It’s tough to say it, but Shinrei Tantei Yakumo really needs to step up the quality, which is somewhat weird given that it’s adapted from a novel. This episode solved another mini-mystery and gave some sight into Yakumo’s inner thoughts about dealing with spirits and his desire to save them, most likely setting up for a full explanation of his past the next episode.

The mysteries aren’t even that complex. And by the speed at which they go through the original material, it doesn’t give a lot of time for character development outside the main characters. Though I assume Yakumo’s past will be interesting, the forgettable side characters feel like plot fluff rather than actual people. There are some good lines scattered throughout (such as Yakumo’s smartass remarks to Gotou) but overall the presentation could use some work.

BEE TRAIN, though adept at storytelling, was never really a contender in the animation department. The quality of screenplay and cinematography is apparent when you take screenshots like I do, as the difference between shows like Star Driver and this is apparent. Many of the shots are very simple, and they like to do lower detail closeups rather than artistic shots. I’m actually tempted to drop this just because of how mundane it looks, putting the other issues aside. The only thing holding me back is the promise of a genuinely good episode next time (and it better be damn good). short post.