well I totally agree that the main plot of Noir moves really really slowly... that's why I think Madlax is quite a refreshing change of pace for a Bee Train anime but that's another different matter... but for Noir I really love some of the side stories. the main plot is a bit lame IMO, except for Altena... and Chloe before episode 24... though I love her greek costume... there are some brilliant side stories, I love the nice touches and the awesome gunfight in Assassin's Game, I love the little details in A Stray Cat, I love the ending of Sound of Waves, and I love how Kirika interested in drawing in Season of Hell (which is also the name of the song at the ending of Avenger), I like Mireille best in A Bonquet For Mireille, and Chloe is best in Assassin training.