Patlabor: The TV Series (1989–1990) User Reviews

It is the best Mecha Anime ever!

[emasterslake · 8/10 · 29 July 2007]

Following the success of the OVA series from 1988. Came a TV series, that had all the ingredients for the perfect fighting robot related anime.

This isn't a continuation from the Original OVA. It's an alternate retelling of the story and universe. Noah joining Division 2 is entirely different as well as the encounter of Kanuka Clancey is different. The plot and background story is the though. It takes place in an alternate future. Set in the late 90's to the early 2000's. Where robot carriers called Labors are used to make the world progress quicker and cut down manual labor. But it created a raise in crime and terrorism. Which lead to improving the police forces by creating Patlabors. Labors specially used by the police to fight crime and make the public feel safe to roam the streets.

Patlabor the TV series ran for 47 episodes. Each one continues from the other. And through out the whole series, Noah, who gets the spot light more than the other main characters. Adapts to her passion for operating a Patlabor. And develops from a rowdy red head to a reliable woman. And the thing I like most about Patlabor, is it has a lot of character development. And it makes you feel like you're watching real life rather a Sci-Fi anime. Because everyone you see has a personality, goal, problem, and daily schedule.

The series has been around for more than a decade. Making it worthy of being classified as a classic. And is a highly under-rated anime. Very few people know it's existence. But those who like unique fighting robot anime, or anything from the 80s. Will likely to enjoy Patlabor.

Read my review on the Original OVA series for more info on how the franchise began.

It was unthinkable, but for me.... in terms of story and character development, PatLabor beats Robotech.

[vocaltaffy · 9/10 · 19 January 2015]

I faintly recall this anime in the fall of 1989, but I didn't watch it for some reason.

But five episodes in, this show edges my once all-time favorite mecha show, Robotech.

What sells me on this concept is the character development. There is a Lot of it. The way the story-writers put this together is seamless. There is continuity in every- yes, Every episode. I literally have to watch the episodes in sequence to catch a reference, even a nuance.

I love the personality of each. Regardless of gender, I see a tiny bit of myself in each character. I believe many watchers can identify with or at least relate to most of the characters. It mirrors what life might really be like if we loaded our workloads onto mechas.

Most of the story- if I could "guesstimate"- about 85% involves subject matter Not involving the mechas- and of that 85%, 80% deals with their relationships to each other at work and away from work. The atmosphere of the workplace accurately reflects a typical work environment. There are slow days too, and there are certainly a few episodes where you see Special Division 2 crew members just sitting around eating or cutting into each other.

They're a really curious bunch, often bordering on the verge of nosy, just like real people can be! Each regular has a unique sets of strengths and flaws, and you get to see those quirks play out often and in entertaining ways! Each character has a unique and special kind of chemistry that works so well, that you can often really forget that you're watching an anime. As I often do.

I agree with another poster/reviewer on another site. She said the fun really lies with seeing how the characters deal with each other. There are a few episodes you can see where Special Division 2 members don't even use a mecha (not even Izumi Noa). It's exciting to watch them press each other's buttons- and this happens Often (if you haven't watched the show yet, by all means do, and you will see exactly what I'm saying). They also come together to support a fellow crew member in tough times.

This TV show has been "under my nose" for all these years and I'm only really getting into it as of late. I'm enjoying it more than the PatLabor movies. I recommend watching this series! I've watched all 47 episodes. And not once have I not enjoyed several good laughs or had a dull story to sit through. So go watch it!

Sometimes I'm really hard at work, other times it's just an act.

One of the best TV series ever!

[bima_p · 1 July 2001]

Patlabor is an anime series that tells the stories of the Special Vehicles Unit 2, a police unit which equipped with labor(robot) to perform various duties. What set this series apart from others of its kind is this series focuses on the people not the robot. The Special Vehicles Unit 2 is made up of probably the most interesting mixd of people in the police force. The action sequences come quite few and far between (you won't find it in every episode), but it really delivers. For a TV series, the animation is one of the best looking and the most consistent I've ever seen.