With The Promised Neverland wrapping up its first season this week, the only thing I can say about this series is "WOW!" Suspenseful, gripping, at times heartwrenching, and with enough cliffhangers to make you feel like you're a mountain climber.

The art is phenomenal and the sound design is great. More importantly, the direction was on point from beginning to end. All of this culminated in a great viewing experience that kept me on the edge of my seat through all 12 weeks of the season. The chess-like mind games and one-up-manship from both sides made it interesting to watch and made you want to know see what the other sides plan was every time something happened.

The characters from nearly top to bottom are fleshed out and have their own individual quirks. The three main characters, Emma, Ray, and Norman all brings something different and unique to the table and really feed off of each other when it comes to conversations and planning. This trio makes for an interesting dynamic, especially during times where trust is at an all-time low among everyone. Even when each character holds their own personal beliefs you never once feel like a person's feelings are unwarranted. Each character brings up strong points as to why they are right and that is a good indication as to why this series is so good. I'm no manga reader and for me, I think I might just stick to being an anime only for now. The twists and turns give me life when I have to wait to see what happens next.

With a series like this there are so many ways that things can go wrong quickly. One slip up, one continuity error and a lot of that suspense can go down the drain. That is just a testament as to why this show is so good. A plan is always in motion whether the view can see is happening or not and that is what gives this show its charm. The writing always has to be on point or else things fall apart.

The last episode gave a me a very satisfied feeling that also left me wanting to know what comes next for our band of mischief kids and it makes me excited to see what comes after. The last episode gave some insightful character development to a character that I won't name to avoid spoilers but it was very much needed and changed my view on that character entirely. This last episode just felt like I had been sitting holding my breath for the past 12 weeks and only now I can breath easily. It's not very often that I feel that way about a show and it leaves me happy.

With all of that said, I look forward to next season and what the future holds for our group of precocious kids.