Bartender: Solving all of life's problems with alcohol

[Two-twenty]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/Twotwenty/bartenderlogo.png

Ryuu Sasakura is a world champion bartender of unmatched skill who decides to run a hotel bar called "Eden Hall". Patrons come to his bar for his famous "God's Glass" cocktails and end up telling him various stories of their lives. Memories are rekindled, sorrows are healed, old flames are relit. Adapted from the manga serialized in Business Jump by Araki Jo and Kenji Nagatomo, Bartender is a slice-of-life anime geared for a more adult audience.

It starts airing in Japan on the 14th of October.

Official website (http://www.bartender-tv.com/top.html)
ANN entry (www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6816)
Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8wrOHGzkaQ)
Opening theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nK-w3Tr5Rg)
Ending theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AUP8B2omg4)

Here's our main character, Sasakura Ryuu:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/Twotwenty/Bartender-ryuu.png

Putting aside all the "OMG! It's an anime about a bartender called Bartender, just like Snakes on a Plane was a movie about snakes on a plane" hype, I'm actually really looking forward to this anime. An easy going, contemporary adult anime with a supposed "healing effect" is something I could really go for right now. At least from first impression, it seems like it will be the type of anime you can exemplify when you come across someone who thinks it's all tits, mecha and explosions.

Judging from the trailer, I am just a little bit worried about the animation. The way that woman walked and the CG glasses looked a little odd, but hey, considering the trailer runs for less than one minute, writing it off this early seems like a bit of a silly thing to do, so I'll wait and see. The artwork looks pretty and the song (which I'm hoping is the opening theme) is very smooth and relaxed and seems to set the tone of the show well. I am a little disappointed with Ryu's seiyuu though, I was hoping his voice would be a little deeper, a little more manly.

First impressions everyone?

[7Raven7]

I am surprisingly intriuged. This is definately a drift away from the norm. An anime version of Cheers?

[Dirty Harry]

It looks awesome, I've been waiting for this one since I heard about.

I didn't expect Sasakura Ryuu to sound like such a ***** though. >>

The music in the trailer is nice.

[Ojisan]

I love humanistic drama!

But yes, I must agree the bartender sounds like a total puss.

[Zero]

An anime version of Cheers?

Pfft, it's no Cheers without Ted Danson somewhere in the picture. :smoker:

If this anime aims to be "slice-of-life," it'll be something to place on my watch list considering my lack of interest in newer anime lately.

[Tremolo]

This is clearly going to be the greatest anime of our time.

Either that or it'll be boring as shit. The jury is out until it airs, but I'm not really wetting my pants in excitement.

[Mana]

This actually sounds pretty cool. If I can drag Roark into watching it with me, I'll definately check it out.

[Starwind Amada]

This series will eventually get picked up by Adult Swim. Steve Blum will play Ryuu the Bartender.

[KiraraKim]

This series will eventually get picked up by Adult Swim. Steve Blum will play Ryuu the Bartender.

Because he doesn't play enough roles already?

Without even seeing this anime I would say it getting picked up by Adult Swim is questionable. Adult Swim only likes to play action anime and episodic comedy I doubt this anime will fall under either of those categories. Of course I could be wrong.

[Grasshopper]

I'm probably going to pass on this one. A world champion bartender? "God's Glass"? No, definitely no.

[Tyrdium]

This series will eventually get picked up by Adult Swim. Steve Blum will play Ryuu the Bartender.No, no. It'll be picked up by 4Kids and turned into a milk bar.

[Ojisan]

No, no. It'll be picked up by 4Kids and turned into a milk bar.

(Oji's impression of Kirarakim)

I don't think so Tyr. As much as 4kids loves to edit out all adult/semi-mature aspects of anime and gear it toward a child audience, this show deosn't seem to have an appropriate base to alter. I simply just couldn't imagine that all the editing and rewriting involved would be lucrative enough on FoxKids. I could be wrong though, they might just make the milk bar setting work.

[KiraraKim]

I don't think so Tyr. As much as 4kids loves to edit out all adult/semi-mature aspects of anime and gear it toward a child audience, this show deosn't seem to have an appropriate base to alter. I simply just couldn't imagine that all the editing and rewriting involved would be lucrative enough on FoxKids. I could be wrong though, they might just make the milk bar setting work.

Apparently not being rude=getting ridiculed. Thanks Ojisan I appreciate it.

[Ojisan]

Anytime Kim, it's no problem :D

[General Suburbia]

http://www.geocities.com/amie_07/TomCruise/Cocktail03.jpg

This is the only thing that comes to my mind when I read this thread.

[Sae]

Because he doesn't play enough roles already?

Without even seeing this anime I would say it getting picked up by Adult Swim is questionable. Adult Swim only likes to play action anime and episodic comedy I doubt this anime will fall under either of those categories. Of course I could be wrong.

Yet it did pick up Witch Hunter Robin! Or would that be considered an episodic anime? Paranoia Agent sure as hell was the weirdest and "out-there" thing I had ever scene so I guess there are some exceptions.

Sae-chan

[mamimi_kawaii]

I bet AS will pick it up for the sheer reason that it's about booze.

[Sae]

I bet AS will pick it up for the sheer reason that it's about booze.

My thoughts exactly. AS has in past been known to me as :bews: With them putting the bad version of The Super Milk-chan Show on air, I cannot forgive!!!! People need to know the true version! With the correct voice actors! Damn them to hell! They gave the show a bad name!:censored:

Sae-chan

[Major Tom]

Chalk one extra person interested in Bartender. Like Trem, I think this could be really good, or total a snorefest. Either way, it has booze!

[KiraraKim]

Yet it did pick up Witch Hunter Robin! Or would that be considered an episodic anime? Paranoia Agent sure as hell was the weirdest and "out-there" thing I had ever scene so I guess there are some exceptions.

Witch Hunter Robin might be a boring series but it did have action. I didn't see Paranoia Agent but from the commercials I expect it had enough action as well.(even if that wasn't its main focus).

Bartender sounds like a slice of life anime. And as much as I would love Adult Swim to start playing this type of series (though I am not sure if I would want Bartender to be the first) it doesn't seem that they ever will.

But I guess theorizing if Bartender is going to come on Adult Swim is pretty useless when we haven't even seen the first episode yet. I'll watch it out of curiosity but personally I can't help but laugh at the premise. Well it is an original idea for an anime I will give them that.

[Tremolo]

This series will eventually get picked up by Adult Swim. Steve Blum will play Ryuu the Bartender.

You and your insidious dub agenda! ;)


I bet Bartender gets ignored by most anime fans and never gets licensed. Honestly, I'd say that outcome was far, far more likely than Adult Swim ever picking it up. Now, Death Note on the other hand...

Then again, I thought Mushishi would never get licensed and it did. But I reckon that's partly due to the live action movie and the general popularity of Mushishi in Japan rather than anything else.

[Natsuke Takeda]

I'm not really feeling this one. Even if it was only a minute or so for the trailer, that CG irked me. I can't imagine being irked for the full.. err... 24 minutes.

However, I doubt I'll be seeing that much CG since I can tell it'll be flashbacks and some other stuff.

What I think would be the most effective in something like this would be the use of angle placement; the scene being shot in different kinds of angles. It would definitely bring something extra to the show.

As for Adult Swim, you guys aren't giving them much credit. Be thankful they give you at least an hour of dubbed anime every night. Hell, they even joke about how some anime fans are just too serious about these things. Seriously, they're trying, lmao.

"Insert rioting anime fans now.

[adult swim]"

THAT'S quality TV.

Anyways, yeah, I'll be here to catch the first and maybe second episode. Not very interesting, but who knows? It may be a sleeper.

[Lupin the 3rd]

This anime can be rather good or rather gay. Either way, im still watching the first eps when its subbed.

[Ojisan]

Large portions of this thread are clearly based on misconception.

[soundchazer]

Large portions of this thread are clearly based on misconception.

Yes... just because the anime will show a lot of booze, it does't mean it will be one big party. ;)

[Ojisan]

I was actually refering to the seriously discussed AS portion, but sure.

[Major Tom]

Yes... just because the anime will show a lot of booze, it does't mean it will be one big party. ;)

Nah, going by the description, I'm thinking a sleepy little bar with a jazz band playing in the corner, with middle to high class customers spilling their stories.

Of course, this is my ideal version of a bar, which does not seem to exist in my part of the world......

And I was rather surprised about how serious the AS speculation thing sounded....before we even know if the show is even any good.

[General Suburbia]

And I was rather surprised about how serious the AS speculation thing sounded....before we even know if the show is even any good.
I don't remember AS ever being successful with a show focusing on slow paced, slice of life themes without an abundance of action or comedy. It may have booze, but I highly doubt that AS will show that sort of anime, no matter how good it may be.

[Major Tom]

I don't remember AS ever being successful with a show focusing on slow paced, slice of life themes without an abundance of action or comedy. It may have booze, but I highly doubt that AS will show that sort of anime, no matter how good it may be.

Ah, it seems I did not make myself clear. I was surprised that what was a rather sarcastic comment was taken seriously by several members.

I've not got access to Adult Swim, so I have no idea of what their line up is like, but to already be talking about a company picking it up is pure speculation at best.....I think I'm getting my point across....

[General Suburbia]

Ah, it seems I did not make myself clear. I was surprised that what was a rather sarcastic comment was taken seriously by several members.
Meh. I was talking about the AS remarks in general, but hadn't seen the initial sarcastic post that started the conversation. :doh

But still, it will never air on Adult Swim.

[Roark]

I'm just hoping they do a Go Go Igo type deal at the end of every show, showing you how to mix a new drink each time.

I can imagine my liquor expenses skyrocketing during this show, trying out such mixer recipes.

[KiraraKim]

Ah, it seems I did not make myself clear. I was surprised that what was a rather sarcastic comment was taken seriously by several members.

The reason why I took the Adult Swim comment seriously was based on the original posters other posts on this forum. Although whether the comment was sarcastic or not the point whether Adult Swim would even consider an anime similar to Bartender (if not Bartender itself) is interesting in my opinion. And although I think Adult Swim is a great block it would be nice if it broadened its horizons a little.

I'm just hoping they do a Go Go Igo type deal at the end of every show, showing you how to mix a new drink each time.

Well that would be a great way to get viewers that's for sure. ;)

[Natsuke Takeda]

It kinda makes you wonder what mixes are unique in Japan....

I can't think of much, I haven't been exploring the liquor world like everyone else. I'm just afraid that I might drink and wake up in some wierd house on the outskirts of Newark.

..Yes, I'm 19.

....Don't act like people underage don't try drinking -_-

...end of discussion on my part >.>

[Two-twenty]

It's aired in Japan! In the mean time, here's an opening sequence:

.·/

YAAAAAAAAY! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nK-w3Tr5Rg)

[NausicaaBoy]

this has so much potential in my mind I cant wait to start watching

[silan]

YAAAAAAAAY! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nK-w3Tr5Rg)
Ha ha ha.

Summary: Lots of faces. Huge bottles of liquour everywhere. Some girl being blown in the face by a huge fan. The Bartender's stuck in a glass! That girl is swimming in alcohol, literally. The end.

Thank god that's out of the way. If I pick up this series after all, I'll be able to skip the opening sequence from now on.

I don't like that song at all.

[Dirty Harry]

Jesus Christ. When it zooms in on him shaking the goddamn mixer. That's when I lost faith.

I don't mind the song so much though.

(Girls swimming in alcohol = Batshit, but kind of win at the same time. >>)

[Mouse]

Meh... It is the song from the trailer. I'll just follow this thread and see how people like this once it gets going.

[NausicaaBoy]

dont judge a book by its cover- dont judge an anime by its cover song

[soundchazer]

dont judge a book by its cover- dont judge an anime by its cover song

Although sometimes that happens to be true. Chobits had a retarded opening song, and the anime itself matched it perfectly.

[aeroshadow]

Although sometimes that happens to be true. Chobits had a retarded opening song, and the anime itself matched it perfectly.B-but... I LOVED THAT SONG!

Yes, the Bartender OP is full of fail. It seemed rather pretentious... but I'm willing to forgive things like that. The song and that part where you see the Bartender shaking the bottle... ugh. The girl with the flower petals didn't look quite natural either.

Well, we'll see how the anime is soon enough.

[NausicaaBoy]

well I happen to like both song and series haha dodododod let me be with you!!!

smiles and dances**

[Sorrow-kun]

Although sometimes that happens to be true. Chobits had a retarded opening song, and the anime itself matched it perfectly.Excuse me, did you just diss Round Table? I think you should sit in the corner for a while and think about what you've done.

[soundchazer]

Excuse me, did you just diss Round Table? I think you should sit in the corner for a while and think about what you've done.

You mean pat myself on the back and congratulate me for having such wonderful insight?

[Mouse]

dont judge a book by its cover- dont judge an anime by its cover song
I'm actually judging it by various summaries I've read, the trailer, and the OP sequence that 2-20 linked. Oh yeah, and Dirty Harry. He said it sucks, therefore it does.

There are plenty of anime I've watched where I didn't like the OP or ED songs. My comment about it was more in reference to Silan's post.

[NausicaaBoy]

Excuse me, did you just diss Round Table? I think you should sit in the corner for a while and think about what you've done.

round-table= glory

You mean pat myself on the back and congratulate me for having such wonderful insight?

blasphemy!!!!

[Two-twenty]

Episode 1

I think this anime might be a bit too classy for me. It takes alcohol seriously but seems so effortlessly casual, and here's me seeing a bar as merely a place with which to aquire booze. -_-;

The 2-D animation was a bit questionable, as was the use of spotlights to highlight a character reflecting on something in their past, but overall there was something undeniably charming about this episode. It's a good intro, but as long as every episode isn't exactly like this, it'll be good.

I'm sticking with it, at least for now.


I'm just hoping they do a Go Go Igo type deal at the end of every show, showing you how to mix a new drink each time.
I'm pleased to report that yes, yes there is! :D

Edit: For those yet to see it: Ending theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AUP8B2omg4).

[KiraraKim]

I'm just hoping they do a Go Go Igo type deal at the end of every show, showing you how to mix a new drink each time.

I'm pleased to report that yes, yes there is!

Seriously? Oh that's great. Now I think I will watch this. At least this part. :D

edit: wow that was so bad it was amusing.

[Angry John]

They ought to make a theme-park ride about Chobits and have the theme song play all through it, ala "It's a Small World".

[Dirty Harry]

Oh yeah, and Dirty Harry. He said it sucks, therefore it does.

Daaaaaaaaaaamn, migga, why you gotta call me out like that?

But yeah.

That shit was boring. The bartender dude's a real fag and it was all uninteresting. I would have enjoyed a Yakitate!!Japan-like anime with alcohol much moooooaaaaaar.

I still like the OP though. =D

[LadyYuina]

This anime sounds interesting.

[Tyrdium]

That shit was boring. The bartender dude's a real fag and it was all uninteresting. I would have enjoyed a Yakitate!!Japan-like anime with alcohol much moooooaaaaaar.Oh, man. Imagine training the Solar Liver.

[Ghostmaster]

This could either be pure genius or a steaming pile of dog poo. I'm gonna check out the first episode, it does sound interesting.

[Frog]

Why does it sound like you people want this to be the next Snakes on a Plane?

[Starwind Amada]

Daaaaaaaaaaamn, migga, why you gotta call me out like that?

But yeah.

That shit was boring. The bartender dude's a real fag and it was all uninteresting. I would have enjoyed a Yakitate!!Japan-like anime with alcohol much moooooaaaaaar.

I still like the OP though. =D

Are you trying to sound cool or something by using deragatory terms? "The bartender dude's a real fag"? You saw one episode of this series and you call the main character a deragatory term. Wow, I'm sure not going to listen to your opinion. And what the hell is "moooooaaaaaar"? Sounds like a retarded leet speak term. Speak like a normal person.

[Dirty Harry]

Are you trying to sound cool or something by using deragatory terms? "The bartender dude's a real fag"? You saw one episode of this series and you call the main character a deragatory term. Wow, I'm sure not going to listen to your opinion. And what the hell is "moooooaaaaaar"? Sounds like a retarded leet speak term. Speak like a normal person.

The bartender was a real "homosexual." I would have liked a series like Yakitate!!Japan, that actually has a sense humor a bit "more."

You're a faggot.

[Major Tom]

HAving now seen ep.1, I still am not sure what to make of this show. It looks interesting, and Edenhall is actually my kind of bar.....I did like the ED, with a bartender making the featured cocktail.

I'll keep tagging along for the time being.

[Two-twenty]

Well, there goes episode two and I still can't help but to like this anime. Sure, the history each character has with their alcohol seems a bit lame, and it does dive into sentimentality a bit too much, but I left this episode with a smile on my face.

On the downside, because of the low regard I hold alcohol in, watching this show makes me feel like a filthy piece of uncultured swine. :(

[Ojisan]

What two-twenty needs is a show called "Boozehound" and not Bartender.

[Milkymagic]

My show can be called "The Adventures of Jolly Roger feat. Captain Morgan"

"Our" adventures? Stumbling around town asking people if they can drive me home, and probably getting my @$$ kicked. At the end of each episode I puke all over everybody, and we laugh about it together.

See you next week! XD

I do think Bartender sounds interesting, I'd like to see something of that nature (all cultured and what have you).

[Mana]

I think Bartender sounds interesting too, and I wish I could actually watch the episode without having subtitles jumbled together on top of each other...

[Tyrdium]

I think Bartender sounds interesting too, and I wish I could actually watch the episode without having subtitles jumbled together on top of each other...Odd. What program are you using? I've had no issues with MPlayer under OS X.

[Mana]

We run all our videos, etc off VLC. Never had a problem with it till this.

[Two-twenty]

I had a bit of trouble with my various media players (don't ask me the names, I simply don't know) but it plays fine on the standard media player.

What two-twenty needs is a show called "Boozehound" and not Bartender.
Quiet, you hack.

[ant]

This is really something that does speak to people who would frequent bars like Eden Hall. The history of Suntory Whiskey was insightful.The fact that Japan has a huge drinking culture makes me wonder why this wasn't made any sooner. There is a bit of exageration but still holds water. There are bartenders that seriously considers what drink would be perfect for them, and there are small quant bars that are call you to them. This might fly over many people's heads but I'm in, watch an episode, fix a drink, then watch it again! Konpai!

[laborpilot86]

hmm....beer:nbleed: :nbleed:

[zarahf]

T I'm in, watch an episode, fix a drink, then watch it again! Konpai!

Its hard to go wrong with any show if you follow that philosophy. But this one does seem to lend itself to it even more than most.

[Major Tom]

hmm....beer:nbleed: :nbleed:

Not a beer to had in this show......beer is for the peasants :D.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Although sometimes that happens to be true. Chobits had a retarded opening song, and the anime itself matched it perfectly.
Chobits was average but Round-Table do rock. I am quite throroughly enjoying their opening for NHK. But then again I'm a sucker for strings.
Maybe that's why I don't like the OP2 version.

I think Bartender sounds interesting too, and I wish I could actually watch the episode without having subtitles jumbled together on top of each other...

I had the same propblem too, but now another sub group have picked it up and I like their work much better [not naming names of course]. Also, you'll be glad to know that it's hardsubbed :D

I really didn't think to much of the first episode. The story in that wasn't very interesting and was really more about the Bartender's skills. The other 2 episodes that came have been much much better. Interesting stories about people's pasts combined with drinks with a history to them that matched perfectly.
Plus the ending shows you how to make the drinks too. It's enough to make you want to run a bar of your own.

[Major Tom]

After watching episode 2, I still can't actually put my finger on any sort of purpose for the show. No sort of overarching story.....normally that would turn me off.

I am still rather intrigued by this show, however. Perhaps it is the alcoholic trivia sprinkled throughout the show, but I am finding something compelling about this show. I just don't know what.

I am impressed by the ED sequences though. I'm enjoying watching a bartender assembling one of the drinks mentioned in the show, and with subbers (at least the people I'm acquiring from) including the recipes part of the package, I imght at least try my hand at some these drinks. Maybe. Alcohol is rather expensive........

A note on the music. I like the OP and ED, but they don't come across as anything special. But I am loving the jazzy incidental music. makes me bop along.

[Mana]

I did end up picking up the new groups version of both episodes 1 and 2, although we've only watched 1 so far. Man is this anime cheesy :D Although it's a hell of a lot of fun.

[Lupin the 3rd]

Well i finally had the chance to sit down and watch eps 1 and i have to say i like so far, but i want to know where this is going. Also im suprised this series is gonna be 11 eps.

[Ghostmaster]

We run all our videos, etc off VLC. Never had a problem with it till this.

I had that problem too. Theres a new version its because the other were mkv versions I think. This was is avi.

[NausicaaBoy]

dunno its fun and easy to watch I like it alot.

[Two-twenty]

My God, I can't get over how incredible this show is.

Even though the animation wasn't as good as the previous episodes, episode 4 was one of the best episodes of anime I've seen in a long while.

It was a little more linear than the others and followed the relationships of two couples who got together in Edenhall. It worked in more cocktails than all the previous episodes combined and showcased Ryuu's godly ability to come in at just the right time with just the right drink while all the time remaining more chill than a freezer.

Not only does it seem like Bartender can do no wrong but, I think it's quite funny that it's living up to all it's initial "hype for the sake of hyping". I really hope it remains this good for the rest of the series.

[Teengamefan]

Seems like a good anime especially since I love drama's.

[Ghostmaster]

I still have to watch the first episode, how could it not be good it's about drinking.

[Major Tom]

Gotten up to ep.4 so far, and it still is a rather engrossing series for still unexplicable reasons.

I like how the series concentrates on a drink and it's variations, or a set of drinks with a theme. It's more of a history of the cocktail than anything else.

And so far, we have recurring characters. This was one of the things that i had feared would not happen, but I am pleased that we still see people from past episodes, and that they all seem to connect to each other somehow.

[Ghostmaster]

I watch half of the first episode and stopped personally i think it is way too slow. All it is is a lot of people in this show have problems and they discuss them. To me that's not too interesting.

[Two-twenty]

Series finished!

Wow.

Episode 10 was really nice and surprisingly funny. I was a little woried about it having the usual shmultz that comes with most Christmas episodes, but it was only really a context, and once again the main focus was one the character-of-the-episode. In regards to the last episode, I was glad it finished the way it did. Ryuu and co.'s round-up of their bartending philosophy made we wish that bars and bartenders like that actually existed in real life (or at least in Brisbane ;_; ).

On the show itself, it's been a long time since I've seen a series where I've so thouroughly enjoyed every single episode. Even though they are episodic in nature, it managed to build a sympathetic story around each central character in only 22 minutes! The writers must have done their research too because the depth of knowledge on cocktails and the way they worked into each character's situation was genius. My favourite was the con-man episode. The non-linear story-telling was a stroke of genius too; The forth wall is completly smashed but it's never lame or obtrusive. Overall though, it just oozed class. The music was classy, the dialogue was classy, the character design was classy, hell, even somehow the CG bottles were classy. It's so classy, I feel I almost have to dress up to watch it/it made tequilla shooters look respectable/it makes Prince William look like Jonny Rotton/etc.

If I had to say anything bad it would be there are a couple of cringe-worthy moments (putting the 'tender' in 'Bartender' for example) but all you can really do is put your palm on your forehead, smile and move on. Also, 11 episodes was too short. Although it wouldn't have sustained anything longer, an extra 2 (to make up the usual 13) would've been nice.

It was a wonderful series and an absolute pleasure to watch.

[Major Tom]

Well, I finally got to the end of Bartender, and it certainly was a classy piece.

I enjoyed this show overall, it was something a little different, perhaps to even what I expected at the beginning.

The drinks are certainly the stars of the show, though sometimes I got the feeling that it presented a bit of a too idealistic view of bars and alcohol. Even though I liked the episodic nature and the almost documentary storytelling style in this, I can see some people not being impressed without an overall story plot or arc to drive the show along. But it's their loss.

2-20's right on the mark with the characters, there wasn't one that I didn't feel at least something for. I liked the one about the girls whose dad died before making up with his father, that one was touching. Only the Bartender himself didn't get the same amount of treatment, I felt.

A damn fine show, even if it could have used the extra episodes. I'll stick a score up on the rate it 1-10 thread, but I'll wait a bit to see if someone else posts up to avoid the double post.

[Tyrdium]

Just finished the third episode at my uni's anime club on Friday. Bartender seems to be going over quite well. Which is good, because I was the one who put it on the ballot. :3

(The other two series, by the way, are Higurashi and Gankutsuou. How's that for taste?)

[Two-twenty]

Just finished the third episode at my uni's anime club on Friday. Bartender seems to be going over quite well. Which is good, because I was the one who put it on the ballot. :3
Good choice! Especially if you have the hi-def subs (curse my inferior computer machine). Episode 4 is magical. I meantioned earlier in this thread that it was one of the best episodes of an anime I'd seen in a long while, and it still stands. If there are people in your club still on the fence about Bartender, this episode will make them fans.

[Ra'Siel]

On episode 2 and now starting to actually enjoy this series, though it was a little slower than i had first assumed (assumtions can be a stupidly fatal) but still it holds true to what it offers in the way of entertainment and plot.