Review of Astra Lost in Space

Astra is an enjoyable enough show, but I can't help but feel that it squanders some of the potential set by its strong beginning. The concept of students adrift in space, braving the hazards of intergalactic travel and alien worlds is a sound idea, but it doesn't take long to realize that the show plays it a little too safe. The kids don't encounter too many dangerous situations, and they're all resolved quickly through the power of friendship and working together. I feel like things could have been a little more desperate, but alas, the real point of the show is the characters and theirdevelopment. At least the entire cast is pretty likable, though the plot tends to lean a little too heavily on individual characters' secret backstories and shocking revelations that are more convoluted than shocking.

Further heightening the positive and upbeat nature of the show, the character, planet and spaceship designs tend to be bright, colorful and maybe a bit simplistic at times. The animation quality is hardly the worst I've seen, but it's not terribly detailed either. Well, the bits of fan service that do pop up get a little more love and attention, but they're mostly limited to a couple of episodes and the show doesn't exactly rely on them.

Overall, Astra is good but not particularly stand-out. There are far worse options out there, and I can safely recommend it, but it's not the sort of harrowing survival story the premise and first episode would lead you to believe.