Despite these factors, I found several moments in Sansha Sanyou to be really enjoyable with the ways it explores its character interactions and while not necessarily memorable, it entertained and held my attention.
Story 6/10:
We begin with our protagonist Youko (referred to often as Miss Youko) eating her bread crusts by herself at lunch. Youko isn't just eating a light snack, she lives in poverty after her father's company has gone bankrupt and he's left her to live on her own as he goes off to find work. Having the upbringing of a snobby rich girl, so much so as to sport a princess haircut, Youko doesn't have any friends and laments over this as she eats her lunch. Moments later as if by red string of fate, Teru and Futaba each run into her. The series follows these girls through their daily lives as Youko's new found friends ease her into the life of a commoner.
Art 8/10:
I'm biased here because I generally like Doga Kobo's approach at moe character designs. What I will say is that the character designs are uninspired and you'd easily be able to find several characters that look just like them. The animation is of a similar quality to their other work. Light colors and backgrounds make for a really colorful show.
Sound 8/10:
I'd watched both subbed and dubbed versions of each episode, personally preferring the dub, mainly for Teru's VA. The music throughout the series just sets itself in the background and doesn't do much in terms of manipulating emotions as much as it is just there to help the scene along.
Character 5/10:
I really liked the character development throughout the series for Youko and that would be its main highlight for me. The other protagonists are Futaba, following the skinny glutton trope which pretty much all of her gags/story beats are based around and Teru, which embodies the face of an angel/mind of a demon character trope as she maintains her image as class representative but will quickly turn in an instant to drop a verbal bombshell to shatter the spirits of her enemies (this is usually directed at Nishiyama). The side character range from rivals that want to befriend the protagonists to a stalker ex-butler and a forever 17 maid.
Enjoyment 8/10
Overall 7/10
I liked Sansha Sanyou because it felt like it knew its place and wasn't trying to stand out among the class. It did its job and left me satisfied with the conclusion.
