Yes, you know by now every season, or at least every year will come the cheesy Harem, but who is really invested in such shows? Well, done right, a lot of people can get behind a good harem done right, with good or interesting characters, a novel hook that sets it apart, or a good sense of humour and some great comedy. Even just some cute characters can sway these things.
Sadly, the Quintessential Quintuplets have none of these qualities. I wanted to like this, and even put my misgivings aside to push through all episodes so far, but it wasn't worth it.
The animations look cheap and poorly drawn, its a similar style to Dagashi Kashi or recovery of an MMO Junkie, but lack the style or grace of either, looking like some basic mode of an editing suite instead. The premise could have been interesting, but the characters are too cookie-cutter, with no discernible traits or characters, just different hobbies that supposedly sets them apart.
The main protagonist is unlikable, bland, and too unsure of themselves and the problem is it has all been done before, and better. The story is a thinly veiled set up to move from set piece to set piece, but no substance in any. The humour is lacking, relying too heavily on "yandere face" for someone being mad and his hopelessness and immaturity around women. I just honestly don't see who this is for, apart from total hardcore completionists who refuse to go back and watch any of the countless better versions of this.
If that isn't you, I implore you, go watch Monster Musume instead, at least that has some humor in it. Or if you want a rom-com this season, Kaguya Sama is a much better bet.
