LogFAQs > #923608106

hey I finally finished the Space Runaway Ideon TV series! that took a lot of time because I'd only watch a few episodes at a time, and sometimes take pretty long breaks before watching a few more eps. honestly it might be interested to see exactly when I started. I know it was years ago but I'm not sure exactly how many years. probably around 3.

the beginning is really good. there are some great episodes in the middle but they're largely separated by a lot of padding episodes without much character development or plot advancement. I mean yes changing arcs between Buff Clan Commander #4 and #5 is technically advancing the plot, I guess. but even those usually involve them fighting the same commander for multiple episodes. and most of the commanders don't have much interesting going on.

I guess I will say this... another notable criticism I have is that the conflict largely revolves around the Buff Clan. but the adventure spans a huge section of the universe. it makes me wonder why no other alien civilizations are out there, and the show doesn't address this directly.

despite having a rushed ending due to cancellation I do sort of like how the series ended. it was a little too abrupt but you can see what they were going for and it's kinda neat. it's very interesting for sure. the last part of the series is definitely great and among some of the best material the show has to offer. I am pretty interested in watching the movie to see how the 'official' ending turns out, and I'm happy that an official ending was made eventually... but at the same time if the series ending was all that we got, I think I'd be okay with it I guess.

overall I thought the series was very good. it's dated but it's so unique, weird, and interesting in a lot of ways. the padding is the worst thing about it. it has a lot of similar elements to the original Mobile Suit Gundam, which you'd expect... but I will say I like Gundam more overall. Ideon got an 8/10 from me, while the Mobile Suit Gundam movies are all 10/10 or very close to it.

still, there are some elements of Ideon that I like more than anything in Gundam. so these flat scores don't really tell the whole story. the overall themes of this story are pretty great but you can see where the execution wavers at times, and that's really a shame. this could have been an absolute cultural milestone on the level or above Gundam. still, it managed to have an awesome influence on the mecha genre. it's definitely a classic as far as I'm concerned.
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Reality seems very harsh
https://imgur.com/VRszIc8