Basilisk ended pretty much both as it began and as it carried on - with a shitload of death. It was fitting, really. The resolution of the conflict central to the show happened both as I predicted and in surprising fashion. To put it in the ol' spoilers, that they both died was fitting, really, especially given the foreshadowing in the first episode. I liked that they killed themselves, though, rather than each other - as I expected, given the foreshadowing in the first episode. Was still kind of hoping that Gennosuke would go apeshit and whip some imperial ass, but oh well. This worked better, I imagine. The ending was good. It fit.

All in all, a fucking excellent series that turns all the bullshit that anime fans have come to expect from ninja fighting shows completely on its gigantic retarded fucking head. No talking for thirty minutes during fights. No thirty minute fights. No thirty minute fights that end without anyone dying. No powering up. No retarded half-day training that yields ridiculous results. None of that bullshit.

The fights are gloriously quick and brutal. Main characters die on the order of one an episode, and cannon fodders dies... a shitlot. The characters are all unique, have cool ninja powers and all that shit, and get a bit of development, too. Not a ton, mind you, but enough to make them more than flat. Pretty excellent animation throughout, especially in the fight scenes. But above all: the fights, the killing, the complete lack of bullshit. It's wonderful. Wonderful.

Basically, if you like shit like the classic Ninja Scrolls movie or just badasses killing each other in general, check Basilisk the fuck out. Easily Gonzo's best yet, and a fine fucking show.