The first part of the second half was kinda lame and in some ways a total waste of air time. There really wasn't much of a point to it except for filler.
The last part, the last 5 or 6 episodes, was fantastic. I have never been moved to tears by an anime. I've been sad because it was over but never teared up over the story. Until now. And I'm a big enough man to admit that.
I'm a pretty cold hearted person and for me to admit that it brought me to tears is saying something.
If you don't watch the first 17 episodes, make it a point to watch the last 7 episodes.
