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Dan Da Dan is currently in the public zeitgeist, though the hype is thoroughly unfounded. There really is something special here. It's hilarious, and the animation is just as beautiful as it is expressive. Unfortunately, that's about it. If that's what you're looking for, great! Have a blast watching the show, don't let anyone stop you. If you're looking for a real story, stay away. The ridiculous degree of tonal whiplash this series has given me from the start cannot be overstated. It feels as though it keeps jumping between funny and sad periodically between episodes, randomly dropping Okarun's backstory at a moment when ... I simply could not take it seriously. Plenty of shows have done this well, though they tend to not jump between the two at a moment's notice, opting for a slow burn that transitions easily and doesn't leave the viewer confused. Dan Da Dan was advertised to me as a tear-jerker who easily gets a laugh out of you, and only one of those ended up being true. Take away the hype from this show, and you're left with a funny story that's dragged down by Dan Da Dan trying to be what it's not. In conclusion, watch the show for a laugh, not for anything serious. So far, it is nothing more than a turn-your-brain-off, and don't take anything too seriously series.

Keep in mind this is a preliminary review, the series could drastically improve, and I'm all for seeing that happen. I heavily want to see what gave Dan Da Dan the following it has today.

Re:Zero has been a competitor for the title of the Isekai GOAT since its inception. With this beautiful season, many can likely agree that it is no longer a competition. Season 1 of Re:Zero pushed fans away due to Subaru's utter incompetence and assholish behavior. However, his actions fueled a stunning character arc, turning Subaru from irritating to a beacon of hope to those with no drive.

In this season, Subaru's journey continues to push the limits of his mental and emotional endurance, and his character development is profound. The way he navigates through impossible scenarios with grit and determination while grappling with his fears ... and insecurities is compelling and captivating. Despite this, his character does not overshadow those on the side. Others, such as Garfiel and Reinhard get properly recognized, and their arcs are incredible showcases of Teppei's skill.

All quirks in season 2's animation quality have been ironed out, and it feels as though White Fox has found their stride. The four-year break between last season and now was well worth it. To call the patience put forth by White Fox anything less than utter devotion to delivering top-notch quality would be a disgrace. Re:Zero should serve as a reminder to other studios who release rushed products that quality is better than quantity, and many who've been let down by anime this season should echo this sentiment.

The characters are amazing, the writing is ardent, the villains are intriguing, all in all, what is there not to love about this show? It takes all the classic tropes of Isekai and delivers them with such seriousness that you forget it was an Isekai in the first place. It transcends what was long considered anime's weakest genre, by providing viewers with a story that has a place being an Isekai. Subaru's character is defined by who he was before his reincarnation, something most Isekai authors ignore.

In conclusion, Re:Zero is the definition of a must-watch for those with patience. It may not enthrall viewers within the first few episodes, and although the question "When does it get good?" remains far too prominent, it is important to remind people that a series "getting good" is only due to the episodes that lead up to it. Any true fan of the show will recognize that the connection one builds with the characters can be attributed to the episodes some find boring on a first watch. Seeing Re:Zero through to the end will open your eyes in a way plenty of shows cannot.