Frankly speaking, Clannad season 1 conclude nothing. Actual Nagisa ending is during episode 9 of the after story, and true ‘After Story’ begins after that.

In Clannad, seeing a credible path that leads a disaffected boy into the life of a girl struggling with chronic health problems and yet falling in love with each other is especially touching to me, since I know the substance of real love is commitment rather than physical attraction. I was happy to see that intellect, verbal skills, and disciplined strength in the other girls weren’t allowed to trump Nagisa’s kind and tender heart. Speaking from experience I know that this is what is likely to soften a hard-hearted sort like Tomoya rather than someone who seems ‘impressive’ in school or society.

Yes, there are many silly and contrived plot elements; I don’t claim this to be even in the same realm as Haibane Renmei, Dennou Coil or even Full Moon wo Sagashite or Card Captor Sakura. However, I see entertainment primarily in value terms and I believe Clannad advances virtues far more than oppose them.

Although it’s not yet over, After Story has already shown Tomoya on the path to manhood as he gradually masters the craft of lineman and is slowly accepted by his coworkers as a fellow adult taking on adult responsibilities. I vividly remember such events in my own life but I can’t imagine many HS-age people seeing it this way. It seems to me the target age for this show is much older than the main characters and I hope it doesn’t suffer commercially because of this.

In any event I think your review is as fair as one person’s opinion can be and you covered the plot points and characters well.