Kidou Senkan Nadesico

I just finished re-watching the series after almost five years and, even with all those other anime under my belt now, I still find it a great series. Actually, I probably appreciated it more this time around with all the knowledge and 'common sense' I've gained from watching other anime.

While the setting is fairly Sci-fi with all kinds of robotic devices and advanced technology, Nadesico is really a youthful love comedy at heart. With the battleship and the war between Earth and Jupiter as the grand stage, the crew of Nadesico live out their hearts with fanfare and lots of commotion. At times, there are laughters, separations and tears. At other times, there are arguments, disturbances, and reconciliation. Idiotic displays are intertwined with hot blooded moments. The characters often find themselves lost in life amidst all the wars and uproars, but time and again, they reclaim their hearts and set out once more with better understanding and stronger determination.

One can't talk about Nadesico without mentioning the great cast of seiyuus. Kuwashima Houko as Yurika is, of course, the best part for me (Houko-chan all the way!!), followed by the two Gekigan lovers played by Seki Tomokazu. Those two have come a long way since Nadesico over the past 12 years, and I never cease to be amazed by their display of skills. This is also where I first met Ueda Yuuji and Minami Omi. Their voices and acting skills don't stand out as much, but they're both unique, soothing, and memorable.

A lot of the elements in the series seem clichéd and thus makes the series seem rather ordinary by the current standard, but a good balance of all those elements as well as the excellent integration of Gekiganger 3 is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

The anime series ended with an open end and many mysteries were left unsolved. While it's inconclusive, I think it suits the series. Like Akito said in the series, once the last episode came to pass, it feels like the series really is over. But with an infinite end, one is free to imagine. Surely, the people on Nadesico will continue their adventure with the usual clamour and cheeriness after that last episode, opening new paths in their own style. Let's meet again somewhere else, Nadesico! :)