This is a noitaminA show, which is always 1 cour, and it has to be very tight and focused to make the show work. Disaster movies are usually short (90 minutes) and most of the padding comes from fanservice in the beginning before the disaster happens; Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 starts off with an earthquake at the end of episode 1. This is when I begin to ask, "Is there enough material for 11 episodes?"
The answer for that is kinda and it has to be split into two parts: a tourist guide to an apocalyptic Tokyo and a coming-of-age story.
In 11 episodes, the show features famous and fallen Tokyo districts and monuments; an episode is entirely directed to the Tokyo Tower. The intent of the project is there: to show a realistic depiction of an actual earthquake. The backgrounds look spectacular and it immerses viewers into a panicked Tokyo.
That said, it really does feel like those travel shows you see on Discovery Channel. The bizarre pacing creates a jumpy feeling; let's focus on this district and then, another district! I find this obtrusive to the story and immersion; isn't this work a realistic depiction and not a travel show?
In a way, this show can be seen as a coming-of-age story for Onozawa Mirai. However, I had problems liking or relating to Mirai; she comes off as too bratty and uncaring in some events. There are some events that are clearly her fault and I gaped at her stupidity.
The relationship dynamic between Mirai and Yuuki is almost mindboggling and the show really depended on the dynamics to convey its themes. I had trouble understanding what's the problem with Mirai's character nor was I interested in Yuuki's character. I admit that Mirai is intentionally set up as a bratty character, but it went too far.
Mari, on the other hand, actually has development. As expected from josei works, Mari's problems are mature and I invested more emotions towards her character than the others. Her struggle as a working single mother made me consider why she isn't the main character; she had better problems well suited for drama.
And the ending. Good god. While people may like its sappy ending, I did not and felt cheated; it is such a cheap and cliched way to end. Again, it depended on the relationship dynamics of the main characters and the ending, to me, felt too sloppy and slipshod.
Did I think it is a good show though? Maybe. I didn't hate it; that's for sure. However, the show's natural strength of beautiful art succumbed to its characterization and pacing flaws. It just comes off to me as one of those works that has wasted a good premise.
