(APPROACHING SPOILERS)
So, I'm gonna make this short, this anime is really good. The premise is very interesting; so close, yet so far. Tragic, yet wholesome, and I think it would make an interesting story. And they absolutely nailed it.
Let's get the small stuff out of the way, like everyone says the cgi, is very icky and emotionless, but its not that bad, it doesn't drag down the other elements and tbh I'm ok with watching this cgi (because the story is beautiful). Music, very fitting for the theme and setting, and the op SLAPS.
Ok, so the characters. Let's talk Bocchan, his character is pretty interesting, a curse that was put on him, which made his life miserable, that would make interesting interactions and room for growth. And they did it, his growth wasn't really shown in the first few episodes, only implied, but in the later episodes they fixed the problem. In the flashback he grows, he finds resolve to live and actually looks forward to his future. He also shows growth, in the part when he asked Zain to destroy the journal, that's him putting his friends, which he didn't want before, over his own goals. And the part where he stands up and defends his love for Alice, not caring about status or pissing of his mom. So basically, the main reason he changed, is because of Alice.
Speaking of Alice... Ok some may say she's bland and emotionless and only being a tease to make Bocchan happy, but in the later episodes she starts to show her true emotions, which was great to see. Speaking of being bland and emotionless, isn't that the image of maids, she needs to not show her true emotions, but that cold image is warmed by Bocchan throughout the series.
Next, is Rob, nothing much to say, which may seem bad, but imo I like it that way. He keeps this image of a cool old guy, with wisdom and skills, but that's not the extent of his character. In the Rob backstory-ish segment, it's shown that he really is a wonderful servant, that focuses on his duty. And the part where he hires Alice, it really shows his resolve to make Bocchan's life better. Then there's Cuff and Zain, both have complementing, personalities. Cuff being the clumsy, short-tempered, aho girl and Zain being the composed, carefree, perverted dude. But though out the series, they break out of character for each other, Cuff wanting to be responsible, and Zain, being very overprotective and willing to sacrifice his friends for Cuff.
Then there's Viola, who serves as Alice's friend and a perspective in the main house. Her liking Rob was really fun to watch and her giving and failing to use her advice was hilarious. As the show progressed, it is stated that she wants praise and to be herself, this gave the idea that Bocchan's life is a happy one, compared to his siblings. Speaking of that idea, the one that is openly implied is for Walter, he lives in Bocchan's shadow and is just the "spare", the ironic thing, is Bocchan's main priority isn't to become king. Anyway, his growth is shown as he meets his brother and agrees to help him, this may seem like it's to take the achievement of lifting the curse, but I think it's because he genuinely wants to see his brother happy, after seeing him. Last, is their mom, well she is a scary power figure, and it is shown that she is absolutely ruthless. However, in is implied that she actually cares for her son, and in the last episode, she is happy to see her son stand up for himself. I really think that was a powerful moment.
So, the story, I won't say much. The first act, gives exposition and embodies the spirit of Takagi-san, where the Alice teases Bocchan in a lot of situations and that gives us the feel of the show, classic romcom wholesomeness. The end of the first act also, gives us a possible solution to the curse. The second act, shows backstories and the growth of most characters, it shows that Alice is actually in love with Bocchan and not just being a good maid. They face challenges, and moments where they want/need to embrace, but can't.
So overall, this anime is fantastic for a romcom enjoyer like me, it has it's flaws, but I'm very satisfied with this show. Can't wait for next season!
