Climaxes are difficult to write. They take a lot of preparation usually to do well, sometimes resulting in just strings of boring episodes. At this point, I stopped giving those episodes the benefit of the doubt, simply because it’s impossble to say whether or not they will pay off at the end. If the ending rocks, I’ll simply forgive the series for it, and if the ending remains merely mediocre, it just was a mediocre series to begin with. I endorse building up, the pay-off when done right is great, but it also needs to stay interesting in that process to prevent me from just dropping it.
The real climax of Hataraku Maou-Sama was actually really really good. What it did: it took all characters that were left on earth, and used them very well. Even Orba made a reappearance. Everything really flowed into each other and every character got to show off their quirks at their best. The fanservice jokes were actually good (interesting subversion of the final battle by putting the protagonist/demon king in his underpants). With this, I understand the time that was spent on establishing all these different characters, even though they seemed boring at the start (Suzuno being a big example here). In terms of comedy, and storytelling, this could not have been better. Episode 13 too was quite funny and creative, I like that.
But yeah, like expected the story wrapped up absolutely nothing. Nothing got resolved other than that that Kentucky Fried Chicken guy seems to have lost his marbles now. Yes, the sequel hook! In this case, I don’t think that that’s very wise for this series. Dragging it out even mmore would just be pointless and I already predict that there just won’t be enough material for a second season. The only way in which a sequel would work, is character-development. At the moment, Hataraku Maou-Sama’s idea of character-development is having characters pull heel-turns on their entire character once they get defeated. That definitely needs to improve if it wants to have any shot at remaining interesting.
And if there’s not going to be a sequel: then this series seriously failed to bring its themes together. In terms of its themes, episode 13 just basically repeated what this show has been yelling over and over again: Maou may be evil, but he is an employee and is bound by his duties… I failed to see any sort of conclusion. I’m going to think a bit now whether the show was clever and funny enough to warrand a recommendation…
Rating: 5/8 (Great)
Apparently the show sold quite well, and the series moved slowly enough that there’s still a lot of content of the novels left to cover. Here’s to a second season!
yea i think it covered 3 and half novels maybe out of 8 novels or maybe 4 so s2 is definitely a possibility
Actually, it only covered 2 volumes out of 8, which is almost unheard of. Usually one cour will go through 4 novels (Or in Yahari’s case 6). Just another reason why Maou-sama goes above and beyond most LN adaptions.
It was a pleasure for me, and while more plot would have been nice, I can’t complain. Would like a sequel, but I’m not desperate.
Maou-Sama’s got a lot of flaws, especially in its second half, I won’t deny that. But I do think there are much more clever moments in the series than there are with the not-so clever moments.
I will also strongly argue that even when the show wasn’t funny, the execution was near flawless throughout.
Psgels… I’m curious on what you think about the production values though. I thought it had the best voice work and facial animations of any show. And I’m curious on your thoughts.
Way better than Aku no Hana, this show.
I think the 2nd season has already been confirmed.
http://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=621967&show=60#msg23062627
Hataraku Maou-sama! seems to lack smooth character transition, but where it lacks, it makes up in a general, “This is a comedy show that will go beyond simply good comedy and wrap each arc up with epic.”
That’s kinda what I feel about the show. It doesn’t necessarily have a humanistic POINT to it outside of a few small instances meant to make the series more than just mindless fun… but it’s still very entertaining and makes you leave it with a good feeling.
The best thing I can say Maou-sama did was take the cliche and the coventional and execute it well enough to be different, but not completely so. And also execute so as not to annoy me (Subjectively speaking).
It does feel incomplete but I think the creators did the best they could considering that the light novels are still ongoing.
Man this and Yahari were the best shows of the season, Shingeki is good, but since I spoiled myself it became boring. As for what I keep seeing you point out, I’m pretty sure the whole bound by dutty thing is a obvious excuse on his part, right now every single sane person should have realized that he is a good guy, even Yuna did… The reasons why will probably be explained in the second season (if it ever comes out) when his backstory is shown.
So the final episode wasn’t anything awesome. Just because of that you are having trouble recommending this? Seriously?
This is one of the better comedies in a long while. The main climax was quite good as well. It really bugs me when people base an entire anime on its ending and ending alone.
It was not my intention to imply that. it’s one of the reasons, but not THE reason.