Review of Time of Eve

"Since robots don't have a soul, how could they comprehend music?" [Story: 8.5] Naturally, Time of Eve is far from being the first series influenced by Isaac Asimov's works. However, unlike most of the science fictions about Robotics (and Asimov's eponymous Three Laws of Robotics), Eve is done in a more slice-of-life style, rather than having the common action-focused plot. Nevertheless, as with its genre, the themes within the show can be easily surmised to revolve around the blurring of the boundary between machines and humans. While Eve doesn't really put a new spin to the genre, the characterization is more than enough and is donevery well. Moreover, despite it being such a short series, it contained with it the right amount of drama and development that nicely ends off with what seems like a potential for a sequel hook.

[Characters: 9.0] The characters' interactions are thus what made this short series so entertaining. One example would be the way the robots express themselves, such as how their lively, diverse range of human dispositions while in the café (and thus free from the Laws put in place) is in stark contrast against the hollow, rigid and monotonous expressions when outside. This became a crucial point when we observe the gradual change in conversation style between Rikuo and his Android, Sammy. Indeed, it is impressive how the show managed to develop not just the main characters, but also provide adequate personalities and backstory for some members of the side cast when considering the length of the show.

[Art: 9.0] Eve is a work that is reliant on its visuals and as mentioned, the robots' actions within and outside the café are captured excellently and the scripting isn’t the only reason. Furthermore, there is also the nice blend of 2D and 3D CG, not unlike GONZO Digimation. The character designs may be rather plain, but its simplicity does spark its own charm.

Though Studio Rikka has produced only a few works, they have managed to establish several prominent styles, which I daresay, are easily identifiable with them. Most notably is of course their distinctive camera angle, whereby the use of occasional mild camera shakes enhances the realism of a First-Person View, making the various dialogues even more engaging to watch.

[Music: 8.0] Generally, the production value in Eve is high in more ways than one. Apart from the art quality, the cast consists of several big name voice actors such as Jun Fukuyama, Rie Tanaka and Tomokazu Sugita (though he got the minor role). The bgm is mild and rather minimal, but its theme piece is surprisingly catchy. Overall, the music blends well with the show and that will suffice.

[Summary] Interesting story and directing style plus aesthetically pleasing art makes Time of Eve recommendable for just about anyone. It is only about 6 episodes in length so it doesn't take long to watch anyway.