Looks can be deceiving. This is an idea demonstrated all too
well by the cast of L/R as they implement disguises to complete their missions.
Unfortunately, the outward appearance of L/R can be misleading as well.
I was interested in watching this show because of the character designs and the
art style, which conjured images of other shows starring laid-back, cocky, cigarette-smoking
men in suits. Anyone that has seen those types of shows may see that L/R
either follows in that spirit or is a poorly done imitation. I saw it as the latter.
L/R
follows the adventures of Jack Hefner and Rowe Rickenbacker, suave secret agents
who operate under the codename L/R. They work for an agency called Cloud 7 that
undergoes special missions for the royal family of Ishtar. The first two episodes
are self-contained stories that allow viewers to get a feel for what Cloud 7 does
and shows the talents of Jack and Rowe in action. In episode three, we are introduced
to a young girl named Noel Adelaide, who plays a key role in the overall plot.
From that point, the series slowly sheds some light behind the mystery surrounding
Noel as it builds up to the climax. Overall, there is a lighthearted feel to L/R,
with the occasional dramatic moments.
This show came
off as mediocre and uninspired. Early on, there isn't anything interesting or
exceptional in the animation, plot, action, characters, dialog or anything else
you can think of. Because of this, it became a chore to watch the series in its
entirety even though it's only 12 episodes long. It's never a good sign when watching
becomes a chore. Fortunately, the story becomes somewhat interesting in the latter
episodes as the show takes a turn for the serious with the conspiracy involving
Noel and the royal family being revealed. However, the final episode sees the
series return to its lighthearted manner. It is a move that I felt was a mistake
since it throws out the dramatic tension built up to that point, leaving the viewer
with an unsatisfying end to the series.
L/R
has a lot of superficial qualities that will draw comparisons to other shows available
today. However, its lack of quality or entertainment value overall makes it an
inferior imitation that would be best avoided. There are better things to spend
money and time on than this.
(2.5)
