The overall "plot" may suffer due to the show's quasi-episodic format, but the unique world that the writers create—and the way it is presented to the viewer—is still very alluring. You get thrown into this bizarre sci-fi landscape and learn more about it with each passing episode, drip by drip. I understand that for some, the lack of context Darker than Black initially provides can be frustrating; explanations are kept to an absolute minimum, and barely enough information about the world is given in the first episode to keep the viewer afloat. However, I find this to actually be one of the show's greatest strengths. Being able to piece together all the mysteries this foreign reality has to offer is a lot of fun, and a breath of fresh air from some series where backstory is literally spoon-fed to you. That being said, I found that the finale did leave many of my questions unanswered and wanting more. But the ride itself was, undoubtedly, something special.
The art, animation and sound design are all incredibly well done—definitely the quality you would expect from Bones. (In fact, I find the art style and shading reminiscent of FMA:B....) All of the action scenes are handled incredibly well, with smooth and fluid choreography, and the nonaction scenes don't suffer as compensation. Furthermore, the sound design and soundtrack hold up and benefit the scenes themselves. While nothing here is really so spectacular it redefines the industry, it certainly holds up to any standards a modern action anime faces.
The characters themselves might be the strongest element of the series. Admittedly, the shortness of each disjunct arc leaves many side characters feeling kind of one dimensional, but that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't well fleshed out within that dimension. And the central characters are strong enough to hold out on their own regardless. They don't get a TON of development, either, but they are still well written and benefit from the small snippets of backstory provided to help flesh them out. My favorite thing about them—especially with the main syndicate team—is their chemistry with each other. Their unique personalities and traits complement each other excellently; every interaction is thoroughly entertaining, comedically or otherwise. Would they have beneffited from a little more backstory? Perhaps. But again, this show tries to avoid spoon-feeding you as much as possible.
If you're still on the fence about Darker than Black, watch the first four episodes/two mini-arcs and see how you feel. Atmosphere, the action, and the MC are undoubtedly the show's strongest traits, and by then you'll have gotten a pretty good taste of all three. If you decide its not for you, you at least won't be dropping the show in the middle of a plot arc. But if you are a fan, rest assured you'll be able to enjoy plenty more where those came from (although the series' end WILL still leave you with a couple of burning questions, as well as cravings for Pizza Hut).
