I'd like to say that, judging by the quality of X-Men, Blade probably wont *deletes word that could act as pun* be a terrible show. Then again, Madhouse will do whatever they feel like doing.
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Marco 2
This episode could well be titled "Marco, the most delightful boy on Earth". He's diligent, thoughtful, light-hearted and full of energy. Like everything about this show, he's thoroughly charming, without being saccharine.
We could alternatively name this excursion "Marco goes to the shops and makes lunch" because that's all that happens! Turning such a mundane plot into an enjoyable slice of entertainment is no easy task, but a focus on minor details and subdued, believable situations really sells the atmosphere of the piece.
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Sherlock Hound 3
What a fantastic episode. Damn. I could go off about it for awhile but if I summarise it as "a twenty minute Miyazaki movie" that should hopefully be a vivid enough description for those familiar with his works. Think Cagliostro and Castle in the Sky though, because this is definitely an adventure piece.
It also helps when the central clues aren't Gosick level stupid.
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Watching a Takahata episode back-to-back with a Miyazaki episode is definitely a fun exercise. Miyazaki with his eye for exciting visuals, bold movement, exaggerated villains and fast-moving stories while Takahata explores small moments of grounded human drama and brings them to life with a dedicated and careful hand.
