I faintly recall this anime in the fall of 1989, but I didn't watch it for some reason.
But five episodes in, this show edges my once all-time favorite mecha show, Robotech.
What sells me on this concept is the character development. There is a Lot of it. The way the story-writers put this together is seamless. There is continuity in every- yes, Every episode. I literally have to watch the episodes in sequence to catch a reference, even a nuance.
I love the personality of each. Regardless of gender, I see a tiny bit of myself in each character. I believe many watchers can identify with or at least relate to most of the characters. It mirrors what life might really be like if we loaded our workloads onto mechas.
Most of the story- if I could "guesstimate"- about 85% involves subject matter Not involving the mechas- and of that 85%, 80% deals with their relationships to each other at work and away from work. The atmosphere of the workplace accurately reflects a typical work environment. There are slow days too, and there are certainly a few episodes where you see Special Division 2 crew members just sitting around eating or cutting into each other.
They're a really curious bunch, often bordering on the verge of nosy, just like real people can be! Each regular has a unique sets of strengths and flaws, and you get to see those quirks play out often and in entertaining ways! Each character has a unique and special kind of chemistry that works so well, that you can often really forget that you're watching an anime. As I often do.
I agree with another poster/reviewer on another site. She said the fun really lies with seeing how the characters deal with each other. There are a few episodes you can see where Special Division 2 members don't even use a mecha (not even Izumi Noa). It's exciting to watch them press each other's buttons- and this happens Often (if you haven't watched the show yet, by all means do, and you will see exactly what I'm saying). They also come together to support a fellow crew member in tough times.
This TV show has been "under my nose" for all these years and I'm only really getting into it as of late. I'm enjoying it more than the PatLabor movies. I recommend watching this series! I've watched all 47 episodes. And not once have I not enjoyed several good laughs or had a dull story to sit through. So go watch it!
Sometimes I'm really hard at work, other times it's just an act.
