Kashimashi

I'm really on the fence about this show right now. I'm up to episode 9 and I think the determination of whether I like the show or not will depend on the ending. I really like the characters, and even if the premise is really silly, I think the story being told is entertaining. The fan service, while fairly light, is passing, and the humor hits me just right. I'm really liking the scenes with Namiko and Asuta. The thing holding me back is that I'm expecting the show to turn on the angst. I fully expected it after episode 6 and still half-expect the end to be a tear-fest. But each episode since has teetered up to the line and then redeemed itself, mostly due to the characters involved. Yasuna and Tomari are both angels. I will hate this show if it turns them into bitches. Also, after episode 9 I'm beginning to wonder if the show will have the "Ultimate Ending''. I've never seen it happen, and while in most cases it wouldn't really work well, I think it might here. If there is a decent ending I may have to watch this show again. I think I'll enjoy it a great deal more if I'm not worried so much about the end.

Update:

I was right. They ramped into the drama right at the end. But luckily it was only the last few episodes and it resolved itself quickly. Not the "Ultimate Ending," but a happy ending nonetheless. There is a small bit of abiguity at the end of the final episode, but that is completely resolved in the OVA. This will probably be included with the R1 release as a 13th episode. As I said, everything is resolved, and everyone lives happily ever after. A beautiful ending. Made even moreso by the fact that it was my preferred ending. I won't spoil it here.

Initial rating: 3 stars.

I think I'll watch this again once it is released in R1. Without the fear of angst hanging over me, I may just bump this up to four stars. I think I'll enjoy it much more the second time.