Well it's the end of the year, as everything else in Western media crashes and burns, Anime really is hitting it's stride. There was SO much quality this season that I don't have any to say were awful because I didn't have enough time to watch everything I WANTED to watch.

Quick disclaimer from that, this is only of things I've watched, so if it's not mentioned I haven't caught up or watched it like Jujitsu Kaisen, I'm far behind on it that I only mention it here. Without further ado:

The 'Actually I read the Manga list':

My Daughter left the nest and returned an S-Rank Adventurer: comparing this to what I read, it's a very well done adaptation. A former adventurer who loses his leg to a demon, finds a baby in the woods and raises her as his own. NO usagi drop, completely wholesome daughter/father relationship with lots of positive male role model vibes. Great intro too

Returner's Magic Should be Special: a regression story not an isekai, at the point of losing our MC regresses in time to change events. I'm slightly disappointed with this adaptation, not for the slow story as there's A LOT to cover, 12 episodes not enough but some of the animation and especially CGI is VERY budget.

I'm in love with the Villainess: starts off standard isekai villianess trope, only the mc who's getting picked on has two qualities, she's gay (she says so herself in ep3) and has masochistic tendencies so bullying turns her on! Would recommend as not your average yuri and the intro is a great duet of the two main leads

The standouts for me this season:

Shangri-la Frontier: GOD THIS ANIME IS GOOD! From the op that goes HARD, the comedy, action, all of it. A trash gamer addict decides to play a 'god game' MMO and gets accidentally wrapped up in a hidden quest line. Just watch it especially if you're a gamer!

Eminence in Shadow S2: such a good return to form, comedy and action on point and Delta is my waifu this season, for her personality.....and MASSIVE 'plot'

Frieren Beyond Journey's End: this one is fantastic but heavy, a party finishes their quest against the demon lord and we follow the elf and how fleeting things can be when you naturally live a longer life. Recommend if you have a partner or pet to have them close to cuddle for the first episode alone.

Dr Stone: New World cour 2: They REALLY hit it out of the park this cour, fantastic villain, great character moments, Senku being a mastermind badass and some good terrifying reveals, highly recommend.

100 girlfriends that really (x5) love me: this took the place of Girlfriend, Girlfriend of my dumb comedy for the season, guy who's been rejected 100 times prays to god for love, unfortunately, God's an idiot and he's been soulmated with 100 girls and if any are rejected, they might die early. Funny moments and we even have Oyakodon already!

Goblin Slayer S2: great opening it's NEVER going to be as brutal as the first episode but it's still quite up there, plus Priestess commits her first War Crime!

Death Mount Dead Play cour 2: It's unfortunate but I feel like this dropped off for many watching this wgen we have more reveals and action, recommend it if you've forgotten about it.

Spy Family season 2: it starts slow, more slice of life but kicks up to form with the Ship arc, highly recommend it still

The Faraway Paladin: Lord of Rust Mountain: REALLY good especially if you are into D&D for how their magic system works, highly recommend it just be aware it likes to build suspense a lot so slow paced.

The Rising of the Shield Hero S3: It improved A LOT over season 2 and we now have new reasons to hate Bitch/Slut again

That'll be it for the list, Honorable mention for The Apothecary Diaries as I want to watch it but never got round to it. Feel free to add any Anime I missed below, at least I got plenty of time over Christmas vacation to catch up on a few!