Despite the three episodes of classic magical girl exposition, the character Fate appears afterward and instigates the series' rapid evolution into something much more respectable. The elements of the plot become darker with the passing of time, especially parts of the plot that regard Fate and her reasons for fighting. Soon, the plot twists fly left and right and by the end, Nanoha is nothing like the series it was when it started. And that's a very good thing!
Though Nanoha may scream "Sakura clone" at first, she quickly separates herself from her predecesors by taking up a buster rifle and a no-nonsense unhesitant attitude toward her new duties. Supporting characters Fate and Arf also contribute heavily to the narrative and are enjoyable characters in their own right as well.
Nanoha's first season was directed by Shinbo Akiyuki, infamous for his inventive animation style, but don't expect any kind of surreal post-modernism here. Do expect surprisingly fluid, almost movie quality animation that stays relatively consistent throughout. Not to mention the extended transformation sequence is one of the most amazingly lavish of the genre.
The soundtrack is highlighted by a beautiful Nana Mizuki number as the OP, though the BGM and ED aren't nearly as impressive. The BGM works without being obtrusive but it's nothing that requires any more thought.
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha is an ironic title, as after the first three episodes, everything it does separates itself from the "magical girl" moniker. It's darker than most, and far more well-thought-out in terms of narrative. The first installment to the now cult-status franchise, Nanoha is far more enjoyable than you'd be led to believe at first glance.
Overall I give Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha an 8 out of 10
