As a whole, Zetsubou is a quirky and nonconformist series where the amalgamation of absurd situations, clever wordplay, witty humor, and quick-fire jokes come collide to create something that manages to be both amusing and addictive, if not particularly deep. At times, dwelling upon a single joke may make things drag a bit, but one can always expect something entirely random to spice things right back up. As noted previously, much of the humor revolves around inside jokes and wordplay, and as such those not particularly familiar with Japanese culture may fail to catch quite a bit of the more subtle or clever humor. Even so there is enough material there that even if viewers miss out on any given joke they're bound to catch another.

Amongst anime, there are some series which invoke philosophical rumination and others that play to more visceral tendencies. Nodame Cantabile is neither, and nor does it pretend to be; it is nothing more than a light-hearted romantic comedy that finds the perfect balance of quirkiness, seriousness, and drama to keep one entertained and hooked through the course of twenty-three episodes that is simply enjoyable to watch. (Note: Potential side effects may include an inordinate desire to listen to classical music. Lots of it. End note.)

Bottom line: It's really one of those series that leaves you with a smile at the end.

As mentioned previously, Jigoku Shoujo has a very clever and original premise that it relies heavily upon. Unfortunately, overuse of this single concept makes the series tend towards what is essentially repetition, one of the two major complaints with the series. While this may be intentional, to add an added philosophical or religious aspect to the series, the consistent plot formula (albeit with occasional wrinkles tossed in) and recycled clips do eventually wear away at the great potential of the series. With the gradual inclusion of a unifying storyline, the plot is beginning to pick up and thus this weakness is starting to be alleviated, and therefore it is likely that in the remaining episodes the series will pick up and fully capitalize on its potential.