forgotten for the last episode.

The only serious gripe I have is the ED. Others have said it already, so I won't dwell too much on it, but it felt out of place.

I rolled on the floor laughing for the first Shiraishi ED, because it was totally unexpected. Once it became commonplace, it lost almost all of its charm.

[Fweakin]

Wow, where to start.

The final episode of Lucky Star was nearly everything I wanted it to be. This episode included my favourite elements of Lucky Star including -


'Breaking the fourth wall' - especially when voice actors or Haruhi are referenced
Kagami and Konata arguing leading to eventual embarrassment on Kagami's behalf
Hiyori and her yuri-flavoured fantasies (and actually coming into frution this time!!)
Misao!! 'Nuff said
The fact that the whole episode smacked of sentimentality - which I can be partial to


A few things I didn't like though

I don't care for Akira's lackeys/groupies at all - why they were inserted into the last episode is well beyond me
The Shiraishi ED's. I thought they'd at least have an ED with the principle cast this time round. It was quite a let down seeing the same old, tired ED sequence crop up.


All up gets a 9 from me.

[AVPlaya]

Okay I've broken down and watched the LAST EPISODE. I am a little emotional... the show has ended, and it ended beautifully, with the girls showing off their dance to everyone. I love the fact that the whole EP is centered on central theme or event for the first time! Hopefully this is the precursor to 2nd Season! It was really well done. Didn't get too emotional, but again, it's not their graduation day. Love the fact that Yoshimizu wrote it, that means he COULD WRITE THE SECOND SEASON WITH ANIME SPECIFIC STORIES. The implication for the second season from this episode is paramount!

Love Patti's perfect American "Opening Day", the Aya Hirano handshake ticket as bribery. Patti knows what makes an Akiba-kei tick, just as Konata really knows how to push Kagami's buttons. A Tsundere can't be forced, but ask them to help someone who really need help, they just jump right in. That's why I love them!

Love Kagami's Medium-miko costume from an old movie, and Konata's Yuki Predictions. The Yuri girls dressed like an an episode of Utena... but it's obvious the reference is the all-girl Takarazuka Revue. Moe Moe!

I know this is Hiromi's song, but why the hell would Akira shows up at a HS cultural festival and sing an ENKA song??? An Shirashi with eyes opened! You know, the sexual tension between Akira and Shiraishi is incredible; you expect them to lock lips at any time. I think SHE is really his true love. At least the anime Shiraishi.

I saw what I expected... the full Lucky Star dance.. oh I still got goose bumps... Soon to show up at an Otaku convention nearst you! Oh we have our first real panty shot too.

The ED... Shirasishi singing a Lum OP in The Haunted Forest of Fuji.. I guess he really did go there, but unfortunately he didn't kill himself. Oh well.

Of course, a perfect 10.

But now I have some questions. After they practise their performance they use two words: Dondake and Ikahodo. I looked up dondake and got an interesting story about a drag queen called Ikko in a show called Lincoln, and apparently that is his catch-phrase. The meaning of it is rougly "wtf?!"

Dondake and Ikahodo goes together. I believe it was a new recent catch phrase used by high school girls and gays in 新宿二丁目 (Shinjuku Nichoume, a famous gay area). It's like you've said, started by this drag queen cakked Ikko, and Ikahodo is the reply once someone said "dondake". In his new recent dorama プロポーズ大作戦, Yamapi used it quite a bit, and thus it was picked up by the HS girls. There's also some other famous celeb who uses it on TV too. This is newly minted slang it seemed.

Many may not have caught just how hilarious Patty's statement that she couldn't understand Japanese was. :)

Yes I heard that too.. You don't understand Japanese yet you know "Nippongo?" IT was LOL for me...

[Deathkillz]

oh noes...I wish shiraishi made up with akira for the perfect end :heh:
I guess what made the final part so touching was the reality of growing up (and coincidently we even have such a thread in the generals section :heh:) - Its natural for kona and the others to be thinking about how they will miss being together as their friendship is stronger than steel, so this is translated into loneliness and i can imagine a crying fest afterwards -
pretty good final ep with all there right stuff which made LS good in the first place, yep we are all going to miss these crazy girls ^_^

and i just knew that they where going to use the OP for the cheerleading sequence :p

[Kaoru Chujo]

There is an old saying in the entertainment industry: "Always leave them wanting more." On that basis, LS was a great success, it appears.

I don't think this episode was trying to build to a "firecracker finish." It was written by the mangaka in the style of Lucky Star, despite having one thread running through the whole episode (the festival). The ending was a bit disorienting, but on reflection, I think it suited the nature of the show, and helped to give that "wanting more" feeling. The idea of showing the dance in the rehearsal rather than at the big event was a fascinating decision.

As for AzuDai, it's nice, but the humor and the reality were not at this level of interest or subtlety, for me. But I should look again, since it's from before I was really watching anime, and I have only seen a few episodes.

This episode was the first time I minded the generic background voices, which were a nice joke throughout the rest of the series, for me. There were two people doing them, a man (Fumihiko Tachiki (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=1465)) and a woman (Kujira (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=3581)), with the man doing the men's voices and the woman the women. But the deep womanly voice sounded funny as a girl to me in this ep.

And I'd like to mention the seiyuus for the sisters who came a day early. The younger was played by Kano Yui (Momoka in Sumomomo Momomo) and the elder was played by Takaguchi Yukiko, who did a fantastic job playing Sunako in the otherwise forgettable Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge.

Oh, and Ascaloth? I'm pretty sure that was Aya, but I had to listen a few times to get a hint of her voice under there.

[AVPlaya]

And I'd like to mention the seiyuus for the sisters who came a day early. The younger was played by Kano Yui (Momoka in Sumomomo Momomo) and the elder was played by Takaguchi Yukiko, who did a fantastic job playing Sunako in the otherwise forgettable Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge.

It seemed that 3 manga character finally showed up with speaking parts - the two Miyakawa sisters and 桜庭ひかる (Sakuraba Hikaru), the teacher Akira and Shiraishi feared. I'm guessing Yoshimizu really wanted all this manga characters to contribute to the show.

Come on Yoshimizu-sensei! Do us proud and WRITE THE SECOND SEASON! The pace of the last episode is wonderful; the joke and the story line flowed perfectly! Like the oni-tta kao pun joke Konata made... it's funny and totally within context. Dude, you're a natural. Just go and write us another 24 episodes.

I think I'll start on my Ref posts ASAP, although many powerful and great donos have already explain some of the cool stuff.


EDIT: I can't stop watching the full dance. I'm going to miss this so much... :upset:

[shaoron]

so that's why konata agreed to join the cheerdance...

she was "bribed" to join by patty with a ticket to meet aya hirano!

wait... konata wants to meet aya hirano... <_< hmm....
that's like some grave conundrum...

konata then proceeds to "volunteers" the hiiragi sisters...


and.. and minoru's ring tone... O_o

[Kaoru Chujo]

It seemed that 3 manga character finally showed up with speaking parts - the two Miyakawa sisters and 桜庭ひかる (Sakuraba Hikaru), the teacher Akira and Shiraishi feared. I'm guessing Yoshimizu really wanted all this manga characters to contribute to the show.I really liked how Sakuraba-sensei first used "da" talking to Akira, then corrected herself to "desu." If I understand correctly, that made it seem as if she suddenly realized she should treat Akira as a guest rather than just another student, but only did so half-heartedly.

[jaziek]

That... was.. .the greatest... thing... i have... ever... seen... called me a fanboy and i dont care... BRING ON SEASON 2!!

[AVPlaya]

The syu-ta.com blog seemed to believe that Yutaka and Minami was cosplaying Takarazuka's prodction of Elizabeth, but I don't think so. The dresses they wore are not from the era, and none of the show photo I've found matches what they wore. I'm going to do through their shows and find out which Takarazuka show it came from. I'm going to out-ota the J-otas.

BTW, the expression "すげえかっこ" (SugeiKakko) Kagami said to Yutaka and Minami is one of admiration from girls to HOT GUYS. That's why the Yuri couple were shocked. It meant Kagami has the hots for Minami as a boy. Oh man the confusing relationships in L*S...

EDIT: Okay I found it. The source show for their material is Takarazaku's production of "パリの空よりも高く\ Fancy Dance (http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/revue/06/moon_takarazuka_pari/index.html)". The show's other name means "Higher than the Sky of Paris"; which make sense because Yutaka's dress looked like a French Burlesque Dancer, while Minami's looked like a fancy Tux from turn of the century. The following are the source for their costumes:

Minami:
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/5705/17sumireasako04ho1.jpghttp://img294.imageshack.us/img294/9125/tukiparis11qb4.jpg

Yutaka:
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/8859/0812tuki18gu2.jpg

Now that I've out-ota the J-otas, I can goto sleep now. I'll find a better picture of Yutaka's dress tomorrow; it's hard because that dress only showed up in the final big dance number.

[Sheba]

Watched it with subs. It's a fitting ending for the show, leaving a "The show is going to end but life have to go on" feeling in me.




Everyone who loved Lucky Star should seriously consider watching that series, which is like Lucky Star but with a better slice of life feel, better organized (scenes are less random, they follow a certain pattern all along an episode), where the 4-koma style is less evident (IMO a sign of better overall direction), a much more sound finale, and no Haruhi references.



To be fair, I doubt Haruhi light novels got even started.

But if J.C Staff wanted to put in-studio shout-outs in azudai, it'd be Excel Saga references with random cameos of Nabeshin and Pedro.

I still continue to stand on the side who thinks there were not THAT much Haruhi references, for they are only the tip of the iceberg of references in L*S, therefore easier to nitpick and criticize.

I think that L*S offers a bit of everything for everyone, the original 4koma material, pop culture references, mundane topics of the everyday life, a bit of drama, character study (1), etc...

I can now keep on watching Seirei no Moribito (One of the best anime of the year 2007) and Higurashi Kai, hope for StrikerS last episodes to be subbed soon, anticipate Clannad, Shana 2 and Ghost Hound.


PS:

(1) before someone jump at my throat with "WTFZOMG EVA DID IT BEFORE AND BETTER! LURK MOAR! *insert internet rage here*", I know Eva is too a character study, but there were character studies way before eva, be it in visual or written medias. And every character studies does NOT have to be done in the same. fashion as Anno did.

[~Tsukuyomi]

i dont think there will be a second season, if there was, the girls would have to be in universitiy/collage

And who say collage wouldn't be fun??? Heck, if that were to happen, I'd be happy to watch that... Hikkikimori Konata, Professor T. Miyuki, Housewife Tsukasa (cooking up something with Balsamic Vinegar), and Kagami (I can't imagine anything for her, but I bet any title for her will always be funny)...

[TougeSil80]

I loved the ending, a perfect 10. But the overall series gets an 8 for me. Maybe because I watched Azumanga first, I always compare this series to that. And while the jokes in LS is funny now, no one will get it 5 years from now. LS's scene transition is often very abrupt, it doesn't have the flow of Azu.

A lot of people are hoping for a second season, I would have to say no. I hope they leave the ending here. I would rather assume they all went to different college together than another series about them going to the same college where the jokes will be similar and they rehash the same stuff. Let KyoAni spent their time and budget on Clannad (and maybe Planatarian instead).

[WanderingKnight]

I still continue to stand on the side who thinks there were not THAT much Haruhi references, for they are only the tip of the iceberg of references in L*S, therefore easier to nitpick and criticize.Oh, come on, there was at least one Haruhi reference per episode. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but let's be realistic here: there were a lot of Haruhi references--on the overall picture, they probably summed up about half of the total references. It's not bad, it's just a way of doing humor. It's not of my particular taste, so after the first episodes, the Haruhi jokes just started to bother me (I was a tad like "Not again!"). I got a bit happier from episode 17 onwards, since it seemed like the Haruhi references slowed down a bit (though we'd still see one or two per episode), and there was more manga material and more slice of life humor.


But if J.C Staff wanted to put in-studio shout-outs in azudai, it'd be Excel Saga references with random cameos of Nabeshin and Pedro.I don't remember J.C. Staff doing so with Azumanga Daioh (and AzuDai came after Excel Saga), so I don't see the point here.


I think that L*S offers a bit of everything for everyone, the original 4koma material, pop culture references, mundane topics of the everyday life, a bit of drama, character study (1), etc...Well, yes, of course, but I think AzuDai did it better (at least in my view, though it was somewhat missing the "pop culture references" when compared to LS). It was a more faithful adaptation overall (almost no anime-only scenes) and didn't have to resort to the quick, brutal reference resource to make you laugh. Also, in AzuDai there were less characters, which gave the show more chances of a better characterization. Some of the characters in LS (the girl with the orange hair comes to mind, I can't even remember her name which means she wasn't well characterized) are outright forgettable in my view, while in AzuDai you had five main characters extremely well-characterized. If anything, AzuDai is a perfect example of how comedy characters should be done.

There's also another thing, and it's that I was still in high school when I watched AzuDai, which is probably why it felt a bit closer to me. LS hasn't provided me with that sort of personal involvement with the series.

Once again, I'm not saying LS is bad. It's just that I didn't like it as much as AzuDai, and I'd really like to encourage people that liked this show but haven't watched the latter to do so, as they might be really interested.

[Skane]

Oh, come on, there was at least one Haruhi reference per episode. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but let's be realistic here: there were a lot of Haruhi references--on the overall picture, they probably summed up about half of the total references. It's not bad, it's just a way of doing humor. It's not of my particular taste, so after the first episodes, the Haruhi jokes just started to bother me (I was a tad like "Not again!"). I got a bit happier from episode 17 onwards, since it seemed like the Haruhi references slowed down a bit (though we'd still see one or two per episode), and there was more manga material and more slice of life humor.~
Care to wager on that? I accept PayPal. ;)

Cheers.

[Ravenblitz]

great anime its so sad that it is the final episode :(

waaaaa

[game2007]

You want an anime that never ends? Doraemon is there for you! Has been airing since the 1980s and still going. Crayon Shin-Chan is another one that doesn't seem to be ending anytime. Both are still extremely popular in Japan and all over Asia.

[mickal555]

Wow, guess it's finally over, first series I've watched "live" to the end as well.

Yeah, this episode was alright I thought, maybe it's because of my sleep deprived state I didn't find it all that wonderful and only laughed once or twice.

Either way it was an awesome ride, I'm sad it's gone but there's plenty of room for extra seasons 'n that, so hope will remain.


And LOL! at the T.B.A title.

Yeah I said lol.

[HandofFate]

Great series. So moved, I let a few tears fall T_T

Did anyone else start getting light-headed during the dance at the end due to the crazy amount of armpit fanservice? I was.
*swoon*

[Joachim]

a good series indeed, at 1st episode of lucky star i was like.. "i don't get some of the joke but well.." but after watching more and more, i fall in love deeper to this series, so sad it has to end gee..

anyway am i the only one who see the hiiragi twins (Tsukasa & kagami) == fujibayashi twins (ryou & kyou), both twins have same traits, one is tsundere and other is clumsy.. not to mention one has longer hair than the other one X D

[2H-Dragon]

Great series it really felt like the KyoAni decided to make a series specially for me. Nothing to deep, just good clean fun and no overthetop humor. Just laid back fun. The only other anime makes me feel this way is Azumanga Daioh (school rumble got close).

[Joachim]

heh, at first i also feel this anime is similiar to azumanga = P~ which is also one of my favourite

[Kempis Curious]

I loved the ending, a perfect 10. But the overall series gets an 8 for me. Maybe because I watched Azumanga first, I always compare this series to that. And while the jokes in LS is funny now, no one will get it 5 years from now. LS's scene transition is often very abrupt, it doesn't have the flow of Azu.

A lot of people are hoping for a second season, I would have to say no. I hope they leave the ending here. I would rather assume they all went to different college together than another series about them going to the same college where the jokes will be similar and they rehash the same stuff. Let KyoAni spent their time and budget on Clannad (and maybe Planatarian instead).

Holy smokes, I was about to write almost the exact same things! Get out of my mind!

:)

I'm a huge AzuDai fan, so I kept seeing gags reused from that anime too often. It's possible that the jokes were coincidence, homages, or simply accidents of memory on the part of the writers who thought they made the jokes themselves. However, there was so much more to this anime that I was able to "domai".

Overall, I really liked this anime. Konata's high self-confidence while being an uber-otaku is an inspiration to us all. :D I was also always pleasantly surprised when aspects of her otaku life were the same as mine.

This final episode seemed to go very quickly for me, I was amazed that it was the usual 24 minutes. I'm happy that they didn't get too emotional on us, it would not have fit this anime.


Next stop for me is the third season of Aria; I'm not following anything else. But like how I found Lucky*Star, I'll stumble over a great anime soon. :D This hobby is the best that ever was, there's always something unexpected to look forward to.

-k

curious

[Vexx]

I concur that anyone who enjoyed Lucky*Star's 'character study' style and subtle humor should take a look at Azumanga Daioh if they haven't already. Its almost like trying to claim you're literate without having read Shakespeare :) :) (okay, not that bad but you do take a credibility hit otherwise :) ).

One also has to remember that some "jokes" or situations are just universal .... it isn't a rip of AzuDa to do those situations again with these personalities. Every sitcom in existence runs through similar joke lines -- its the execution and the choice of personalities to involve that make it remain entertaining.

[grey_moon]

One thing that impresses me is that I enjoyed LS a lot even though I didn't understand a lot of the cultural references at first, which made it a great learning medium, but also I wonder how much more I could have enjoyed it if I was more aware?

[darksider]

Now I've watched it and, well, what to write...

Mostly they did greatest work for the final episode, I guess.
The most surprising part (maybe not totally unexpected though) is that the whole episode is based on the script by the original author Yoshimizu himself!

If the pinnacle of Kyoani spirit is in ep.12, the supreme work of art is in ep.22, and the greatest adaptation of the original 4-koma is in ep.23, this episode is the ideal ending for the TV series and, more than that, I think it finally made me realize what Lucky Star really is.

All of the major characters are drawn lively, even more so than ep.23.
And it's really thought-out as the final episode for the TV series after all. Yay!

My rating for this episode finally is 9.9 and -0.3 for Shiraishi ending which left so much to be desired. (rounded to 10 nevertheless)
But, on second thought, I also think this 'imperfection' is intended for some reason, maybe. (thus it's only -0.3 instead of -0.5)

And the last scene, although it was well timed for the ending of the story I guess,
I wanted yell at the cat-thing, "Wha, is it over? Heeey! Don't sleep there!!" ;)

Not only this episode is by Yoshimizu, the episode also is a homage to SHnY as a whole, I think, as Kyoani possibly planned... or was it Manabi Straight? I don't know!

It's interesting that Patty didn't understand the word 'ceremony' at first, which is a loan word from English in katakana.

Miyuki-san's plan for the festival presentation " 「桐箪笥の歴史と作り方」, the history and construction of tansu (Japanese chests) made of paulownia wood " is, if my guess is correct, the idea directly from Yoshimizu himself.
And it shows not just how Miyuki is studious, but also shows how she loves their hometown; it could've been definitely the real and greatest 'cultural' reference in the whole show!
And, pity that she is never understood in that way.
(Kuroi-sensei, though she being an excellent teacher, isn't from the Kasugabe and is indifferent about it I guess.)

Patty is a good friend of Konata's but Konata isn't easily moved solely by friendship, and Patty knows it pretty well.
And then, Konata really knows well how to move a tsundere, though she doen't abuse it much... even if they don't believe in the word 'friendship' they really are good friends after all.

Konata mimicking Patty's voice, and then Nagato's. Cute!

Kagami's fierce attack on Patty!
Now I'm sure she is just another Konata in the skin of an American! :)

Patty's dilligence and cluelessness, Yutaka's cuteness and will, Hiyori's weird perspective, Konata's singularity, Kagami's earthiness, Miyuki and Minami's supportive but perfect role, Misao's happy-go-lucky personality, and all the allies' friendship... they are all too good!

And, curse you Misao! You sound so cute even when you are angry! lol

Finally Lucky Channel within the actual episode! And Sakuraba-sensei too!

Negative points.
- Anime Tenchou had no chance to reappear, though it's sort of inevitable...
- No one ever could make Ayano angry... Okay, there are several things in this world we should not know.


And the way the episode ends. Just so adorable.

[Tsukiyoshi]

Wow, it's over...

The final episode is great, a whole episode to close the series. The Shiraishi ending doesn't seem to fit this episode though I couldn't help but laugh at it... but still.
I wish there were more but theres no room for season 2...
Well time to buy a MS dedicated to Lucky Star!

Loved the poke poke poke scene and all the Kagami tsundere-ness!

I say a perfect 10 is fitting to this great series. I lol-ed from beginning to end!

No more sausages! T.T

[Calawain]

Oh, come on, there was at least one Haruhi reference per episode. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but let's be realistic here: there were a lot of Haruhi references--on the overall picture, they probably summed up about half of the total references. It's not bad, it's just a way of doing humor. It's not of my particular taste, so after the first episodes, the Haruhi jokes just started to bother me (I was a tad like "Not again!"). I got a bit happier from episode 17 onwards, since it seemed like the Haruhi references slowed down a bit (though we'd still see one or two per episode), and there was more manga material and more slice of life humor.

By pure number I can almost guarantee you that the total number of Haruhi references did not reach anywhere near half of the total otaku references for the show. They were just the most noticeable since 99 percent of the folks that watched LS had already watched Haruhi, and relatively recently.

[Tatsumiko]

;_;....its over

;_;...

[Proto]

It's interesting that Patty didn't understand the word 'ceremony' at first, which is a loan word from English in katakana.

you'd be surprised when you start studying Japanese is that the most difficult words to understand are the Nipponified English words you stumble upon here and there... *shivers*

[Kaioshin Sama]

People have mentioned the ending as sort of a dividing point between the early and later part of the episode, where peoples views start to get mixed. To be honest, I was expecting an ending like this where the girls danced to an opening theme.

To be perfectly honest actually (as opposed to just honest), I was actually expecting something more quirky to end it off related to promoting the next work, which would be Clannad. Something like a rendition of that shows music or them getting the characters from that show on to dance to the music, but I knew there would need to be a dance number to close the show. Another thing I thought they might do was to suddenly switch to live action versions of the Seiyuu in cosplay dancing to the opening theme. I mean can you even imagine how crazy all the fans over in Japan would go if they did that. Through the roof might become a literal expression.:heh:

Seriously though, the thing that started it all was the opening dance number, it was a hit. In order to bring about the best possible reaction for the closing to the show, it's only natural that their would be an encore for Motekke Sailor Fuku. Now from my standpoint I would have preferred more character time to all this, but from a logical perspective, looking at how you'd want the fans to react at the conclusion to a show (In my view the answer to the question, "What is the best way to end a show?", is to summarize it using one of the major themes present throughout, and when you acknowledge Otakuism being a major theme for LS, coupled with how popular the dance was, you have your answer in hand) I think it's safe to say that this is what any right thinking scripter would design for their ending. Overall my feelings are pretty ambivelant to how it ended, which is why I gave it an 8.

[kenjiharima]

good point by darksider.

In the manga did anyone got Ayano mad at any point? She's like a Tsukasa clone and a background character in the anime, but Misao said she's scary when angry. Must be Banner's long lost daughter from a Japanese girl. :heh:

[Ashlotte]

Well the difference to me between azu and this is that azu made me truely love the characters for how they where. L*S made me love...The seiyuus lol. I guess it was just too many in-jokes and references but I never really got to really see most of the characters for who they where. Too many times I was reminded "Yea thats Aya doing konata".

So where as azu made its own isolated special world through the anime L*S felt the need to drag everything back to reality all too often. Not that thats a huge crime since I laughed hard at alot of episodes, but at the end of the show I can't really say as I sympathised or really cared much about barely any of the characters maybe save kagamin.

Great funny show for sure...But kinda feel flat when it came to pacing and generating memorable characters for me atleast... ;)

[TinyRedLeaf]

And so with this final episode of Lucky Star, the second of the handful of animes I've been following this year comes to an end.

It's been a great ride. Some laugh-out-loud funny moments, and many more smiley skits to remember fondly. I've watched and enjoyed Azumanga Daioh as well, so I was no stranger to 4-koma when I first started watching this show. What to say? Lucky Star had great energy and lovable characters, and I will miss it now that it's gone. All in all, life goes on. ;)

[AVPlaya]

Wow, I can't believe this. I e-mailed Suzuki-sama about my "discovery" in reguard to the source of Minami and Yutaka's costume, and he updated his excellent Lucky Star Reference Blog (http://www.syu-ta.com/luckystar/luckystar-parody-24.shtml). I guess gaijin-otas are a little useful after all. :)

It seemed the confusion comes when the the First Grade classroom blackboard displayed the program for their Zuka Kissa "Kaze Gumi", it listed character names from Takarazuka shows "バレンシアの熱い花" and "Elizabeth", so naturally the otas assumed that the costumes they wore came from those two shows. But it turn out they are from a third show. This is almost like a quiz for the Akiba-kei, since only house wifes and BL-lovers ever watch Takarazaku shows.

I think KyoAni has a Eva-like Otaku Grand Unification Program, where they aim to combine Akiba-kei and Fujoshi into one, united community of outlaws. "You love Lucky Star? Now go watch some girl make out with another crossplaying girl on stage!"

[TnAdct1]

I'm assuming that pretty much everyone here watched the final episode, so I'm gonna ask this, just before the end, when the curtain goes up, and they get ready for the show, there is the Japanese Letter that states something about Lucky Star on Oct.7th . Anyone what that one is about? That has nothing to do with Lucky Star. Rather, that "Japanese Letter" thing was a notice about the show that will be taking over Lucky Star's timeslot and when it will start.

EDIT: The ED for the final episode is actually kinda appropriate, since the original source of the song (Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer) also has a cultural festival playing a key role in the story.

[Anh_Minh]

I refuse to call Shiraishi singing appropriate for anything, except a reason for making him take a long walk on a short pier.

[AVPlaya]

That has nothing to do with Lucky Star. Rather, that "Japanese Letter" thing was a notice about the show that will be taking over Lucky Star's timeslot and when it will start.

EDIT: The ED for the final episode is actually kinda appropriate, since the original source of the song (Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer) also has a cultural festival playing a key role in the story.

Yes, and it's Rental Magica! No wonder they were referencing the crap out of it. I'm probably going to try it out in honor of Kagami.

I thought the ED was appropriate too, and a nice gem for the true, old school otas to find. Nice gesture.

Notice how right before the curtain rise Shiraishi was finally doing something central and useful in the main story. GJ Shiraishi.

[Tatiana Razajev]

I concur that anyone who enjoyed Lucky*Star's 'character study' style and subtle humor should take a look at Azumanga Daioh if they haven't already. Its almost like trying to claim you're literate without having read Shakespeare :) :) (okay, not that bad but you do take a credibility hit otherwise :) ).

To be honest I've never really read Shakespeare. I've just never had the interest or motivation. Besides the impression some have given is the Shakespeare is something you're better viewing as a play or something along those lines. I'll just have to accept my position as a heretic.

As for Azumanga Daioh. I watched that long before I saw Lucky Star and found it to be rather enjoyable. On that note I've seen people compare the two shows multiple times and here is my response. I'm watching Lucky Star because it's Lucky Star. If I want Azumanga Daioh then I'll just re-watch Azumanga Daioh. Which for the record I actually did recently.

Also to be honest I've never been a major fan of the comparison game anyway. Sure if I hate show X and love show Y that means I think Y is better by default. So in a sense I can't say I never compare. However I've found excessive comparison only backfires. As it just makes it harder to enjoy the show in question. Simply because you spend less time focusing on the show and more time going "If only it was more like....." Which is not what I want to do.

In the end what truly matters is this. Lucky Star may not have parted water. It may not be the best thing since sliced bread. Yet in the end it was very enjoyable and a series I desire to own on R1. The type that deserves higher priority. In other words may not be the best (as if I could ever decide on that), but it's good enough for me.

Actually speaking of which that's another reason I'm not heavily into the comparison game. Every time I try to make something like a top ten list I end up changing my mind constantly. I can't really decide what's my favorite and such. All I can decide are things along the lines of hate, dislike, average, like, and love. As well as I guess "not interested".

[AVPlaya]

Sigh, please stop this Azudai comparison thing. As a huge Azudai fan who have the DVD in two languages and the manga in 3 languages, I must say that LS and Azudai have similar points but are ultimately two completely different shows. I admit I started watching LS because I heard it was AzuDai like, but right now, they're just not the same to me. As matter of fact, I loved and cared for LS characters more than I ever did Azudai characters (AD never almost made me cry), and frankly, I've enjoyed Yotsubato! more than AD.

Only real similarity within the show between the two are breast jokes and a gal who speaks kansai-ben (one real, the other fake).- that last sentence was a joke, please don't NOT do a scholarly analysis on it. :)

[HandofFate]

*doki doki* at the massive armpit fanservice this final episode..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/RoyItdhanuvekin/1.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/RoyItdhanuvekin/4.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/RoyItdhanuvekin/sexydesu.png

[Kaioshin Sama]

*doki doki* at the massive armpit fanservice this final episode..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/RoyItdhanuvekin/1.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/RoyItdhanuvekin/4.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/RoyItdhanuvekin/sexydesu.png

Good point there. That is pretty servicey. I feel a little doki doki of my own right now (kidding on the side).

[Dop]

Well...
I rather enjoyed that. I wouldn't say it was the best series EVAH!!!!!!(sic) but it was quite fun and I can see myself buying it if/when official English-subtitled DVDs are available.

OK, it was no Azumanga Daioh but then again what is? Apart from a very loose themic similarity (i.e. they're both about a group of girls in high school) there's not really much comparison between the two. It was what it was.

It was good fun. And that's that.

[AVPlaya]

*doki doki* at the massive armpit fanservice this final episode..


Haha... I thought you were going to show the pantsu, or rather the bloomer shot here. :) I guess the pits are sexy to some people...

[Claymore_Obsessed]

Sigh, please stop this Azudai comparison thing. As a huge Azudai fan who have the DVD in two languages and the manga in 3 languages, I must say that LS and Azudai have similar points but are ultimately two completely different shows.

I completely agree.

I love both shows, too. Despite some common points, they are deeply different so it's no use trying to see which is the "better" ...


By the way, imho LS it's a milestone in its own genre, and it will survive the test of time. It won't be forgotten in 5 years or something.
And who knows, maybe there will be a anime series that will reference LS too... :)

[kenjiharima]

one good reason not to compare them is that Lucky Star has a better dance than others. Sorry Haruhi, I like Kona-chan's dance steps better.

[gekko]

the main reason i like LS better than AD is 'cuz i prefer the characters, esp. Kagami. But that's very subjective :)

[Prim8]

*defeated sigh* it's over.
The world is over!

Ok, that was a bit dramatic.
but that's how much I love Lucky Star.

[teachopvutru]

*doki doki* at the massive armpit fanservice this final episode..


What does doki doki mean?


one good reason not to compare them is that Lucky Star has a better dance than others. Sorry Haruhi, I like Kona-chan's dance steps better.

Agree, I like Lucky Star's dance better than Haruhi's ..

[Seska]

What does doki doki mean?

Well, i dunno. But if i read between the lines... translate it into *Boing* *Boing*

[flashmagi]

Well, i dunno. But if i read between the lines... translate it into *Boing* *Boing*

...wrong. doki doki is japanese onomatopoeia for heartbeating. so its more of *thump thump*

[2H-Dragon]

Actually there is enough point to compare AzuDaioh to L*S. Know any more slice of life high school comedies based on 4koma's that are this good? If we can't compare on genre. On what can we compare anime then? I liked L*S more probably because the references where more clear for me. Though I can't really blame AzuDaioh for my lack of knowledge. The characters in L*S where better though, this probably due to AzuDaioh getting out dated. Next great Slice-of-life comedy will be when Yotsubato! gets animated. Even if it isn't high school it's a whole lot of sliceoflife loving.

[AVPlaya]

Just some Observations from the full dance that I've watched about, oh, 50 times now.

Starting Formation
10 girls form two rows:

Front: Tsukasa, Konata, Kagami, Miyuki
Back: Ayane, Patti, Yutaka, Minami, Hiroyi, Misao


Yutaka and Konata are in the same vertical line - no blocking
Kagami x Konata and Yutaka x Minami are centered
Fujoshis outrank non-fujoshi, unless they are part of key paring
10 girls share a single bottle of Pocari Sweat


Opening Sequence
Identical to the OP, minus the hand gestures and the "Freeze" pose

Rap Sequence I
Grils split into two groups:

Kona-chan Gumi
Leader: Konata.
Sub-Leader: Tsukasa
Members: Yutaka, Patti, and Ayane

Kagamin Gumi
Leader: Kagami
Sub-leader: Miyuki
Members: Minami, Hiroyi, and Misao

Kona and Kagami's Solo OP Dance: Everyone perform the Kona-Hop, while Konata/Kagami perform the Kagami Cat-Walk.

Tsukasa and Miyuki's Solo OP Dance: 4 Members of the Kona-chan Gumi, lead by sub-leader Tsukasa, perform the Tsukasa-Tug, while Sub-leader of the Kagami Gumi Miyuki leads her group to perform the Miyuki-Twist.

DA-DA-DA-DA: The entire group opens up like a flower, in which ever member perform a gesture similar to Ota-gei "Kecha".

Girls chatting nervously while Konata Elevates Sequence
The group performs the vaunted "Pom Pom to the Twisting Ass" move after returning to starting position. Massive otaku blood loss.

Rap Sequence II
Cherry Pie Section: Performed by the Kagamin Gumi. Leader and Sub-leader knee to the floor, and the 3 lowly members extend one hand to the right while shake to the beat. Not much "movement" here since the sub-leader is on the ground. Big lost of points.

Sensation Section: Performed by the Kona-chan Gumi. Leader and Sub-leader again knee down while the three member shakes while extend hand to the left. "Movements" are observed due to efforts of member Patti. GJ! Advantage, Kona-chan Gumi.

Small Planet (Sho Wakusei) Section: Performed by the 4 main chars and the leader/sub-leader of their respective Gumi. Massive one-armed pit-displaying action. Still just shaking to the beat, but at least Miyuki is there.

Zabi Sequence I
Everyone perform the same dance as the OP. I just realized the bloomer shot was in the OP all along. Ha.
CrowKenobi-sama observed that in the long shot, Patti and Misao switched placed, but in the close-ups their order is just like the OP. These KyoAni people should o more QA!

Zabi Sequence II
This one is a little strange. Frist we see Patti, Yutaka, Minami, and Hiroyi on the back row drawing a circle with their left hand, and slowly swinging to the left, while Miyuki and Kagami waltz in from the left with the same movement but on the other hand. AND we see in the next shot, Konata, Tsukasa, Yutaka, and Patti showing us their well-shaven pits (may not be needed for some). In this section, Ayane and Misao are completely missing, while Patti is shown twice!

The Big Finale:
The girls return to the starting position to perform the "Saying 3 Piece" part, but the back row spilt into two and stand in parallel to the 4 leaders according to their Gumi affiliation.

What happens next need some thinking. I believe the 3 members of the Kona-chan Gumi performed the two "Yeahs" with their backs turned, while the 3 members of the Kagamin-Gumi did their "Yeah" facing the audience. The Yeahs were too close for them to turn around fast enough. The 4 leaders performed a variation of the OP segment.

Post Dance Pose
Then the girls are sweaty and panting and.. opps, massive otaku blood loss again.

[CrowKenobi]

Just a thought; specifically about Kona-chan channeling Yuki. Was that Chihara Minori, or was it Aya-chan showing off more of her voice talents? :twitch:It was Aya-chan! Remember, she did something similar in the Haruhi Drama CD. :D

To wit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yT1sl8a0hQ

Just some Observations from the full dance that I've watched about, oh, 50 times now.

Zabi Sequence I
Everyone perform the same dance as the OP. I just realized the bloomer shot was in the OP all along. Ha.

Don't forget Patty and Misao switching places! Long shot (back row) Ayane-Patti, Yutaka-Minami, Hiyori-Misao, then the close ups: Yutaka-Minami, Patty-Hiyori, Ayane-Misao (just like the open!). :p

:cool:

[Vexx]

I really think the thing about the Haruhi dance had more to do with the fluidity of the animation than any special coolness of the moves. The L*S dance sequence is actually animated less well (especially the whole group shots) but the dance itself is a vivacious cheerleader friendly bunch of vavoom that I'd love to see my son's high school cheerleaders try :) I suspect it'll be quite popular at the cons for a while.

[Princess_of_Hell]

I really think the thing about the Haruhi dance had more to do with the fluidity of the animation than any special coolness of the moves. The L*S dance sequence is actually animated less well (especially the whole group shots) but the dance itself is a vivacious cheerleader friendly bunch of vavoom that I'd love to see my son's high school cheerleaders try :) I suspect it'll be quite popular at the cons for a while.

When will we be able to see this dance at the conventions? It looks more livelier and more fun than the Haruhi's ED dance. I rewatched that scene many times already. :D

FOR MY OPINION OF THE ENDING

It was kinda bland, like it just simply ended with an open ending but when you think of it, without the official ceremony dance shown, it actually told you without words that Lucky Star has officially ended and everyone are friends forever.

[Risaa]

When will we be able to see this dance at the conventions? It looks more livelier and more fun than the Haruhi's ED dance. I rewatched that scene many times already. :D
Oh, by latest next year. This year was devoted to hoards of Haruhis doing the SHnY dance over and over and friggin OVER. I did feel sorry for that one Haruhi who fell down on the stage while doing it though.

[CandyVanMan]

I felt like I was saying goodbye to good friends. Considering I don't really associate with real people, I have to admit it hit a bit hard. The worst part was that I watched it during my lunch break at work. I've been in a bit of a funk for the remainder of the day.:upset:

I don't believe it ended to dry or too soon. This, to me, is a fine example of 'quitting while ahead'. And to top it off, it ended with grade A+ fan service.

[Princess_of_Hell]

All tastes are tastes...
I love anime also because they usually end, sooner or later.

Yes, it might be sad at first, but think wisely.

What's better: having a finished masterpiece that will last forever in our hearts and souls as shiny as that day we saw it in its full splendour, or a endless show that at first runs, then walks, then painfully crawls struggling in vain to be as good as it once was? Sharks are hungry, and they don't really like jumpers...
(all references to actual shows aren't casual :heh:)

Endless shows are ok, if there is a story to it. The soaps have been going on for years and I mean years but there is a story and they don't re-run unless you watch it on SOAP NET.

When comparing anime (Kanon, Lucky Star) to cartoons (Simpsons), anime does seem to be more realistic whereas the Simpsons, there is no real need to wait until next week for the newest episode since there is no real story but simply so-called toilet humor with a "GROUNDHOG DAY" effect without the same place and events.

[WanderingKnight]

I completely agree.

I love both shows, too. Despite some common points, they are deeply different so it's no use trying to see which is the "better" ...

I'm not saying which one is better. I'm just saying that, due to the genre similarities (which they have, please don't try to deny it, even when they have different styles, they are of the same genre), Azumanga Daioh managed to provoke feelings on me that Lucky Star never managed to. The finale in AzuDai was deeply emotive, and very well carried out, however, in Lucky Star, I didn't feel a drop of emotion. Like I said, it may be because I'm not in high school anymore, but there is something to the AzuDai girls singing the typical Japanese high school anthem (can't remember its name), Chiyo-chan crying (though in a funny way), Osaka being Osaka, Tomo-chan annoying Yomi and Yomi replying back, and so, that made me feel strongly emotive towards the series. Not only I felt the whole of the series was perfectly carried out (I have many pickings about the way Lucky Star was delivered, for example, the thing I mentioned about not having a very coherent gag continuity), but I also felt something towards the characters.

In Lucky Star, I can't remember the name of half of the cast. I think that should be enough proof that, in my case, Lucky Star didn't reach such a high ground. Unfortunately, I have watched Azumanga Daioh, and even more unfortunately, I can't help drawing a comparison--they're both the same genre. But even without comparing them, the show still failed to appeal my emotions accordingly.

It doesn't mean it's bad. Actually, there aren't good shows or bad shows. There's shows I like, and there's shows I dislike. So it is for everyone else on this planet. I enjoyed Lucky Star, but not quite enough.

[X207]

it was a good final episode, 2 alterations i would've liked, that they didnt show final practice of dance but the actual dance in the festival. basically delaying the dance for final scenes. 2nd alteration- no shiraishi kareoke maybe a rolling ending ie showing scenes from the show like an epiloge to music. i really didnt like the shiraishi endings. hope they dont do that for possible 2nd season

[Kyuusai]

I'm not saying which one is better. I'm just saying that, due to the genre similarities (which they have, please don't try to deny it, even when they have different styles, they are of the same genre), Azumanga Daioh managed to provoke feelings on me that Lucky Star never managed to. The finale in AzuDai was deeply emotive, and very well carried out, however, in Lucky Star, I didn't feel a drop of emotion. Like I said, it may be because I'm not in high school anymore, but there is something to the AzuDai girls singing the typical Japanese high school anthem (can't remember its name), Chiyo-chan crying (though in a funny way), Osaka being Osaka, Tomo-chan annoying Yomi and Yomi replying back, and so, that made me feel strongly emotive towards the series. Not only I felt the whole of the series was perfectly carried out (I have many pickings about the way Lucky Star was delivered, for example, the thing I mentioned about not having a very coherent gag continuity), but I also felt something towards the characters

I have to agree that AD had a different emotional effect on me, but even though they're the same genre, these series set out to do different things.

The mood and atmosphere of AD made me feel like I was a quiet member of its group of friends. LS, on the other hand, makes me feel like I'm privileged to have an outside view of its very entertaining group of friends--much as though we were in Shiraishi's position. In fact, I'd almost go so far to say that Shiraishi ends up being an non-vicarious avatar of the viewer, whether it's intended that way or not.

Lucky Star is comfortable doing that, though. Soujirou is proof positive that it comes from the viewpoint that observance is a valid form of emotional gratification. AD is based on this concept, but took steps to make the viewer feel integrated. LS, of course, did no such thing.

[WanderingKnight]

Lucky Star is comfortable doing that, though. Soujirou is proof positive that it comes from the viewpoint that observance is a valid form of emotional gratification. AD is based on this concept, but took steps to make the viewer feel integrated. LS, of course, did no such thing.

Perhaps, perhaps. I'm just expressing what I felt towards both series, mainly because the starting point for both is the same.

[Claies]

There we go...this very last episode is the Lucky*Star I'm looking for and love. I didn't cry, and I'm pretty sorry I didn't - but where I am right now I can't afford to show that. Now can we multiply this one single episode's formula by 24 again?

This episode is also pretty tragic - it sent the series to an awesome high point, and now I'm going to need a lot to cool down. It's a high point because we have never seen ALL of the characters interacting with each other so closely. I haven't seen Minami so dynamically in the entire show (hell...she even commented on someone else!), and uh...when I said something about accepting a L*S 2 in a completely different creative direction, I mean by that entire Shiraishi/Akira scene, all the emotions and art direction. That captured what I really, really want.

The dream of L*S: this world needs more Konatas, Tsukasas, Kagamis, Miyukis, Yutakas, Minamis, Hiyoris, Pattys, Nanakos, Narumis, Sojirous, Kanatas, Shiraishis, and Akiras.

[X207]

ya, minami seems to break through her nagato facade much easier in ep24, she actually smiles like a normal character.

[game2007]

Has anyone ever thought that we might get another surprising additional special episode next week that is the real ending? I mean, the ending just went off like that without even closing words from the directors.

Probably not possible, but still...

[Kyuusai]

Has anyone ever thought that we might get another surprising additional special episode next week that is the real ending? I mean, the ending just went off like that without even closing words from the directors.

Probably not possible, but still...

Sadly, no. The Japanese words that appeared as an overlay during the final scene was noting that the the timeslot next week would be filled by "Rental Magica".

[BlazingSoul]

It's great but too bad it had to end. *sob*

[Mirrinus]

Finally got around to watching this episode. And yeah, I admit, it was quite saddening saying goodbye to those girls. Even more saddening than having two papers and an organic chem midterm. Oh wait...

[Anh_Minh]

I have to agree that AD had a different emotional effect on me, but even though they're the same genre, these series set out to do different things.

The mood and atmosphere of AD made me feel like I was a quiet member of its group of friends. LS, on the other hand, makes me feel like I'm privileged to have an outside view of its very entertaining group of friends--much as though we were in Shiraishi's position. In fact, I'd almost go so far to say that Shiraishi ends up being an non-vicarious avatar of the viewer, whether it's intended that way or not.

Lucky Star is comfortable doing that, though. Soujirou is proof positive that it comes from the viewpoint that observance is a valid form of emotional gratification. AD is based on this concept, but took steps to make the viewer feel integrated. LS, of course, did no such thing.
That's funny, it's exactly the reverse for me. AD made me feel like an outside observer of funny, and occasionally touching, people.

LS made me feel "I want to be there. I want a daughter like Konata. I want to see a show with Akira as anchor. I want to hang out with Yui. I want to tease Kagami... " and so on.

[JPZ]

i am sure gonna miiss this show

[Mr-Kory]

it was quite a good series but like most pepole i found the end of the episode a little disapointing then comes the shirashi song...its good enough to watch twice because after every four episodes i burn them to dvd and watch it with my mate and it doesnt get boring so i look forward to watching the last four episodes again. and congradulations lucky star you are the first anime to make me shed a trear in episode 22 when Kanata came to see them.

[Kyuusai]

That's funny, it's exactly the reverse for me. AD made me feel like an outside observer of funny, and occasionally touching, people.

LS made me feel "I want to be there. I want a daughter like Konata. I want to see a show with Akira as anchor. I want to hang out with Yui. I want to tease Kagami... " and so on.

Aside from the difference of viewpoint of AD, my point was that there is a slight difference in a show that makes you say "I want to be there" versus feeling almost like you are. Lucky Star repeatedly made me feel like I wanted to be there, but it also didn't provide me with the illusion that I actually was. It's clear that if I were a part of that world, I'd just be another Sebastian. :heh:

[Ascaloth]

The L*S dance sequence is actually animated less well (especially the whole group shots) but the dance itself is a vivacious cheerleader friendly bunch of vavoom that I'd love to see my son's high school cheerleaders try :)

Oh, you would. :naughty:

(Ok, fine, I would too. :p)


The dream of L*S: this world needs more Konatas, Tsukasas, Kagamis, Miyukis, Yutakas, Minamis, Hiyoris, Pattys, Nanakos, Narumis, Sojirous, Kanatas, Shiraishis, and Akiras.

Eh-to, maybe not Soujirou. :heh:
Or Shiraishi. :p

As far as I'm concerned, the Rakisuta-AzuDai comparison is merely a generation gap (which makes WanderingKnight the old fogey. :naughty:). I haven't actually watched AzuDai, so I have no intention of saying that either is better, myself.

[kenjiharima]

did anyone notice that Yutaka was the the one to pant and breathe heavy then Hiyori then almost at the same time Kagami and Konata. Making Yutaka the one less stamina since she's sickly and Hiyori. Minami is the TANK she shows no signs of exhaustion at all. Though it was brief we can see the stamina levels of each of the girls. Better jot it down for power rank cards that iam planning to make. :heh:

And btw did they did it again? Since Tsukasa said the Chin**** word now Minoru said on the mic "Test Test" instead of mic test or it's just him testing the mic. That made me laugh rather than the Mino-run-run ringtone.

[Sheba]

LS made me feel "I want to be there. I want a daughter like Konata. I want to see a show with Akira as anchor. I want to hang out with Yui. I want to tease Kagami... " and so on.


Count me with you, I do want a daughter like Konata, laugh with a japan-crazy friend like Patty, help in inspiration an artist like Hiyori and drink liters of beer with someone like Nanako...

[Vexx]

Oh, you would. :naughty:

(Ok, fine, I would too. :p)

As far as I'm concerned, the Rakisuta-AzuDai comparison is merely a generation gap (which makes WanderingKnight the old fogey. :naughty:). I haven't actually watched AzuDai, so I have no intention of saying that either is better, myself.

Well... our cheerleader team this year is actually cute and trim so ... yeah :)

The generation gap leads towards the root of the problem in some sense. Some people are trying to compare shows that are chronologically separated in time and in which some fairly universal motifs are used and re-used.

I could sit there and say today's comedy is crap compared to the Marx Brothers... but really the Marx Brothers were just carrying on a long tradition of pre-electronic vaudeville carried to the screen.
(distant past)-->vaudeville-->30s movies-->radio sketch shows-->tv sketch shows-->tv variety shows-->cartoons, sitcoms and shows like the Daily Show.

They're all basically doing the SAME material throughout. I'd like to think there are some qualitative differences but there are "best of" examples in each time frame.

AzuDa and L*S are both examples from the same genre separated by time (in pop fad culture, three to five years is a long time) and each has its author's personalized emphasis on different aspects of daily life. The anime adaptations of each were also handled a bit differently. Personally, I give AzuDa some points for being truer to the manga and L*S suffers a bit at times in that regard. However, L*S does some wonderful things with the manga material that really brings the characters to life in terms of animation, voicing, and expression.

I like both... my cell phone has that Kagami theme, but I still use Azumanga's flute solo theme for my main ringtone (maya-to-ita-kisetsu)

[Sephi]

Saw Luck star episode 24 yesterday. As many people i also draw a comparison with Azumanga Daioh which i have only watched about a month ago.

Lucky Star intro was interesting. As everyone the dance scene really grabbed my attention :p I still think the dance is awesome. First few episodes of Lucky Star were somewhat dull. I didn't really understand the jokes. And the random talk was just weird and not funny. But slowly it got more interesting for me. I think it's when the director of FMP started directing it? Not to sure around which episode. But slowly it became more and more interesting so to say. It really picked up for me when the rest of the cast got introduced. But in the end. It was just a slice of life which couldn't bring out any emotions from me. Azumanga Daioh ending managed to make me sad and feel happy at times. And i think that is what makes the anime great. I actually feel enough for the cast to feel like that.

Things i liked to see in Lucky Star where for example more festivals. More summer vacations were they actually did something fun. And imho they should of kept the dance as a final to end Lucky Star instead of how they did it now... And the jokes of Lucky Star didn't appealed to me as much as the once in Azumanga Daioh. Perhaps the jokes didn't appealed to me because i have only been watching anime for a year. Though i have watched around 50+ series by now >.<

In the end. Lucky Star is just Lucky Star. The cast was ok. But the ending wasn't special enough for me. Overall i give Lucky Star a 8.

[othic]

is there any sign of season 2 at the end of eps?:confused:

If i'm not mistaken, if they end up making a season 2 of lucky star, won't they be in college?

[Shiroth]

If i'm not mistaken, if they end up making a season 2 of lucky star, won't they be in college?
If there was going to be a second season, then they'd at least have to finish of school first --- this is why i think OVA's are needed.

[kenjiharima]

yeah!!! OVA'S!!!

original stories from KyoAni gives the characters more deph and personalities. This last episode gave all the L*S characters to develop.

Hiyori now pairing Yutaka and Minami. Ayano's participation and interaction, Misao getting mad that's a first, Patty being the brains of the cheer leader dance and so on.

Really KyoAni hasn't let the fans down. :)

[Risaa]

did anyone notice that Yutaka was the the one to pant and breathe heavy then Hiyori then almost at the same time Kagami and Konata. Making Yutaka the one less stamina since she's sickly and Hiyori. Minami is the TANK she shows no signs of exhaustion at all. Though it was brief we can see the stamina levels of each of the girls. Better jot it down for power rank cards that iam planning to make. :heh:I noticed that myself (yes, I broke down and watched in on youtube..). I thought that was a nice touch - it would've been easy to just leave none of them panting, or get them all panting at the same time.


...When I read what I just wrote over again, it suddenly sounds so dirty. :upset:

[Meophist]

I'm not quite sure why people are saying AzuDai and RakiSuta are incomparable. They're both slice-of-life shows based on 4-koma manga focused on comedy about girls going through high school life. How the heck are they not comparable? Saying that these two anime are incomparable is basically saying that nothing is comparable, which means that "comparing" is useless. While I'm not going to argue against the conclusion, I have problems with the premise. In fact, I'm going to compare them right now: Lucky Star is better(OPINION, by the way).

[Vexx]

I can't speak for anyone else but I'm saying is that the chronological context needs to be considered. Compare "Forbidden Planet" to "Alien" for example... they're both of the same genre after all. Or compare Shakespeare to "24" or Mozart's opera with modern rock (they're all originally written for the common masses).

Its a *bit* difficult to compare L*S to AzuDa because they're separated in time, pop-fads, and cultural sensibilities. They *can* be compared though... its just that for more credibility one has to consider that separation. Outside of that, the simple differences in style due to the authors are going to result in some non-quantifiable taste difference.

Like I said, me I like both and they're going to sit next to each other on my shelf (assuming they license L*S).

[WanderingKnight]

Well, I said I basically couldn't help comparing both, mainly due to the fact that Azumanga Daioh is one of my most beloved shows of all time, and that both shows have the same starting point. I enjoyed Lucky Star, but in the end, I don't have much reason to watch it again, whereas I watched AzuDai three times in six months during my fourth year of high school, and a final fourth time by the end of my fifth (and last) year there.

Meh, who knows, maybe I'm getting old, like Ascaloth pointed out there.

EDIT: Oh, I forgot about this point:

Care to wager on that? I accept PayPal. ;)

Cheers.

I know I exaggerated a bit on the "summing up half of the references", but the fact remains that, while each episode had its load of different references (cultural and otaku-related), there were at least one or two Haruhi references per episode, which in my view counts as excessive. I'm not saying it's bad, or that Kyoani is a big mean company that insists on pushing its products, yada yada yada, but it's something that bothered me, humor-wise. Like I said, I got to the point of thinking "Not again!", especially on the Hare Hare dance in episode 16 (the lowest point of the series, IMO).

[Meophist]

I think that there's more similarities than differences between AzuDai and Lucky Star.

In any case, I'm just a little annoyed that even if there's the slightest differences between two shows/whatever, some people say that they can't be compared. Two things that are the same can't be compared. Two things that are different can be compared. I mean, I can compare Lucky Star and Gundam if I wanted to.

[Vexx]

That ought to be good for a 10 page dissertation :) Be sure and inject some Christ metaphor for extra literary points :)

[bullrogg]

i have a question....when konata dresses up cosplays as witch yuki, (around 15:00), did the VAs change for the yuki impersonation?

[CrowKenobi]

i have a question....when konata dresses up cosplays as witch yuki, (around 15:00), did the VAs change for the yuki impersonation?Nope, Aya did it all herself! :D

See this post (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1153874&postcount=199) for more info. :D

:cool:

[Ascaloth]

Well... our cheerleader team this year is actually cute and trim so ... yeah :)

....Vexx-jiji, sometimes I look at you, and I wonder whether you should be using a Soujirou avvie instead. You are, in almost every way I can see, so alike to him. :heh:

...okay, maybe a luckier version of Soujirou. Your Kanata is still hale and hearty enough to steal half your late-night cup ramen snack. :p

[bullrogg]

Nope, Aya did it all herself! :D

See this post (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1153874&postcount=199) for more info. :D

:cool:

thanx crow...;)....btw thanks for all the references during the season...

[SeijiSensei]

*doki doki* at the massive armpit fanservice this final episode..

Apparently all Japanese girls, and even American exchange students, shave their armpits even in this modern day and age?

Or has shaving made a resurgence among girls nowadays? When I was their age, many girls had stopped shaving as a feminist statement.

[Meophist]

....Vexx-jiji, sometimes I look at you, and I wonder whether you should be using a Soujirou avvie instead. You are, in almost every way I can see, so alike to him. :heh:

...okay, maybe a luckier version of Soujirou. Your Kanata is still hale and hearty enough to steal half your late-night cup ramen snack. :p
Dang it! Now I'm starting to wonder what brand camera he has…

[Eternal Haruhist]

Anyone knows what ikahodo and dondake means?

[mickal555]

dondake: http://complexdream.com/blog/?p=347

[Kinny Riddle]

....Vexx-jiji, sometimes I look at you, and I wonder whether you should be using a Soujirou avvie instead. You are, in almost every way I can see, so alike to him. :heh:

...okay, maybe a luckier version of Soujirou. Your Kanata is still hale and hearty enough to steal half your late-night cup ramen snack. :p
Only that he's got a Kagamin-like Tsundere wife instead of a Kanata-like loli wife. That's 10 times more awesome than Soujirou could ever manage.

[AVPlaya]

dondake: http://complexdream.com/blog/?p=347

Ikahodo is beginning to replace dondake as the slang, so the girls were arguing about it during this episode; they talked about this also I think Lucky Channel radio show 2 or 3 weeks ago. Lot of people use it dondake on TV now days (like Yamapi) and ikahodo has been slowly replacing it.

Only that he's got a Kagamin-like Tsundere wife instead of a Kanata-like loli wife. That's 10 times more awesome than Soujirou could ever manage.

That's what I was about to say, he's no Soujirou; he has a Tsundere wife like me.

[Ascaloth]

That's what I was about to say, he's no Soujirou; he has a Tsundere wife like me.

Except that, if I remember correctly, Vexx's wife is also a loli.

So to paraphrase Soujirou's timeless line, Vexx is ALSO a lolicon. :D

....I wonder if Vexx's wife will come after us for discussing her like that. That is, if Vexx himself doesn't come after us first. :heh:

[Nemo_N]

I'll be missing this show.

Sakuraba-sensei's rough demeanor left me wanting more; loved how she tries to correct herself way too late.

Also loved Konata's (or should I say Aya's?) sobbing in this scene:

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/2765/konatasobbinghh9.jpg

...along with her brief, yet fun, Patty impersonation.

I hope for a second season. Even if the timeline doesn't leave too much room to it, maybe the light nature of the manga might help create a sequel without much consideration of the anime's chronology.

[Risaa]

Apparently all Japanese girls, and even American exchange students, shave their armpits even in this modern day and age?

Or has shaving made a resurgence among girls nowadays? When I was their age, many girls had stopped shaving as a feminist statement.
O.o.... I don't know any girls who don't shave their pits, at least to my knowledge. I think you should hit the swimming pool and observe. :)

[shinku no kage]

Ah...after being away for some time I finally got around to watching the remaining four episodes....but....I DIDNT WANT IT TO END~~~~ (T^T)

So L*S is finally over...but atleast it finished with a blast. (TwT)

I can sum this episode in one word: "PERFECT". Nothing more, nothing less....

*edit*
Ah!! How do I forget to mention the appearence of the DS game chars!? Hinata and Hikage, the two sister who went to the festival on the wrong day...poor Hikage, they're always tight on money and they just waisted the train fare. Then theres Sakura-sensei.

...hell, FINAL ep and FINALLY Akira-san appears.
*sighs*

...Shiraishi EDs to the end...thats the ONLY flaw I can find in this series.

...

.....

.......so anyone else mail KyoAni for a 2nd season? LOLs...BTW, if...no, WHEN they start 2nd season you all think that it'll still follow Konata, Kagami, Tsukasa, and Miyuki to college or shift over to Yutaka, Minami, Hiyori, and Patty as the main 4?

...and hopefully no more Shiraishi in the 2nd season.

[Vexx]

I'd raise hell except that most of those comments are pretty much on the mark
(and she's Konata-sized but Kagamin-tempered... after several PMs a couple of images from our last vacation are offered - one being classic tsun)
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5248/wife2rq4.th.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wife2rq4.jpg)http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7224/wife4zb9.th.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wife4zb9.jpg)

I pretty much dropped the "expensive" camera habit many years ago...

@seijisensei: yeah, you're a bit older than me... the fad was already fading by the late 70s (except for the occasional dreadlocked lass who was cute enough to pull it off... or the lesbian crowd in their search for identity). All of either of my son's female friends shave their armpits... hell a lot of the *guys* shave their armpits. They've discovered it reduces body odor since the little farting bacteria buggers have less to cling to. :)

[Rembr]

dondake: http://complexdream.com/blog/?p=347To nitpick a bit about the article, and to clarify its meaning to some people

So, “dondake,” it turns out, isn’t actually a Japanese word. It doesn’t mean anything, and it doesn’t sound like anything.

Dondake is actually a word, meaning "how much?" The meme basically uses the word, slightly out of context of its original definition, as a reactionary phrase when something seems excessive or unbelievable, as well as when saying "how much?" is close to being the correct response.

Lucky Star had several instances where dondake was uttered, so just look for them if you want examples of the meme.

Ikahodo, to the best of my knowledge, is a phrase originating in Lucky Star. While it is a pretty clever new form of the word, I doubt it'll be replacing dondake. Unless its origin is elsewhere.

[Deathwing]

ill miss this series

[Kaioshin Sama]

I'd raise hell except that most of those comments are pretty much on the mark
(and she's Konata-sized but Kagamin-tempered... after several PMs a couple of images from our last vacation are offered - one being classic tsun)
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5248/wife2rq4.th.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wife2rq4.jpg)http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7224/wife4zb9.th.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wife4zb9.jpg)

I pretty much dropped the "expensive" camera habit many years ago...

@seijisensei: yeah, you're a bit older than me... the fad was already fading by the late 70s (except for the occasional dreadlocked lass who was cute enough to pull it off... or the lesbian crowd in their search for identity). All of either of my son's female friends shave their armpits... hell a lot of the *guys* shave their armpits. They've discovered it reduces body odor since the little farting bacteria buggers have less to cling to. :)

Haha, it's Vexx's wifey again. Not to drag things off topic, but can you tell us about where you were in the image you posted?