The plot was interestingly dark, as it attempts to put the main character in a pretty dramatic conflict, leading her into deep sadness. This contrasts with Honey's happy and positive personaility.
However, while this is clearly the main conflict of the show, more so than a monster of the week shounen anime, it barely produces any dramatic scenes. Most of the episodes are two characters talking, with minimum action or character development.
While the conflict is evidently dramatic, the main character doesn't react properly in such a situation. This is the main reason why Cutie Honey Universe is considered as wasted potentional.
The ending/climax was disruptive and made no sense so it doesn't really make the grind worth it: it doesn't match the development of the story.
The characters are quite well represented and the beggining of the show is fun so that's why it gets an average score of 5. If I were to rate only the good episodes, it would be an 8, as they are a lot of fun and I consider anyone could enjoy them.
It's certainly not a bad shounen anime; it's boring but at least it's not unappealing or generic. There are not many shounen anime like this (.Hack SIGN is the only one as bad as this one that comes to mind) so you won't feel that you've seen this before but it's an experience you really shouldn't have to go through.
It's particularly disappointing as Mazinger Infinity and Devilman Crybaby had done so well, so the revival for Go Nagai's properties seemed like they could do no wrong.
In conclusion, as a full product, Cutie Honey Universe is just average and you shouldn't waste your time watching average anime. Even for Honey fans.
