What kind of opening episode do you think works best?

[rocklobster]

What kind of opening do you think is the best way to start a story? Here are the types, along with examples of each:
1. A Day in the life of the hero: Introduces what a typical day for the heroes is like, then has something happen to throw the normal day completely off-kilter. (examples: Chobits, Now and Then, Sailor Moon)
2. What the heck just happened: Chaos everywhere. And then the trailer for episode 2 appears. It's like "And that was just the first episode! The awesomeness will ensue from here!" (Gurren Lagann, Rahxephon, Gundam Wing, Gundam Seed, Big O)
3. In media res: That's Latin for "in the middle". This is when the opening episode is actually in the middle of the story and the rest of the show works its way around to the events that preceded it, showing how we got to that point. (Full Metal Alchemist--to some extent--, Gungrave, Trigun)
For me, it's the second kind, although I do enjoy the first if it's a more comedic show. I love it when the show bombards you with all kinds of action, not even allowing you to take a breath. That grabs me right away.
OK, so what about the rest of you?

[ABlipinTime]

Personally, I like the important stuff first. Imagine this: Start off with something that seems normal, like a walk in the park. Play that out for awhile, then jump to something seemingly completely unrelated (like a ship-wreck) that happens around the same time and is critically important to the rest of the story. Regardless of whether there's chaos or a jump to something unrelated, I prefer the something important happen first. It draws me into the show due to mystery and then entertains me when I discover the actual purpose of it. Point in case: Last Exile: the little girl in the beginning who turns out to be the key to a giant space ship.

[Lockon Stratos]

I prefer in media res. I like trying to figure out just what the world is going on. Now it should either be directly at the end or very near the beginning, because in the middle just makes me impatient to find out what happens after it, and not listen to the exposition.

[Atria35]

I don't know. I'm rather big on both 'A Day In The Life' and 'What Just Happened'. The former sets the tone and mood, and I rather like it. The latter just draws me in with no apologies.

[Lockon Stratos]

Eh, to each his own. I'm more action oriented in my viewing anyway.

[rocklobster]

I have difficulty with in media res in some situations. I had trouble following Durarara!! at first because of its anachronistic order. After a few episodes, it didn't really bother me.

[Atria35]

I have difficulty with in media res in some situations. I had trouble following Durarara!! at first because of its anachronistic order.

Anachronism:
1.A thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, esp. a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned
- everything was as it would have appeared in centuries past apart from one anachronism, a bright yellow construction crane

2.An act of attributing a custom, event, or object to a period to which it does not belong

Drrr! didn't start in the middle of a story. The story grew from the first episode onward. It was A Day in The Life- starting with the life of Mikado, and then jumping from POV to POV. Baccano! started In Media Res. In fact, the entire show was In Media Res.

[bakura91]

To see if I'm gonna like a show/manga I'll judge by the first volume (if its a manga) and if its a series a good beginning for me at least is one that gives you and idea of the Characters, premise, and the atmosphere/attitude of the show by the 1st 3 episodes. Keep in mind I mostly read/watch action series, scifi, and comedy lately.

[Juliannesan]

To me it really depends on the story and the characters involved.

[the_wolfs_howl]

Well, any first episode that grabs my attention is good, but I find that I often like the in media res kind of beginning. I find that those sorts of stories spend a short time showing what normal life is like for these characters in this world, and once you've been snagged and want to see more of these characters, it takes the time to do a flashback and answer all these questions that were raised. Then it goes forward in time, bringing in the "real" plot more strongly.

I'm still waiting for the extended flashback in D.Gray-man (assuming there will be one, since it seems like other in media res animes I've seen before).

[rocklobster]

Anachronism:
1.A thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, esp. a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned
- everything was as it would have appeared in centuries past apart from one anachronism, a bright yellow construction crane

2.An act of attributing a custom, event, or object to a period to which it does not belong

Drrr! didn't start in the middle of a story. The story grew from the first episode onward. It was A Day in The Life- starting with the life of Mikado, and then jumping from POV to POV. Baccano! started In Media Res. In fact, the entire show was In Media Res.

I guess it felt that way because I watched the special episode on Crunchy Roll, then the first.

[Wallachia]

I can't choose one, it depends entirely upon the show itself. Some are done well, and some... aren't done so well.

Maybe I just don't have a favorite.

[A_Yellow_Dress]

I like the third. Usually.

They all work, when done well.

[theladyeri]

I like #1 because I like to know exactly what is happening and who the characters are. (tho the openings of fma and rahxephon weren't that horribly confusing, rahxephon kind of was)

[Timeless]

Super action packed first episode. As long as its not followed by 10 episodes of extreme boredom...

[SincerelyAnomymous]

I always like a Day in the Life more. You get to know the characters before anything big happens.