By and large, the bulk of the series are stand alone episodes. The Hunters recieve a job from Big Mama, they go to some new town, find a new evil sorceror, kick his ass, and then move on to the next episode. These things are light and really empty. They aren't bad, they just aren't that good either. Since each episode features a different bad guy - as well as different side characters - there is very little chance for anything to feel like a threat or for the audience to get attached to the side characters.
As the series moves on, it does develop a larger, VERY epic-in-it's-scope, story, but even that feels hollow. The show's main villain is totally one-note, his motivations are lacking, and the conflict between him and the Hunters is almost never touched upon.
The characters themselves are really just empty and that's what bothered me most about the show. The basic idea of the cast is nice - there's a love triangle going on between Carrot/Chocolate/Tira, but with the caveat that Carrot isn't interested in either of the girls. They grew up together and so he thinks of them as sisters, but this isn't stated until the show is practically over. Given that Carrot spends 90% of the show chasing after women, it's hard to understand why he doesn't just give these ladies what they want when no one tells you WHY he won't.
Gateau and Marin have a sub-plot in that it seems like they're an item - or at least that Gateau has feelings for Marin - but again, this is never touched upon or developed. Perfectly good drama, wasted!
When it's all said and done, I'm really torn on this show. If this was something I had seen when I first got into anime - if this ever aired on Toonami - I'm sure I'd be a fan. The comedy is there, there's a touch of ecchiness, there's action, and the animation in most episodes is clean. There are the usual animation shortcuts - namely repetative transformation sequences - but that's standard for anime. The twists at the ending were interesting as well. But I feel like I've seen all of this before and seen it done better.
If you have nothing better to watch, then I'd be fine suggesting this. Otherwise, pass this up.
