Note: I’m going to do something different here. I will no longer be assigning running scores for the shows I’m following. Instead, they will be ranked and grouped into various tiers based on how much I like them. Scores will only be assigned when a show finishes.
And because Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is on the horizon, the tiers will be named after Pokemon trainer classes.
A note on imports: I have made it a recent practice of mine to import Blu-rays of a select few shows every season, as a way of showing further support for my absolute favorite shows. Right now, I have an import limit of 4 new shows every season.
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Current Season: Fall 2014
Latest update: 11/11/14
Previous update: 10/29/14
Time for an update. I’m behind on a number of these shows, though not by more than an episode.
Champion/Elite Four: The absolutely amazing shows of the season. Also my import tier, especially since I now have a limit of 4 imports a season; that said, I might not fill all four slots any given season.
1. Encouragement of Climb Season 2 (17 eps.): Not much new to say about this show; it continues to put up a strong showing week after week to secure its position as the best show currently airing. (Importing)
2. Mushishi -The Next Passage- (13 eps.): Another show that continues to be consistently strong. (Planned Import)
3. Log Horizon S2 (6 eps.): Things are getting serious here as the world is developed even further. Plus, some much-needed character development for Akatsuki. All in all, this show continues to confirm why I loved the first season so much, and then improve on all that. (Planned Import)
4 (+1). Celestial Method (6 eps.): Level Up! The climax and resolution of Yuzuki’s story was simply fantastic. This show is starting to remind me in some ways of AnoHana, which is not a bad thing at all in my book; it has just the right combination of likable characters and solid character drama to be just the kind of show I love.(Planned Import)
5 (-1). When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace (5 eps.): Level Up! Tomoyo is an early candidate for my favorite character of the season. I really like how she is not just a cookie-cutter character taken from the extremes of the archetypes that she seems to fall into, but is an overall well-balanced character with many nuances. The character interactions are still very strong, and overall this show is definitely deserving of that fourth and final import slot. (Planned Import)
Gym Leaders: Very high-level shows that are either import candidates or are otherwise just very strong and among the shows I look forward to most this season.
6. Chaika -The Coffin Princess- Avenging Battle (4 eps.): Secrets! Shocking truths! Action! Kraken! There really is so much to love about this show.
7. Shirobako (4 eps.): Yeah, there’s just a bit of character development budding here, which only helps make this an even stronger show.
8 (+3). A good librarian like a good shepherd (5 eps.): Level up! It’s pretty interesting how this show is my favorite of the visual novel adaptations this seasons. It definitely has my favorite cast and the best character interactions, and it’s also moving forward with the story without feeling rushed. The overall result is a show that really is quite enjoyable.
9. (-1) Yowamushi Pedal Grande Road (5 eps.): This show finally remembered that Onoda is the best character in the show. On the other hand, I don’t really know what to make of the latest threat to the team, but their first impression wasn’t very good… maybe things will play out for the better during the race itself?
Ace Trainers: More highly enjoyable shows, sitting a bit below the upper tiers but still much-liked.
10 (-1). Amagi Brilliant Park (5 eps.): Episode 5 is more of a humorous episode, which is perfectly fine because it was definitely very amusing. Hopefully the plot will kick in more later on, but I’m fine with this now.
11. (+2) Gugure! Kokkuri-san (5 eps.): Level Up! Episode 5 finally brought this show back up to how much I liked it at first, bringing back some of the melancholy that supported the show’s offbeat humor. Hopefully the show can keep this up.
12. (-2) Your lie in April (5 eps.): The music is still amazing, at least, and that should keep this show at least in this tier going forward. Character relationship drama still needs to prove itself, though.
PokeManiacs: Remember those guys that had pretty decent teams but liked showing off their Pokemon more than trying to be the best? No? Anyway, these shows are plenty good, though a ways off from the best of the season.
13 (+1). Denki-gai (6 eps.): Sometimes, it’s nice to have a show that can be consistently both sweet and funny week after week. This show isn’t the strongest show of that sort, but it’s still pretty good.
14 (-1). Le Fruit de la Grisaia (6 eps.): Demoted… Man, this show feels rushed. I haven’t played the original VN and I can still tell that stuff has been skipped. Who can I blame for not giving this show a proper 24-episode budget? Also, this show seems to love the ridiculous. That, though, is perfectly fine with me, because I enjoy ridiculousness, especially when it does serve the strong base VN adaptation elements here.
15. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (5 eps.): I’m fascinated with how much I’m liking this iteration of this story. Shirou is overall more tolerable here, and the story is moving at a good pace that makes me feel each episode ends too soon (not really a bad thing in this case). Of course, it looks great, too.
16 (+1). Girl Friend BETA (4 eps.): Level up! You know, I can really appreciate this show for what it is. It’s easy on the eyes and easy on the mind, and can be sweet when it wants to be.
Team Rocket Grunts: Shows that I like, but don’t quite love. Still, I see no reason to drop them.
17 (-1). In Search of the Lost Future (5 eps.): I’m still enjoying this show, but it’s almost halfway through and it’s still barely showing any sign of resolving the central mystery presented in the first episode. Ah well. It’s also somewhat disadvantaged in that it doesn’t have as strong of a cast as the other VN adaptations this season.
18. Sailor Moon Crystal (9 eps.): I’m glad the plot is moving along more, but man, this show is not exactly the friendliest toward more modern views of good female characters. It’s definitely a relic of its time, but that aside, I think it’s still a decent show. Hopefully, things will be going forward with better direction here.
Bug Catchers: Shows I’m kind of reluctantly watching, and most in danger of being dropped.
(There are currently no shows in this tier.)
Youngsters:
1. I Can’t Understand What My Husband is Saying
2. Orenchi no Furo Jijou
3. Bonjour! Sweet Love Patissierie
I am amazed at how low you have kill la kill ranked. It has some interesting things to say about body image and such I think. I am looking forward to see how it develops. I will have to check out Gingitsune
ReplyDeleteEh, it's hard to really take its message on body image seriously when said "message" seems to basically make the main females be in a state of near-undress for as long as possible, y'know? :P
DeleteIt's still a fun show, 8.5/11.0 is not a bad score by any means, and it even escaped my recent drop list. Honestly, as long as I'm still following it, it's not in a bad position at all.