Forum - View topicBest First Episode Tournament: Nominations
|
Goto page Previous Next |
| Author | Message | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Splitter
 Posts: 1276 Location: Knockin' on Heaven's Door |
|
||
|
Definitely seconding Coyote Ragtime Show. Only saw the first ep, heard crap about the rest. But WOW that ep!
|
|||
|
|||
Ggultra2764
 Posts: 4058 Location: New York state. |
|
||
|
Nominating:
Time of Eve, "Akiko: Time of Eve" Type of Series: Sci-fi comedy/ drama Synopsis: In a future where androids in man's image are mechanical servants to humanity, high school student Rikuo Sakisara becomes suspicious of his android Sammy's movements as she disappears at random times without notifying him. Making use of GPS and Sammy's activity log, Rikuo and his classmate Masakazu Masaki discover an unusual phrase in Sammy's records: "Are you enjoying the Time of Eve?" In a back alleyway, the two boys uncover a hidden cafe called the Time of Eve where androids and humans are to be treated on equal terms and discrimination on androids is banned. Without the halo-like electric ring normally present on androids, Rikuo and Masakazu are unable to tell who is human or android during their first visit to the cafe as they start to understand that androids are gaining sentience. What Makes It Great: The first episode of Time of Eve is used to set up the near-future world in which androids are subservient to humans and to introduce just how different the Time of Eve cafe is from the normal mentality that many people have when it comes to viewing androids. The beginning of the episode is used to show the kind of world that the series is set in with Rikuo's treatment of Sammy as a thing and a television news report that paints people with affection towards androids as social outcasts with some form of mental disorder. The rules within the Time of Eve cafe challenge the normal perceptions that Rikuo and Masakazu have towards androids and are shown to be clearly uneasy over the unknown territory they are stepping into during their first visit to the cafe, especially as they can't tell android apart from human. The visual presentation for the episode definitely sticks out with lifelike settings rendered in CG animation that not only sport plenty of detail, but blend in almost seamlessly with the character designs, which move about at a natural pace. Image: Time of Eve pic Episode Link (via Crunchyroll): Subbed Supporting: Level E |
|||
|
|||
marie-antoinette
 Posts: 4136 Location: Ottawa, Canada |
|
||
|
I'll also vote for Time of Eve.
I'm a bit delighted by how many series in contention I have actually seen (and a fair number of the ones I haven't watched are on my to-watch list at my disposal). |
|||
|
|||
Saffire
 Posts: 1256 Location: Iowa, USA |
|
||
|
Nominating:
Revolutionary Girl Utena "The Rose Bride" Type of Series: Shojo, drama, fairy tale Synopsis: The episode begins with a little fairy tale, with a bit of an odd ending. A young girl, found and rescued by a prince, decides that she will grow up to be a prince as well. Fast forward several years, and Utena Tenjou is enrolled at Ohtori Academy. After her friend is publicly humiliated, she challenges the offender, Saionji, to a duel. Because of a ring she received from the prince, Saionji misunderstands her intent and agrees to fight at the dueling arena in the forbidden forest. Utena is confused by the circumstances, but ultimately manages to win the duel, finding herself also "engaged" to the Rose Bride, Himemiya Anthy. What Makes It Great: Where to even begin? The wonderful artistry of the show is on full display, from the elaborate design of the academy to the spinning roses and scene framing. Utena herself is a likable character who is easy to get behind, and the story hooks almost plant themselves and pull you along. The storytelling uses a number of unusual methods, such as the still image silhouettes of the fairy tale, and the Shadow Players, who do a skit using their shadows (and some absurdity) to drop story hints, that leaves you wondering what the show is going to throw at you next. The daring music choices, such as the dueling entry song, Zettai Unmei Mokushiroku (Absolute Destiny Apocalypse), creates an atmosphere that few other shows can match. All of it combines to create an episode that is completely unique. Image: series pic Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TQFlVcPyUA |
|||
|
|||
|
dtm42
Posts: 14084 Location: currently stalking my waifu |
|
||
|
First of all, apologies go out to Ikari1 for overlooking his nomination of Bakemonogatari. Cheers mate.
Secondly, my internet connection is spotty as hell right now and my computer is unstable thanks to bad RAM (apparently according to Memtest I have 640KB of RAM on my computer . . .WTF?). Because of these problems, I will be doing one writeup at a time. More will be on their way, just hang on. Nominating: Death Note: "Rebirth" Type of Series: Psychological, Thriller Synopsis: Ryuk is a shinigami - a god of death - who is tired with his immortal, dreary existence. Light Yagami is the smartest high-schooler in Japan who is bored with his mundane life and resigned to living in a rotten crime-ridden world. But when Ryuk attempts to relieve his own boredom by dropping a death note into the human world, by coincidence Light happens to be the one who finds it. Now with the power to kill people without ever touching or meeting them, Light sets out to change his world for the better by eliminating those who he sees are unfit to live . . . What Makes it Great: "I will become the God of the new world." Light's infamous proclamation is sure to get people's attention. He is not the typical Shounen protagonist but rather an intelligent and driven young man with a strong sense of justice and a huge (but not undeservedly so) ego. Ryuk is not the typical cute or attractive sidekick but a veritable monster with no morals whatsoever, a being who would cause havoc for mere amusement. Having such dark characters in the protagonist roles is highly unusual and is sure to pique viewers' interest as to where the show will go next. The artistry and music are top notch, showcasing the sizeable budget as well as contributing heavily to the serious mood and epic tone of the episode. Image: http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii81/Izayuukan/DeathNote.jpg Link: www.hulu.com/death-note Damn, these writeups take as long as I had feared. Last edited by dtm42 on Wed Mar 14, 2012 3:59 am; edited 1 time in total |
|||
|
|||
|
Errinundra
Moderator
 Posts: 6698 Location: Melbourne, Oz |
|
||
|
Nominating:
Moribito – Guardian of the Spirit: "Balsa the Female Bodyguard" Type of Series: historical fantasy, adventure Synopsis: Balsa the spearwoman has travelled from the mountain kingdom of Kanbal to the fertile and peaceful realm of Yogo to have her spear renewed by a master weapon smith. On arrival she saves the life of a Yogoan prince, leading to a shocking revelation from the Mikado’s second queen and an offer Balsa cannot refuse. What Makes It Great: This episode has no shortage of riches: gorgeous artwork and stunning animation; a charismatic lead character – Balsa – whose presence dominates every scene; a beautifully choreographed action sequence – the rescue of the prince; court politics; subtle social commentary; and a dramatic confrontation between a queen and a commoner. Well, actually, the series gets even better but this episode is a mighty way to start. Image: Balsa 1; Balsa 2 Link: not available in Australia; anywhere else? Voting for: Time of Eve |
|||
|
|||
|
dtm42
Posts: 14084 Location: currently stalking my waifu |
|
||
|
Nominating:
Initial D: "The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift" Type of Series: Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life, Sports Synopsis: We are introduced to a real-life car sub-culture that exists in Japan; the young men in suped-up cars who take on dangerous mountain passes at night. Takumi and Itsuki are two teenagers with low-paying part-time jobs. But Itsuki wants to buy a car, one suitable for racing. They both are invited by the leader of the local street racing team (the Speed Stars) to watch him and his mates tackle the the nearby mountain pass of Mount Akina. Itsuki is ecstatic, but Takumi seems to be indifferent. However the famous Redsuns team turns up and challenges the Speed Stars to a friendly training session. After it becomes apparent that the Speed Stars are vastly outmatched, a humble but legendary AE86 turns up just before dawn and pulls some interesting moves . . . What Makes it Great: The drawcards this episode offers are catchy euro-beat music, a great premise which is showcased in a natural way, and one hell of a cliffhanger. The episode builds up slowly, keeping its cards close to its chest whilst dropping hint after hint. When the twist arrives two-thirds of the way through the episode we are nevertheless surprised; the contrast is between reputation and personality is striking. In the final two minutes we get to see the AE86 in action once again and are intrigued at the cliffhanger; is it really him? And how? Image: http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii81/Izayuukan/initial-d.jpg Link: www.hulu.com/initial-d Last edited by dtm42 on Sun Mar 04, 2012 3:37 am; edited 1 time in total |
|||
|
|||
Yupa
 Posts: 77 Location: The Netherlands |
|
||
|
Vote for:
Angel Beats! Death Note Fullmetal Alchemist Haibane Renmei Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya |
|||
|
|||
|
dtm42
Posts: 14084 Location: currently stalking my waifu |
|
||
|
Nominating:
Hikaru no Go: "Eternal Rivals" Type of Series: Coming of Age, Sports Synopsis: After having his allowance cut due to bad grades, Hikaru decides to search his grandfather's attic for antiques to sell. There he finds an old go board harbouring a ghost called Sai, who thanks Hikaru for releasing him from his slumber and begins to possess the boy. Sai once tutored the emperor at go, and his will to play the game was so strong that upon death he became a ghost. Now Hikaru must agree to play on Sai's behalf, and therefore visits a go salon. He faces off against Akira, a kind boy his own age but who is already as good as a professional. With Sai telling him how to play Hikaru easily humiliates Akira, and a lasting rivalry is born . . . What Makes it Good: We are quickly introduced to the three main characters and the rivalry that will drive much of the series has already been established. We are also told of Sai's true wish that must be accomplished before he passes on to the next realm. So what is left you ask? Good old Shounen action, that's what. Akira's casual confidence and breezy nature slowly slips away and his shock at psychologically losing the match to someone who has supposedly never played before is palpable. Who knew go - an old man's game - could be so engrossing? Additionally, after the credits there is a teaching segment hosted by the lovely Yukari Umezawa. Image: http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii81/Izayuukan/HnG.jpg Link: www.hulu.com/hikaru-no-go |
|||
|
|||
A Mystery
 Posts: 1965 Location: Netherlands |
|
||
|
Voting for:
Bunny Drop Cross Game Deadman Wonderland Death Note Fruits Basket Fullmetal Alchemist Full Moon wo Sagashite Natsume's Book of Friends Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit |
|||
|
|||
GDFan
 Posts: 254 Location: North of Boston |
|
||
|
Voting For:
Angel Beats Aria: The Animation Elfen Lied Excel Saga Gunslinger Girl FLCL Fruits Basket Haibane Renmei Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit Princess Tutu Ouran High School Host Club Trigun Waiting for: B Gata H Kei(seriously... it's so funny), Eden of the East, Le Chevalier, Ninja Nonsense(more straight up comedy should be represented here, and this one's first ep is my favorite in the series), Solty Rei, Witchblade If someone more articulate than I could nominate these... Voting Against: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Exactly, while enjoyable on its own, knowing who these characters were made it more so. And of course the fact that chronologically speaking, it fits somewhere in the second season re-airing better than being the actual first episode. This tournament is making me want to rewatch everything I've seen, and watch everything in my backlog, at the same time. Last edited by GDFan on Sun Mar 04, 2012 1:21 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|||
|
|||
Dorcas_Aurelia
 Posts: 5344 Location: Philly |
|
||
|
Nominating:
My Bride is a Mermaid: “The Yakuza Wife” Type of Series: Comedy/Harem Synopsis: Nagasumi Michishio and his parents are visiting his grandmother in Seto. While swimming in the sea, Nagasumi gets a cramp and begins to drown, but is saved by a young mermaid, although no one believes him. That is, until the mermaid arrives and takes Nagasumi and her family's abode under the sea. There, the mermaids explain that if one is seen by a human they must be killed, unless the human is family, so Nagasumi must become engaged to Sun, the mermaid who saved him. This doesn't go over very well with Sun's father, who is the leader of a mermaid yakuza clan and believes that simply killing Nagasumi would be a preferable choice. What Makes It Great: My Bride is a Mermaid has a large and colorful cast, even the minor characters of which provide fantastic entertainment value. The yakuza characters in particular excel in turning melodrama into comedy. The shifting art style also helps accentuate the frequent exagerated comedic mood. Image: series pic Link: animenewsnetwork.com/video/13905/ Black Lagoon: “The Black Lagoon” Type of Series: Action Synopsis: Japanese businessman Rokuro Okajima is sent on a trip to the South China Sea to oversee the delivery of an important computer disc, but along the way the disc is stolen by a group of pirates and Rokuro is taken hostage. When the pirates contact his superiors seeking a ransom, Rokuro is told the company would rather have the disc destroyed and all of them killed, Rokuro included, and has already taken steps to have that done. Tired of constantly being treated like dirt, the salaryman takes up with the pirates. What Makes It Great: Black Lagoon is gritty, violent action fest that makes it clear that even if we like the protagonists, there aren't any “good guys” in this show. The shoot-outs and action scenes are bloody and explosive, and even less intense scenes, like when Balalaika extracts information from a spy, are quite brutal. Besides the violence, the series also pretty firmly establishes the personalities of the Lagoon Company quickly through their actions and mannerisms in addition to their dialogue. Image: series pic Voting for: Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit The Time of Eve |
|||
|
|||
|
Dorcas_Aurelia
Posts: 5344 Location: Philly |
|
||
|
I re-wrote Ikari's nomination for Bakemonogatari and added a picture and the episode title. I've also made the synopsis an actual description of the episode and moved what Ikari had for the synopsis into the "What Makes it Great" section, as well as making some minor edits.
Bakemonogatari: “Hitagi Crab: Part 1” Type of Series: Supernatural Synopsis: Koyomi Araragi catches a girl, Hitagi Senjougahara, falling down the stairs, and discovers that she weighs was almost nothing (5 kg). After asking the class representative about her, and then being assaulted by Hitagi herself, he offers to help her with her supernatural affliction despite her obvious desire to be left alone. Araragi's persistence convinces Hitagi to come with him to visit a guru of sorts who explains the true nature of Hitagi's curse. What Makes It Great: Opening with the most detailed panty shot ever, we are introduced to each of the main characters in the show in the first 5 minutes of the episode. The stopwatch at the very beginning helps capture a single but very important meeting of two characters; when we see Araragi staring at Hanekawa and her panties for the first time. It is the little details like this that make a difference. There is also the unique method of animating the introduction so that you had to pause the show to catch the little thought bursts of Araragi's that appear screen very briefly. It was an entirely engaging experience. The beautiful piano music at the start followed by the burst of beautifully animated and sounded action is exhilarating. The gorgeous animation and the clean beautiful artwork fully drags the viewer into the experience and creates a unique atmosphere and setting. The introduction of Hitagi and the scene with the stapler stays with you for the rest of the series, keeping you constantly wary and uncertain of what she will do next. Image: series pic |
|||
|
|||
|
Ggultra2764
Posts: 4058 Location: New York state. |
|
||
|
Nominating:
Last Exile, "First Move" Type of Series: Steampunk adventure Synopsis: The kingdoms of Disith and Anatoray are at war with one another and is further complicated by the presence of the Guild, who serve as mediators among both factions during the war, and the rogue crew of the aerial battleship called the Silvana. Claus Valca and Lavie Head are two young vanship courier pilots who are given the task to deliver a letter to the commander of Anatoray's military, David Mad-thane, from his daughter during the middle of a heated aerial battle between Disith and Anatoray's battleships. What Makes It Great: The first episode is used to setup the main aspects of the series being the conflict between Disith and Anatoray, establishing the world of the series and introducing the characters of Lavie and Claus. The first episode introduces the world of Last Exile as a mix of early 20th century technologies and Victorian era attire. This is shown prominently with the style of dress worn by the Mad-thane family and soldiers fighting one another during their heated battle, plus elements of steampunk incorporated through the steam-powered weapons used by the calvary soldiers to shoot at the opposing side and being used to run their battleships. The series shows Lavie and Claus to be committed enough in their job as couriers that they are willing to go to great risks to accomplish their job, even if they have to go in the middle of a battlefield to do it, and that they are struggling on their own with the two going about their daily routines as vanship pilots and Lavie's desire to get new parts for their vanship when they earn enough money from their work. The show also introduces some scenes at the start of the episode that hint to events yet to come such as the presence of the Silvana and its crew. The series makes excellent use of CG animation in rendering aerial battleships and the vanships, which move about very fluidly and make for a great visual treat for a TV anime title. Image: Last Exile pic Episode Links (via Hulu): Subbed, Dubbed Supporting: Black Lagoon Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit Death Note |
|||
|
|||
Tris8
 Posts: 2114 Location: Where the rain is. |
|
||
|
NOMINATION:
Azumanga Daioh: “Child High School Student / She's a Prodigy / Scary Maybe? / Wildcat Tomo-chan! / The Osakan Gal” Type of Series: slice of life, comedy Synopsis: A high school teacher, Miss Yukari is late for the first day of school, and to make matters worse, her bicycle breaks. So what is the logical thing to do in this situation? Steal one of your students bikes of course. At the school, we are introduced to Chiyo-chan, a 10-year-old transfer student in Yukari's class who's scores have allowed her to skip to high school. We are also introduced to Sakaki, a tall and seemingly intimidating girl who is quiet and shy. On the way to school Sakaki tries to pet a cat, but she gets bitten. On the way home, she sees the same cat, and thinking he's in a better mood tries to pet him but gets bitten again. The next day we meet Tomo, who puts the word 'hyper' to shame. She is late to class on purpose so she can send herself out to the hall to hold buckets of water because 'she has always wanted to try that'. Another transfer student (from Osaka) joins Yukari's class, and is immediately given a hard time by both Yukari and Tomo for not being rowdy as Osakans are stereotyped to be. Tomo gives her the nickname 'Osaka' because of where she transferred from, much to her dismay. What Makes It Great: Tomo's over-the-top reactions, Chiyo-chan's cuteness, the off-the-wall humor... It's all great. And the strange, but weirdly catchy opening serves to grab attention. This ep is one of the best examples of slice of life comedy. It's random, funny, energetic, and you really feel like you know the characters after just one episode. Cooking is so fun, cooking is so fun, now it's time to take a break and see what we have done! Image: Azumanga Daioh pic Link: I do not know anywhere to legally watch online 
VOTING FOR: Trigun Coyote Ragtime Show show=average. first ep=great. Time of Eve This will be a top contender. Amazing first ep. Death Note I love the atmosphere, and we get a taste of the length Light is willing to go to achieve his goals. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit Really wowed me. Balsa is a powerhouse character. Hikaru no Go Last Exile The details of the ships, of the musketeers, the battles, it's great. Gah XC It's all I can do to keep myself from voting for everything |
|||
|
|||
 |
All times are GMT - 5 Hours |
|
|
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group