When I watched the last tragic episode of Mahoromatic so long ago I secretly hoped that one day they would bring her back. This 2 parter, Tadaima◇Okaeri, is hopefully the start of many more new episodes in the life of Mahoro, Miniwa and Suguru. The story takes place between day 270 and day 267 of the remaining days left for Mahoro and involves the old gang coming together to create a maid cafe for the local shopping district festival. The show has a slightly different feel to it than the original series, this one feels glossier, brighter and it affected a lot of more pantyshots and hints of Mahoro's hidden sexuality. However, Miniwa is still falling over, and Chizo is still enjoying her food. The much disliked Miss Shikijo is still overbearing and thoroughly irritating, while Slash and Ryuuga make an appearance too.
Unfortunately Feldrance is also in the show and the extreme dislike I felt for him when I saw him again did ruin the show for me a bit. Those who have seen the original series will understand his significance in the story

There are the usual scenes of Mahoro and Suguru trying their best to grab that quiet time together and their affection for each other is blatantly obvious. Mahoro was always a very sweet character when she wasnt tackling giant mecha and I am glad they never took that away from her. They also didnt take away her distaste for ecchi, and Suguru's love of ecchi.

Do I recommend the show? of course I do. Any chance to see one of my favourite characters is welcome and I hope that many more of these specials are created and slotted into the series. However, I do hope they will relook the ending of the series and one day create an alternate ending.

Lastly, to see Mahoro sing and smile and watch her facial expressions has alway been fun, and she doesnt let me down, and while it's not quite the Mahoro that I really enjoyed from the original, it is still her, and frankly that is good enough for me. Long may she be with us.