Steins;Gate

Episode 1: Turning Point

Episode 2: Time Travel Paranoia

Episode 3: Parallel World Paranoia

Episode 4: Interpreter Rendezvous

Episode 5: Starmine Rendezvous

Episode 6: Butterfly Effect's Divergence

Episode 7: Divergence Singularity

Episode 8: Chaos Theory Homeostasis I

Episode 9: Chaos Theory Homeostasis II

Episode 10: Chaos Theory Homeostasis III

Episode 11: Dogma in Event Horizon

Episode 12: Dogma in Ergosphere

Episode 13: Metaphysics Necrosis

Episode 14: Physically Necrosis

Episode 15: Missing Link Necrosis

Episode 16: Sacrificial Necrosis

Episode 17: Made in Complex

Episode 18: Fractal Androgynous

Episode 19: Endless Apoptosis

Episode 20: Finalize Apoptosis

Episode 21: Paradox Meltdown

Episode 22: Being Meltdown

Episode 23: Open the Steins Gate

Episode 24: Achievement Point











Pros

- Fantastic characters

- Not only are the characters themselves great, but the dynamics are so well done that they become the backbone of the show.  Episodes that barely advance the plot are still entertaining because the characters play off each other so well.

- As a result of the aforementioned points, the emotional moments resonate a lot more.  You connect with them and feel their anguish as they go through their respective ordeals.  Okarin, in particular, stands out as someone who you feel for, though Mayuri, Kurisu, and Suzuha are also strong contenders on that front as well.

- The show successfully runs the emotional gamut.  It can be funny, sad, heartfelt, and tragic with no mood whiplash or sense of inconsistency.



Cons

- The plot has a tendency to start and stop. Some episodes don't really advance the plot at all.

- As the show involves time travel, some issues do come up.  By and large, it follows its own rules, but there are hiccups and headscratchers here and there.  Okarin also goes about things in a very roundabout fashion when he really didn't need to.



Overall

This was a solid show.  When it wants to pull your heartstrings, it does an amazing job.  The characters are great and incredibly empathetic.  While they are a major strength, they do manage to make the show's actual plot something of an afterthought.  I do feel like there are elements that could have been fleshed out a bit more, but we do get enough.  I still liked it quite a bit and recommend checking it out.  This is also a show that lends itself to a rewatch as you can go back and try to look for new details that you may have missed the first time around.






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