In awe at this strong culmination of all the lessons, understandings, and ways Takumi has grown in his writing and directing. That was my first thought when going through the first two cases, a sort of magical expertise in having perfected a lot of the mechanics of mystery and characterization, as well as how the themes developed to the end. And while he still hasn't 'quite' found his footing on pacing all of those just as perfectly, the way each case gave a fresh introduction of stuff we've all seen before, alongside characters that went through familiar but stronger arcs vs. the rest of AA, was enough to just seal the heavy tears I had during the ending suite.

To an extent I don't even need the sequel really, I feel like there were so many wonderful character mysteries and characterization all interwoven together. That interrogation of justice, defense, and honesty by Naruhodo, to what the law really means, and then a complete breakdown of how a disgusting flawed system of 'justice' ends up becoming a weapon used by the people hurt by it to their own ends, even the most vengeful ones. The profuse personality emanating from Sholmes, who quickly jumped to the top of my husband list, to the earnest dialogue given by Iris and the defendants. I think the part that nails that feeling most is that when the jury was first put in the player's face I felt like it was irritating, but by the final case I was jumping at my seat to the next summation and interrogation because Takumi just pulls out every drawer from the cabinet to give each one heart!!!

I do still welcome what the sequel will bring for me, but I think even on its own, this is the best journey I've had with the series as a whole and I'll not soon forget it.