Understanding The Root Of Hatred For The Seven Deadly Sins

The anime series The Seven Deadly Sins has received a lot of criticism from fans. Some viewers have complained about the show's lack of depth in its characters, with one-dimensional villains and protagonists who are either uninteresting or frustrating. The show has also been criticised for its portrayal of women, with female characters lacking personality and the ecchi content deriving from non-consensual groping. The show's concept, which is based on the seven deadly sins, has been called into question, with viewers arguing that the show does nothing with its own title and premise. In addition, the show has been called out for its excessive use of fan service and sexual harassment. Some viewers have also found the show to be predictable, with uninspired dialogue and boring fights. However, some fans have enjoyed the show, citing the music and certain characters as highlights.

Uninspired dialogue and predictable plot

The Seven Deadly Sins has been criticised for its uninspired dialogue and predictable plot. The series has been described as "average" and "generic", with some viewers finding the dialogue and plot points to be "uninspiring" and "predictable".

One reviewer, Jason Thompson, claimed that the series followed common shōnen manga elements, making its plot twists and dialogue predictable. He wrote that the series had a "semi-cartoonish look" and that its graphic violence and minimal fan service proved it was "anything but a kiddie show".

Other viewers have echoed similar sentiments, stating that the series is "nothing really special" and that it is "disappointing" due to its "overdone fantasy setting". Some have also criticised the characters, finding them "super uninteresting" and "annoying".

However, it is worth noting that The Seven Deadly Sins has also received positive reviews, with some praising the art, character designs, and panel layouts, particularly during action sequences. The music and certain characters, such as Ban, have also been well-received. The series has been called a "must-read" for fans of medieval fantasy and traditional shōnen action series.

Poor character development

One of the main issues with The Seven Deadly Sins is that the characters are one-dimensional and fail to exhibit the sins they are named after. For example, Ban, who is named after the sin of greed, is a thief, but his characterisation does not explore the depths of greed or avarice. Similarly, Meliodas, named after wrath, only loses his temper when his friends are threatened, which is more of a righteous anger than a deadly sin. The show's writing treats his wrath like an uncontrollable beast, rather than a complex character flaw. This shallow interpretation of the sins results in a missed opportunity to create compelling and nuanced characters.

Additionally, the large cast of The Seven Deadly Sins dilutes the focus on character development. With a massive main cast and a blurred line between main and supporting characters, the show fails to give sufficient depth to any of them. Audiences are overwhelmed by the number of characters and are unable to form a connection with any single one. This lack of focus on individual characters results in a lack of investment in their journeys and growth.

Furthermore, the female characters in The Seven Deadly Sins have been criticised for their ineffectual roles and one-dimensional personalities. Elizabeth, the female lead, is portrayed as irritating and shrilly following the plot, with her only use being as a deus ex machina when the story needs it. Diane is also criticised for being petulant and obnoxious, while Merlin's only purpose seems to be fan service and sexualisation. The show's portrayal of women as either irritating or sexual objects contributes to the overall poor character development and detracts from the richness of the story.

The lack of compelling characters with complex motivations and growth arcs can be a significant drawback for audiences, especially in a narrative that relies heavily on its characters, such as The Seven Deadly Sins. When characters fall flat and fail to evoke emotional investment, it can lead to disappointment and even hatred from viewers who had expected well-developed and three-dimensional characters.

Lack of depth in female characters

The female characters in The Seven Deadly Sins have been criticised for lacking depth and being poorly written. The series has been accused of using female characters as a shallow namedrop to attract attention, with little thought given to their characterisation or narrative arc.

The character of Elizabeth, in particular, has been described as "violently irritating" and "shrilly following the plot". She has been criticised for being a passive character who is often saved by male characters, and for having no agency or depth beyond her role as a love interest. Elizabeth's dynamic with Meliodas has also been described as "cute" and "nostalgic", but also as "a sex pest at best, and a predator at worst".

Other female characters, such as Diane and Merlin, have been described as "annoying" and "ineffectual", with their character arcs revolving around their romantic interests. The series has also been criticised for its use of sexual harassment and non-consensual groping as a source of comedy.

Overall, the female characters in The Seven Deadly Sins have been characterised as one-dimensional and underdeveloped, with their narratives driven by male characters and their motivations centred on romantic interests.

Overuse of fan service and sexual harassment

The anime series "The Seven Deadly Sins" has been criticised for its overuse of fan service and the normalisation of sexual harassment. The show's protagonist, Meliodas, is known for his sexual assault of the female lead, Elizabeth, which is played for laughs and portrayed as a cute character quirk. This has been interpreted by viewers as perpetuating rape culture and reinforcing Japanese stereotypes of women.

The first instance of this occurs when the two characters meet, with Meliodas taking the opportunity to grope Elizabeth's breast under the guise of checking her pulse. Throughout the series, Meliodas exploits Elizabeth by touching her inappropriately, exposing her skin or undergarments, and other acts, all in the name of comedy. While some fans of the series may argue that Elizabeth enjoys this treatment and that it is simply a joke, others argue that her passive reaction to the assaults perpetuates a dangerous stereotype that hinders the progress of eliminating rape culture.

The normalisation of sexual assault as a comedic device has been a point of contention for many viewers, with some arguing that it is the worst way to add fan service to a show. The character of Meliodas has been described as a "sex pest at best, and a predator at worst", and his behaviour towards Elizabeth has been likened to an abusive relationship dynamic.

The overuse of fan service and sexual harassment in "The Seven Deadly Sins" has been a significant point of criticism for the series, with some viewers unable to continue watching due to the disturbing nature of the content.

Poor animation and production quality

The Seven Deadly Sins is a popular anime series that has received criticism for its poor animation and production quality. The series is based on a manga of the same name and follows a group of powerful holy knights in the kingdom of Liones who are framed for treason and disbanded. The show's animation quality declined significantly with the release of its third season, which was produced by a different studio, Studio Deen, than the previous seasons. This change in studios led to a noticeable downgrade in the quality of the fight scenes, which are crucial to the enjoyment of the show for many fans.

The highly anticipated fight between Demon Meliodas and Escanor was particularly disappointing to viewers, with issues such as inconsistent character drawings, choppy lighting and motion, and a lack of impression of speed or power. The change in studios brought a completely different animation team, which can either elevate or degrade the series, and in this case, it was clearly the latter. The fight scenes in the third season fell short of expectations, with less emphasis on capturing the actual fights and swift motion, which is essential for an anime of this calibre.

The decline in animation quality is attributed to various factors, including staffing and scheduling issues, as well as the show's increased release schedule. The production staff may have been rushed or overwhelmed, leading to the subpar quality of the final product. The studio change also resulted in a decline in the overall art style and graphics of the show, which some viewers found to be visually unappealing.

The poor animation and production quality of The Seven Deadly Sins have disappointed many fans and potentially turned off new viewers. While the show still has its supporters, the decline in visual quality has been a significant point of criticism and may have contributed to a decrease in the show's popularity.

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