Date A Live: The Complete First Season

In this action/harem anime, teenage nice guy Shido is tapped to save the world from “spatial quakes”—i.e., tremors precipitated by otherworldly creatures known as Spirits, which cause citywide destruction and lead to emergency evacuations. It turns out that the Spirits, who take the form of hot young women, find Shido inexplicably alluring, and so his “task” in subduing them consists of dating the women and sealing up their power with a kiss. On hand to help is a team of professionals—led by Shido's younger sister, Kotori—equipped with dating-simulation software and a giant airship. Eventually, the pacified Spirits join Shido's high school, and he earns everyone's love by being caring and affable. The unfailingly cute girls (human and Spirit) supply plenty of sword-and-gun action, as well as large amounts of fan service (including panty shots). Although light on plot, the series is often fun and occasionally emotionally engaging, with dynamic and likeable characters. Compiling all 12 episodes from 2013, plus the OVA, in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated TV-14, extras include audio commentaries. A strong optional purchase. (L. Martincik)