I never really watch ecchi-type shows. Not out of some lofty, anachronistic disgust at a show with sexual themes, but more because they rarely offer anything interesting in terms of story and character. In many ways, this series followed that trend, but also surpassed my expectations in certain ways. I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of blatant fanservice. I usually start rolling my eyes and losing interest in shows that incessantly look for excuses to do panty shots, accidental gropes, walk-ins etc., so it was a nice change of pace to see a show that uses sex only when it seems important to the character and story development. Until the last episode. Hooooooly fuck the last episode. What an absolute trainwreck. No spoilers, but it was honestly one of the most bafflingly idiotic fanservice romps I've ever seen. It was nothing but a series of absurdly contrived non-sequiturs to rip through as many pointless fanservice moments as possible. All I can think is that it must have been contractually obligated by the publishers. Otherwise, I see no reason why the creators of the show would have produced something so unforgivably stupid. A mentally handicapped child could have easily written a satisfying ending to this show, and instead we got something that played like the transcribed ramblings of a sex addict on bath salts.
*deep breath*
Anyway, the main characters were at least relatable enough to be interesting. I can easily see myself acting very similarly in high school, and to be honest, I found Yamada and Kosuda's starting point to be a fairly insightful depiction of a young adult's sexual awakening. Filled with hormones and obsessed with sex but too timid and inexperienced to actually get anything done. I just wish they had developed, like at all. The show seems to go out of its way to avoid interactions between the two romantic leads and I found myself wondering if they had ever actually had a casual conversation. From a story structure perspective, of course the two leads are going to end up together, but the show never really gives us a reason why. The supporting cast was pretty bare-bones and mostly there for comic relief, which they accomplish for the most part. The recurring "sex-gods" gag was probably my favorite part of the show and got a few actual out-loud laughs from me.
I don't have much to say about the story. As far as rom-coms go, it felt pretty formulaic, but formulas exist for a reason. If it works, it works. It doesn't get points for doing anything particularly new or interesting, but it keeps the train on the rails long enough to deliver some good comedy. Then the last episode happened, and you already know how I feel about that.
The art was never amazing, but it wasn't glaringly bad either. I generally only take artwork into my evaluation when it fits one of these two categories. However, whoever decided to give the Kanejou siblings those obnoxious perpetual sparkles has a special place waiting for them in hell.
I listened to the OP and ED once each and decided to spare my ears that experience for the rest of my viewing. The voice acting was very trope-centric and every stereotype had a fitting voice. I did find myself questioning the choice for Yamada's voice. I couldn't help but think the voice sounded way to young for someone who was supposedly a post-pubescent high school Junior.
Overall, I can't honestly recommend this show. If it had ended satisfactorily, I may have considered it, but the final episode gave me actual for-realsies PTSD and I would never wish that on anyone.
