Hyouka isn't intense, and the first episodes are almost stand-alone. Even near the end the plot connections between episodes are tenuous. However, I still wanted to see every next episode just as badly as when I watch anime that are highly plot driven and leave you at cliffhangers.
Hyouka draws you in despite not having those qualities because a lot of cleverness and care went into its production. The characters and the scenarios are realistic yet endearing, and the high school setting becomes interesting rather than "just another high school anime" because of the mysteries that the main characters investigate.
I loved how those mysteries ranged in importance, from trivial to monumental, from one-episode to multiple-episode affairs. But most importantly, I loved Oreki Houtarou's character. His logic, his laziness, and his gradual awakening to emotions that are beyond his "energy conserving" way of life are drawn out perfectly.
As a mini Sherlock-Holmes adventure, I can't praise Hyouka enough.
