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"Ippon" Again! ‒ SEASON FINALE
Thus ends "Ippon" Again!, a thoroughly charming sports series all the way through.
Tokyo Revengers: Christmas Showdown ‒ SEASON FINALE
Truth be told, I'm happy to say goodbye to the previous story arc and move on to (hopefully) greener pastures.
Spy Classroom ‒ SEASON FINALE
It is only fitting that this season of Spy Classroom would end with its favorite kind of episode: a mostly tangential flashback to a one-off story that happened before the big mission.
Tsurune: The Linking Shot ‒ SEASON FINALE
Ultimately, it's not really about what happens but who's making it happen: “Practicing kyudo has introduced me to so many people,” Minato tells Masa. Now that it's time to say goodbye, I realize that I will miss these people quite a lot.
Tomo-chan Is a Girl! ‒ SEASON FINALE
The underlying plot with Tomo's dad being this random last-minute obstacle in the way of these two progressing in their relationship felt a little bit unneeded but I'd be lying if I said the buildup to the end of this episode left me unsatisfied.
High Card ‒ SEASON FINALE
There are a lot of motives and ideas that are introduced in this episode that feel like they were foreshadowed or brought up earlier but I for the life of me cannot remember them being elaborated on.
BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense. Season 2 ‒ Episode 10
One has to wonder how much the admins of New World Online were taking Maple's all-loving teamwork approach into account in designing this event's mechanics.
Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 ‒ SEASON FINALE
Reality is much more subjective than you'd think because it comes down to perspective.
In/Spectre Season 2 ‒ SEASON FINALE
While this dinner date lacks the likable characters and grandiose plotting of the prior arcs, it more than makes up for that by alternating between droll hilarity and steely justice.
Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill ‒ SERIES FINALE
Like nearly every episode before it, this final episode relies on the series' familiar formula to such a degree that, if it weren't for the somewhat schmaltzy end-credits sequence, you'd barely even recognize that it was the finale to anything.
Vinland Saga Season 2 ‒ Episode 12
This entire episode stands as a kind of manifesto against the sort of violent spectacle that so many stories, including the previous season of Vinland Saga, will romanticize and exploit for cheap thrills.
Buddy Daddies ‒ Episode 11
If you strip away all the fantastical elements of their job, this episode is about two men losing custody of their daughter and trying to decide whether to continue their lives without her.
One Piece ‒ Episode 1055
If you can't enjoy a cyborg dinosaur pew-pewing the place up with laser beams, then what can you enjoy?
Tsurune: The Linking Shot ‒ Episode 12
“The Linking Shot” may have been the penultimate episode of Tsurune: The Linking Shot, but it felt in many ways like a finale.
Handyman Saitō in Another World ‒ SEASON FINALE
The craftsmanship wasn't always perfect, but like a reliable local handyman, you could always count on it to show up and get the job done.
"Ippon" Again! ‒ Episode 12
Michi might be full of spirit, but she's also been performing well above her usual skill level for this tournament, and eventually, she was going to hit a wall.
BLUELOCK ‒ SEASON FINALE
We're finally going to get out of Blue Lock and have Ego put his money where his mouth is.
Trigun Stampede ‒ SEASON FINALE
If there's one thing this finale made me realize, it's that STAMPEDE desperately needed to have more episodes in order for me to feel the full impact.
Giant Beasts of Ars ‒ SEASON FINALE
Giant Beasts of Ars manages to stick the landing in the final episode, though it can't quite escape the issues that have plagued it for the whole season.
Revenger ‒ SEASON FINALE
“So beautiful, yet so melancholic.” A fitting line for the show and its finale. Revenger ends its great season on a terrific note in episode 12.
Tokyo Revengers: Christmas Showdown ‒ Episode 12
This standalone episode was good, ramping up the tension and drama with reveals just as big as season one's finale. But I can't trust Tokyo Revengers to not make the same mistakes over and over.
Spy Classroom ‒ Episode 11
I find it difficult to care about the conflicts and triumphs of these characters when the show keeps reminding me that this is all a ridiculous cartoon world that occasionally demands to be treated like a real story with real stakes.
My Hero Academia Season 6 ‒ SEASON FINALE
I think we're in a very good spot to start an explosive finale as we enter the (possibly) last stretch of this story.
ONIMAI: I'm Now Your Sister! ‒ SEASON FINALE
This was the perfect finale for Onimai because it exemplifies everything the show has ever been about.
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale ‒ SEASON FINALE
If we didn't have an announcement for a second season, this ending would have ruined the series for me.
Kaina of the Great Snow Sea ‒ SEASON FINALE
It's our last dip in the Snow Sea for now, and Kaina closes out the winter with a bang—and a giant laser cannon.
Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte ‒ SEASON FINALE
I enjoyed the ending that Endo and Kobayashi Live arrived at here. It's an ultimately tidy, earnestly goofy resolution that feels appropriate for the story It's telling.
Tomo-chan Is a Girl! ‒ Episode 12
They did it, everyone! These two have done in 12 episodes what usually takes other anime a lifetime.
The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess ‒ SEASON FINALE
It's cute, endearing, and pretty much the happiest ending we could have hoped for.
Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 ‒ Episode 49
Dostoyevsky is a very smart man, and that is, of course, what makes him such a dangerous one.
BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense. Season 2 ‒ Episode 9
After what feels like weeks of working up to it, BOFURI finally arrives at the actual, real, formal beginning of the eighth in-game event. And so, in finally getting underway, the results are…honestly a bit underwhelming at first.
Vinland Saga Season 2 ‒ Episode 11
Sometimes, you have to take twenty minutes to chill with a grumpy king while he figures out how to bolster his kingdoms' GDPs or spend some time with some old dads as they bond over how stupid their sons are.
Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill ‒ Episode 11
I can also report that Campfire Cooking succeeded in making me chuckle out loud at least one time. It was a tiny chuckle, admittedly, the barely audible chuff that could be mistaken for a hiccup or the clearing of one's throat, but still!
High Card ‒ Episode 11
I want to give High Card some credit because I wasn't expecting the show to tie in past events to Chris' motivation.
In/Spectre Season 2 ‒ Episode 23
Kotoko's cool confidence carries the arc to a satisfying conclusion.
Spy Classroom ‒ Episode 10
This episode had me invested in both the characters and the spycraft for the first time in…maybe ever?
One Piece ‒ Episode 1054
One Piece returns after a multi-week break, and it has a bit of a mixed impact for me.
Buddy Daddies ‒ Episode 10
I don't think this is the end for Kazuki, Rei, and Miri by a long shot. They think they're being considerate of Miri's safety and emotional well-being but there's no way this is the last time we've seen Ogino and Rei's dad.
BLUELOCK ‒ Episode 23
I love how this show can simultaneously make Isagi look like this unstoppable badass while also humbling him at every turn.
The Fire Hunter ‒ SEASON FINALE
I'll give the series credit for one thing only; I would read the novels. If I had developed any investment in the characters, I could see myself riding out the second season. Instead, I'll probably never think about this series again.
NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a ‒ Episode 8
What I love about this episode is how it captures the whole theme of “so-called unnecessary diversions are actually an integral part of the human experience.”
Trigun Stampede ‒ Episode 11
The show has me intrigued and curious, but it doesn't really grip my attention beyond that.
Handyman Saitō in Another World ‒ Episode 11
We once again arrive at Morlock of all people being the anchor of both the emotional and action-oriented segments.
"Ippon" Again! ‒ Episode 11
Tournaments like the one in "Ippon" Again! mean that even the most dominant contender is just one bad night from going home early.
Giant Beasts of Ars ‒ Episode 11
This week's episode was certainly an improvement over last week, yet I can't help but think there is still a lot more wasted potential with this series.
Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte ‒ Episode 11
It's storytelling past and present, within and without the game world, all coming together for the "Aww" moment to end all "Aww" moments.
Tomo-chan Is a Girl! ‒ Episode 11
Half of the episode is a straightforward comedy with the girls getting a part-time job, and hilarity ensues. However, there were moments throughout this skit that emphasized how Jun has changed.
My Hero Academia Season 6 ‒ Episode 137
It's a strong culmination of elements MHA has been juggling for years; it fully earns its place as the final climax of this arc.
Revenger ‒ Episode 11
The final act tees up, and the crew is ready to roll: who will be alive when the dust finally settles?
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale ‒ Episode 11
This episode of Sugar Apple Fairy Tale hits all the right notes after struggling with some of its thematic elements in earlier episodes.
Tokyo Revengers: Christmas Showdown ‒ Episode 11
Much of the larger ramifications in the future storyline are left up in the air. Despite that, there's more charm and heart here compared to episode 10.
Kaina of the Great Snow Sea ‒ Episode 10
This week, Kaina of the Great Snow Sea solves the age-old debate of which would win in a fight: a giant mech excavated from the bowels of an ancient civilization or one tall blobby boy.
ONIMAI: I'm Now Your Sister! ‒ Episode 11
This episode tackles makeup, an inevitable topic for a series about female gender presentation—and it genuinely is a witty snapshot into the lives of early teen girls.
Tsurune: The Linking Shot ‒ Episode 11
“Falling Into Place” uses a swelling musical score and gorgeous art, bordering on experimental, to flex its animation muscles to the audience's advantage.
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? IV ‒ SEASON FINALE
Juggernaut's death is the culmination of Ryu's trauma, the sign that she's ready to move on with her life.
BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense. Season 2 ‒ Episode 8
All of the Maple Tree guildies have cool new pocket monster partners, and it's time to see what they can do.
The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess ‒ Episode 11
And so the stage for our final battle is set. But it's not a fight about hatred or betrayal. Rather, it's about love and sacrifice.
Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill ‒ Episode 10
The dog-god drinks Pepsi and burps in this one.
Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 ‒ Episode 48
Really, though, the best thing about this episode is that it brings some much-needed levity to what has been a bleak season. Mushitaro's interactions with Atsushi and Kyoka are the right kind of silly.
Vinland Saga Season 2 ‒ Episode 10
When you compare the boy we met back in 2019 to the man we see in this episode, it feels almost impossible to recognize them as the same person, and that's exactly what's so moving about it.
In/Spectre Season 2 ‒ Episode 22
Besides the requisite cunning of their profession, both characters are short, wear a false eye, and talk about their romantic partners constantly. This is to say: if you enjoy In/Spectre, give Columbo a whirl. They're both good anime.
Buddy Daddies ‒ Episode 9
That's the crux for what makes a family, not blood relation, but the desire to uplift and support someone and witness their successes and failures.
High Card ‒ Episode 10
This anime is only supposed to be one season long, right? If that's the case, I have no real idea where we are going or how High Card plans to wrap everything up.
"Ippon" Again! ‒ Episode 10
While a good underdog win is always fun, there's a unique satisfaction in seeing somebody drag their superior opponent so far into the mud that they burn out their motor trying to get back on solid ground.
Giant Beasts of Ars ‒ Episode 10
I can't help but feel that this episode of Giant Beasts of Ars is the biggest letdown of them all.
BLUELOCK ‒ Episode 22
Man, there's so much happening in this episode that I do not know where to start! Not only do we have Isagi finally understanding Rin's weapon and developing counter-actions, but we also have a surprising climax to Bachira's character arc.
Trigun Stampede ‒ Episode 10
I'm genuinely worried about how this show will wrap up because this episode introduces the major emotional and moral conflicts while also showing how weak the foundation is.
Handyman Saitō in Another World ‒ Episode 10
What begins as a throwaway gag about a dog biting off a party member's magical member somehow escalates into one of the most intense, exciting encounters the crew has role-played through.
NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a ‒ Episode 7
“[Q]uestionable actions” is another “normal” feeling episode of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a after a couple of weeks that have focused more on flashbacks and mood building.
Tokyo Revengers: Christmas Showdown ‒ Episode 10
I sincerely want there to be some kind of lasting, dramatic change to this story's status quo, if only so it doesn't feel like we spun the tires for weeks on end.
Spy Classroom ‒ Episode 9
With only a few episodes left to go, I hope that Spy Classroom can become a marginally more effective sitcom than it has been, with the occasional action scene thrown in. That can't be too much to ask for, right?
Revenger ‒ Episode 10
The tension keeps ratcheting up higher and higher as everything comes apart at the seams.
My Hero Academia Season 6 ‒ Episode 136
This isn't a fight. This is Deku's intervention.
Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte ‒ Episode 10
Endo and Kobayashi Live hasn't really let me down yet, even as I feel my enjoyment of it has largely been of a more low-key variety. I certainly can't complain now that things have really kicked into gear here at the end.
Kaina of the Great Snow Sea ‒ Episode 9
Ironically, after weeks of wheel spinning, now this episode feels like it's being pulled in too many directions at once.
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale ‒ Episode 10
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale may struggle with its thematic elements, but you can't accuse this episode of not trying harder than its predecessors to put them out there.
ONIMAI: I'm Now Your Sister! ‒ Episode 10
"Mahiro Ponders Boobs and Identity" is certainly one hell of an episode title, but aside from some scattered boob jokes, there is very little pondering on either of those topics.
Tomo-chan Is a Girl! ‒ Episode 10
Jun doesn't have any excuses anymore. It's time for him to put on those romantic lenses and see Tomo for the catch that she's always been.
Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill ‒ Episode 9
Even when you take into account the very low bar of expectations for “stuff happening” in a show like this, though, “Hunting Quests Are All about Meat and Money” still feels like filler.
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? IV ‒ Episode 21
Bell's kindness and care is reattaching Ryu's heart to her soul, making it one of the most important pieces of character development of the season.
Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4 ‒ Episode 47
If anyone stopped for half a second to think they'd see that the Agency is being set up, but that doesn't matter to the Hunting Dogs.
The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess ‒ Episode 10
The insurrection has been stopped, the guilty punished, and all our heroes have lived to tell the tale. It's a happy ending all around—or is it?
BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense. Season 2 ‒ Episode 7
Even as it's reached a "same as always" stride, the episode still represents a strong point in Maple and Sally's relationship.
Tsurune: The Linking Shot ‒ Episode 10
Eisuke's simmering anger has boiled over with explosive implications, and for the first time, change seems possible.
"Ippon" Again! ‒ Episode 9
In order for our heroines to avoid having their hopes of a rematch dashed, they'll have to snuff out the hopes of their new friends from Hakata South.
Vinland Saga Season 2 ‒ Episode 9
This feels like it could become the defining episode of the entire series.
High Card ‒ Episode 9
It feels weird that there's this strong sense of urgency all of a sudden because the bad guys just decided that now is the time to show off the cards to the public and kill important political figures.
In/Spectre Season 2 ‒ Episode 21
This episode did a bang-up job layering nefarious complications over an already convoluted setup. It's peak rich people drama.
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale ‒ Episode 9
There are virtually no female silver sugar artisans. Judging by the attitudes of the jerks at the Radcliffe Workshop—yes, where Jonas is—that's largely down to old-fashioned misogyny.
NieR:Automata Ver 1.1a ‒ Episode 6
Given how episodic and fragmented the plot of the anime has been so far, Lily's character arc has been one of the most tangible throughlines for us to latch onto
Handyman Saitō in Another World ‒ Episode 9
Handyman Saitou's defining irreverence is back in full swing after so much tonal uncertainty in the last story arc.
Tokyo Revengers: Christmas Showdown ‒ Episode 9
Well, that was anti-climactic.
Giant Beasts of Ars ‒ Episode 9
This week's Giant Beasts of Ars deals with the fallout of last week's explosive ending.
BLUELOCK ‒ Episode 21
I am genuinely surprised at the direction the show is taking Bachira.
Trigun Stampede ‒ Episode 9
STAMPEDE is making it clear that it doesn't want to ask the same questions as the original anime did, but I like the fact that the foundation for these moral conflicts are pretty solidly laid out.
My Hero Academia Season 6 ‒ Episode 135
Fact is, nobody can be All Might, not even All Might, and Deku is liable to ruin himself before he figures that out.
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