Review of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a unique show. It doesn't really play by the rules. Sometimes this pays off, and sometimes it doesn't. I imagine that this is the heart of why the community is so divided when it comes to this show. The show just isn't always good, but sometimes knocks it out of the park. I'm just going to make this quick [Pros & Cons] [+] Kyon is great. An esoteric, monologue-heavy character that seems like a template for cult classics to come, like Tatami Galaxy and Bakemonogatari. [+] Sound design is pretty good. Makes select moments really pop. [+] Some truly great moments. The concert,Day of Sagittarius, Mikuru Adventures, and the finale stick out.
[+] Solid off-brand comedy.
[=] Art does not disappoint, usually clean. But doesn't really impress either. You can start to see shades of KyoAni's more current style being developed.
[=] Yuki, Koizumi, Haruhi.
[-] Asahina.
[-] There's just a whole bunch of stuff that doesn't quite work comedically.
[-] The first half of the series, where they explain the backstory of each of the brigade members, is pretty boring.

[Rating]
Story: 5
Art: 6
Sound: 7
Character: 6
Enjoyment: 6
Overall: 6