Category: Ben-To

Seriously, Ben-To has a lot of elements that I at first sight often dislike. I mean, this series could have just as easily picked the path of Majikoi: I really was behind that series after its first episode, but by god… how abysmal it turned out in the end. I tried giving its fourth episode a small chance, but it was exactly the same as its third episode! The more I watch Ben-To though, the more I realize how lucky we are with this series. Three episodes in and this is still showing no signs of dulling in. But most surprisingly: I can’t believe how well acted these characters are. Just about every character in this series is really likable, and together they make for a really entertaining series. If this show was just hilarious, it would be one thing. However, my problem with most comedies is that when they’re not funny, they feel empty. Here though, you’ve got a bunch of people who are enjoying simple dinner (the loot in this case), or doing simple things as spending time in a clubroom. I really find this show to have a charm that most other moe shows lack because they focus more on moe antics. I personally prefer this show’s more down to earth approach. It makes them much easier to relate to. On top of that, I love how David Production says “screw it” to conventions. This also was visible in Level E, which in the end never really stated the name of its main character, even though it was a hilarious one. Here too: three episodes in and the only hint we saw to the main female lead is a random flashback. It’s delightful to see such creative ways to introduce cliches like the childhood friend. Especially after Haganai’s third episode. I also love how the beginning of this episode started with hints at what was going to happen, which only made sense at the point where the creators came with the delightfully random punchline. Rating: ** (Excellent)]]>

Ah, this show passed the second episode test. And you know what, I’m going to blog this thing. It unfortunately has harem elements, but really: this IS the show with the most entertaining action of the entire season. I’m not going to just ignore it like what I unfortunately did with Dororon Enma-kun Meera Meera. Of course, I was very cautious with this series. Especially after how Majikoi turned out in the end. This second episode kept the balls in the air, and introduced new ideas and characters. And what’s also interesting is that this show is visibly holding back one of its main characters. The blond girl who features prominently in just about every promo material… she hasn’t made a single appearance so far. It takes balls to pull that off. In any case, what makes this show great is that it’s full of these tiny clever ideas that spice up every episode, on top of being a show about fighting for half-priced lunch boxes that just has to be done every single evening. The huge housewife who used her shopping cart as a weapon was hysterical, but I also love how this show gives everyone nicknames that all seem to have double meanings somehow. Or what about that glasses guy who is just standing there in the background? What’s more: it does the impossible for a harem show: it actually hints at how the different girls have crushes other than the male lead. Hana is a fangirl for the monk guy, and this episode hinted very that the witch and the wizard had some former relationship. Whether this gets actually developed or not remains the question, but still: this is a first. What also sets this show apart from the average harem: its acting. Finally we have another harem that’s well acted. The characters aren’t annoying idiots but behave down to earth. The scene in which You and Hana just had their cheap ramen and onigiri dinner in particular worked really well. But overall, the characters know exactly how to act without trying too hard. The side characters too are all very likable and interesting. It’s much better than, say, Haganai, in which the characters are just trying too hard to be like their stereotypes. The music is also just fantastic. Some of the best of the season. Long story short: in the past two episodes I just encountered one flaw: the fact that this is a harem. Rating: ** (Excellent)]]>