I can’t help but wonder if that “Big Shot” up there (if such a being exists) simply plugged Tenshi in there to make things interesting for his amusement.

how cruel :(! If that’s the case my bleeding heart will bleed for Tenshi more and more. Strong, loyal, and unfortunate characters are always the saddest for me. They can’t compromise their own morals even to achieve happiness. I can’t help but respect and pity them at the same time.

It’ll be interesting to see if any radical changes to the plot and characters will occur. Pretty sure the SSS aren’t only going to carry out some random operation every episode. That would become routine and boring

From the little preview line overlays at the end (which I liked a lot by the way) I get the feeling that they’re going to press home Yuri’s inherent dissatisfaction with Angel. I forget exactly what it was but I though I heard her say “I can’t forgive anyone who lives their life like that.” which made me think of Tenshi who won’t do anything for herself. I hope that’s the case because I’m excited to see some drama that I can actually stand (not just for plot convenience).

A new mission every week would get tiresome. They need to do just enough meaningful ones to really get the point across and no more.

I probably spoke a little too soon by saying it might be as good as the greats. I guess I wanted to point out that it has the potential to be one judging from the first episode, but it has a very long way to go before it can even hope to reach their level. Canaan had the potential to be one of the greats from the first episode in my opinion: It just really didn’t go very far after that.

I’ll try not to disappoint with more reviews. At least this way you’ll get to write some reactions in terms of comments without having to do the screen capping and summation work right?

The Angel will answer questions (and prove that you cannot die again) to the best of her abilities

I just adore Tenshi’s frankness in giving it to Otonashi the blunt and brutal way. XD

Anyway, like you, I too feel sorry for her. She always seems to be alone, carrying out her duties as well as bearing the brunt of the SSS’ rebellion, and there’s no doubt she’ll need to deal with plenty of their nonsense in the near future. That last shot of her being left alone to soak in her failure was heartbreaking to watch in a way. Couple that with her stoic, emotionless nature, it made me all the more wanting to support her stance on things. But yeah, it’s still too early to be making assumptions in determining who the “good guys” and “bad guys” are. Actually, it’s not even as black and white as that. From the looks of things, the situation seems to play out as some sort of survival game for the SSS against whoever is governing the world they’re in. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if that “Big Shot” up there (if such a being exists) simply plugged Tenshi in there to make things interesting for his amusement. After all, she is the physical representation of what the SSS are fighting against and that is the laws of that world.

Great episode overall. I’m still not 100% swayed by Angel Beats!’s hint of a masterpiece story in the long run but I can safely say, I’m definitely hooked on the show. For a start, the premise is really messed up and that alone is enough to tip it in my favor. And of course the three lead characters potentially boast dimensions to them which I look forward to witnessing them develop over the course of the story. It’ll be interesting to see if any radical changes to the plot and characters will occur. Pretty sure the SSS aren’t only going to carry out some random operation every episode. That would become routine and boring ;). I’m curious to know where their rebellion will lead them to and if it will achieve a certain significant milestone along the way. Wonderful analysis on the themes, characters, setting and technicalities by the way. I await more reviews in the future. :)

you and I voted the same then ;)!

I responded to you on your blog since you went more in depth into what you meant on their. Needless to say I didn’t quite agree :)!

@descent

What an amazing review of the first episode and setting up this series in general.

You always get major points from me with buttering up (that appears to be sincere).

I probably will continue to blog this show as it develops: As long as it keeps up it’s interesting statements I should have no problem coming up with interesting material to supplement. I’m fairly eager to watch more myself!