The more you watch shows, the more you realize that there is nothing which can be described with a 'rarely seen' or 'special'. I've used those terms to describe shows I've given a perfect score in the past, and then used them over and over again. Because those words mean absolutely nothing. There will always be multiple shows which surpass your expectations and blow you away any given year.
So, no, Apocalypse Hotel is not the greatest show ever made. It is not something that only comes around once in a century. It is not something that you'll regret your whole life if you don't watch it. It doesn't need to be. Because if there is one thing it is - it is honest. To you, to itself, and to everything that it builds up in its very short run.
I am not going to spoil anything. I am not going to tell you how it goes through a massive tonal shift after Episode 4. I am not going to gush over its brilliant emotional writing in Episodes 6 and 9. I am not going to tell you how I couldn't stop laughing at Episode 10. I am not going to tell you how well the experimental Episode 11 works on every single front. I am definitely not going to tell you just how perfectly its themes come together in its finale.
Because none of it is something you haven't seen before. All it is, is someone pouring their heart out into making the best version of their perspective of that particular trope or idea you've gotten tired of. Whether it be the smooth sakuga that comes out of nowhere in a random action scene, or the heartful compositing in scenes of quiet introspection. It isn't new or unique, but something made with passion that just works perfectly in that moment.
It is a love letter to the things that make shows wonderful, and an imprint that the Apocalypse Hotel's creators wish to leave in the pile of creativity that is the history of anime. A retread of ideas and concepts, only to help them come together and celebrate the joy of watching something that can make you cry, laugh and get frustrated without warning. A reminder of the simple themes of being kind, warm and welcoming to everyone you meet (even if they might be an intergalactic alien serial killer).
And when you've been through all the episodic randomness that this show is, appreciated the way it built up to the ending and then been surprised by the abrupt ending, you finally realize what just happened.
Just like every other character in the show - you were nothing more than a guest. One who tuned in to watch the antics of the cast every week, got something worth spending twenty minutes for, and then left. The story existed before you came in, and will exist after you've left. But in the little bit of time you spent there, you were greeted with a warmth that will stay in your heart a long time after you've checked out and moved on.
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