>>132850342No, it wasn't. It was thematically consistent and written and directed very well. References to the real AKB were for the most part subtle and tasteful, and every single song used was integrated into the episodes masterfully (Beginner for their first fight, Heart-gata Virus when they went to Russia-star, Kimi dake no value for Makoto's episode, and every other one), not to mention all the original songs still fit in with the originals and had a distinct space-like quality to their composition. Individual plots were developed throughout the series to center around the (no pun intended) Center position and various successions, like with Takamina and Kanata. Every part of it was deliberate, and it culminated in a satisfying way that combined real world events and original developments.