so many Eru avatars in the forums, the purple eyes are taking over

It's interesting that our opinions on Hanasaku Iroha have been converging somewhat in retrospect. For example, while I still like most of the episodes you don't, I've found that in retrospect some of the storylines involving Enichi and Jiromaru actually were kind of embarrassing.

I must make note of this:

Remember how I was all "chillax dude, PA Works is going to deliver in a big way just wait and see?" throughout much of the show's run? I just kind of had this feeling the show would turn out well, even when all I had seen was some concept art and that it was going to be PA Work's 10th anniversary project. For me, it was probably the most notable difference between how I approached it and how some of you guys did.

Beyond that I made some surprisingly accurate predictions at several points during the series as to which episodes would be drama and which slice of life. Kind of uncanny. Though I did get it wrong on Tomoe (I was kind of expecting a last minute hook up with Enichi, ended up being surprised when things worked out with the consultant).

Flaws... I wasn't entirely happy with how Ohana's story seemed to come full circle at the end, though I otherwise like the ending. I also felt that her romance with Ko could have been better. Again, a minor issue - and to be honest, I'm just glad someone included romance in a "band of girls" seinen for once.

(Also, Tohru's "I want to have five kids!"? Legendary. Best turn off line ever.)

As for AnoHana, I don't think that I'd consider the show to have held up poorly (though I was never quite as into it as you guys were). In fact I still think it's a great show. However, the "wow, they're challenging Key at their own game and winning!" aura has worn off. One thing I will say: after it, Toradora, and Ano Natsu, I'm pretty interested in whatever Tatsuyuki Nagai intends to do next.

Tari Tari PV? I think Hanasaku Iroha PV4 (the first animated one) had a better choice of music, but my overall anticipation level remains the same (re: high). And no offense, but I honestly suspect this is going to be like Hyou-ka where you'll start to get more into it once a couple episodes have aired.

Going to go watch Mysterious Girlfriend X before bed now (don't think I'll have time to continue my playthrough of Dragon Age: Awakening tonight).

I would like to say ''validated by history'' but then again ...

I think it has more to do with Hanasaku Iroha having more value in rewatchs than AnoHana does. That and Anohana is a whole lot more of an emotionally exhausting (and seriously way too melodramatic) series that works only when you forgot just how miserable and sad everything is for these kids. Hanasaku on the other hand works better because you get to notice things you didn't the first time round and also appreciate just how positive it is and how much energy it has.

That and I think it's the better written of the two, but I wont say that to you, else you'll say I'm pissing you off or something

It's certainly also better visually, thanks to the K.Mell designs (but that's a personal preference) and the one with the better quality control (the last episode of AnoHana was ... difficult to watch for a number of reasons).

£2

Yeah. It was good up until the end. Seeing a bunch of teenagers crying... not my cup of tea.

Haru is a pimp in the making. Notice how he didn't even bother answering how it felt on top of Chiyu when asked?

Hey, I just noticed that you were in the Suggestions forum. ^^ What do you think of my modified Rep idea, if I might ask?

It served its purpose. I saw the true nature of certain people at long last. I saw the prevailing attitudes and cop-outs. I learnt what I needed to know and identified my three assassins.

LOL, like anyone can think you hate PA Works

Oh right, I should have gotten to you on that, shouldn't I ...

Thanks for drawing that to my attention. I was one of the people who made a private PM or two about this to LS, so I figured I should support him some at least.

And I really am getting tired of these "What is with all the hate this show is getting?" posts (especially on the Hyouka series thread, where they seem to pop up every other page ).

Glad to know you will be in for more.

And yeah, it's really a very strange show. The mixture is like a makeshift deli filler, but it's tasty regardless.

I'm thinking I'm going to like this show