In/Spectre

This show had me wondering if I'd like it after it's first episode. Im usually a huge action fan get that slice of life away from me. This one took me by surprise. While reading i always love a good romance story set in the action but you seem to rarely get romance and great action in a single anime. This one has not only great action and romance, but mystery, the supernatural, and characters that i greatly enjoy! I hope this gets a season 2 because it's a multi genre anime that needs the recognition so that more anime can be more than just fighting or slice of life. I want more mixtures!

I'd say this is a fine anime. Without looking at the IMDb page, I would have given it an 8 or something. But having looked at the ratings, I can't let this good anime be dropped down like this. The episodes are very interesting and the mysteries are very amusing to watch. The entire concept of the show is likeable. Immortality, ghosts, eating the flesh of mermaids and what not... It would be a shame if the ratings remain this way. I recommend this anime. It will give you a feel like Sherlock Holmes's wisdom meets the horrors of the anime "Another".

The first few episodes of Season 1 introduce you nicely to the characters and their backstory with a nice blend of action and exposition. The main female lead has a positive quirky personality juxtaposed by the main male leads very serious and blank no nonsense one. Their "love" story has some humorous moments as well as some poignant ones.

However, those positives are mixed into a show that, almost as soon as the introductions are complete. Dives headfirst into simply being the main characters plus side character(s) dialoguing endlessly about how to solve or understand a particular mystery.

The first instance of this "Wall of Text" approach is at the lake with the water god. This concept is somewhat interesting, yet despite it's first instance still feels like it's dragging it's feet. It's main benefit over the rest of the season being that it is feels better paced than the next main plot of the Steel Lady. This is where you run face first into entire episodes of nothing but people talking together in a room about hypotheticals and uninteresting solutions. This continues on for several episodes in a row with barely anything else in-between and for only a brief time. At that point it becomes very difficult to continue to care about the story as it becomes repetitive and you'll care less due to the intentionally misleading brainstorms of the main female lead.

I suppose if supernatural mystery is your preferred genre then this show might be right up your alley. I found it far far too dull and exhausting to finish the second seasons. However, I will say Episodes 2,3, and 4 of season 2 where by far my favorite of the entire series.

Visually striking and unique premise combined with strong characters in the beginning hooks you. But in the end it falls flat as it has multiple episodes lacking substance and an ending arc that fails to live up to the first half of the series.

A second season might redeem the disappointment felt at the close of the final episode, until then in my mind it was a slightly above average supernatural anime that fought with itself over direction, depth and tone.

Pro's:

• Excellent Animation.
• Above average English dubbing.
• Unusual premise and characters.
• Great first few episodes.
• Completed story arc.

Con's:

• Sluggish and unfocused last half.
• Unfulfilling and odd ending.

I think the problem that some people have with the show is how different it is from what was advertised. The previews portrayed In/spectre as a horror, when it is actually just a supernatural mystery show. But even if you wanted a horror, you can't help fall in love with the lead characters and the artwork. The female lead is energetic and fun, even though you expect her to serious and relaxed. There are so many other reasons why this show was so good.