First, it really is a shame Discotek's license for this and the other two J9 shows were so short lived. This is genuinely a really solid show. It's far from perfect, but it has a unique quality to it that keeps you engaged episode from episode. The cast starts off flat, and I had assumed it would stay that way, but as the show went in, episodes devoted to each individual character rounded them out pretty significantly.
I think what I loved most about this show is that it's not afraid to tackle very dark subject matter, and to have some pretty bleak endings to plot lines. The first half of the series is entirely episodic, and some episodes honestly surprised me with how they ended and what the resolution was. There are some weaker episodes sprinkled in, but luckily they're the minority.
Once the show becomes slightly more serialized, introducing an overarching villain, the show picks up its intrigue quite a bit. The show has a lot of two parters for plot lines, that have a connected undertone, which was really nice to see. The villain introduced at this point is very mysterious, and shown to be quite formidable. The finale felt a little rushed, but definitely created this figurative "hole." That hollow feeling from its conclusion, making me a little sad to see these characters go.
My main criticism is that this show is dated. Not just animation wise, which honestly considering its age and probably low budget, didn't really bother me. But some scenes or episodes intended to provoke emotional responses end up flat. It doesn't do the proper build up or execution to make it work. Perhaps if the show was more open to having more multi episode plot lines, those intended emotions would land better, but unfortunately it wasn't always successful. It has a lot of moments of cheese, or laughable editing, but it never RUINED the show for me, just took me out of it temporarily.
Despite its flaws and age, this really is a show more people should watch. It may make you laugh unintentionally or roll your eyes at its cheese, but it'll also leave you contemplative, feeling sad or excited. It's a show that really deserves to be readily available again, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be in the cards any time soon. Regardless, if you own the show but haven't opened it yet, or are open to sailing the seven seas, do yourself a favor and watch this show. I'm sure you'll get something out of it.
Oh, the music also absolutely smacks and both the opening and ending are some of the best of any anime I've ever seen. Especially that ending.
