There was a lot of ground to cover in the end, with the resolution of the story and a nice "where are they now?" sequence, so the episode was pretty fast-paced. But as far as final episodes go, it was a satisfying conclusion to the series. The high points include finally learning something about Arisa's background and seeing everyone a little bit older.

Before Stellvia began airing back in April, I had little interest in the show. But, I didn't know much about it, either. After reading Jasconius' favorable review of the first episode, I decided to give it a try. I was impressed enough to continue, and as the show hit its stride, it quickly became my favorite of the season.

Throughout its run, there were some things that annoyed me, such as the unusual character designs and occasional weak animation. The story, however, was compelling - even if the basic premise wasn't terribly original. And the large cast of characters that grew and matured over the course of the series were always a joy to watch. While the show was clearly about Shima first and foremost, it benefited from having a true ensemble cast, all with their own stories. It almost makes you wish for a sequel.

I'm sad to see Uchu no Stellvia end, but it was a satisfying experience. It may never be considered a classic, but it'll remain a personal favorite for some time.