It's a real struggle for any medium to break meta or do something off hand because the formula to making money is there and real.
While this show does indeed make the viewer encounter the same ol', same ol', it actually approaches with a refreshing course of action while still maintaining those formulaic arcs/scenes.
The biggest sense of it, is in the cast, seen more so specifically in the main couple's use of communication.
In the classic encounter where guy awkwardly meets up with girl in an exposed moment, we have the typical fighting of words and worries thrown about. However, the main guy, instead of beating around the bush, goes ahead and admits the fault and his feelings. He even calls out the ridiculousness of the situation or words used.
The guy confesses in the first moments of the screen time they have together, not several episodes later, but in the first moments of his thoughts and interests to her. NOT IN HIS HEAD.
What might have usually been the Tsundere girl going off screen in a huff, is instead her stumbling over her words and feelings but still acknowledging the compliment. Wait, isn't she supposed to slap the shit out of his face here?
The typical embarrassment is still there, the usual banter is still there, the classic situation is used once again, but now we have a different result this time. One that I haven't actually seen anywhere else in the medium.
Over and over this happens again, and boy was it great to have what are the same old set ups of jokes and appeals, turned to a different resolution.
I say it again, they do so with communication. They actually talk it out, not running out of the room, not forgetting like it never happened, and not staying quiet just because.
The biggest one of all, is that when our main couple is having a quarrel, they asked the important questions and even thought and considered the words both persons had said. And the result of it? They kiss and make-up.
The viewer can clearly see the moment of character forgiveness or change of thought. Not cryptic messages of twingy eye moments and a bit lip that is grunting behind it!
I'm sorry but FAWKING FINALLY! Actual believable progression in the growth of a romantic relationship!
I highlighted that because it's the refreshing relief that comes from this show. It knows full well what genre it is in, what fighting action scenes it has, and what they are expected to do from the community. But they have decided to grow their own fresh vegetables instead of picking from the grocery store that everyone goes to.
Yes, its that ecchi area, yeah its what you expected, but this time it knows you expect it. They decided to poke back.
