To old fans, there is nothing confusing about the plot. To new viewers, I don't think it's so complex that they can't handle. The studio purposed to remind everyone with previous events as a form of Sebastian's introduction or Ciel's dreams, although it's annoying to me sometimes, but I think it's necessary to catch new comers. The first episode is a usual story about daily live of our Earl and his servants. Nothing great to mention about that episode because it's kind of a filler, but it's entertaining enough to sit down and watch and enjoy Sebatian's perfection (lol). First 4 episodes are light and warm with full of comedies when Ciel and Sebastian disguise to join the circus in order to investigate. But in those comedies there are still dark moments and somewhat insane (the kidnapping scene). Then they strike you with a sudden not-expected ep 6 (you will know what I mean) and the cruelty, dark theme starts in ep 7. Ep 7 is like a turning point to its climax.
The animation is great and beyond other seasons so far. Ciel and Sebastian look more like in the manga. The circus scene is great, and the CG they used for that champagne scene is gorgeous! Sadly, the animation drops rapidly, from repeating the tiger's scene, to the point of episode 7. Watching Episode 7 is enough to hurt my eyes, and that is an important ep! You don't need good eyes to catch those clumsy drawing for the children in the eating scene, or the thumbnails of Ciel, Joker, and Sebastian when they are pointing gun and daggers at each other. Ep 8 returns to somewhat good animation. Hopefully they will have enough budget for the last 2 episodes and make it become memorable. I love the last chapter of this Arc in manga so wait for it. It will be even more painful with the voice acting.
The music is good. I love the Opening and Ending. Opening is still by SID and it's so fit with the theme, when the Ending is somewhat sad and irony (the moral behind the Ending is great, also the way it's portrayed). The Opening, when I first watched it, I was like "it looks more like a puppet show than a circus. And yes, it's indeed a puppet show "inside" a circus, as these members are manipulated by "Father". The OST is still a little like the 2 first 2 seasons, with full of creepiness and Latin language songs (?). Although I love it and it fits so well with the story, the variety of song choices are not much and it's kind of boring. They should have some battle intense song when there are...well, battles, instead of the Latin songs.
Overall, I like this show. There are fillers, but they are acceptable. The symbolic is great in this Arc that can make you think. We also know more about 2 Main characters and how much Ciel had gone through. So I insist people to try this out if you like a story that is funny, but dark and has philosophy at the same time. (Also handsome characters, lol)
