I was really excited for this show and hyped for its ending because I had heard really good things about it and its ending. On the r/anime subreddit I go to, people consistently put it up for "best endings" or most "solid arc" or "great character development", but while I liked this show initially, it started to lose its luster a bit with its episodic repetitiveness, long runtime (45 minutes approximately, which I think hurt it more than helped as I felt they rambled too much and could've had a faster pace). Some of the dialogue confused me a bit for the talking, and I didn't care as much for the historical ties ultimately. The end was also disappointing even though it tied things up a bit at least.
It's probably because I prefer happy endings, but I was really disappointed with this episode. I think I really wanted to root for the love in this show, between the two MCs and how much they liked each other. I know Togame did some bad things for the wrong intentions, but I wanted her to redeem herself and the two to live happily, because I thought they both suffered enough through their lives and deserved happiness at the end of their quest. In this, even after losing both his family, Shichika is left without anyone close to him, and Togame was a tool until the very end - it just doesnt send the happiest/most hopeful message imo. Maybe it goes "deeper" and I miss something, but I ultimately think a happy ending would've been better/fine for this. What was there gained with Togame's death? What does that say about Shichika's and Togame's happiness? What message is the show trying to give with all this?
The gauntlet was honestly cool but also disappointing. I'm glad Shichika is stronger, but if he doesn't struggle and fight the swords at their best, there's not as much meaning.
I did like his eye change though, and it was heartwrenching, his goodbye. I found his following of Hitei to be ironic and somewhat interesting, but I also find it a bit weird. I don't know if I dislike it or not - probably a little glad he has some company but I'd've preferred to see him and Togame together at the end.
I think overall, this show is close to being good but not quite enough for me and falls as "above average but not that far above". I think some of the dialogue at times could be drawn out and a bit pointless (still better than Bakemonogatari but still bad in this), and some of the themes and ideas I just dont agree with. Things like "be a tool for another and its okay" or "fall in love and do whatever the person says"...things like that are...not good messages for a friendship or relationship, even if they're somewhat humorous and enjoyable to watch. The quirks and stuff for the characters were interesting, but the constant deaths and killings disappointed me. There was no sparing the good sword owners at all, and I didn't feel connected enough to a lot of the deaths ultimately. I'd prefer if the good people could live and find a purpose in life - I think that'd send a better message for the show. As it is, its a bit humorous and entertaining, but I'm not sure its in a way I enjoy as much.
I also felt the episodicness got repetitive after a while - there wasn't that much contuinousness - it was always just find new sword + find new way to obtain sword. Sure, some maniwani and shogun stuff happened in the background and the show tied more things together in the end, but for a good few episodes, it was a bit repetitive and I felt no new spark. And the initial enjoyment I got died out a bit.
Some good things: you did get to see Shichika really develop, and I did feel Togame and Shichika's bond through the episodes and really enjoyed that. I liked their romance, and it had some good humor between the two. It wasn't afraid to kill its characters (but imo it did it in a poor way, without letting us feel a connection. Other shows like HxH have more deaths too but we really feel the stakes more in those deaths imo) and push some common ideas/tropes out the window.
