You know, despite the many faults and annoyances of this series… I did miss it somewhat throughout the winter break. This series is cheesy, slow, and at times boring, but at the same time it’s probably the most genuine series of everything that’s currently airing. And that for a shounen-series.
I think that the biggest difference with this series between your average shounen-series is that most of them series drag on in order to stall for time. This series drags on in order to create an atmosphere. Again, you shouldn’t expect developments in this episode. This episode had a bit of new information, but if you’re just going to wait for it you will be bored to death.
This episode was again very strange: we have this scientist who works for the Letter Bees, and he captures Steak and everyone thinks that he’s going to cut him apart for research. The usual hi-jinks ensue, though it’s kept within borders: it was nice enough to watch, but at the same time it was about the opposite of what you’d call exciting.
But in the end, I have to admit. That scene in the flashback, in which Lag cried out for Gauche was incredibly well delivered. It felt so heartfelt, and it’s scenes like this that I’m still watching this series for.
As for the side-characters… this episode really gave them some extra charms. Seeing the cat lover inside Zazie pop up was very charming, and finally we get to see Aria play the violin. That was also a nice touch.
Rating: * (Good)
OP: Terrific art. Gentle music.
ED: Who was the artistic director of this thing? The images look absolutely stunning!
This show really isn’t typical shonen. I get that same calm feeling watching Letter Bee as I get watching Mushishi, Casshern Sins, and Aria. It’s all about the atmosphere. Letter Bee really has a unique atmosphere. The world is nearly constantly shrouded in darkness minus the artificial sun thing, but it doesn’t feel foreboding like other series. It’s bleak and harsh for the Letter Bees out wandering in the mountains alone with just their dingos to keep them company but the individual towns are all full of lively townsfolk and a comforting warmth of home. That ending and the art…really mellowed me out.
I finally gave up on this series. I really liked the setting and could have gotten into it if it was a slice-of-life like Aria, only in a world of perpetual darkness. Instead the plot always seems utterly stupid. The creators could have done better by focussing on revealing the characters’ “hearts”, and the setting, and the daily routines of the Bees, instead of including such bad plot points. Kind of a shame because I liked the colors. -JJbees