And so we try…
This series premiered over the weekend. I watched the first 15 minutes late one evening, and finally watched the full episode very late last night (two nights ago). I haven’t said anything proper about this episode, other than ‘lol’ or ‘it was quite funny’. I did have a few good chuckles, and within the abyssal depths of Google Reader Shared Items (GRSI), I did make a statement that the series wasn’t on the level to grasp the hearts of the ye diverse blogosphere. I stand by it.
Personally, I found the episode to be illegitimate, an episode 0. For the majority of the first 15 minutes, the viewer is presented with a number of anime references and source material references, while the characters trot along the fourth wall. The latter half of the episode felt more reasonable and less like it was dare I say, servicing itself.
As for the elements, comically it was fine, though I don’t think the references were hilarious. However, I question if the early part of the episode was even in the source material, or was this perhaps the adaptation’s way of saying “Hello, let’s be friends.” What do we know?
First, the episode was trying to break the ice with viewers by referencing franchises most up-to-date viewers would acknowledge. Second, it was totally servicing itself. Third, it displayed popular elements like harem, moe, and fan-service.
Intimacy is a concept rooted in closeness and familiarity, and this is precisely where I see the “bad” part of this episode trying to connect. I see nothing wrong here. While I did find illegitimacy, I found enjoyment as well.
Bishis, so what?
My enjoyment came mostly from the energy, lightness, tone, and the glimpse of a school life series that might have tried too hard early on. It was cute, with cookie-cutterish characters I was able to smile at here and there.
I have no doubt this ship is definitely sinking could capsize, but at episode 0 1, my foresight is shot. No, this is definitely not “the next best thing,” but for now, I’ll be modestly optimistic.
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