La Disparition de Yuki Nagato

This sixteen part series is a spin off from the 'Haruhi Suzumiya' franchise; it takes place in the alternate reality introduced in 'The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya'. In this reality there aren't aliens, time travellers and ESPers, as much as Haruhi wishes there were. While it isn't strictly necessary to have watched those series and film to enjoy this, I'd advise watching them first as many events refer back to them.

Centred on Kyon and Yuki, who here is a rather shy girl, two members of their school's Literature Club whose lives are somewhat changed when they meet Haruhi; who soon establishes herself as a leading member of the club despite attending a different school. It is clear from early on that Yuki has feelings for Kyon and as the series progresses it seems he is developing feelings for her although neither will admit it to the other. Then an accident affects Yuki in a way that could change her forever and her friends must cope with this and help her.

I can understand how some viewers might be disappointed as this is quite different to 'Haruhi Suzumiya' I didn't have a problem with this although I won't deny that I thought the series picked up when Haruhi was introduced. The early part of the series provides plenty of laughs and creates a feel-good atmosphere which is shattered when Yuki has an accident. This leads to some tear-jerking moments before things are resolved. Yuki is a very likeable co-protagonist and Haruhi provides plenty of laughs. Kyon, the only character who is effectively unchanged, is a solid 'ordinary' character. The rest of the cast are fun too although some previously important characters now take a surprisingly small role. The series does contain a little more fan service than the original, especially in the hot spring episode, but it is never excessive. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the franchise.

These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.

A bit of a mushy title for my review, I know, but it corresponds with the tone of the show; it's sappy - no point in denying it – and I loved every minute of it. Well, I loved most minutes of it.

A short synopsis: Girl meets boy, girl likes boy, girl doesn't really know what to do next. Oh yeah, almost forgot. Girl is just a girl this time around, not an alien/humanoid interface created by the Data Overmind.

Before we continue; I hope you saw "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" and its movie "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya"? If not, you should probably do that first. You'll be able to appreciate this show more and parts of my review won't make a lot of sense otherwise. Go ahead, I'll wait here.

Done already? Excellent. You fly right through them, don't you? But what's up season 2? Sub-par, if you ask me. All those redundant "Endless Eight" episodes just to reach that anti-climactic conclusion?! I mean, seriously, after-

…

Sorry, I digress.

Now, if you just watched all that, enjoyed it, but (like me) thought Nagato-san had more "moe" in her left pinkie than Asahina as a whole (regardless which outfit she was forced to wear) and felt the demure humanoid interface (and her human counterpart) deserved a hug, than this spin-off is definitely for you. Even if you didn't feel that way and just enjoyed the original show (the movie in particular), give this one a try as well. Fair warning though; liking the original might indicate you'll like this spin-off as well, but it might also mean you'll hate it. It is quite a different beast.

Dealing much more with the trials and tribulations of the protagonist's timid heart, rather than Haruhi's antics and the supernatural surrounding her, the show's overall tone is considerably calmer and more down to earth than the original. As stated before, it can get downright sappy at times, but it does so in an endearing way, never feeling overbearing. It's a tribute to the underdog; the quiet one, always hidden in the shadow of others; the shy one sitting on the side- line; the one waiting for an opportunity to open up. The spotlight is being turned on Yuki Nagato, and it's her moment to shine. Well, perhaps not shine, but she does twinkle gently. The old cast members (and their voice actors, for both original and English versions) are all reunited, filling supporting roles, keeping things lively and light-hearted. There is some nice interplay between characters, feeling more organic than in the original, which is only logical, given the different nature of the two shows.

At this point I feel I should point out this Nagato is not really the one we got to know in the original show, or even her alter-ego from the movie. What made the original(s) so endearing (I think), was how much effort it took for her human side to show, making it all the more gratifying when it did. Compared to the original(s) this Yuki is actually quite well-adjusted, if just a bit shy. That being said, the new version is more than adequately equipped with quirks and lovable features.

And then, a few episodes in, when you've resigned yourself (happily) to continue watching our bespectacled heroine stumble her way into romance (quite effectively, I must say), you're thrown a curveball when she "disappears". (Relax, that's not a spoiler; it says so right in the title.) Amidst all the accidental touching, obligatory blushing, stammering and other clichés (don't worry, they hang a lantern on it), there is room for surprise. I can't give away too much about what happens, but I'm not ashamed to admit; my eyes misted over a few times.

Before you start watching I should warn you though; the anime has only partly covered the published manga and at the time of writing it's unclear whether or not the remainder of the story will be brought to the screen. As it stands the series' ending is a bit lacklustre as a finale. But I'm sure a copy of the manga is floating around somewhere, for those of us desiring closure.

Which brings me to the reasons I can't give this show more than a 7/10. It doesn't have much of a story; it moves from one sweet moment to another, provides an enjoyable ride, but doesn't actually go anywhere. (I realise this is not necessarily a bad thing. Your average sitcom won't have much of a story. Shows like "Lucky Star" make a point of not going anywhere, and we enjoyed that... didn't we?!). Though it does has plenty "slice of life" elements, it's also a love-story, but after the last episode you're not really left with the satisfying feeling of having been told a story. A love-triangle is touched upon, but it deserved a lot more attention. The story-arc of Yuki's disappearing act is the only real bit with highs and lows. (Which I really liked it, it pushed my rating up from a 6 to a 7.) But in hindsight, it was handled rather hurriedly. It comes in quite late and the consequences for the rest of the (lack of) story is limited. I mean, it's in the title of the show, you'd think they'd explore it a bit more. The rest of the show feels comfortable, but flat.

All in all, it's an enjoyable show with plenty of sweet and endearing moments, but it could use some more substance.

I wasn't a big fan of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (see my review of that), but thought that Nagato was by far the most interesting part of that show. I also watched The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya and liked it, but still thought it had a lot of the same issues as the show. I still watched this show because I wanted to see if they could do the character of Nagato justice, and because I'm a completionist. Unfortunately this series didn't offer me what I was looking for with the character, nor with the premise as a rom com. In terms of being a rom com, it is about the most generic and uninspired one I've seen so far. It offers nothing unique to make it stand out in the genre, and only by end do they even try to be interesting. I am generously giving this show a 6/10 because there were more parts that I liked here than in the previous series, but I would not recommend this show or the original show. Maybe the movie though.

Without spoilers it's a very different series then the one many fell in love with, and I'd suggest giving it several episodes as it does have its only larger and deeper plot, but all in all it's more of a romantic comedy than its predecessor and that can be a bit of a distraction at first.

There is some depth to it, especially as the show gets past the first 6 or 7 episodes, and it in its own way adds to the whole "world" (even if it's an alternate version), especially if you look at it as a "What if.." Universe after seeing the movie.