I can't say I'm dissatisfied with how everything ended. It was conclusive, at least.

The series as a whole, however, was a bit of a disappointment, especially given my high initial expectations. The original story from the game obviously has a lot of meat to it, but it felt as if the show never really dug deep enough to offer anything truly compelling. For too long, serious story development was missing in action, and when it finally did appear, it was rushed and clunky. There were moments in which the series shined, but overall, I found it to be a mediocre experience.

Mystery can make a show enjoyable and addictive, but you have to stop raising new questions at some point and start offering answers. Unfortunately, it wasn't until very near the end that everything started to come together, and by then, I was already bored with the whole affair. It wasn't the result of poor writing, necessarily - more poor execution.

Well, everything makes more sense now...sort of. And Shiki finally gets some!

This episode was really just an excuse to present Arcuied in all sorts of cute poses. Nothing wrong with that, of course.

There's a little bit of plot crammed in there, though, with yet another twist...

To be honest, I was starting to get a bit bored with the show, but this episode offered up so many new twists and revelations that I can't help but be anxious to see how it all ties together in the end.

Everything moves along at the usual lazy pace and then, wham, major plot development.

Unfortunately, the second half of the episode seemed to cram perhaps a little too much plot development into a short period of time. With only a few episodes left, I hope we're not looking at a rush job to wrap things up.

Why does a wimp like Shiki get to hang out with all these beautiful women? It's just not fair!

However, I better understand now why Melty Blood was made. This episode was just a catfight waiting to happen.

And this is where Sarah and Reika smack me upside the head for making sexist comments...

I love how city scenes sparkle at night in this show. Sometimes, I think I spend more time watching the background than I do the characters...

Unfortunately, while the show excels in the production department, it remains lacking in the story department. We're half finished now, and yet very little has actually happened. Perhaps that'll change in the second half, but I can't help but feel the game to anime transition isn't working very well.

I can't decide which I prefer: friendly Arc, or scary Arc. And I need to resist the urge to refer to Ciel as The Flying Nun.

Shiki may be the beholder of the eye of death (or whatever), but he's still kind of a wimp. The girls seem to like it, though.

The show has settled into a nice groove. It hasn't turned out to be anything amazing yet, but the story is interesting enough and the gloomy atmosphere is convincing. Some of the characters could use a little more personality, however.

Shiki's a killing machine!

This episode was far more focused than the previous. It seems like the show is holding back some in the drama department, though, and that sort of bothers me. The action sequence toward the end seemed a bit silly, too.

The OP animation was pretty cool, though. Nice change of pace.

Looking good. The pacing seemed a little awkward, but I guess there was a lot to establish as far as introduction goes. I'm glad I have knowledge of the original material...while it looks as if the show will be accessible to those who don't, it at least makes things seem a little less confusing initially. But I guess it kills some of the mystery, too. Oh well.

Anyway, animation is good (of course), voices are good, direction is good, so on and so on. Music is great, too, although some expansion on the primary theme would be nice. Lots of great music this season.