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*This review contains spoilers for the main series of Mirai Nikki*

Plot holes - A gap or inconsistency in a storyline that goes against the flow of logic established by the story's plot, or constitutes a blatant omission of relevant information regarding the plot
-Wikitionary

I’d like to draw attention to the latter half of the definition, now what qualifies as blatant omission of relevant information?

For me to consider something as a plot hole, there has to be a blatant omission of relevant information, and said omission has to pass two tests, not just one, but both.

1. Information essential to the story’s outcome has been omitted.
2. There is ... no plausible explanation for the event that had its relevant information omitted.

Now there is a reason why the word blatant was chosen, the reason is because a simple omission does not count as a plot hole. As long as a plausible explanation exists, it is not a plot hole. Mirai Nikki Redial does not contain plot holes and it also does not leave the viewers short of theorycrafting opportunities.

Redial also explores some interesting themes like love by using a world that mirrors the ideal dream world in which Yuki was trapped in in the prequel, with Yuno being the one trapped in the “dream world” this time. In the prequel, Yuki was able to break free of the illusion due to his love for Yuno, and in Redial we get to see something similar happening through the eyes of Yuno.

We get to see more detail of the changes caused by Yuki in the 3rd world as well, how the diary owners in the 2nd world would have behaved if they didn’t become diary owners. I especially liked how we were given closure in regards to Akise’s feelings for Yuki. Not knowing who to trust has been one of the issues for Yuki in the prequel. With Yuno proving herself to be reliable time and time again, and having been through thick and thin together, despite multiple setbacks in their level of trust, Yuki eventually chose to believe Yuno instead of Akise towards the end of the prequel, which was ironic because she was actually the one tricking him. Having feelings for Yuki as well, Akise felt somewhat betrayed and resents Yuno for what she did to Yuki. Despite that, Akise was able to come to terms that Yuki has chosen her over him.

The OVA wraps up with a very nice ballad that accurately portrays the mood of the scene before it. I only wished that they showed more relevant scenes while playing the OVA instead of the random scenes we were shown.

Despite having way more casual content than it should, Mirai Nikki Redial makes up for it with substance in the second half. So, if you have just finished watching the prequel, definitely do give this one a go, especially if you are a fan of the prequel!

Overall: 8.5/10

Angel Beats!, is essentially a dramedy set in a purgatory world where people are able to relive their high school lives while overcoming the regrets they have had from when they were alive. The main theme of the story centers itself on regrets, which is a powerful theme, because everyone, at some point of their lives, must have some sort of regret. Regret is a powerful emotion, as reflected in the anime where one cannot escape regret even in death. The show teaches us that the only way to truly escape regret is to accept it and move on.

One issue most people have with the ... story is the transition from comedy to drama. An episode is usually split into two parts, the first half being the comedy and the second half focusing on character development and interactions. Angel Beats feels like a melodrama stripped down to its bare bones. Something that could have made it more fleshed out is replacing some of the dragged out comedy in exchange for more backstory of some of the more interesting characters. Jun Maeda has created some really interesting characters like TK who is famous for his non-sensical comments in English and non-stop dancing and the axe-wielding Noda who is sadly reduced to only a character that provides comedic relief. As a viewer, I wanted to know more about the side characters. Why does TK make weird English comments although he is not really good at English? Why won't TK stop dancing? Why is Noda such an asshole all the time? It is certainly not impossible to tell a good story in 13 episodes, and Angel Beats truly could have been something special if not for its comedic fillers.

There were two scenes that particularly stood out to me though. The first scene, from the main character's backstory, showed a very inspiring and selfless act by the main character that tied together very well with the mini-theme of his backstory. The second scene, is a perfect example of how a well composed song with well written lyrics if played at the right time, can positively influence a scene. The scene itself, which the main character is not involved in, is a pretty inspiring scene where unconditional love was showcased. Despite what most critics say about it, the scene didn't feel like it was forced at all. Throughout the series, there were subtle hints being dropped and the progression felt completely natural.

The episodes leading up to the climax of the show didn't lack substance either, albeit they felt a little bit rushed and they definitely could have benefited from having more time. The ending however, had its goods and bads. There is a pretty interesting twist at the end that goes well with one of the character's backstory, but the romance felt very forced as the emotional development between the two characters was almost non-existent.

The art, for an anime that came out in 2010, was magnificent and felt like it actually came out in 2015. Animation for the concerts was fluid and left me wishing for more. Simple designs combined with vibrant colours made this anime's art a standout, and made it clear that P.A Works were definitely 5 years ahead of its time.

The music is without doubt, the ultimate highlight of the show, and can only be described as breathtaking. A good soundtrack is not good enough to warrant the title of ultimate highlight. In addition to the near perfect BGMs, the show had songs with incredibly well written lyrics such as the OP and ED of the show, that enables a powerful emotional connection with the show's characters, which in turn shows the importance of a collaboration between original creator, composer and the lyricist. Although some of my favourite songs like "My Soul, Your Beats", "Alchemy", "Brave Song" and "My Song" are a hit or miss with some people, one cannot deny the ingenuity of the integration of Angel Beats' flagship song "My Most Precious Treasure" into the show. What's interesting about the song is that it has two different versions, each with slightly different lyrics, to match the scene it was played in, and also the general overall quality of the song that fitted perfectly right into the mood of the scenes it was played in. Without its music, Angel Beats! would definitely have been a different anime altogether.

Although I am aware of the other flaws in Angel Beats, it only stopped me from giving it a 10/10, and did not stop me from enjoying the show. Many of the "flaws" can definitely be explained through some imagination and despite the remaining flaws being present, it is still a very good show overall. As I finish writing this review, I can feel a very sour taste in my mouth as I can only ponder upon the possibility of what if things were done a little bit better. If so, then all those potential didn't have to go to waste.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading.

Story 7/10
Characters 7.5/10
Art 9/10
Music 10/10
Enjoyment 9/10
Overall 8.5/10