QUOTE(trias @ Jul 23 2006, 10:19 PM)
There's a lot of subtle and referential humour, so Haruhi isn't an outright outrageously funny anime, especially for first time viewing - this justifies a second or even third time viewing to really get what the show wants to present. Some things tha you might not find funny the first time would make you crack up when you realize what you had missed out. If you're looking for an openly funny anime, you definately have been misled by us Haruhists XD - that I'd like to admit. Haruhi is not a COMEDY. So a lot of the humour might be not your type of humour. Honestly, a lot of details slipped through my mind while watching a new episode - there's just a lot of small things here and there, you can't watch Haruhi while your mind's not into the show.
First episode needs to be appreciated more. Come on it's the epitome of anime!!

. (If you did get what I tried to say, you'll get what episode 1 means)
I would like to point out that Haruhi has really been given such an overhype by fanboys, which well, a lot of people dislike - Naruto? But is Haruhi overrated? My answer is that Haruhi definately deserves the ratings it has received, albeit surrounded by such a big hype, a lot of it positive (which Haruhists are happy with - animes need positive reviews to get them off the ground) and some of it negative - usually to do with fanboyism and flaming. EDIT: oh how much I sound like one
Anyway, we're really far off topic. Just to point something out, Utawarerumono is a good anime that's kinda underhyped. I think I'll go back to watch episode 15-16 before returning back.
Yes I'm aware that we're far off topic (thanks for reminding). The reason why I chose to post my opinion here is to avoid flamming from Haruhists in the main thread...looking at their fanbase I figured I'd get flamed to hell or something like "SHUDDUP Haruhi is teh ROXORS!!!!111" if I mentioned something 'wrong' there.
Perhaps you are right, maybe Haruhi needs multiple views to get the true meaning to it but too bad it doesn't work for me. I'd usually rate something good if it's good on first viewing and it gets my attention, rather than something I need to rewatch over and over again.
Anyways back to Utawarerumono, how many episodes will there be?