I absolutely loved this show. From the start it seemed to be an interesting twist on a common theme: a slice-of-life show, but not about high school-age kids, and with the twist that all the characters are supernatural beings from another reality. The only exception to this was Chiho, a 16-year-old high school girl and fellow part timer of Maou-sama's (whose Japanese name is Sadao) at "MgRonalds." Blessedly the anime only visited there once, and at night, in search of a place where Maou might gain some magic.
For once, the protagonist is not a hapless, nervous, inexperienced adolescent, but a 300-year-old being that had been on the verge of conquering an entire world. What a pleasure to have a lead that isn't constantly blushing, falling down, and apologizing, but instead is confident but not arrogant, and quickly grasps the situation whatever it might be.
His antagonist is The Hero, Emilia Justina, whose village and quiet family life were wiped out by Sadao's demon armies, and who is sworn to destroy him. However, in Japan, she is puzzled as to why a being intent on conquering his world by iron and fire would suddenly become considerate and helpful in our world, and rapidly advance in the ranks of fast-food employees.
I don't know why either, but it's a wonderful thematic ju-jitsu, leaving everyone from the "good" side of Ente Isla (their homeland) striving to defeat Sadao, while on his part he seems to be far more interested in being a success in his job at MgRonald's. It's never explained, and it never may be explained, but it's a great source of humor.
I haven't yet listened to the Japanese dub yet, but the English dub is great. Nice to see such voice talent without any of the usual suspects in sight, and the "topical" humor is still old enough that everyone has heard it. In one episode a character remarks that the Internet was like "a series of magical tubes,", and in another one of Sadao's generals overhears The Hero and another character badmouthing Sadao in the "Sentucky Fried Chicken" restaurant, and interrupts them with "I WOULD NOT SAY SUCH THINGS IF I WERE YOU!!!" -- straight from "The Princess Bride." I almost fell off the couch.
I just bought my copy in HD video from Amazon. Perhaps a second season will be made. I haven't read the manga yet, so I don't know where the anime ended up, but I'll follow up with that ASAP. This show is a truly original modification of a classic type of anime.
