Birdie Wing constantly creates the opposite effect of what theoretically should be a more dramatic story of two women who were trained within an inch of their lives to be good at one sport, are torn apart by circumstances, and their love and appreciation for each other is only rivaled by the need to destroy each other at golf. The series is a blast. I hesitate to use the term "life-affirming," but it sure as hell is more uplifting and entertaining than most things. And the more shady, morality-free villains who join the cast to either propose that beloved protagonist Evangeline become their slave orbe straight-up murdered along with everyone around her, the more fun it is. I don't know how it works, but it does.

It's one of those inexplicable anime creations that if you describe it to people, "underground golf mafia" comes off like word salad. But it's absolute bliss if you take the time to watch it.