Soul Link has me really split in my opinion. On one side I think it’s complete crap with stupid dialogue and cheesy outfits but on the other hand I think they’ve managed to capture a mysterious atmosphere in an interesting setting. Every episode I watch is a rollercoaster ride between these two polar opinions. One scene I can think to myself “Why am I watching this again?” and right in the next scene my only thoughts are “Oh, wow!”.

I always had a love for sci-fi series/movies that take place in space, so I’m willing to put up with minor gripes (ok, so they’re pretty major sometimes..) just to get my fix. Take the cast for example, I really dislike most of them and that alone should tell me to drop the show as soon as possible. I’m not quite sure who is the main protagonist but based on the first episode I’d say Ryota is atleast one of them and he’s pretty much the epitome of all the weak and worthless male leads in anime everywhere. I reckon he’ll get a powerup in the last episode and save the world.
Next in line is the super annoying kid, Nanami. Everytime she’s on the screen I just want to strangle her. In the latest couple of episodes they’re hinting that she’s not really human at all though, so there’s hope for a brutal and bloody death once she sheds her human shell and show us her true evil alien self. I don’t think Soul Link is trying to be comedic but seriously with an antagonist like Cellaria I’m not sure anymore. She’s just the ultimate one-sided villain. I can’t imagine how many hours she must’ve spent in front of the mirror to perfect her evil laughter.

So between the boring cast, the bad dialogue and the horrible character designs what could possible be likeable about the show? It’s hard to put a finger on but occassionaly they’re doing something incredible right and everything just fits together to create a really claustrophobic atmosphere. These moments are really rare though and unfortunately it looks like the mystery is about to jump ship in the latest episodes. Will I still keep watching though? Oh, you bet.

Posted by Matte on Friday, June 9th, 2006 at 12:11 pm.