The first 90 minutes of Guardian are ADHD messes that flash hundreds of 1 second frames per episode. We are superficially introduced to the cast of jaded superheros, super villains, horrible politicians, and the dangerous world left by Marvelous Man's departure.
There is not enough initial character development to keep you focused, and I understand why so many viewers gave up. Acting is also intentionally cheesy with only a few capable of exhibiting real human emotions.
The mystery of a suicidal Asian superman was the only reason I didn't turn it off in episode 2.
It slows down to an enjoyable pace by episode 4. I really got into the story and character arcs. Give it a chance, but expect a dark dark parody with more head shakes than belly laughs. I am still snickering over the unexplained man in a glass cage and how Ravencroft stopped speaking Chinese that makes sense half way through his interrogation.
The show pays heavy homage to 8-bit video games like Mortal Combat, Japanese anime, Gumbi claymation, Adam West Batman, He-Man, Watchmen, the DCU, Terminator, and is easily as gory as The Boys. I am probably missing many other references, but these are the most obvious.
The last episode was more philosophical than I expected, but I agree with most reviewers, hate the ending.
If there is a season 2, please slow down the schizophrenic pacing so we can enjoy the animations. It feels like a lot was left on the cutting room floor to fit 30 minute episodes.
