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Senior Member
 Author
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Age: 42
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I think that part of the cause of conflict between the biggest fans of the show, and the critics of the show, is that there's something that perhaps both groups aren't seeing.
And that's that the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is incredibly unique in the type of story that it's presenting, and the kind of anime that it is.
It isn't easily pigeonholded into any particular anime genre, and even utilizes a story-telling approach and method that is rather novel for anime, and fairly unique in general.
Anime characters that are similiar to Haruhi power-wise/age-wise/gender-wise are Haruka (Noein), and Lain (Serial Experiment Lain), but both of those characters (and the series' that they come from) are much darker and less fun-loving than the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is.
Series that probably come the closest to The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya in character design, setting, and style are Lucky Star and Azumanga Daioh, but neither of those series' deal with the sort of philosophical issues or power levels that Haruhi does.
What the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya does exceptionally well is mix serious philosophy with dynamic fun, and it does this principly through the characters of Haruhi and Koizumi, and through the interactions between Kyon and Haruhi, and Kyon and Koizumi.
Hence, the anime is both intellectual and fun.
It is also a very character-driven anime, as oppossed to plot-driven.
A lot of anime fans, including myself, like dramatic plots with many twists and turns, and conflicts between cool protagonists and competent antagonists. We like shadowy villainous organizations (or large impressive empires), and strongly individualistic characters who strive to bring them down. We like explosive and well-choreographed fight/war scenes.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya doesn't really have any of that (except for the Asakura/Yuki fight, perhaps), and that, sometimes combined with Haruhi's character, is one reason why critics are wondering why this series is so well-recieved - especially since it isn't a basic comedy like Love Hina! or Azumanga Daioh, either.
What the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya does have, however, is very unique, and people who see that, and like that, will naturally love the anime. I myself love the anime.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is an exceptionally well-made show, and probably does as good a job as any other anime series at achieving what it sets out to do - and that is to explore philosophical issues, relational issues, and coming-of-age issues, within the context of a colourful cast of characters who are driven more by charisma and personality than by abilities and powers... but who have that too.
There aren't many clear-cut significant flaws in the anime, in my opinion.
My only personal gripes are that it might have been nicer if Haruhi had a touch more of a softer side, and I have to admit that Mikuru started to annoy me a bit as the series progressed. Honestly, Mikuru should know what she's stepping into when she goes to SOS Brigade meetings as per her mission from the future, and the getting massively upset every time Haruhi tries to dress her up in a new outfit started to annoy me a bit. Grin and bear it, girl - it's not that bad a mission compared to what a lot of soldiers have to go through.
Also, the anime can be very subtle, and you really have to go digging deep sometimes to fully appreciate all the elements to the characters, and story.
For example...
To truly appreciate the character of Haruhi, I think, you have to look beyond the outward eccentricity and take-charge behavior. The outward eccentricity and take-charge behavior is to draw your attention, and amuse you, but it's what lies behind that which is key, I think.
Haruhi's reaction to how well her ENOZ performance was recieved, how she came across on the two-part island vacation (such as how she showed sincere caring for Kyon in at least one instance), and some of the inner-most thoughts that she confided to Kyon... these are key elements of her character, and when you pick up on them, Haruhi seems a bit more... human, and multi-faceted.
All in all, the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a very fun, amusing (I found the humour in it unique and cheerful too - it got more than a few hearty chuckles from me), thought-provoking, and well done anime. But because it's so unique, it's a bit of an acquired taste, I think. You really can't measure Haruhi against any other anime out there, because it's so very different from all of them.
The animation quality is top-notch, as is the voice-acting (in both English, and Japanese).
For technical merits, it may even deserve a 10/10.
For overall impact - for how appealing it is through out the anime fan community as a whole - it's probably a 8/10.
Speaking personally, there are a few animes I liked more than the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and none of them I'd give a 10/10 to, so I can only give Haruhi a 9/10. Still, it's one of my top 10 animes, no question.
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