That, along with plot threads about cracking down on them, were two most promising directions, and I was dying to see them unravel. But then they kinda got half-wrapped up quickly just barely enough to make it passable and ending capitalizes upon a thread that was only raised just recently? Ok sure it was grounded in character that was here from beginning, and his character development was spectacular there, but it wasn't our protagonist. That has to be a significant part of why ending didn't feel like an ending to me. To me it seems like this screams for a sequel. I feel as if I've seen only the first season of Code Geass or something. I need more of this, it's way too good! How is there not more?! Argh...
What I loved about it... ah well everything else literally. Art and direction are beyond words. Themes are amazing and I love the way they are naturally explored through character interactions. Pacing is perfect.
This is the end of this review, following is my take on what I would have liked to have seen in a sequel/conclusion sort of sense:
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Due to Tex (THX) incident, and spy (Setoro) witnessing it, organisation launch a full scale crackdown on gray zone gathering places. Sammy gets captured in the process, but the rest manage to escape. Using Rikou's newfound understanding and implied love for Sammy, as well as Masaki's knowledge of robot law, and a help from Time of Eve regulars they're harbouring, they manage to rescue Sammy before her memory is wiped and suppression circuit restored. Nagi somehow plays a key role in this.
Back during the Katoran incident, introduce plot thread that is key to finale in some way (to make it more relevant to overall story). While rescuing Sammy we learn the suppression circuit was necessary because the only way to bring androids to this level of sophistication was to model their minds to how our minds work, which comes with individuality. Masaki's father goes through a personality twist, that sprouts from the seeds of spying on Tex-Masaki (current finale). It's what makes the rescue of Sammy possible at the last second. After the public reveal about suppression circuits, public is leaning against institution and with Masaki's help, new bill of robot rights comes to pass and Androids of certain version and up, that have similar minds to ours, are legally protected from abuse.
Time of Eve becomes legal and is reconstituted. After Rikou almost lost Sammy, they reunite with a crying hug, Rikou realises how much she's grown on him. Upon his suggestion, she starts behaving normally outside as if she was in Time of Eve (as it's now legal/okay to do so). Half of androids had their memories erased before the organisation is quelled, one of them happened to be Shimei. In Time of Eve, the regulars reintroduce Shimei to everything, and he slowly redevelops his usual self.
Rikou teaches Sammy to play piano, she's still not good at it but she's slowly improving and Rikou's attention makes her really happy. There is a bond of platonic love between Rokou and Sammy, that hints at maybe becoming more than that. Naoko ends up stalking her brother and discovering the Time of Eve. Show the look of wonder in her eyes as she glances across the room. Roll credits.
