Classroom of the Elite

This is a very well-produced drama regarding both the atmosphere and narrative, plus it has well-developed characters. Aside from one minor reference that is rather dull and smacks of too much fan service (in the form of one rather feeble episode), it creates a decent thoughtful atmosphere, which is interesting for someone like me. I have to say that the characters are the best thing about this show. I have not seen characters this interesting in a long time, and finding out more about the main male protagonist is more intriguing to me than, say, the mystery of what is hidden in Eren Yeager's basement. I find Ayanokouji an incredibly likable character in general. It seems like it has been an awfully long time since I have looked up to a male anime protagonist with such interest, fascination, and quiet admiration. Well, if I also mention the collection of attractive girls and women, where the female teacher of Class D is just as engaging as the main male protagonist (and I thought she was pretty hot too). The other ladies also teased my intellect, so in that respect, this production gets a full 10/10 for its characters. As far as the narrative and atmosphere are concerned, the narrative unfolds slowly and is sometimes surprising. At other times it only lightly hints at some of its trump cards; however, the anime’s authors always create a real climax in each episode that works out well. This means that every conclusion of any episode is suitably dramatic and again makes the viewer hungry for more. Plus, the very ending (of what I hope is the first season) created an incredible appetite for future episodes and reaffirmed how much I enjoy and care about the main male protagonist. So, in a rush of euphoria from the last episode, I am going to raise the overall rating to the maximum and start hoping that more episodes will be forthcoming and that all the mystery, logic, and deliberation are not going to disappear from this anime series in the future. 9/10. (2022-06-04)

After five years, the cruel and emotionless manipulator with the face of a dead fish and the voice of a snake tranquilizer is back, and I can enjoy more of his elaborate tricks and maybe even learn a little more about his mysterious past. The second season doesn’t bring many new revelations, though. What I did enjoy here was the gradual fleshing out of certain characters and the first real confrontation between the protagonist and a sufficiently dangerous opponent, which is topped off with a very decently animated fight. The second season could be roughly divided into three parts. The opening part on the ship and the final one with the test were quite fun and interesting. I learned something new and saw some very powerful scenes. On the other hand, the middle part about the sports tournament was rather mediocre, almost boring. I find this series intriguing, and I don't see why some people consider it stupid and dull. I think the opposite is true, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and it would be boring if everyone perceived everything the same way. I'm excited to see new episodes and find out more about the "white room". I’m also curious to know if Ayanokoji will ever become a normal person with at least a semblance of emotions. The season took care of one antagonist while showing the danger and motivations of others, so I have reason to look forward to Season 3, also thanks to the last scene. It's a quality show, but one point off compared to the first season (mainly because of the weaker middle part). (2022-09-26)

If you were a fan of the previous seasons like I was, this one won't disappoint. The school intrigues continue, with our main hero facing even more formidable enemies. Some have been vanquished, but their influence lingers, especially since the school year ended and a whole class graduated (though I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of some characters). It's still like watching a strategic game of chess; the series maintains its intelligence and believability, keeping me hooked to see what unfolds next. The mystery of the white room gets a bit more clarity, side characters undergo interesting developments, and others surprise us with their true nature. The ending left me amused and slightly puzzled, unsure if it's genuine romance or just another social experiment by the main character. I'm particularly curious about the direction this will all take. For me, the third season earns a solid 8/10. (2024-03-28)