I'll give Shiki credit, it had a compelling (enough) story, and the spooky parts were spooky-ish. The art is odd but unique, and the sound fits the tones/mood well.
Now, the not so good.
I'm fine with a slower paced show, but if it's gonna spend so much time focusing on multiple characters that end up doing nothing in the end or do nothing the whole time, then JUST CUT IT. (This show could've been a solid 18 eps)
This show introduces so many new characters each episode that after episode 3 i stopped trying to remember names and faces. In the end it doesn't matter if you know anyone outside the "main" cast, since they either aren't important or wont last.
Who is the main character? I still have no idea who the main characters actually are. They make you think that it's some people, only to have them disappear for half the show. Or to have other people do nothing until suddenly they take up all of the screen time in the last 5 episodes.
The logical thinking and progression of the characters in Shiki was laughable. Not one character actually feels or thinks like a human being, which is deeply unsettling. The show repeatedly bashes the same motifs and themes into your head": "who is the REAL monster, humans or demons???" The answer is EVERYONE, they all suck and you're not clever!!
Finally, let's talk about the very foreign idea of character motivation, because the writers may not know about it. The characters in Shiki either do things for no reason, do nothing at all, or act like they'll do something, but do nothing. It's impossible to predict what any of the characters are thinking at any moment, because they will act completely out of character, become non-characters until it's convenient for them to return, or are just there in the first place to die.
Too many characters, too long, no logic, and it tries to be way more clever and meta than it should be.. Only watch this show if you're looking for a shallow spooky supernatural mystery (with good music).
