"Canaan" throws the audience right into the middle of the story, introducing multiple characters who seem to know far more about the backstory than you do. Some may dislike this since it makes the series harder to follow in the beginning, but as for me, I think it's a very intriguing concept that more narratives (whether they be manga, light novels, anime originals, and any other form of western media as well) should take advantage of, as a story that builds the past, present, and future around itself as it progresses is something I really enjoy. Such a method of storytelling also allows for the audience to really get to know each character and how they fit into the grand scheme of things, and considering how interesting and complex every character is in Canaan, this works immensely in the show's favor. Every episode you're made aware of how two seemingly unrelated characters know each other, or what some character did in their past and how it affects the present day affairs of everyone. There's a lot of great things to be said about a plot that continuously thickens from beginning to end.
My 2nd point isn't quite as straightforward as the first, as your interpretation of this may be different than mine. I found that the show really emphasized the importance of living for yourself, and how devoting your life entirely to one person will only lead to more pain. I've heard a lot of people online saying things like "I stay alive because my mom would be sad if I was gone" or "My dogs would miss me if I died" and it's always bothered me that people place such little value on their lives. The story of Maria and Canaan's friendship lends credence to my point, in that Maria's constant dependence on Canaan as the light in her life only left her more troubled as the ending neared. My favorite quote from the show is proof of this: "You're my light, Canaan. You keep shining straight on, even to the end of the world. But being loved and illuminated by you has cast a shadow inside a corner of my heart." Leaving no room in your heart for yourself is a dangerous game that led to the downfall of multiple others throughout the series, which is what led me to believe that this was the message the show aimed to present: one of putting yourself above others and valuing yourself as a person.
I started Canaan looking for all the cool action scenes I saw in an AMV and left feeling more grounded in my ideals regarding self-worth. If you're just looking for something that'll keep you occupied for a while, I'd suggest finding another show to watch. This is a show worth paying attention to, and it's been my goal in this review to prove that.
