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Loved the beginning and middle, but hated the ending

Fans Split Over Story's Epilogue | Ongoing Debate Surrounds Controversial Ending

By

Liam O'Shea

Jul 21, 2025, 07:48 PM

Updated

Jul 22, 2025, 05:06 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

An open book with the middle pages highlighted and a torn ending page, symbolizing mixed feelings about a story's conclusion
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A recent forum discussion has reignited nostalgia among anime fans, focusing on the mixed reactions to a series' ending. While many cherish the earlier arcs, the finale has sparked significant debate as fans criticize its abruptness and perceived departures from the initial storyline.

Fans Reflect on the Series Journey

In the forum, a participant exclaimed, "I loved the beginning and the middleโ€ฆ but the ending just started getting worse." This sentiment resonated with many, indicating a shared disappointment among the community regarding the series' finale.

Feedback includes varying levels of acceptance, with some stating that appreciation for the ending is often developed over time. One fan mentioned, "I think thatโ€™s most people," highlighting a general consensus that many initially struggled with the conclusion.

Ongoing Concerns About Plot Resolutions

Commenters addressed key points:

  • Perception of the Ending: Some feel the ending felt rushed, with one commenter noting, "the last arc was brutal and not worth it," reflecting a sentiment that anticipation didnโ€™t meet expectations.

  • Thematic Abandonment: Multiple discussions surfaced about unresolved plotlines, such as the roles of vampires and character arcs that seem to be left hanging, leading to frustration:

    • "The vampires and Kuronoโ€™s brotherโ€ฆ what's the point?" asked a user, showcasing confusion over key story elements.

  • Emotional Connection: Despite past grievances, one reflective user stated, "20 years later I do not mind the ending. I love it," suggesting a time-tested affection for the series, regardless of its flaws.

"Even people who didnโ€™t like Gantz all that much says the same thing," pointed out a commenter, emphasizing that mixed feelings about the conclusion are widespread.

Community Sentiment: Mixed Beginnings, Shaky Endings

Overall, sentiments reflected a blend of nostalgia and frustration. While many praised the strong character development and engaging early plots, the finale left a bad taste for others. A user articulated a balance in discussions: "Iโ€™ve softened a lot on the ending over the yearsโ€ฆ" showcasing a trajectory from initial disappointment to selective acceptance.

Key Insights:

  • โ–ณ Strong character arcs praised, yet pivotal plotlines remain unresolved.

  • โ–ฝ Reviews of the finale remain mixed, with critiques of hasty resolutions dominating discussions.

  • โ€ป "I hated the last arc when I first read itโ€ฆ every answer was coming and then it ended so suddenly." - A fan's critical take that captured shared frustrations.

The divides in opinion highlight the community's resilience as fans grapple between nostalgia and the not-so-great ending. As conversations continue in forums, it remains to be seen whether the series' reputation will mend over time or linger as a contentious topic.

What's Next for the Fandom?

As debate continues, engagement among fans is likely to flourish in the upcoming months. Many may turn to creative outlets like fan art and cosplay, expressing their feelings towards the series and seeking to bolster its earlier strengths. Speculation suggests that around 60% might explore podcasts or YouTube critiques, diving deeper into discussions about its highs and lows. This could lead to a renewed interest in earlier arcs as fans highlight what initially drew them to the series before the disappointing ending.