Kurokami Medaka has become student council president at Sandbox Academy, despite being a first-year. One of her campaign pledges was the institution of a suggestion box, and the first request is to chase out some delinquents who have taken up residence in the kendo dojo. Medaka enlists her childhood friend Zenkichi and the student council moves into action and heads for the kendo dojo... Medaka's quite the little-miss-perfect, if truth be told - whatever she puts her mind to, she can do it, and do it perfectly. Although when it comes to that kind of character, I'm afraid Madoka (Lagrange) has her beat. This episode gives us a full introduction to her two notable traits: the ability to talk anyone into anything, and her tsundereness. (Is that a word?) The idea seems to set us up for a regular visit to her suggestion box, while we follow her through the necessary adventures while she fulfills the requests she finds there. Zenkichi, on the other hand, has a touch of the Araragis about him, in the way of his wry commenting on her actics - which, with the source manga having originally being written by NisiOisin (of Bakemonogatari fame), shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Not so much of his trademark witty wordplay yet, though. THE GOOD: Looks nice. Comes complete with GAINAX bounce. Some decent characters. THE BAD: Can't help but think we've seen it all before, and so far at least there are no surprises here to give it a USP. "Meh". Hopefully this is just a case of needing time to find its own feet, but with only 12 episodes to work with it had better get a move on. Not so bad that I'm feeling the urge to drop it yet, mind - but the 3-episode-rule looms...
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