This is going to contain spoilers through season 1 episode 10.
My tastes in media have become somewhat more demanding as I've gotten older. I used to enjoy pretty much anything with a fun adventure, but now I need my entertainment to also be educational or growth-provoking in some way.
I mostly enjoyed episodes 1-7 because even though it was a cute slice of life, it was coming at it from a more unique angle of how we form and value relationships and I felt that it was emotionally meaningful.
But then by episodes 9 and 10 suddenly all these villains have really specific quirks, and the combat is drawn-out as characters over-exposit every detail of what's going on. They even tell you what's going to happen with the fight well before it ever occurs, and then they still drag out the result for some reason. It was very disappointing and I'm concerned this is just going to be the state of things from now on.
I got kind of excited about the way Frieren was talking about demons because her beef with them sounds a lot like what a pig or chicken would think of humans, and I got almost a racist vibe, but my partner's reaction made it seem like we're not going to get introspective about our biases and hipocrisy, and he suggested we move on to something else. (He's read the comic and wanted to watch the show together.)
Thoughts? I'd like to think the story is going somewhere, but it won't be good for our relationship if it just ends up with me complaining the whole time.
Highlights from this year include:
All Systems Red by Martha Wells First in a series of short novels about a cybernetic construct owned by a corporation in a dystopia. I found it extremely relatable and humorous in relation to my own autism. Please do not watch the Apple TV series; it's a literal hate crime.
Other Ever Afters by Melanie Gillman A graphic novel of fairytale stories which teach good values.
Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans Basically cyberpunk in fantasy clothes. Rather than hacking, our heroes deal in illegal magical practices. Very light-hearted and fun, especially if you want read about boys holding hands.
Unnatural Magic by CM Waggoner Takes the basic premise of Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett and expands on it dramatically. Especially recommended if you're into wholesome dom/sub relationships.
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu Humanity makes contact with an alien intelligence and politics ensue. More of a serious/heavy sci-fi.
You Weren't Meant to be Human by Andrew Joseph White Extreme body horror. One of the best things I've ever read. Deals heavily with mental health, self-harm, and abuse/torture. All of this guy's stuff is great, but this is the first one written explicitly for adults, so he doesn't hold back.
Don't Let the Forest In by CG Drews Also a horror story dealing with mental health and self-harm, but intended for a younger audience.
All of these except Three-Body Problem are explicitly LGBT-friendly and come with representation euphoria built-in.