Michael's First Impressions: Fall 2013 (Part 4)

1.  Galilei Donna:  A combination of science, a dash of Moe, and the potential for a mystery treasure hunt. The first bona fide family-friendly show of the season; it has an enjoyable combination of fun characters, action, and story. You can feel the love and work that the creators have put into it.  We have here the potential for family-fun and adventure this season.  
   
   
   Verdict:  MUST WATCH!
   
   
2.  Outbreak Company:  Pure otaku wish fulfillment.  While the premise is utterly absurd, it doesn't prevent a fairly well delivered narrative.   Though, it requires the viewer to turn off their brain for the duration of the show.  You have to let the show be what it is.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT, you’ll know pretty quickly if it’s for you
   
   
   
3.  Strike the Blood:  An uninspired premise with dull, nonsensical character interactions makes for bland narrative.  There’s never a sense of awe or fear from this “Fourth Primogenitor” (some kind of vampire).  And the world in which this narrative is set is not sufficiently explored and established. You hear about it without being convinced that it's markedly different from other environments. The only notable aspect is the mystery surrounding how this "Fourth Primogenitor" came to acquire his powers, but what little is revealed doesn't give a adequate pull to necessitate further viewing.  
   
   
   Verdict:  SKIP
   
   
4. Wanna Be the Strongest in the World:  Well...O_O...um...okay.   First thing’s first, turn down your speakers.   Besides that, it’s a silly story that has an idol vowing to become the world’s strongest female wrestler in the world (or at least Japan).  The character’s aren’t unique, and the rivalry between the two lead idols is clichéd and by the book.  The fights themselves are awkward to watch...quite awkward to say the least.  There are few other shows this season that will be able to contend with it for shameless fanservice.  With all that being said...I kinda enjoy it.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GUILTY PLEASURE
   
   
5.  White Album 2:  An emotionally stunted Rom-Com. The lead is almost interesting with his self-effacing nature, but the emotional distance from others feels robotic.  In fact, everything about the lead feels mechanical. He plays as if his movements are nothing beyond following his role in the script, while the female lead also gives the impression that her romantic inclinations are because a script says so. The saving grace should be the music, but there's nothing overly impressive presented. Plus, the contrived nature of the main trio’s meeting is so fanciful that it leaves the viewer feeling irritated and cheated.  
   
   
   Verdict:  SKIP
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Well, I've hit my first Guilty Pleasure for the season. And what better time for a disclaimer with which to inform my audience that, while I try to have an objectivity towards my impressions, they are, in fact, impressions, which are by nature subjective. And there's also an intrinsic level of error when only a single episode is being referenced. Have you hit a Guilty Pleasure this season?