Victorian fanservice?

This was absolutely charming. I'm actually quite relieved that William and Emma's relationship is moving forward at a brisk pace. Previously, I feared the show would drag out their awkward courtship for far too long.

I really do feel sorry for Eleanor, though. Perhaps Hakim should step in and "comfort" her. Do your duty as Wingman, Hakim!

To be honest, the uncomfortable atmosphere of this episode was a bit painful to bear. I know it's necessary for the story to explore the innate differences between William and Emma's place in society, but I wish it would have taken a lighter approach. I feel as if I just got back from a funeral.

The incredible chemistry between the two lovebirds is, ultimately, what makes the show work. Without it, the story is pretty lifeless.

Slow episode, but enjoyable nonetheless.

I was a bit surprised to hear Emma's narration when recounting Mrs. Stowner's past. One of the unique things about the show, I think, is how the viewer is offered very little window into Emma and William's thoughts. In previous episodes, we've gotten mirror and window gazing and nothing more.

So, in some ways, I was disappointed to hear Emma break out the narration in this episode. Granted, it wasn't genuine internal monologue, but it felt out of place all the same.

I'm very impressed with Kunihiko Ryo's score for Emma, but there's something that's been bugging me these past two episodes: Hakim's "theme". The sitar sample used really gets around. That is, I've heard the same exact sample pop in so many pieces of music that I can't help but instantly recognize it. Mac users? Have GarageBand? Dig around the default Apple Loops library, and you'll find it.

Yuki Kajiura is awfully fond of this sample as well, as evidenced by this track from the Le Portrait de Petit Cossette soundtrack.

Anyway, that aside, Emma continues to amuse and entertain. I find myself appreciating Hakim's presence more - although, his harem might have something to do with it. They deserve their own show!

To be honest, this lacked some of the charm of the previous two episodes. I fear Hakim is to blame - he's an amusing character, no doubt, but not particularly well-suited for the spotlight. I'm assuming his presence will be short-lived.

I love Vivi! She's the precocious little git with a heart of gold. Or so it seems.

I'm quite found of Eleanor as well. Instead of being the stereotypical Wicked Witch of the Ball, she's a fairly genial girl, shy and inexperienced. It'll be interesting to see if her personality changes as her immature infatuation with William grows to become adult love. For now, however, the story has laid the foundation for the sort of rivalry in which you can comfortably root for both sides. William will no doubt take a licking, of course.

Popular fiction dealing with Victorian England often concerns itself with telling the stories of either the most impoverished (Dickens) or the most fortunate (Bronte), with little attention paid to the relatively prosperous middle class of the time. In some ways, Emma fills this void, whereas the show's namesake, despite her position as housemaid, serves in a decidedly middle class household. In fact, it's easy to see her as less servant and more surrogate daughter for her elderly mistress.

So, despite the fact she catches the eye of the wealthy William, I suspect the story may transcend that of strife arising from romance across class boundaries. After all, William is far from successful as an individual (polished or not, he seems a bit clumsy socially), and Emma is clearly stunning in her own way. They could very well be a perfect match.

But, story aside, what of the show's technical merits? Simply put: amazing. The attention to detail, not only in the animation itself, but in the costume design and background work is something you don't see often. Many of the scenes in this first episode take place on the busy streets of London, of which Studio Pierrot bring to spectacular life. It's a far cry from the static background work found in the average anime series.

Emma has really taken me by surprise, and I'm inclined to name it my favorite show of the new season. It's definitely the "best new show no one is watching", so to speak. Emma is something special, really.