Now that the introduction is out of the way, let's start this review.
Baka to Test is stupid, gross, heavy-handed, obvious, inane, and utterly entertaining. Somehow, this show manages to bring in all kinds of elements I don't really like about anime and storytelling in general and still make it work brilliantly. It helps that it's very sarcastic about all those elements, presenting them humorously and gently poking fun at them. But it still employs those elements seriously, to great effect. Never losing sight of it's role as a comedy, it manages to keep a sense of drama without becoming either melodramatic, or overly silly. The comedy makes the drama funny, and the drama gives the comedy a certain weight that it wouldn't have without the comedy.
Now, don't get me wrong, the little drama that there is in this show is always punctuated with the appropriate lightheartedness. There will be no tears, but plenty of chuckles. And it actually is all fun and games, but that doesn't keep it from sometimes bringing out a bit of serious issues and themes. Those themes are presented in a comedic manner, but themselves are, in other stories and shows, more often seen in a less comedic setting. It is a very simple show, with very simple, broad themes and story-lines; but I hesitate to call it shallow. In a way it is extremely shallow, as it aims for plenty of cheap laughs, but it manages to obtain those laughs despite my best resistance. That shows a fairly deft touch, as it is not easy for slapstick to entertain for very long.
There is a plethora of bad comedies that aim for the lowest common denominator, rare indeed is that show that so openly and unashamedly aims for it, and hits the bulls-eye with perfect accuracy. Baka to Test, for me, hit the mark, and for that I will give a nod of appreciation and respect to the writers and directors. I won't call it genius, because the show itself ridicules such an association within the first episode, but I will call it competent. Extremely competent.
Now onto the specifics:
Story: 7/10
Pretty standard fare: an interesting setting, intriguing locale, and the classic, ever-so-popular "Losers rise up!" storyline. Overall, it's pretty generic, but people tend to forget that "generic" is not synonymous for bad. In fact, often times, generic stuff is better than the name brand. Generic, in this context, is simply that which is commonly produced. Rare indeed is the story that is generic, but still manages to obtain that unique spark of individuality. Besides, classic story-lines are "classic" for a reason: they work. And when they work, they work well.
Art: 9/10
Overall I was both intrigued and impressed by the art. The devil is in the details, and this show really managed to hit the details well. Nothing too flashy (except in a few, intentionally over-the-top parts) but definitely has it's own style. Even shadows are personalized here, and the backgrounds are subtle jokes in their own right. Very bright and colorful, the art complements the story very well and definitely helps define the show.
Sound: 10/10
Outstanding is the word I will use. Now, admittedly, I'm a fan of dubs and a big fan of Funimation, so I really enjoyed all the characters voices. I imagine that if you are not so big a fan of dubs, that the original cast will work too, but can't really comment because I haven't seen it. Where I really saw the sound shine through was in the sound effects and the music. Certain effects added a lot of humor, and some of the music had me chuckling every time they came on.
Character: 7/10
Nothing too fancy, mostly archetypes, but again, subtlety is where it hit the mark. While being archetypal, this anime goes intentionally over-the-top and REALLY hits the stereotype pretty hard. Anime tropes abound in this anime, but all of them poke plenty of fun at themselves so it manages to work in a really clever, satisfying way. The characters aren't exactly deep, but I have a feeling that wasn't unintentional, and to be honest, they didn't need much depth to be entertaining as hell.
Enjoyment: 8/10
To put it simply: either you will like it or you won't. I don't see how someone could be lukewarm about it (though there are people who can be lukewarm about anything at all). For me, looking for something simple, palatable, and not (forgive my French) up it's own ass, it was exactly what I needed. Nothing too heavy here, and to be honest, that is extremely refreshing. You can just sit back and watch this show without having to worry about it being some artistic achievement that you feel obligated to examine and plumb through. Whether it's a lazy day off of work (or school), or thirty minutes before bed-time, this show fits right in to those moments in your schedule where nothing else is consuming your time and attention.
Overall: 7/10
I hate giving this a 7, because that seems way too harsh for something I so thoroughly enjoyed, but people seem to forget that 7 is "good". And that is what this show was to me: "good". I hesitate to give it less than an 8, and right now am really considering changing it, but I have a feeling that the show would make fun of me for those feelings with a black and white scene so I'll stick with my gut and say that this was a good show. Not a masterpiece unless you REALLY love the humor, but not bad or mediocre unless you're a stick in the mud. Competency at it's best and funny down to the last moment. Would recommend to anyone over 13 (some parts and jokes are... more mature in theme, while being less than mature in execution) who wants to relax and have a laugh or two (or seventy).
