Review of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

*Note: I watched the episodes in chronological order. Haruhi Suzumiya was definitely an interesting series, but it wasted much of its potential. The storyline is like a drunkard who forgot where he lives and can't find his way home. The first half is strong and interesting, and seems to set up great things for the second half. (The man has a few drinks, maybe finds a lovely lady and begins to chat with her). However, when we get there, it seems like what was built up to that point is forgotten in favor of a more slice-of-life tone. (The man's efforts flirtingwith the lady are wasted as she leaves without anything significant having happened. He tries to go home, but can't remember where his own house is.)

Don't get me wrong: I have nothing against slice of life. It's actually the setting of the first half anyway (in which more interesting things occur). But when you build up something that's intriguing/interesting/mysterious/makes me want to find out what happens, shifting the focus to slice-of-life alone makes me feel like the time spent setting up something much bigger is wasted. It's like the writers forgot what they had even written about to begin with.

In short: I got trolled. Haruhi is made out to be something of a god, but it's never explained in any way. Yuki, Itsuki, and Mikuru all have origins/characterization worth exploring, but aren't. They allude to the possiblity of a romance between Kyon and any of the three heroines manifesting, but none does.

Haruhi herself is easily the most interesting and unique character in the series--in fact, one of the more unique characters I've ever seen. However, I couldn't find her likable in any way. She's pushy, always used to getting her way, and doesn't care about the opinions of others as long as their view is inconvenient to her in any way. Her distinct personality is a breeding ground for many possible aesops to be had: you can't always get what you want, the opinions of others are important too, you shouldn't treat other people like objects, etc. But no: None of these opportunities are taken advantage of. All we get is Kyon's commentary/observation about her unpleasant personality traits.

Also, these characters had lots of room to grow and develop into something better, but didn't. Kyon could've made good on his promise early on to protect Mikuru from Haruhi's eccentricity and stopped being a huge pushover--Haruhi's slave--but he doesn't. Haruhi could've learned lessons like what I said above, but didn't. Yuki could've developed more human emotions, but didn't.

AND, the last episode spent 95% of its time doing... not much of anything.

*Big sigh*

However, in spite all these gripes, it's not all bad. There's lots of laughs to be had. The animation is beautiful (as you can expect from Kyoto Animation). The English VAs (especially Kyon's and, to a lesser extent, Haruhi's) are great.

The show just had potential to be so much more.

PS: Trolls rage-clicking the "not helpful" button: Comment on my profile as to why. (Or try to tell me how I'm wrong.)