Mar 9 2010 11:02 PM Having just watched the final episode, I'd say it didn't end as bad as some people might thought it have. Given that there were two additional "conclusion novels", there could have only been one possibility given the preview of episode 49:
Erin doesn't die . With that said, I kinda didn't know what to expect coming into this final episode and although didn't quite go out with as much of bang as I had hoped for, it was still a fitting conclusion and seemed quite faithful to its source material (note that I have not read the original light novels, but it sure didn't feel like it deviated). In addition, the animation in this episode was absolutely gorgeous, as if the series was done by a completely different animator suddenly. It was also nice to see them bring in the three best songs of the series (OP1, OP2, ED2). Really glad they didn't bring in ED1 since that was boring and dull. If anything was poor in the final episode it would have to be the amount of time they wasted on the recap at the beginning as well as numerous still/repetitive moments throughout the episode. Although its not uncommon for these factors, for a final episode I felt it was rather excessive, especially considering that they did a summary series shortly after (which I hope someone will eventually sub).
Regardless, the journey of watching Kemono no Souja Erin was remarkably enjoyable. It started out as a really slow and dull series, almost to the point that I was fed up with it, however, "every so often" there was one amazing episode that moved me and really kept me attracted to the series. As the series progressed, the quantity of these moments grew and the plot became more interesting that it ended up as probably my favorite series of 2009 (discounting Bakemonogatari, which as yet to finish). Overall, despite being a kids show, this show is heavily underrated by many. Obviously the first few episodes made it enough for many to drop it, but being a "completionist" in these cases is what I am proud of since I rarely end up missing gems like this. As stated before, the series had its flaws here and there with some really slow, awkward, and dull episodes, but when considering the rest of the series as a whole, Kemono no Souja Erin is the type of series that stands out above many last year:
9/10With that said, and given there was a summary series, here's to hoping for I.G. to also animate the remaining novels once they are completed.
