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This will be a review for both Higashi no Eden I and II since the narrative runs consecutively between both. Some spoilers from the previous episodes but none for the films.

The initial 11 episodes of Higashi no Eden were quickly in the higher ranks of the my beloved anime list, simultaneously feeding my need for absurd science fiction survival and a goofy, sentimental romance. The artwork is gorgeous and endearing while still allowing for a sense of urgency and disarray. The narrative presents a very ethically blurry set of decisions for the protagonists that don't rely on excessive violence or needless character ... death to underline this. All the characters feel very precious.

This continued right into the movies, which takes place 6 months after the last episode, and - despite what I am about to say - are worth watching if for nothing else than that.
That said, the movies ultimately felt like stretched episodes in their pacing. I was expecting the narrative to go off the rails (in a good way) considering the series started off with a naked protagonist waving a gun in front of the White House and the sheer grandiose and conflicting machinations of several of the Selecoa. Characters like Shiratori, who made an elaborate display of busting out of a hotel window on exaggerated black wings in an ambiguously symbolic gesture, or Yuuki, whose multiple missile attacks were thwarted by Takizawa, make lackluster appearances considering the aptitude for violence and destruction they both previously demonstrated. Much of the edge and mystique of the other Selecoa is muted. Though the "gang" of East of Eden all are developed nicely, each having a moment to evolve and grow by making hard and/or brave decisions.
The plot ends up getting snagged on small details that end of getting dragged out and don't result in anything fruitful. One snag in particular focuses on one detail of Takizawa's past - revealed by Juiz while attempting to make him "king"- that ends of up being inconsequential to both the mystery behind the Selecoa, his confrontation with Mononobe, and romance with Morimi all of which ends in a rather abrupt and unsatisfying way. There did not feel like there was any consequence for a supposedly high stakes game which really dulled on an otherwise amazing series.

Its hard capturing how sex and desire conflict with a blossoming maturity both physically and emotionally as a teenager.The two lead characters in A Girl on the Shore are entangled in a sexual relationship that neither can quite make sense of. It is portrayed as a source of comfort and exploration and confusion especially when confronted with each outside the bedroom.
While the sex scene are very -very- explicit, Asano really lets the story develop in a series of artfully crafted moments, gestures, and even facial expressions. Sato's struggle with her modesty, shame and her sexual awakening (instigated by her crush ... on an older boy who assaults her) and Isobe's depression and grief over his brother's suicide unfold in a really authentic way. That is to say one that is not always satisfying but heart-wrenchingly realistic.

If I was only reviewing the first two episodes of Death Parade, I would probably have entirely positive things to say. Those first episodes offer an interesting portrayal of the transition into an afterlife and a nuanced take on morality, faith, sacrifice, and cruelty which are severely lacking from the survival scenarios and storyline in future episodes. The darker tones are quickly abandoned for scenarios that felt outlandish and predictable and a more sentimental story line of an arbiter developing emotions.

As stylish and intriguing as the setting and characters are, Death Parade never had the opportunity to fully develop its mythos and much of the ... over-arching plot and character development felt rushed as a result. When I finished I just assumed it was based on a manga that fleshed out some of the loose threads and glaring plots holes a bit more - it is not. It could have used more episodes to fully develop some of the grander machinations that were hinted at or simplified the story a bit.

That said, Death Parade features a cast of characters that are well-designed and fun to watch. While the transition to a sentimental drama was a bit jarring, it still ended up being a very touching story. For that, I would say its worth watching. That and the theme song.

Erased is a tale of how scary and helpless it can feel to be a child and the residual effects that has on adulthood.
At the start of the tale, we follow an unmotivated protagonist still haunted by the murders of several classmates when he was a child. What could be viewed as a manifestation of his survivor's guilt, Satoru has the ability to travel back in time short instances to prevent life-threatening events (which he refers to as "revival"). After a particularly traumatic event he is whisked all the way back to his childhood to prevent the murders starting with the abused ... and distant Yuko.

Erased does not explore how or why Satoru has the ability to time travel. While at first this felt a bit jarring, ultimately time travel was a mcguffin to tell a more sentimental and chilling story. Erased isn't heavy science fiction; attempting to explain the mechanics would have weighed down the story.
The foreshadowing was at times a bit heavy handed and it will likely not take long to unravel the mystery behind the child murders though watching a young Satoru piece it together has its own suspense.
What truly shone in Erased was Satoru confronting childhood anxieties and regret and Yuko slowly coming out of her shell and processing her abuse. These moments felt honest and hard and remarkably touching. I have seen few anime or media in general that showcase childhood so well.