GenXotaku1971

So let's say you're a Dub fan and you're aware that by some quirk of production the Simuldub for Season 2 got released BEFORE the Dub of Season 1.  What to do?  You could read the manga to catch up then start the Simuldub.  You could watch Season 1 subbed like a sensible person then proceed to the Simuldub of Season 2.

Or you could be a maniac like me and dive straight into Season 2's Simuldub a total virgin! 

And I don't regret it one bit.  This show's fantastic, the dub actors are great, and the very first episode handles characterization so well you get a good grasp right away of who these characters are and what they're all about.

I didn't feel lost at all.

Granted, everything I write is from the POV of a noob who started with Season 2 and no prior knowledge of the franchise, so take my review with a grain of salt BUT to me at least, the comedic genius of the show is having these two highly competitive and frankly kind of terrible people go at each other...each is trying, absurdly, to make the other confess their love first! It's an absurd premise but it delivers so much comedy gold...and the show is funniest when these two sabotage themselves over and over again...it's just deeply amusing watching awful people unintentionally screw themselves over. 

But then the show shifts over time, the characters grow and evolve and learn to be decent people.  Kaguya is the former Student Council Vice President and urges President Shirogane to seek reelection for selfish reasons, mainly just so she can have an excuse to be around him more and keep their romantic rivalry going.  Kaguya is campaign manager and wants to fight dirty but Shirogane decides to be gentlemanly and graceful.  He even empathizes with his opponent and treats her with respect rather than humiliate her...he even invites this former political rival into his cabinet after the election, though she does struggle as the newbie in a group of long standing friends who all know each other.

Seemingly apathetic Yu's backstory made me cry, and in a brilliant bit of visual storytelling, when he looks up at his teammates after the race and this time sees their actual faces rather than indistinct outlines I cried all over again.

Chika is just a huge goofball and obvious comic relief, though she is also a talented singer.

Even Kaguya makes progress in learning to be honest with herself about her genuine emotions for Shirogane.

This is one of the most over the top, funny, yet very touching RomComs I've seen in quite some time.  Don't wait for the Season 1 Dub!  Dive in RIGHT NOW!