I'm not sure if the reason we're just not getting it is because we as Westerners don't understand or if it really is bad storytelling. Perhaps because these stories were told from the perspective of a bored child that the stories ended up being childish, ridiculous or just cruel for no reason. Yeah, that's gotta be it. The fact that it was told from the viewpoint of the storytelling child through drawings made the story aspect less important than the past two seasons.
I do have to say I miss the original "puppet theater" art style of the first season. Now that the story appears more "animated" I get the feeling the animators are going for a "let's see how much we can creep you out!" vibe. I noticed this with the episode "Lend it to Me" and "Merry Go Round".
The worst episode in this series was 'That Side' Festival". It really brings home that dread that sometimes no matter what you do as soon as you're targeted that's it for you. Imagine if children were really held to their silly whims like, 'I don't ever want to grow up!" or "I wish I never had to go to bed!"
The best episode in this season was "The Empress Doll". It just made me laugh because they all just stood there watching in the mirror as this took place and the way the girl was taken was just hilarious! Hahaha!
I know I shouldn't laugh, but it's this kid's fault for making this set of stories so funny!
