World's End Harem
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Reito Mizuhara is a medical student at the National Advanced Medical School in Tokyo who contracts a rare, lethal disease called cellular sclerosis. In order to be treated, he is put into cryogenic sleep for five years. Upon awakening, he learns that a year into his slumber, a worldwide pandemic broke out, caused by the novel Male Killer (MK) virus which exclusively afflicts males and has killed all other men on Earth. Fortunately, Reito and four other men were spared during their cryosleep and are now immune to the virus. As the only men left in the world, they are thus tasked with mating with as many women as possible to repopulate the planet. However, Reito is committed to his childhood friend and sole love interest, Elisa Tachibana—only to learn that she went missing three years ago. While the other male survivors adapt accordingly to this new world, Reito instead chooses to pursue Elisa, fight never-ending temptation, and investigate this mysterious virus.
Audience Consensus
Audience reception to "Shuumatsu no Harem" is highly polarized. While some viewers appreciate the unique premise and character development, especially within the ecchi genre, a significant portion criticizes the show for its shallow plot, underdeveloped characters (particularly the protagonist), and inconsistent tone. Many feel it fails to live up to its narrative potential, often being dismissed as a crude male fantasy.
Strengths
- Interesting premise with potential for deeper exploration of themes like survival and societal impact.
- Some characters, particularly Doi, show promising development and complexity.
- Animation quality is generally considered good, with no reliance on 3D.
- Sound design and music are often cited as above average and fitting.
- The ecchi elements are sometimes seen as integral to the plot rather than purely gratuitous.
Weaknesses
- The protagonist, Reito, is frequently criticized for being boring, indecisive, and uninteresting, particularly his refusal to engage in the core premise.
- The plot is often described as rushed, underdeveloped, or inconclusive, especially given the short episode count.
- Despite attempts at serious storytelling, the show is often perceived as a shallow male fantasy or a poorly executed hentai.
- Female characters are often considered one-dimensional or lacking significant personality.
- The show's tone is inconsistent, attempting to blend serious themes with explicit fan service, which alienates some viewers.