I'm not sure I can say anything, but I have to get my thoughts on paper.
It's been a good few months since I finished watching it and thinking about it still brings a tear to my eye.
The show starts off quirky and a bit silly. I actually brought the theme song, it really does grow on you. It's not a dark drama, it's not a gritty urban show, it's not a disaster show, horror show, romance (it's not ceedy at any rate like most "romance" animes) - it is a fun, quirkly, light hearted show.
This sets the tone as you follow this quirky group of kids as they grow up through school and into their adult lives. The entire story is essentially character development, so when something happens you really feel it; you feel happy when something goes right, you feel proud when they accomplish something and oh-my-word does it hurt when something goes wrong.
I recall feeling similar to this as a child when I first watched The Land Before Time and again whilst playing Final Fantasy X aged 10 or 11, but not to this scale.
It's not that you care for the characters, it's not that you're a part of their group or that you even are the character. It's more... that this is all you've ever known. This *is* life, you've grown up with them over the 40 odd episodes and they're a part of your life.
The story is fairly predictable at times, which makes you an even greater part of it as you anticipate your next day in their world. You'll spend hours thinking about what's going to happen next in the same way you would in real life; if something is going awry you'll fret about it, if something looks ominous it will scare and upset you, if something looks promising you'll look forward to it.
The side story does get a bit confusing at times, which reminds you that you're watching a program and not real life. When it comes to the end of After Story you'll be grateful it was included.
The art style, sound track and story telling are absolutely perfect for the tone of the program. Silly at times, not so silly at others.
So what can I say in summary? Watching this series (and Clannad) was the happiest, proudest and saddest I've ever been when watching a TV series. It may even knock Inu Yasha off my top spot depending on my mood (it's held that title for many many years, against many animes).
Please be warned of two things - firstly you must watch Clannad first, and don't look up any spoilers. There are no cheats here, you have to experience it with them. Second warning, you will cry, but you will also laugh, grow with and love the characters like a part of your life.
