Not as good as the first DVD-special, but still a nice little aftermath to the series. Like with the actual TV-series, the first special had all the events running through each other, and threw many flashbacks and -forwards at the viewer, only to have everything come together at the end, while this one had that a lot less, aside from one single scene at the beginning of the episode. The creators did succeed however, to put as much characters on the screen as possible.
Instead, whenever this episode had the chance it would show different characters, cleverly using Shizuo’s brother who was doing a live report and finally giving him the chance to show off his acting. This episode was full of these little details and subtle characterizations that ere also prevalent during the first half of the TV-series.
The least interesting parts of this episode were probably the subplots that were already dragged out in the TV-series: Mikado vs. Anri and Shizuo vs. Izaya. As dynamic as this show is, the relationships between these people somehow refused to really go anywhere throughout the series. After 26 episodes, Shizuo still is running after Izaya, and Mikado still is trying to tell Anri that he likes her. (Though granted, at least Anri behaved differently from what she would have done 20 episodes ago).
This episode also provided a few hints for an upcoming season in the form of some new characters. If that’s going to happen though, it’ll probably still take a while, because the director first is going to be busy with Natsume Yuujinchou.
Rating: * (Good)
Do you mean Shizuo’s brother? I only recal Izaya having two sisters.
Yeah, Shizuo has the actor brother, Izaya has the twin sisters.
This was definitely an episode for the fans, kind of like a “final hurrah” for them – thus why the sisters (and that might-have-been-“this guy” at the end) were included. The animation was really weird in places though…
Right now it’s unlikely for a second season. 24 (+2) eps is a good run where studios are concerned… At least it wasn’t shorter; wouldn’t have gotten anywhere. I’m sad about that since the really good stories start to pick up in later arcs, but I can’t say I did not enjoy what the anime chose to cover.
Admittedly not as good as how Baccano! went, but entertaining enough.
I also didn’t find it as great as the first special. ;_; poo.
It had more characters for sure, but very dynamic little interaction between them. Like psgels said, Mikado is still trying to confess, Shizuo keeps chasing Izaya, Shizuo still loves his brother, Izaya’s sisters are only semi-interesting, and Kazuka is just completely deadpan. -_-
Yeah, this really was a fanservice episode. I can attest as I was giddy with fanboy delight throughout the entire episode, seeing all of my favorite characters on screen in one episode (which surprisingly didn’t happen all that often in the series).
I do think (/hope/pray/would be willing to sell my soul to Kyubeu for) a second season is likely. DVD sales were excellent, and I don’t think they’d introduce 2, possibly 3 (if that kid at the end is anybody important) new characters just for one episode. Also, if this were truly the final hurrah, I think they would’ve given Kida more than just a cameo. Anyway, I can dream can’t I?