The show seems to have little self-awareness, as it practically transcribes from the great book of clichés. It takes such story elements far more seriously than an audience that is aware of them ever could. The usage of tropes doesn't really make something bad, though. It can be used as a platform to save time and focus on other things. However, the way the plot takes itself so seriously in spite of the lack of attachment the characters have to it makes it feel expendable and mostly just a way of parading the characters.
In terms of the show's characters, there is a lot to admire. In fact, I would argue that they are the best aspect of the overall production, which is an excellent feat considering the romance genre relies heavily on character interactions. Every character feels unique in their own right and develops organically over time, allowing you to root for them not only as individuals but also as part of their relationships with others. Even the psychopathic doll has a distinct personality and backstory that makes her more than just a one-dimensional villain. As you get more invested in the series, you can look back at earlier moments and appreciate how much they have grown and changed since then. The show's characters are cohesive and well-developed, which is in stark contrast to its plot, which often feels like it is just padding to fill out the runtime rather than serving a meaningful purpose.
The show's mix of drama and humor didn't feel as cohesive as I had hoped it would. While there was an intended progression into darker set-ups as the show went on, the repeated jokes, some of which were distinctly bad, and over-the-top reactions of most characters to just about everything made the earlier goofiness feel exhausting. The plot was saturated with clichés, which left me disinterested in the drama. However, the first part did allow for some contrast between Maaka's sister, who almost always felt like a breath of fresh air on screen. While the drama wasn't particularly effective, it did make me think more deeply about the themes of the show: our nature as people and what makes us unique.
This surprisingly well-explored thematic aspect grants the show a whole layer of new potential. It allows for both lighthearted humor and dramatic moments without concerning itself with disparity. Whether you choose to go with the flow and enjoy the show as it goes along or dive deeper into the themes, there is something for everyone to appreciate. Even the ending offers relief for those who followed through with drama but resolved issues in a way that was consistent with the worldbuilding.
The only criticism I have is that the answers to the conflicts presented by the show are vague at best, appearing more like dreams than concrete resolutions. While this may be disappointing to some, it adds another layer of depth to an already rich story. Overall, Vinyl is a must-watch series that will appeal to fans of science fiction and fantasy alike.
Overall, Karin is a good middle-of-the-road show, capable of being watched and enjoyed by almost everyone. It excels in the middle but may be a little rough on the beginning due to us not yet caring deeply about its characters, and at the end because it reuses certain content (unless you have a particular taste for certain themes or enjoy the show's humor). I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it to anyone, but it also isn't a waste of time; it provides an enjoyable twist on the vampire romance trope.
