Finished watching
Durarara!!, aka
DRRR! and
Dullalala!, an intended wordplay that becomes immediately obvious when you get acquainted with the premise. A very enjoyable series from the author of the praised
Baccano!—which is generously yet subtly referenced throughout the 24 episodes.
Can't say I'm happy with the wrap-up (a hint towards a second season, hopefully), as some very important plotlines are left unresolved and certain characters undeveloped. Those that are resolved and developed, though, are very strong; they leave you with instant gratification in every single episode. I do admit to liking the first half of the series better, though, as it feels more FLCL-ish in nature, lighthearted and fun, which is reflected by a
very catchy Baccano-ish opening. The unexpectedly sharp turn towards the darker narrative elements, not unlike the one in Gurren Lagann, made some characters look annoyingly awkward and stale, and made most of the others feel like they'd been completely idle in their pursuits for years before the main events had started, during which everything somehow contracted into a singularity of interconnected non-stop action.
That being said, this series is still one of the best out there, and is surely worth a watch for the impressive storytelling and a great cast of unique and likable characters, especially in the first half. Don't bother with the specials (DVD episodes 12.5 and 25) unless you really really like the show, they add nothing of importance to the story.
