The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2009)

Disclaimer: This review will be for the entirety of the show, not just the 2009 portion. However, there will be NO spoilers in this review.

I'm going to try my best to keep this an unbiased review, but Haruhi as a show and as a character has helped me on a personal level so that's one reason I love this show so much... the other reason is because it's genuinely a very enjoyable show. Haruhi used to be the Queen of anime, but of course all good things come to an end.

The show doesn't have much of a story, really. It's more of a slice of life comedy show with supernatural elements thrown in. Although, after my most recent rewatching of this show (which I finished last night), I can say that this show has more character development and foreshadowing than I previously realized, definitely in the last four or five episodes. Now, when you get to the Endless Eight arc, at first you'll probably hate it for reasons I'll leave unknown for now. Just, don't give up on the show there. You can just skip the "bad" part and you will miss basically nothing. Personally I love the Endless Eight arc, but it's very understandable if you never grow to like it. Of course, when I first watched this show I also hated the Endless Eight arc, but then I began to like it more and more, and now I love it. Please don't give up on it, give it a chance. Watching this arc will also make Nagato's actions in the movie more understandable.

The art style of this show isn't really anything special, but it's still very appealing; definitely on the Blu-ray. There are some shots that look very good, and then other shots that look like your basic slice of life moe show. But, throughout the entire show, Kyoto Animation has consistent animation and no "bootleg" shots. Of course, some shots are more detailed than others, but that's only when they need to be.

The first opening of this show? Amazing. The visuals and song are both beautiful. You wanna know what's better than the first opening? The second one, with even BETTER visuals and song. Also, the second ending is very nice but probably the worst of all the openings/endings. But, the first ending is what spawned an anime phenomenon. The Hare Hare Yukai dance, or probably more widely known as the Haruhi dance. Easily the most iconic part of the show. Also, the soundtrack for this show is amazing too. The main background song in this show always makes me giddy to hear, and it's actually the first thing you ever hear in episode one. Amazing soundtrack.

Now, the characters. Mikuru Asahina is a clumsy, moe character as Haruhi would put it. She's mostly in the show for fanservice honestly, but she still has some very good moments. Now, Yuki Nagato, she's a very silent and reserved character that only speaks when she needs to. Her design is nice, and she has some amazing moments in the show. While she's quiet, there is Itsuki Koizumi who is more talkative. He's a very polite and mature character, who is in stark contrast to Kyon. Kyon is usually always upset with something, he whines and complains a lot, but trust me his character gets some amazing development towards the end of the show and even more and better development in the movie. He's not exactly unlikable, but he's definitely my least favorite main character. As for my favorite character, that honor goes to Haruhi Suzumiya herself. She's kind of a tsundere type character, but that's not the aspect I like about her. Yes, she's rude, bratty, and to some she may be overwhelming, but the thing I love most about Haruhi and what changed me as a person is seeing her passion. Seeing her seize every single day. Seeing her try her best to enjoy her life, and not worry about being "normal". In the episode "Live Alive", you'll see her get some development though, and it is very heartwarming to see.

All in all, if you like supernatural stuff then you'll probably like this show. If you like slice of life stuff then you'll probably like this show. You might not become a huge fan of this show, but it will definitely be a good, fun, and enjoyable watch. I hope this review helps, and I hope you enjoy the show.