Review of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

I just finished this infamous series and I'm still trying to figure out what's so great about it. Oh don't get me wrong, it's a good series; I just don't understand the status that it's been elevated to. Personally, I compare it to Kanon (2006 version). They're so similar in numerous ways, but I'll leave that comparison for the recommendations section. The point is, I feel that Kanon is a muuuuch better series but it doesn't have nearly as many followers as Haruhi. I just don't get the obsession. I have seen mobs of people at cons doing the ED dance. I don't get it.*shrugs*

Before I watched the series I heard that there was a specific order to watch it in. I've seen SEVERAL DIFFERENT order lists, leading me to believe that fans are just out to mess with newbies. I watched it in chronological order and wasn't disappointed or confused. Sure, there is one ep that is CLEARLY the last episode, but it's not going to ruin the series to watch it in the middle as it was intended.

STORY
I feel that shows like this and Kanon, Air, and Clannad could have taken place in the same town. Strange and subtle magic, bored and hilarious male leads, and moe moe characters. I swear I've seen this story before but it was probably another series parodying Haruhi. Well, in any case, the story is very original and has a lot of possibilities for a drama but instead is a light, fun, comedy. It's only a baker's dozen of episodes, so it will leave you wanting more.

ART
Beautiful, of course. Very smooth and detailed. I love those big glowing eyes! And they don't shirk on character movements or repetitive frames, which is really nice. The characters are all very expressive (er, most of them) and it's a lot of fun to watch.

SOUND
The music is a lot of fun and the opening is very cute. But the English voice actors? Ugh. WHY. WHY is Crispin Freeman Kyon? It doesn't fit the character at all! I half expected Kyon to flip out at some point and turn into a crazed vampire. After all, Haruhi would probably love that. Johnny Yong Bosch does a great job (as always) as the "dissonant serenity" character, Kyoichi. But then there's Mikuru who, like ALL moe characters, gets a whispery voice actress that is trying desperately to sound like she's 10. Haruhi's voice actress fit the part just fine, although I thought the voice tended to grate on my nerves.

CHARACTER
The show centers around Haruhi, but it's really about Kyon and the other SOS members. I was having a hard time listening to Kyon's narration because at times you can't tell if he's thinking or speaking out loud, which is actually addressed somewhat tongue in cheek in a late episode. I think a lot more could have been done with the characters considering all the novels that are out there, but from what I understand there's a sequel coming out? So it's cool.

ENJOYMENT
I watched this every night until my eyes wouldn't stay open. It's very hard to shut off and very enjoyable. Highly recommended! It's a light, fun series.