It’s a common story: an anime series starts off with a whimper, struggling to find its footing or connect with the audience. Perhaps the animation is subpar, the plot feels disjointed, or the characters lack depth. Many viewers might drop such a series, but some anime have proven that a weak beginning doesn’t always equal a bad show. These series manage to turn the tide, delivering phenomenal endings that not only redeem the initial missteps but also elevate the entire experience. Here are some anime that prove it’s never too late to make a great impression.
Symphogear: From Shaky Start to Symphonic Finish
The first season of Senki Zesshou Symphogear is infamous for its inconsistent animation quality. This mecha-magical girl hybrid initially struggled with its visual presentation, which distracted from the intriguing storyline about the power of songs and not giving up. However, the series progressively improved, and by the final season, Symphogear XV, all the previous issues were completely resolved. The animation became polished, and the series managed to bring back fan-favorite characters while wrapping up the story in a satisfying way. The unique concept of characters singing during battles was also significantly improved, making the series’ ending a far cry from its rocky start.
How Symphogear Turned it Around
- Initial issues: Poor animation quality hindered the first season’s impact.
- Improvement: Subsequent seasons showcased significant enhancements in animation and storytelling.
- Final Season: Symphogear XV masterfully concluded the series, redeeming the earlier flaws.
Strawberry Panic: A Sweet Reward for Patience
Strawberry Panic is a series that focuses on the romantic relationships between female students at three all-girls schools on Astrea Hill. While it’s known for its yuri themes, the first half of the anime can feel slow and episodic due to the large number of characters and relationships to develop. However, this slow-paced approach ultimately serves the narrative. The series culminates in a heartfelt confession of love between the main character, Nagisa Aoi, and her upperclassman Shizuma Hanazono. This sweet and satisfying conclusion makes the slower early episodes worthwhile, offering a heartfelt tale of self-discovery.
The Importance of Character Development in Strawberry Panic
- Slow Start: The initial pacing can feel drawn out, focusing on establishing numerous relationships.
- Payoff: The ending is emotionally rewarding, with the main relationship coming to a satisfying conclusion.
- Self Discovery: The series culminates in a heartfelt conclusion that justifies the slow pacing.
Akame Ga Kill: A Bloody Path to a Meaningful Future
Akame Ga Kill! is an anime known for its dark themes and brutal deaths, and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. The initial episodes don’t make a great first impression. The main character, Tatsumi, lacks a distinctive personality, and the series has a habit of introducing character backstories just before they are killed off. However, these initial missteps are ultimately forgiven by the powerful, albeit tragic, ending. The series delivers an explosive finale where the stakes feel incredibly high and the impacts are genuinely felt. The conclusion, despite its many deaths, builds towards a better future, making the viewer feel the weight of the sacrifices made.
How Akame Ga Kill! Delivers Despite Early Missteps
- Initial Issues: Lack of character depth and predictable deaths in the beginning.
- Transformative Ending: An explosive and meaningful finale that highlights the stakes and impacts the viewer.
- Bittersweet Closure: The ending is tragic, but sets the stage for a better future.
Clannad After Story: A Cathartic and Uplifting Conclusion
Clannad is a series that’s well-known for its emotional depth, but the first season can feel like a typical slice-of-life romance. However, the second season, Clannad After Story, takes a darker turn, emotionally destroying viewers before ultimately rewarding them with an uplifting ending. Protagonist Tomoya’s emotional journey after the loss of his beloved wife Nagisa in childbirth is heartbreaking, but the magical realist elements of the story eventually bring closure. Through mystical means, he manages to save both his wife and daughter, finally making amends with his estranged father. This ending is one of the most cathartic in anime, providing emotional closure after an intense and heart-wrenching journey.
The Emotional Redemption of Clannad
- Initial Setup: A typical slice-of-life romance in the first season.
- Emotional Turmoil: The second season delves into deeper, tragic themes.
- Cathartic Resolution: The ending delivers a satisfying and emotionally rewarding conclusion.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: A Perfect Finale
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely considered one of the best anime series ever made, and its ending is a major reason why. The series follows the Elric brothers’ quest to regain their bodies after a failed alchemy attempt, a journey filled with action, emotional depth, and complex characters. The ending ties up all the plot threads, provides a happy yet bittersweet resolution, and gives the audience a satisfying conclusion to a long and intense journey. The brothers go their separate ways, with Al finally getting his human body back, and Ed giving up alchemy to restore Al. The romantic relationship between Ed and Winry is also confirmed, adding a perfect final touch to this widely-loved series.
Why Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Nailed Its Ending
- Complex Characters: The series features a cast of deeply developed and relatable characters.
- Satisfying Conclusion: The ending successfully resolves all major plot threads and character arcs.
- Emotional Resonance: The ending is both happy and bittersweet, providing a memorable and fitting end.
Cowboy Bebop: A Poignant and Unforgettable Finale
Cowboy Bebop is celebrated for its unique blend of sci-fi, action, and jazz, but its ending is what truly elevates it to iconic status. The series follows a group of bounty hunters as they navigate a dangerous world, and the ending is steeped in tragedy. The protagonist, Spike Spiegel, meets his destiny in a climactic showdown with his nemesis, Vicious. The ending is poignant and fits perfectly with the show’s overall tone, putting every past adventure into a new perspective. This finale isn’t just a tragic end for the noir hero; it makes the viewer feel like it “had to happen,” enhancing the overall impact of the story.
What Makes Cowboy Bebop’s Ending so Impactful
- Tragic Yet Fitting: The ending is melancholic, reflecting the show’s themes of fate and loss.
- Perspective Shift: The finale re-contextualizes the entire series, adding layers to previous events.
- Iconic Conclusion: The ending is widely considered one of the best in anime history.
Other Anime Series Saved by Their Endings
Several other series demonstrate that a strong ending can redeem a weak start:
- Death Note: Despite some debates about the second half of the series, the ending is a gripping conclusion to the battle of wits between Light and L. The ending is unforgettable, with Light’s defeat and subsequent death at the hands of Ryuk providing a fitting end to his narrative.
- Steins;Gate: This time-travel anime has a complex plot that can be confusing at first, but it delivers one of the best endings in anime history, offering a satisfying conclusion to its narrative. The ending ties up all the loose ends and offers a touching finale.
- Assassination Classroom: While the initial premise might seem odd, the series evolves into a powerful story about growth, acceptance, and the impact of a great teacher. The ending is emotional, heart-wrenching and delivers a memorable conclusion.
- Monster: This psychological thriller is known for its complex plot and deep characters, with the ending providing a fitting and satisfying resolution to the long journey. Tenma’s confrontation with Johan brings the story to a perfect, if unsettling, close.
- Hunter x Hunter: The ending of the 2011 anime adaptation brings a satisfying resolution to the Chimera Ant arc and provides a hopeful glimpse into the future for Gon and Killua, while leaving room for further adventures.
- Code Geass: This series is known for its complex characters and political intrigue. The ending is controversial to some, but is also considered by many to be a masterpiece, offering a powerful and thought-provoking finale.
These anime series demonstrate that a strong beginning isn’t the only path to success. Through thoughtful writing, character development, and emotional payoffs, a great ending can overcome a rocky start, leaving viewers with a lasting and positive impression. The journey may be uneven, but the destination is definitely worth reaching.
