Goodbye, Lara Starts Strong But Stumbles at the Finish Line

Goodbye, Lara is a fascinating series that takes the dark roots of the original Little Mermaid and transforms them into something unique. The story follows Lara, who awakens two hundred years after failing to win her prince, only to find herself on a new mission to save her family from a deep sleep. Set in the modern town of Otsu, the show beautifully balances high stakes fantasy with grounded, slice of life moments as Lara learns to navigate human life alongside her friend Mari.

For most of its run, the series feels like a masterpiece. The animation is striking, the character writing is sharp, and the emotional core of the story feels earned. Episodes like The Light That Shines on Me demonstrate incredible harmony between direction and script, making the show feel like a top contender for the best anime of the year. The relationships built between Lara, Mari, and the complex supporting cast feel meaningful and deep throughout these middle chapters.

However, the finale is a frustrating turn that ruins much of the goodwill built by the earlier episodes. Fans who expected a satisfying queer ending were met with an outcome that ignores the character growth Lara experienced regarding her feelings for Mari. Choosing to pair Lara with a different character without a proper emotional payoff makes the final moments feel like a bait and switch, leaving a lingering bad taste despite the brilliance that came before it.

It is a shame to see such a promising series trip at the very end. While the artistry and the creative risks taken throughout the season are worth acknowledging, the choice to shy away from the resolution the story clearly set up will likely be the only thing people remember. Goodbye, Lara had the potential to be an all time great, but it ultimately falls short because of those final scenes.