Posted inFirst Impressions Hanasaku Iroha

Hanasaku Iroha – 22

「決意の片思い」 (Ketsui no Kataomoi)
"A Determined One Sided Crush"

I should have figured that something was afoot when Takako was so energetic about her wedding preparations. Not only did I not consider how ambiguous last week's ending could have been, but I think I missed a lot of different clues that were shown throughout this arc. Then again, hopefully you readers out there were just as caught up as me with Ohana and Minko's constant fighting.

Posted inFirst Impressions Sacred Seven

Sacred Seven – 09

「転石するイシ」 (Tenseki Suru Ishi)
"Rolling Darkstone"

It may have been a little cliche and predictable, but for a series that's going for the reluctant superhero approach, it's hard to fault Sunrise for using some of the staples of the genre. This includes the tried and true mustering strength out of nowhere and coming in the nick of time to save the heroine.

Posted inAo no Exorcist First Impressions

Ao no Exorcist – 20

「假面」 (Kamen)
"Mask"

A-1 steps up to the plate with some outstanding anime-original material in episode 20 of Ao no Exorcist. I’m assuming this was anime-original anyway – I’m sure someone will correct me, if not. But more so than the last couple of episodes, this anime-original story seems to set the table for a real conclusion of some sort, building on some old plot points and adding in a few new twists and ending with a major cliffhanger.