The story is easily the weakest part of this show, because it didn't really need one. Aria is a character driven show and it knows it is too. The story was just a set up for the characters to flourish and make you feel warm inside. If you come in expecting some action packed thriller, I implore you to never watch Aria. This series can be summed up in one word: Relaxing. Aria is something you chill out to on a cold December day with hot coco and sit with a blanket on. If you go in trying to analyze everything and everyone, you will just ruin the vibe this show is trying to set up for you. Just turn off your critical side and let yourself sink into the land of Neo Venezia. I will say, however, that it does get quite repetitive and boring after the first dozen or so SoL episodes, which is the entire show basically. You can only use the same formula for so long before even if you are into the relaxed side of the show, can still feel like a drag. And if you think this show does anything more, then go look for something else. Cause the 52 episodes that make up Aria, up until the last 5, is just an episodic SoL about 3 girls and their trip to being a Prima Undine. If you have the tolerance to sit through that, then congratulations because you will be crying your eyes out in the last 5 episodes. All of the SoL elements the show creates for 40 episodes straight all pay off magnificentely and create a dagger that stabs you right in your heart, with love, of course. Overall, the entire show was a 6/10 and then the last 5 episodes singlehandedly brought it to a 7.5.
Now let's talk about the characters. We follow Akari, Alice and Aika as they pursue the position of Prima Undine. They do so in their own style and it's a joy to watch them be on screen. The dynamic they share is really something special and without them, this show would be nothing. Of course you have the already Prima's: Alicia, Akira and Athena as the teachers of the 3, representing the contrast of what the younger 3 will become. The show really just sat down and let these characters do their thing and let it run with them, and I really don't think anyone is bothered with that. Just sit down, relax, and let these girls take you on a trip you can chill to.
Overall, I really do think (after the ending) that this show had a clear beginning, middle and end. It was tied up perfectly and should be left to rest (I know there's a sequel movie but I'm not going to bother). If you want something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, dying to see what happens next, go watch something else. However, if you want that seat to turn into a blanket and pillow as you chill out to some SoL, try a few episodes why don't you.
