Watch Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS

Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS is the third instalment in the Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha franchise, which first aired on Chiba TV in 2007, not 2004. It is part of a wave of magical girl anime that took the genre to new, and often quite serious, dimensions. With its complex narratives and dark themes, the series steadfastly maintains its roots firmly planted in the magical girl genre while skillfully weaving in elements of action, drama, and science fiction.

The series continues the story of Nanoha Takamachi, a young magical girl who once led a normal life, but delved into the magical world after a fateful encounter with a wounded magical ferret named Yuuno Scrya. Now, ten years after the events of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's, Nanoha has climbed ranks and is a skilled mage and a leading officer in the Time-Space Administration Bureau (TSAB), an inter-dimensional organization that ensures the peaceful existence of multiple realities.

One of the main themes explored in StrikerS is mentorship. Nanoha, along with Fate T. Harlaown and Hayate Yagami - former adversaries who became her best allies - head a division called "Riot Force 6". They take under their wings four young and energetic novice mages, guiding them through rigorous training and onto the battlefield.

The proteges consist of Subaru Nakajima and Teana Lanster, both ground combat specialists with starkly contrasting personalities, and the twins Erio Mondial and Caro Ru Lushe, who specialize in mid-range and long-range fighting respectively. Each member of this squadron has their backstories, driving motivations, and quirks, adding depth to their characters. As they train and fight alongside Nanoha, Fate, and Hayate, these apprentices learn not just the art of magical combat, but also uncover the realities, responsibilities, and personal sacrifices that come with protecting their world.

The plot of StrikerS features arcs that are bigger and more serious than its predecessors. The threats are graver, and the battles more intense, stretching across dimensions. Yet, the series does an excellent job of maintaining a balance between the action-packed scenes and the emotional development of its characters, cueing in regular viewers and those new to the franchise alike, as they become invested in the team's struggle and triumphs.

With Nanoha now a respected figure of authority, we see an evolution of her character and of those around her. She carries the herculean task of guiding the recruits while guarding them, ensuring they mature into seasoned mages while preserving their innocence and camaraderie. Fate and Hayate, too, have their trials and tribulations, personal and professional, that mould them into competent leaders. They care for their team, grow with them, learn from them and ensure they look out for each other, just as they do.

Visually, the art style of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS stays true to its earlier versions, with the creators embellishing the quality to better cater to the evolving standards of the mid-2000s. The animation quality is impressive, delivering high-octane action scenes that are both fast-paced and vivid. It also succeeds in conveying the emotional sequences with sensitivity and finesse.

The soundtrack of the anime synergies effectively with the theme and tone of the series, echoing with the emotional cadence of its narrative arcs. From somber and poignant scores during the serious, dramatic moments to adrenaline-pumping tracks during the eye-catching battle scenes, the music adds a layer of immersion to this magical universe.

In conclusion, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS remains a compelling watch, a seamless blend of various genres resulting in a product that's more than the sum of its parts. It provides an engaging narrative, well-developed characters, stunning visuals, and a fitting soundtrack that will keep viewers hooked right from the start. This series is a testament to the evolution of the magical girl genre, uniting elements of its classic roots with richer, darker, and more sophisticated narratives that appeal to a broad audience.