Review of Lapis Re:LiGHTs

I’ll say it now, coming from the perspective as someone who doesn’t usually like Idol anime/games: Lapis Re:LiGHTs was surprisingly good. The only substantial issue present is the VAST difference in quality between episodes, switching from borderline putting me to sleep to downright amazing. As a result, I think I’ll have to discuss them separately in four “sub-reviews”, if you will. Episodes I & II: 8/10 This series has a very strong start, introducing us to five likeable (albeit somewhat cliche) characters and a promising storyline. Teasers for future backstory plot points regarding Tiara’s sickness and the significance of her- well, tiara, also help to really draw youin with that building mystery.

Episodes III, IV, V, & VI: 4/10
Absolutely nothing of value is added here, with about twenty characters introduced in a manner so rapid fire it ensures you won’t be able to care about any of them. The only redeeming qualities here are the segments featuring the main five characters, and quite frankly, I wish they had kept the cast to that much more manageable sizing. This filler marathon is by far the show’s weakest point, being unbearable to the point of almost making me drop the show by episode V. Thankfully, I decided to stick it out, something which I was very happy about later on.

Episodes VII, VIII, & IX: 7/10
From this point onwards, the show seems to regain its sense of direction, focusing in on the story to a degree which builds upon plot points set up in the first two episodes. I can’t reveal much without spoilers, but the twist at he very end of this arc(?) genuinely had me on the edge of my metaphorical seat as I eagerly anticipated what was to come.

Episodes X, XI, & XII: 9/10
Now THIS is what I was hoping for when I first picked this anime up. These final three episodes incorporate a fantastic mix of drama, magic, and song/dance numbers, leaving me glad I stuck out that earlier mess just to see this. While the ending isn’t perfect (this was clearly meant to have a second season, but after the game’s closing and overall minimal interest in the project, that never came to fruition), it’s satisfying enough and closes all of the major plot threads which had been opened throughout the series. In all, this finale was by far the highlight of Lapis Re:LiGHTs.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:
If you’re looking to watch this, and you aren’t willing to be EXTREMELY patient with unrelated filler, I would recommend watching episodes 1 and 2, then immediately skipping to episode 7 and watching until the end. Otherwise, this is definitely a solid series which is at least worth giving a shot.