Reviews

Before I watched Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu, I was highly skeptical of the show. I was just starting to get back into watching a few more anime after being on a "hiatus" of sorts from anime/manga entirely due to juggling all kinds of things back then such as college, my social and family life, and even catching up on the latest Flash and Big Bang Theory episodes. I told my sister I was looking for a great comedy anime with some romance mixed into the fold. She suggested Baka to Test. When I searched for it, on first glance, it looked quite girly, too kiddy, and I kept telling myself, this isn't the kind of anime I'm looking for. My standards on anime with great comedic moments were School Rumble and even the classic Ranma 1/2. In my head, I was thinking, I wouldn't like something like this, so I shoved it to the back of my "To Do/Watch List."

Finally, after a few months, and going through a few other shows, I finally decided to give it a shot. Boy, was I glad I took the plunge into this show because by the end of the series, it had entered my list of all time favourite anime! It was exactly what I was looking for! The story wasn't exactly the greatest in the world. A school where people are divided by their academic prowess. It stars Aki, the typical "dumb" male protagonist, who all the girls fall for. It seems like a case for another typical anime. But, somehow, the amazing characters, the timing of the comedic moments, the great reactions of the cast, and also the artwork, and the scenarios blended together into a chaotic, and hilarious anime! Baka to Test is simply a great situational comedy! The characters end up in unusual scenarios for high school students. But each of these moments bring out comedy gold! Every episode I couldn't help but laugh at something. I tried to savour every moment with this anime so I constricted myself to watching 1-2 episodes an evening. I couldn't help but be sad when the ride was over. It made my long days at work/school worth it when I came back home. It brought a sense of relief and joy to my aching body.

Baka to Test isn't that deep of the show, it's not trying to be. Sure, there’ll be a few episodes where you delve deeper into the backgrounds of the characters, but it doesn’t give you a heavy feeling after doing so. It's for people who need a good laugh with a simple story, but it also gives you characters you end up loving as well. It's for people who need a good refresher from all the stress in their lives, and also it’s a great change of pace from all the serious anime you've been watching. I loved every bit of the show. However, I’m sure there are people who aren’t into this genre of anime, but, if you’re looking for a great school/comedy/romance anime with some crazy situations, with memorable characters, then give it a shot! Check out an episode or two! It at least deserves your time to be seen at least once. If you don't like it, move on to the next great thing! But if you enjoyed the first episode, see the rest and I promise a great ride!