Pretty much what I expected, a nice, school oriented, slice of life series. I construe XEBEC M2 to be the elite animation group of XEBEC, and they didn't let me down with the artwork.

Being the first episode, the story introduces the characters and sets up the overall plotline. Surely, the drama club or theater scenario has been overused for the past year (Strawberry Panic, Tsuyokiss, Otoboku, Tokimemo, School Rumble, etc.), and the premise for this series is about drama. However, it seems like the plot will evolve around Mugi's dealing and overcoming her fear of speaking in public, in which I look forward to seeing character development.

I had the impression Nono (wonderful job by Kawasumi Ayako as usual) seems interested in Mugi not only for her acting potential. Wonder if there'll be forthcoming yuri aspects. Kimoto Orie does a good job voicing Mugi, especially since I didn't like her voice in Pretty Cure Splash Star.

There's nothing pretentious about this title, a laid-back, atmospheric anime you'd want to watch just to enjoy and relax. Coming from the staff who did Petopeto-san, I'm sure they'll deliver just that.

I had that same feeling, but this doesn't seem like that type of series (I could be very wrong). Like you, I also felt that this was a nice laid-back show, but parts of it bordered on boring to me. So despite Kawasumi Ayako being in this, I don't think that this is my cup of tea.

It's definitely my cup of tea. I watched the first ep twice, it felt so good. Uneven voice-acting, but some of it just outstanding. Kawasumi Ayako was just, wow, and Kimoto Orie (Mugi) was emotional and believable. I thought the producers chose voices that stood out from each other. I liked Narita Ken (the club member guy) and Kishio Daisuke (the classmate guy).

And the music worked to intensify the emotion in the right ways. As did the direction. He paced things and moved the camera, etc., in ways that really worked for me. I think he has a knack for putting silences and pauses in the right place. And I loved both the OP and the ED, especially for the extremely skilful voices.

Some really nice visual touches, like when Mugi's finger rises when she's sitting on the steps with her friend. And the way Nono cups Mugi's chin and brushes aside her hair. And the sakura trees were good.

Sasuga the staff of Petopeto-san. I think they have the feeling for these delicate human emotions. Now if they can only make the story carry on at a high level past halfway, as that show didn't. Maybe the manga to work from will help.

I've just skimmed the 2channel thread, and many posters do not like it. More than one asks to be told what's good about it. One person said it seemed rushed. Another person says: "This isn't anime." 2channel does not do gentle feelings and lack of fanservice. The "fanservice" here resembles Marimite: socks, shoes, and flapping skirts that show four inches above the knee.