Date A Live

 
Date A Live is what I would deem a ‘fun’ anime to watch. It is the sort of entertainment that allows you to sit back, relax, and just enjoy the show. No need to think too hard or look for something to critique. No need to debate on whether it is a masterpiece, argue on what it is lacking or have a discussion on what it excels in. It’s just the typical, enjoyable, slice-of-life without the bombardment of significant plot developments or the emotional, heart-breaking scenarios. As such, Date A Live, follows the classic slice-of-life troupe, with the traditional harem-takes, fan-service, cliché and predicable moments, silliness and a tone that labels itself as turn-your-brain-off-and-just-enjoy-the-show. In fact, this introduction can be similarly said for many other series of its type such as IS: Infinite Stratos, OreShura, and Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!? to name a few.

Plot Details (spoilers!)

Date A Live is set somewhere in the distant future where humanity is recuperating from the bombardment of devastative space-quakes that had claimed millions of lives. At the present time, space-quakes occur on a random but frequent basis with very little cause for concern due to the now-implemented early detection systems and emergency shelters. The cause of the space-quakes however, is revealed to be due to the arrival of Spirits on Earth – female humanoid life-forms with magical powers (or alien technology in this case) designed for combat. Opposing this so-called ‘threat’ with the aim to annihilate the Spirits is a human tactical anti-Spirit defence force labelled the AST (Anti-Spirit Team). Coincidentally the AST troops are all young females, and with the Spirits being female as well, the harem is set!

The series starts off with the main protagonist, Itsuka Shido making a promise with his younger sister, Kotori, to meet up after school at a family restaurant. On that day during class, a space-quake warning sounds, causing everyone to depart to a nearby emergency shelter. Shido, concerned that Kotori might still be waiting at the diner (despite the obvious danger), races off towards the family restaurant. On the way, the predicted space-quake occurs and a Spirit emerges from the destruction. Shido manages to survive the blast and is introduced to the conflict between the Spirit and the AST before falling unconscious. Upon waking, Shido finds himself in the care of Ratatoskr, a peacekeeping organisation led by (lo and behold!), Kotori. Long story short, the organisation aims to prevent anymore devastation in a manner completely different from AST’s approach (which invites more conflict and thus, destruction) and in the process, save and protect the Spirits. It is no surprise in an anime of this format that Shido holds the key to achieve this purpose. Shido is able to seal a Spirit’s powers by a kiss, however, that ability is conditional and requires the emotional and mental state of the Spirit to be in love with Shido. So what does Shido have to do? Date them of course! Thus, begins Shido’s mission to date the various Spirits that are introduced in this series – Tohka, Yoshino, Kurumi, and lastly, Kotori (can his sister be any more surprising?). Let the silliness, the romance, and the harem ensue!

Comments (spoilers!)

My only criticism for this series is the lack of explanation on the many important plot details that were present within the story. What are the origins of the Spirits? How do they come to Earth? Why do space-quakes occur when they arrive? What is their purpose? Why do Spirits have the form of a female human? How in the world does Shido have the ability to seal a Spirit’s power? Although these details were not necessary for the continuation of the plot, a bit of elaboration would provide sensibility to the story and definitely create something more understandable and enjoyable. Nevertheless, the anime-world doesn’t have requirements for such elaborate details and turning off your brain here and there is helpful in this case.

Notably, if I were to liken Date A Live to another series, it would be The World God Only Knows (TWGOK), due to the situation the protagonist finds himself in and the role he has to play. Unlike many harems where the male lead is either dense or unaware of his harem, Shido (Date A Live) and Katsuragi (TWGOK) are both aware of their situation, probably because their harem is not accidental, but intentional. This is justified by a plot that fundamentally sits on the save-the-world-by-harem route. If I was to compare the two, I would personally say that TWGOK is superior as a series as it breaks away from the typical ‘fun’ slice-of-life genre and holds onto greater emotion and tension (I recommend watching it!). I also prefer Katsuragi over Shido as a protagonist as Katsuragi has more character and balls than Shido, whereas Shido is the typical bland and boring nice guy (which I am really getting sick of in slice-of-life these days). In fact, if I were to compare them in terms of characteristics, they have completely opposite personalities. Funny how harem works eh? I wish the world revolved around anime-logic.

Overall Impressions

Date A Live is not one of the greatest, nor is it one of the worst anime series, but is located somewhere in the middle. With that being said, Date A Live shows simplicity that is pleasant to watch and it doesn’t do anything more than that. It is to be enjoyed, not analysed. Just kick back, relax and watch the show. Of course if the classic slice-of-life harem doesn’t work for you, then there is no need to force yourself to watch it. But let it be known that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definitely be watching Date A Live II and am keen for the upcoming movie.