Maison Ikkoku

 

While we usually do not consume romantic comedies, a rekindled interest in anime and manga drew us back to Maison Ikkoku. We adored the soundtrack, slice of life aspects and slow pace of this 1980s show, but it was excessively long. There was no reason to extend it to 96 episodes. Nor did we need that pointless film with the different character designs (although we liked the Michael Jackson poster). As the series began to run too long and certain characters disappear for long stretches, it seemed like the story was just grasping for any plot device to prevent Godai and Kyoko from confessing their feelings. To their credit, the animation improved and some of the antics of the Maison Ikkoku tenants continued to entertain. Nonetheless, this is a very endearing tale of widow and her tenant falling in love with a colorful ensemble of characters (who can forget Mitaka or Yotsuya?). If only it could have been condensed into 52 episodes or perhaps even fewer so I would have watched it 2 or 3 years ago...