As a reader of the light novel, this is one adaptation I have been excited about. With a 32-episode runtime, this one did quite well. The episode starts much like in the novel with the introduction of the main cast one by one. Immediately the first thing to notice is both the visuals and animation are standout. The starting sequence, which is anime original, is wonderfully done. Even the music to finish up the episode is great.
Saku Chitose, who, unlike the majority of light novel protagonists, plays differently. Normally you have the clear otaku, which is normally done so the reader can relate to the protagonist given the target audience. Saku is quite different; he is confident, popular, and athletic. Which is a breath of fresh air. Though his reputation can be considered an issue.
There are many girls introduced between Yuuko Hiiragi, Yuzuki Nanase, Yua Uchida & Haru Aomi. The one who left the strongest impression was Asuka Nishino who is Saku’s senpai. Unlike with the other girls, it looks like he is looking at Asuka. Like there is a deeper connection to them that is difficult to label. The flashback that is shown really shows that Saku looks up to Asuka to a degree. Though Asuka’s comment to Saku is interesting regarding her hypothetical question. Perhaps it gives a hint that Saku is actually a selfless person.
In the midpoint of the episode, it is shown that Saku & Yuuko are the president & vice president for their class. Which apparently is the same as their previous year. Kura, who is their homeroom teacher, asks Saku to bring back a student who hasn’t shown up to school since last year. That student being Kenta Yamazaki. In Saku’s first attempt, in which he brings Yua along, nothing much gets done. As Kenta lays out insults to both Saku & Yua.
A week later, Saku comes back with Yuuko and Kenta does the same. However, how Yuuko responds is different from Yua. It is here we can see the difference, as Yuuko doesn’t care how Kenta is saying the hurtful things. As she is helping out to impress Saku, which is precisely what she is doing. She doesn’t sugarcoat it, but of course how straightforward she is is also alarming. It’s clear Yuuko has much more self-confidence than Yua. Though it is because of that she can connect the dots rather quickly that Kenta is sulking because of what happened with a girl who rejected him. Then we see Saku breaking Kenta’s window, which provides quite an ending point to the episode with a rather unconventional approach.
