Clockwork Planet [Season 1 Episode 1 to 12]

Clockwork Planet: A World of Gears and Missed Potential

When Clockwork Planet first aired in the spring of 2017, it promised a unique premise: a world where the Earth itself is a colossal machine, rebuilt by a legendary clockmaker known only as “Y.” The anime, produced by XEBEC, introduced us to Naoto Miura, a high school dropout with an extraordinary ability to hear the planet’s gears, and RyuZU, an enigmatic automaton left behind by Y. Alongside Marie, a genius clockmaker, they embark on a journey to fix the planet’s failing mechanisms.

On paper, this sounds like a recipe for something special—steampunk aesthetics, a dying world, and a ragtag team of underdogs fighting against the odds. But as the 12-episode season unfolded, it became clear that Clockwork Planet was a mixed bag, leaving fans divided.

The Good: A World Worth Exploring

The show’s strongest asset is its setting. The idea of a planet run by clockwork is undeniably cool, and the anime does a decent job of immersing viewers in this mechanical dystopia. The visuals, while not groundbreaking, capture the essence of a world where every movement is dictated by gears and cogs.

RyuZU, the stoic yet fiercely loyal automaton, quickly became a fan favorite. Her deadpan humor and combat prowess added much-needed charm to the cast. AnchoR, another automaton introduced later in the series, also had her moments, especially in the finale, where her emotional struggle resonated with some viewers.

The soundtrack, though not revolutionary, complemented the show’s tone well, blending orchestral pieces with electronic beats to match the mechanical theme.

The Bad: Wasted Potential and Weak Execution

Despite its intriguing setup, Clockwork Planet stumbled in execution. The pacing was erratic—some episodes dragged, while others rushed through pivotal moments. The finale, in particular, felt abrupt, leaving many questions unanswered. As one fan put it: “The start had so much potential, but by the end, it felt like wasted effort.”

Character development was another sore point. Naoto, despite his unique ability, often came across as generic and underdeveloped. Marie, while intelligent, lacked depth beyond her role as the “genius” of the group. The villains were forgettable, with motivations that felt shallow or poorly explained.

The tonal shifts were jarring. One moment, the characters were in a life-or-death battle; the next, they were cracking jokes in a shopping district. This inconsistency made it hard to take the story seriously.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It

The online discourse around Clockwork Planet is polarized. On platforms like MyAnimeList, opinions range from “This was the worst show of the season” to “I actually enjoyed it, flaws and all.”

Some fans appreciated the show’s ambition, praising its originality and the dynamic between RyuZU and AnchoR. Others, however, couldn’t overlook its shortcomings. One reviewer summed it up: “Cool concept, terrible writing. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion—you can’t look away, but you know it’s not going to end well.”

A recurring sentiment was disappointment. Many felt the show had all the ingredients for greatness but failed to deliver. The rushed ending, in particular, left a sour taste. “They built up this huge conflict, only to resolve it in the most predictable way possible,” lamented one viewer.

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Fun Ride

Clockwork Planet is far from perfect. Its weak character arcs, inconsistent tone, and rushed plot prevent it from being a standout anime. Yet, for all its flaws, there’s something oddly endearing about it. The world is fascinating, RyuZU is a gem, and the steampunk aesthetic is a refreshing change from the usual fantasy or sci-fi fare.

If you’re looking for a deep, well-crafted story, this might not be for you. But if you’re in the mood for a quirky, mechanically themed adventure with a few standout moments, Clockwork Planet could still be worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to be the next Steins;Gate or Fullmetal Alchemist.

In the end, it’s a 5/10—mediocre, but not without its charms. And hey, at least RyuZU made it all worthwhile.