Let's face it: Excel Saga is stupid. I mean, everyone (except for Nabeshin maybe) is a total loon one way or the other, and the world itself is as realistic and serious as the one in, say, the Naked Gun series or Hot Shots. Still, the viewer is immediately drawn into this world, and the characters quickly become as familiar to him/her as those in 300-episode anime sagas. The sense of humor in this series is completely lunatic, but still very efficient in making the viewer roll on the floor laughing - either because it's so clever or simply so shameless.
One must bear in mind that it is a parody series, and as such it makes fun of so many movie cliches, not only anime. Actually, it seems surprisingly Western in many aspects; the critique of cheap sci-fi, action B-movies, or date games is very appealing to a European viewer (like me). However, the series goes further than just being a parody; the characters are genuinely likeable, the plot (for lack of a better word) is actually captivating, and the art is exceptional. However, I think the greatest accomplishment of the creators is the way the viewer is endlessly being surprised, caught with his proverbial pants around his ankles by sudden twists in the plot and completely crazy (but fun) developments.
Is Excel Saga perfect? No, it's not; I still can't forgive them those two filler episodes made from previously shown material. However, most people will be taken aback by the sheer amount of... aimless energy, displayed not only by Excel herself, but by the entire anime. So much happens all the time that many people will undoubtedly find it annoying or hard to digest. This is not a series for everyone, that's all.
I might sound like a fanboy, but I'll say it anyway: this anime radiates awesomness, if you can handle that. It's not perfect, but it's easy to forgive its failings. However, I'd rather recommend it to more adult viewers, as I think it takes some cultural experience and maturity to fully appreciate this anime.
Hail, Ilpalazzo!
