The Melody of Oblivion

Episode 2

This new Gainax show is looking interesting. It has a lot of the cast that worked on Utena, which is always a good thing. This icludes the sceenwriter who also did FLCL and Eva, so I expect something special. This show is holding some promise, unless all the big name talent involved did not really have an artisitic involvement. Some of the characters and bakground art look a lot like Utena's did. And there seems to be an interesting sci-fi story and romance developing. I just hope they keep the etchiness down on this one. It's too distracting in their recent shows like Kono Minikuku mo Utsukushii Sekai. But I am worried that this show will not deliver on its early promise.

Unfortunately, nothing Gainax has produced lately has been anything to rave about; just a lot of etchiness with no real plots. Ah, I miss the good old days when every Gainax show was a trip (Gunbuster, Eva, Nadia, Otaku no Video, Honneamise, FLCL). What happened to the good old days? Oh, Gainax, how far ye have fallen. What's with this crap you've been putting out lately? Anyway...

Update: After finishing the series, I cannot recommend it very much.  Basically, the series has no coherent plot or character development.  This is the formula for the show: Take Utena, exchange the classroom sword duels with mecha monsters, subtract all clever dialogue and innuendo, and add pointless ecchi scenes.  There are a few redeeming well-animated scenes at the end featuring the heroine in a huge white bridal dress and a classic rocket launch.  But it's pure eye-candy with nothing to substantiate the story.