Review of Zoku Owarimonogatari

Overall: (9/10) Usually I would not rate an anime too high since nitpicking is a given past time of various viewers, but "Zoku Owarimonogatari" is a fitting end to the "Monogatari Series" which began airing in 2009. After a decade of Araragi and his companions' misadventures, this final installation (airing date wise) finally fills in any lacunas left in "Hanamonogatari" and leaves audiences with a bittersweet note. Story: (9/10) Although I was largely skeptical at first due to what seemed like a simple premise, the plot surged ahead at the very end, revealing hidden cards and tying all loose ends neatly with a bow. Senjougahara mentioned that"the message [of the story] was too strong", but personally I feel that this is one of the exemplary ways to show the ending of high school life. (No, it is not a spoiler, we figure everything out in "Hanamonogatari anyway.)
Many other animes end it with tearful goodbyes and bright shots against falling sakura, but in true Nishio fashion, Zoku Owarimonogatari takes a supernatural yet rational approach: time moves forward, and though we may be unsure of "which foot to start walking on" once the traffic life turns green, all we have to do is take a leap of faith with the people we love.
Not as big of a cliche as anyone would have guessed it to be, with the proper pace and storytelling methods which are employed to great emotional effect in this anime. With puzzling incidents and a ticking time bomb situation (which never felt oppressive), the story will surely rivet inquisitive viewers to the end.

Art: (8/10)
In true "Monogatari Series" style, the art is close to perfect. Not in terms of fluidity as in most modern shōnen anime or detail as in the architecture of "Ao no Exorcist", but the mash of typography, surrealism and even pop culture references (see if you notice the Marilyn Monroe one). The art style is snappy and comical, either made cartoonish or realistic depending on the situation. As expected of this series too, the art enhances the story yet never overpowers it, toeing the line like a talented trapeze artist.

Sound: (7/10)
While it may not live up to the soundtracks in "Bakemonogatari", "Zoku Owarimonogatari" has a larger repertoire of sound compared to most others in the "Monogatari Series". The sound was more carefully selected this time, with emphasis on highlighting several climatic scenes and wrenching questions in the show. They could have done better with it, but personally I am happy with how it turned out.

Character: (8/10)
As all our favourite characters take some twists in this particular show while retaining their loveable characteristics, the award for character development goes to none other than the titular character, Araragi Koyomi himself.
It was refreshing to see Araragi facing down his problems and admitting his remaining regrets as he graduates high school. Instead of him running around trying his best to fix everyone else's problems, and with the exception of "Owarimonogatari", this is the time for his character to shine. With Araragi's self-realisation, it certainly lends that finality to this series, and show that everyone should be saved, even the ones doing said saving.
Although due to the amount of characters, most of them had limited screen time, though it is understandable, especially since this arc basically focuses on the theme of: [Moving Forward].

Enjoyment: (9/10)
As a viewer who was utterly awed by the first instalment, I have been following the "Monogatari Series" for a long time now. To similar viewers, this is the sense of catharsis we have been waiting for, the final moment which is not the end of everything; just the end of the beginning.
To new viewers, though you may be skeptical about starting this series, fear not, for I guarantee that while you may be of the camp that does not prefer it, you would surely experience something different in this now saturated world of anime.