Final Impressions / First Impressions / Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e

「しかし概して人々が運命と呼ぶものは、大半が自分の愚行にすぎない。」 (Shikashi gaishite Hitobito ga Unmei to Yobu Mono wa, Taihan ga Jibun no Gukou ni Suginai.)
“What People Commonly call Fate is Mostly their Own Stupidity.”

Full-length images: 13.

「天才とは、狂気よりも1階層分だけ上に住んでいる者のことである。」 (Tensai to wa, kyouki yori mo 1-kaisou-bun dake ue ni sunde iru mono no koto de aru.)
“Genius Lives Only One Story Above Madness.”

Of course, it turns out that Kiyotaka is still the “good” guy to some extent and that the entire test was a game to see who could outwit who. I was amazed by how much I enjoyed this final episode given that the entire series until now has been just average. I think it really sped up the resolution of the test, but it also brought out everyone’s true personality and intentions of coming out on top. From the get-go clearly Kiyotaka wasn’t playing to lose and he makes a lot of decisions that ultimately put his class on top, but at great risk. I think a lot of things also happened out of luck because even though he had suspicions, he didn’t know if people would actually act on certain ques (e.g. Mio stealing Suzune’s card). Or it could’ve all been due to the careful planning from Kiyotaka. I thought what was shocking at the end, was hearing him admit that he’s not a nice guy – he’s doing all of this to come out as the winner. He sees this as a game and he wants to win, even if it means stepping on top of his classmates to do so. I have a hard time digesting his personality because it sways so much; from his demeanor and apathetic attitude, to his voice and actions and finally his inner thoughts of what he wants. They all seem to contradict one another and it amazes me how many people he can fool. I’m dying to know his history in that children’s ward (hospital? Experiment?) but it might be a while before we know the truth.

The second shocker (which I should’ve expected from Class C) was the revival of Kakeru. His entrance timing was just impeccable and then the flashback of his past week was very interesting as well. I loved seeing how everything was unfolding from his POV, still offering up enough information but not completing giving away everything about the deal between him and Kouhei. While I thought he completely underestimated the abilities of Class D and B, I have to give him some credit for doing all this in the first place. In the end, he doesn’t win for the class, but he does manage to score a perpetuity of points until graduation! Regardless of what you think of his methods, he does come out better than say – Kouhei. His choice of leadership style is certainly not the way that people should rule (being the selfish character that he is and his undermining tactics) but you can’t say that he just bowed out and didn’t try. In fact, unlike Kouhei that didn’t have a backup plan (or Kiyotaka that adapted to the situation very well), Kakeru had an ulterior motive from the start. He’s playing to get points in the long run.

There’s a lot of other characters and sidelines that I want to talk about but I feel like it’s nothing people don’t already know. In my opinion, Class A failed because they thought they were smarter than everyone else and didn’t even read between the lines of what Kakeru was trying to do. They had no contingencies and ultimately, they were even let down by their own classmate. Class B seems to be the ideal class – always right in the middle and never really starting any beef with anyone. They’re not the winners but they’re also not the losers and they’re only one step away from Class A. Honami is the only one that stands out in this class and that’s because she has over 2M points! She finally gives us a hint of what she’s saving up for and honestly, it sounds like she’s going to buy her way into Class A. But why would anyone want to be in that class anyway? Seems dreadful to be in that drama. I loved the ending where they finally revealed the totals of everyone’s points in the credits. Gives you a lot to think about when you know who is where on the totem pole.

Epilogue:

Final Impressions

Wow, it feels like a long ride to get to this point. I feel bad that I’ve been very neglectful blogging this show when it definitely deserved better. My initial impression was that it was going to be another romcom school-life, maybe melodramatic teen anime. I still don’t think my assumptions are wrong, but there’s a lot more to the characters that I gave them credit for and the way that the story unfolds, isn’t necessarily in arcs focused on one or two people. After 12 episodes with Class D, there is still so much to each student that I want to know more about. Some of them have secrets, some of them have dark pasts, and some of them are just fun to watch. This doesn’t even include students from the other classes who are also very interesting to in their own way. Seeing the different leadership styles, and the way that the class chooses to work together democratically or because of some unseen hierarchy, is so applicable to real life in many ways. It’s a shame that it takes a full season for me to feel invested in some of the characters. While some are easy to love from the get-go, some others take a while to get used to. Even at the end, I don’t know what to make of Kiyotaka,. However, that’s what makes for a good series when there’s that much depth to each person.

I would’ve loved to see them advance even further in the story with one full season. There are certainly times where I felt the story was lagging or taking too long to get to the point (e.g. Airi’s arc) and by the time I’m hooked, the season’s over. Even this final arc took a while for me to think I knew where it was going before throwing in all the twists and turns. The worst part though, is that the show leaves you with so many clues in this finale about Kiyotaka, the different classes, the students and yet – there’s no indication of a second season so there’s a lot to be desired. One of the typical labels for this anime is also “romcom” and there’s not that much romance in it at all. I’m a sucker for romances (even if they’re atrocious sometimes) so the fact that there’s none, is disappointing. There’s not even that connection between characters or a spark to suggest interest, which isn’t weird when you have a protagonist like Kiyotaka but then you see the girls blushing and I can’t really tell if he’s going to reciprocate. Besides that, I think the drama is a huge part of the show and tension that you feel between classes and students is real. If you’re someone that doesn’t like the melodrama or exaggerated confrontations, then you’ll probably have a harder time sitting through this one. Otherwise, I’d say it’s a pretty entertaining ride and I’d wait to watch the whole thing before passing judgment.

End Card

25 Comments

  1. Definitely a lot of questions we have yet to get answers to, but overall, it was a fun ride. Though hopefully Kiyotaka ends up losing at some point and we can see how he reacts to that.

    HalfDemonInuyasha
    Reply

  2. https://randomc.net/image/Youkoso%20Jitsuryoku%20Shijou%20Shugi%20no%20Kyoushitsu%20e/Youkoso%20Jitsuryoku%20Shijou%20Shugi%20no%20Kyoushitsu%20e%20-%2012%20-%20Large%2042.jpg

    I really got a goosebumps, when suzune acting tsundere, then her voice fading out and….

    https://randomc.net/image/Youkoso%20Jitsuryoku%20Shijou%20Shugi%20no%20Kyoushitsu%20e/Youkoso%20Jitsuryoku%20Shijou%20Shugi%20no%20Kyoushitsu%20e%20-%2012%20-%20Large%2045.jpg

    Ayanokouji giving this looks, seriously it’s scary….imagining some of our so-called friends actually a psycopath.

    souma
    Reply

    4. I feel that he is just fighting hard for his freedom.
      Using all the ‘tools’ at his disposal.
      All to escape and stay away from the “White Room”.

      He just need the whole class to help him get his feelings back or something.

      Wonder how big an influence can his father and the “White Room” become.

      Those unfeeling eyes reminds me of Noir and Phantom, if Ayanokouji is some gunman assassin.

      iron2000
      Reply

    1. That would indeed be an interesting development. Especially since she “has” to buy it even if going to a lower class, that would somehow mean that in the long run clasess will be “locked” in place. I don’t know. There’s a lot you can do with that scenario.

      RafaAnto
      Reply

    2. The wiki has the reason of her points but I don’t understand it and don’t know if its true.
      The anime is adapted from a light novel so there are things already revealed.

      iron2000
      Reply

  6. Well I do believe that this series ended strongly. One of the albatrosses around its neck was that it was always compared to Oregairu, I think that those who stuck it out thus far would agree that it has managed to distinguish itself quite successfully from its better known counterpart.

    I do like Ayanokouji as a protagonist. He is not an outright villain protagonist and is definitely not “the hero” either. Rather he is a calculating intelligence that plays everybody to achieve his goals. It can be rather difficult to write brilliant characters unless you yourself as some kind of genius but I think they managed to convey that reasonably well in these last two episodes. I made me wish that there was more time given to plot and counterplot rather than Suzune shilling and pointless fanservice. One thing I did not like as much was that Suzune basically became the only girl featured in the last few episodes with no other girl having meaningful scenes. Heck the class girls in general came across as rather easily baited by an agent provocateur.

    Ryuen got some good develop in the end rather than the cartoonish junior mafia thing he had going on earlier. Shows that he’s a schemer through and through rather than a flat, one note character. The class A rivalry for influence also showed up which sets up an interesting dynamic. Basically any version of competition between classes ranked by ability usually has the strongest class be fractitious to allow their rivals to topple them. Now one faction is ascendant which could mean that Class A is tougher than ever. Just as planned, eh Chess Girl?

    Hands up anyone else who thinks Honami will use her mountain of points to just buy Kiyotaka from Class D?

    Mechamorph
    Reply

  7. For me it was a show I really liked till around the pool episode. It felt like the equivalent of kyoukai no kanata’s random idol episode, which was fun in ways but didn’t serve much purpose other than waste a precious episode.

    I still don’t like Suzune, so that probably dampened my enjoyment of the series. On the other hand, I really like Ayanokouji, and absolutely wasn’t surprised by his monologue at the end because that’s what I felt from him all along (and that’s why I liked him).

    For anime only watchers like me I think it’s a pretty enjoyable series, though definitely not up there with the good ones. Some parts feel like wasted potential, but overall the MC Ayanokouji really made the show for me. But after hearing what people have said about the changes made to this adaptation (in some scenes, replacing other characters with Suzune, and pushing her as main girl even though I’ve heard she’s more of a side character compared to some girls), I wish I could see how the story was meant to be instead of what was given to us. I think it’s fine to give her a bigger role if she’s important to the mc/story, but at the end it kinda messes up as it’s revealed she’s seen as a pawn to him. Oh well, I’m biased against her so there’s that. Overall, I still enjoyed the show.

    Last ep: I gloated when the class C guy ended up with 0 points after all his suffering/scheming. It’s a little pitiful how he stayed alone and got all dirty etc, all for nothing (except the 20k points thing, but still), but I don’t like him enough to feel bad for him.

    In the end, there’s one thing I still don’t understand. Sure, A sounds better than D in all ways, but it’s not like in baka to test where the conditions given to each class are so different is it? Why aim for A? I’d understand if they want to join A class to get more money, but aiming for A vs aiming for high living expenses is kinda different.

    ZJZJ
    Reply

  8. Persons Egos compare with numbers. As if Money are equal. in a way, this Anime want to tells us more Points more the Champion? then More Money more Power?

    But oh well, i should not justice this anime about there Points are Power

    Worldwidedepp
    Reply

    2. Yes, it is the sad truth, but in the world that we live in Money = Power.
      People with more money have access to better things, from material things to other more important stuff like medical care, better lawyers, etc. Not to mention that money can get you out of some complicated situations as well.
      The anime focus on a school that ingrains these things in the minds of its students, but at the same time it also tells them that if they are intelligent and diligent it’s possible to overcome and rise in the class structure.

      Kiritsugu
      Reply

  9. I certainly enjoyed this show and obviously desire a sequel. The premise didn’t really interest me at first, but the strategies it actually created did. Of course, what really hooked me was the protagonist, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. He’s a complete enigma, and the final episode actually amplifies that fact. He doesn’t consider Horkita an ally, but is actually willing to lose bonus points just to keep their mutual alliance with class B. Something that he probably knows they have nothing to lose. It’s also something he probably doesn’t need to worry about considering he’s got Kushida in his class. Getting friendly with others is something she’s obsessed with, so she probably knows the tricks of the trade. Then again, we really don’t know what Ayanokoji’s true goal is.

    Hoping we get to see more of these guys and girls. What their goals are and the strategies they use to achieve them. So far only Kouhei seems to have suffered a failure, really interested in how he’ll adapt. Maybe Kushida too, but it looks like a work in progress for her. Though that roadblock looks real huge. Everyone else seem to be doing okay, even Kakeru got what he wanted.

    Finally, got to thank Cherrie for bloging this. Would’ve ignored it after the first episode review seem to confirm my assumptions of this show. But then I saw a screen shot of a drunk Hoshinomiya-sensei and read the forth episode review. Watched the episode and got more curious. Checked out episode three before the first two and ended getting hooked after that. Certainly no regrets after that.
    Hmm, that that kinda makes it look like I fell for a honey trap. >_<

    theirs
    Reply

    1. They wasted all their points and gambled on bonus points. They lost that bet. Class D correctly guessed their leader, thus negating all the bonus points. That’s the problem with high risk, high reward tactics.

      theirs
      Reply

  11. Overall interesting series that was handled a bit poorly.

    Although I loved how Kiyotaka turned around everything Class A & C planned making them the losers and Class D the big winner, some parts of the whole island were just aggravating. Especially the point where all the girls suddenly turned anti-boy. You can just see everyone’s brain turn off.

    But one thing I really liked was at the end where Suzune was going all tsundere or rather the more dere bit and Kiyotaka just stopped listening not giving a damn. The internal dialogue and look in his eyes was a bonus. This is a MC where girls could throw themselves at him and he’ll just walk over them.

    JHN
    Reply

  12. https://randomc.net/image/Youkoso%20Jitsuryoku%20Shijou%20Shugi%20no%20Kyoushitsu%20e/Youkoso%20Jitsuryoku%20Shijou%20Shugi%20no%20Kyoushitsu%20e%20-%2011%20-%20Large%2036.jpg
    I was right. She is the sleeper agent. Though the way Kiyokata smoked her out was rather extreme in view of what it did to D class

    https://randomc.net/image/Youkoso%20Jitsuryoku%20Shijou%20Shugi%20no%20Kyoushitsu%20e/Youkoso%20Jitsuryoku%20Shijou%20Shugi%20no%20Kyoushitsu%20e%20-%2011%20-%20Large%2012.jpg
    https://randomc.net/image/Youkoso%20Jitsuryoku%20Shijou%20Shugi%20no%20Kyoushitsu%20e/Youkoso%20Jitsuryoku%20Shijou%20Shugi%20no%20Kyoushitsu%20e%20-%2011%20-%2013.jpg
    Can someone pinch me? Am I watching the TV version or the BD version? That said, someone on FB kinda called it that the director’s favourite girl is Suzune and is pretty much the best girl.

    Velvet Scarlantina
    Reply

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