Coming into this show, you don’t need any knowledge of the previous season or OVAs to comprehend the material. Really, what is there to analyze? It’s a simple premise about a simple guy going to a simple school with intensively complex characters. These characters aren’t your average high school girls. Sure, they have the looks, style, and even authority. However, Seitokai Yukuindomo deconstructs their very being like a cookie cutter with an extravagant taste.
Coloring this series as perhaps ‘unique’ is an overstatement. Despite the characters being almost as if otherworldly when it comes to common sense, the setting still depicts normalcy. What is perhaps unique though is the way this season kicks off with its stellar usage of 3D effects. Supported by an extensive narrative, the sequel establishes itself beyond the norm of a recap. Instead of non-sensational exposition, it seeks to enlighten the audience with its exquisite and clever sequences. We also meet a small yet colorful cast of characters that we are familiar with – Takatoshi Tsuda, Shino Amakusa, Aria Shichijo, and Suzu Hagimura. Composed of only four members, these characters brings out the brilliance that is of Seitokai Yakuindomo. It doesn’t take an army to present esteem. Rather, it takes guts and our female characters does that on a daily basis with their lecherous thoughts. You would think that girls at their age might be promiscuous but their very thoughts are the essence of this show’s core. Their jokes are usually ephemeral, striking like venom of a snake but becomes so memorable and leaves introspective scars. Perhaps scar is a wrong word to describe these moments but looking back at the episodes, it is memorable in no doubt.
The story of the show is explicit but not in the ove-rsexualized way fans will think. The innuendos are there along with the gags we should already be familiarized with. It also like to transcend into various themes often relating to life. As human life itself is reproduced sexually, there should be no argument relating to some of its humor in the show. For the student council, they love to learn the thought process relating to sexuality, a centralized phenomenon debated for generations. While the show does have some similarity with the way it emulates it ideas, there’s a large difference with its execution. The series likes to explore concepts relating to school, beyond its norms, and expands more than just academics. Really? Who can focus on books when you have three captivating ladies near you 24/7 anyways. To support this even more so, they are interested in the opposite sex in ways Tsuda can’t even begin to imagine. It’s a dream come true for him although the circumstances itself isn’t one might think.
At some stages, fans might point out that the show is over-sensationalized with its themes. And this isn’t wrong either. Almost every line in the show deconstructs the normal conversations that you may have with your family or friends. Think of it this way: do you often talk to you friends about how the penis works? Do you often talk to your little brother or sister about reproduction? It’s a point taken granted that the show does over-analyze itself on this subtext. However, it should be important to note that all these are set up as causal jests. None of these should be taken seriously in any way whatsoever. The show itself is labeled as comedy with its humorous and die-hard spoofs. It doesn’t advertise its jokes like on TV but rather as a casual way, as it should be at school.
To fully appreciate the show doesn’t just take guts. It takes interest and that comes from its characters. The female characters are the dominant factor that stands out in particular Shino. Regardless of her perverted nature, she is famous at school and there’s no doubt about it. We can’t also omit the other two members for their performance. It makes this show’s comedy seem like a paradise because of their presence and lines spoken in each episode. Even supporting characters make their points such as Ranko with her obsessive task of capturing memorable photographs, Mitsuba’s tomboy nature, or even Tsuda’s little sister. Every character is like a puzzle to this product for fans to appreciate. It also occasionally focus on a slightly serious romance nature between characters in particular Tsuda and Shino. Their short yet memorable moments captures innocence in a show clouded by sexual innuendos. Furthermore are the memories that Tsuda make with Suzu in a sibling like manner. But if we look at the bigger picture, Tsuad makes memories with almost everyone. It sets off flags for eager fans of ‘shipping’ but not in the way of “who will win the game in the end”. Instead, it’s poked fun with teases. It’s susceptible to actual relationships but often will leap out of with its dialogues. No one will really know who will end up with who in the end. It creates tension and anticipation for what’s to come in the future or if Tsuda will ever get lai-, I mean a girlfriend.
As daring as this series tends to get on various angles, the artwork is more than tolerable for a variety of reasons. Camera angles focuses more on the characters rather than their body parts, well on most parts. From the first episode, there’s a clear proof the series’ improvement in production value. GoHands, a studio known for its variety of works, is the brainchild of these new animation values and presents them in success. Backgrounds are lavishly out there along with the characters. Surprisingly, fan service isn’t also a central way to advertise this season. One might think the girls will be half naked almost every episode but will be pleasantly surprised to realize the opposite. The girls are clothed and shines will brilliance thanks to their characteristics rather than like some barbie doll.
The soundtrack is consistent on most parts as there is a diversity of ways to coordinate itself. Most of it matches its catchy dialogues. Given the nature of the show, there will be moments when fans will wonder themselves “WHAT?” Thanks to its soundtrack, the show will capture this essence of responding. This is accompanied by its dialogues that are all over the place. Some of it will never make sense but that’s what makes this show work like a miracle. The OP and ED song also serves as pivotal proof of its modus operandi. Not that the show even tries but it’s easily noticeable that most of the characters’ voices are consistent that matches their personalities. Perhaps Tsuda stands out the most because he’s the odd one out – the most normal of the student council, the IT factor.
This series is a treasure that every fan should hunt for. I don’t just mean it as another show to add to your PTW, on-hold, or completed list. No, it’s about appreciation. There are few series that can explicitly bring out a show’s cast characterized by their lustful nature. Usually, you get those beach episode and brain dead protagonists with no personality. They use the typical and cliched “no, it’s what you think!” lines that extorts to the norm. It’s unintelligent and done over and over. What this show will bring out differently is a casual way of experimenting life. Whether you like it or not is up to you but realize this:
This show is an instrumentality of how comedy series should be done. Seitokai Yakuindomo is a doorknob to absolutely nobody.
