...what are you watching...

Durarara 24! the end. While the first half of this series used the same storytelling method as Baccano, the characters and scenarios were pretty inventive. The second half switch out the method, and focused on the problems of the three teens. I was disappointed that the most interesting characters, Shizuo, Celty, etc. took a slight backseat to the teens, hive mentality, and trying to belong struggle. I think the novels probably have more depth to the other characters from the spoiler snippets I've seen, so I suppose the anime chose a path for its intended audience. The production was iffy throughout the entire season which was another small disappointment. ~7/10 rating I can't really see myself jumping to rewatch or even buy this series as I did with Baccano, but it was imaginative in the beginning. Celty, Shizuo & Simon are great characters. I hope the 2 DVD bonus episodes are amusing. The end of the tv portion had tiny funny parts, but on the whole was predictable.

House of Five Leaves 11! Hair-service. Yaichi and Masa had a disagreement...I think...time for makeup smut...something like that.

Durarara 23! I'm wondering what happened to the crazy cop who was after Celty. While I was hoping for an all out gang fight with Shizuo, Kida kicked a tiny bit of ass in this episode.

House of Five Leaves 10! Good episode as they reveal enough about Yaichi's past that we know what's up. Masa's amusing sister leaves.

Distracting myself is easy to do...
Top youtube videos from Japan - compiled by Oricon. So yes, kitties are in a few.

Arakawa under the Bridge 3! Hoshi takes Riku to confessional with Sister which leads Riku to ask Nino out on their first date. Good laughs out of this episode.

Yojō-Han Shinwa Taikei/Tatami Galaxy 1! uses the artistic style of Yusuke Nakamura to tell the tale of a college dropout.

+ Interesting Madhouse production and art style
- Haven't I seen this story before?
+ Maaya Sakamoto
- Where's Hiroshi Kamiya?

Quick impression~Yusuke Nakamura is somewhat known for illustrating the covers to Asian Kung-fu Generation's albums. AKG does the opening theme song. There must be another tie to Arakawa under the Bridge outside of the loser-like male character finding love plot....and it is Maaya Sakamoto! I almost thought Hiroshi Kamiya was in here, too, but the main male character is voiced by someone I don't know that sounds eerily similar. As for the story, a nameless main character has a crush, and a Popeye-looking matchmaker and demonic-looking friend try to help. It's another dialogue-heavy, novel-based story where the main character over-analyzes his life. I'll attempt to watch another episode, but it is honestly similar to Arakawa without the same light-hearted humor.

Nodame Cantabile: Finale 0! the DVD extra episode is about Kiyora and Mine's visit. Nodame's imitation of Chiaki was funny.

Durarara 15! Narrated by a freelance writer who is trying to write an article about the strongest person in the area, Shizuo, and then...uh oh, red eyes. I'm a fan of Shizuo and Celty.

House of Five Leaves 2! Masa's meek personality draws him into Yaichi's gang more and more. The lax pace is offset by some nice music.

Sarai-ya Goyou/House of Five Leaves 1! The character design makes this interesting to watch. Big, round, alien eyes....

+ Interesting style
+ Good production
- Slow start to the story
+ Likable op/ed

Quick impression~ A strong ronin with a cowardly personality joins a group of seemingly good-doer-type kidnappers, Five Leaves. This would probably make a decent live-action drama with the right actors. My first impression is that it is a laid-back show with a unique look. Not totally sold on the story yet, but it has potential.

Arakawa under the Bridge 2! We meet the cross-dressing nun. I do enjoy the nonsensical humor here.

K'ON S2 2! The gang clean up, sell an old guitar and lie to their teacher. There are too many creative shows this season to continue with the moe.