(Ed. Note: Spoilers aplenty)

I’ve done it. I’ve finally done it. After 70 episodes of the original series, two movies, one OVA and a sequel series of 22 episodes (thus far), I’m caught up on all things Cardcaptor Sakura. That is, I’m caught up with all things animated. Like Deadman Wonderland, things end right when they’re getting good.

Sakura finally finds out who’s been haunting her dreams and gathering up her Sakura Cards. We see that Sakura’s magic has gotten insanely strong to the point she’s manifesting the new Clear Cards out of seemingly nothing but hopes and dreams. We finally see someone take notice that Eriol’s house has been rebuilt, even though it was destroyed in the second film. Syaoran and Sakura are getting closer and you’re like “aw young love.” And Tomoyo is still like a doting mother over Sakura’s successes in love and in capturing cards.

However, unlike Deadman Wonderland, there’s still hope for a second season. I’ll hold onto that hope for now.

Clear Card was one of those things I went into a bit skeptical. The original CCS holds a newly-forged place in my heart. I didn’t think Clear Card would be “bad,” but I was skeptical as to how they’d handle an almost-teenager Sakura and company. Some series don’t handle time skips very well. Those that do, such as Gurren Lagann or Clannad, are well-regarded because of their character growth arcs.

So far, so good. I’m not bawling my eyes out like Clannad (we’ll talk about Tomoya Okazaki and his family one of these days). But, I’m definitely intrigued and want more.

The new arc’s first season ends on a cliffhanger but not one that’ll have you throwing your remote at the screen. The evolution of the characters feels natural and realistic; nothing’s forced, even if Clear Card is essentially a soft reboot of the show’s mythos. It keeps up the light, magical feelings of the original series. That said, we as viewers also get a lot of uncertainty and some reevaluation of personal beliefs and ideas (just like puberty in general).

I would’ve loved to see more of Kero and Yue’s interactions to protect their master. I do understand why it’s less about them wanting to protect her and more about Sakura continuing to learn to protect herself. As cutesy as the show is, it hits you with truths about maturation. I also would’ve liked more Meiling, considering her importance in the original anime. But I get why she also appears for a brief period of time. It’s not her story, even if I’d take her over having some extra Yamazaki tall tales.

Overall, it’s a breezy watch. If you loved the original, you’ll binge Clear Card because CLAMP knows mystery and character drama. It’s not perfect, but it’s a worthy successor to the Cardcaptor Sakura series.