StevenSAKUJO

Story: [7/10]

Classroom of the Elite's story is by no means something to be taken seriously, the premise is entirely absurd. These children of wealthy families are pretty much left to their own devices, to play some ridiculous games, and somehow they're supposed to learn how to be ruthless business leaders through this. It's the same as Kakegurui, the show doesn't take itself seriously, we know the protagonist is going to slay and we're just here to enjoy the show. Despite how the show portrays itself as a battle of wits, it is rarely the case that any problem is actually overcome by someone making galaxy brain moves. Resolutions are often illogical and unexpected, and this seems like it should be a massive flaw in the show. However, I don't think the show is actually about wits at all, the show doesn't succeed or fail based on how clever Ayanokouji or others are, the show fails if the build-up and payoff of Ayanokouji's victory, which we all expect, works or doesn't work. This anime is most like The Misfit of the Demon King Academy, where Anos' victories rarely actually make any sense to us, we're just there to enjoy arrogant characters being shocked by how great he is. It's important to realise that this is what Classroom of the Elite is because if you're expecting a brilliant game of chess, where the show succeeds based on how plausible and impressive Ayanokouji's solutions are, you're probably going to be quite disappointed. 

I often criticise OP MC animes, not because I dislike the genre itself, but more so because the protagonist is so bland and uninteresting, the world; unambiguous and empty, and the antagonists are clumsy and without any redeeming qualities. For me, OP MC is only enjoyable when the MC has some purpose and wants to do something with their power, ideally defeating opponents that are themselves interesting and competent in their own right. Ayanokouji is domineering and calculating, and he has purpose. That's why it's fun to watch what he's up to, and why scenes, where he succeeds, are fulfilling, and not necessarily in a completely predictable way. This show is no masterpiece, I don't think it even can be considering what it is, but it's fun to watch. 

Animation: [6.5/10]

I have surprisingly little to talk about here, every character is a kawaii anime character, I think it adds to how the show isn't to be taken seriously, and I don't like or dislike anything in particular. 

Sound: [6/10]

The OST didn't stand out to me, but the voice acting is pretty great as usual. 

Characters: [5/10]

I think the weakest point of this show is the characters, although I like Ayanokouji, and I did like Ryuen this season, in so far as he fulfilled his purpose, most characters are extraordinarily shallow. In class D, the only females besides Horikita are crushing hard on Ayanokouji in a way that hurts their own development significantly, and of the males, well, they don't really do much and they're generic as can be. Kushida is the only exception, and I guess she will play a bigger role next season, which could be fun because she's probably the only class D character that I like besides Ayanokouji. The show has many characters to follow but how many are actually doing anything even remotely interesting? There is build-up and development but it's torturously slow and too plainly laid out, some subtly could go a long way in making characters like Horikita, Ichinose, Sudou and so many others, more enjoyable to watch. The only characters that succeed are the antagonists, they're portrayed as dangerous and competent, others fear them and that raises the stakes.

Overall: [7/10]

This anime has so many flaws, and it's not even well written but this genre is so fun when it's done right and here it is. Go in with zero expectations for plot, turn your brain off and it's a great way to kill time.