-By Nick Morrow Welcome to another edition of Tomorrow Reviews where I will look over various movies, shows, games, and anime and break them down Today the topic will be based on the anime Classroom of the Elite *This will be a spoiler review* Sometimes when watching a show within any medium, there comes a moment that encapsulates everything good about the show. Years of hype, intrigue, discussion, and emotions resonate within a single moment. Afterward, the viewer can’t help but just sit back in awe. Season 2 Episode 12 delivered that moment in spades for Classroom of the Elite. Two Seasons of Build up This episode was not just the best of the season but the best of the entire series thus far. Ever since the start of the series where it was revealed that Ayanokoji (Koji for simplicity) was this genius-level intellect, multiple questions and subplots have driven the narrative forward. Yet, one of the most interesting ones was the question of just how far Koji could go before his secret was discovered by his enemies. S2Ep12 delivered those answers with stunning results. Ever since the island test arc when Koji outwitted Ryuen, these two have been on an inevitable collision course with one another. Like night and day and the sun and moon, these polar opposites had no choice but to come into conflict. While both are similar in the sense that they control their respective classes, the styles they employ to do so couldn’t be more different. If Ryuen is the sun, burning and dominating his classmates with his sheer brilliance and power, Koji is the moon, hiding in the darkness only illuminated by the light of others as he masterfully controls the tides of his class. This conflict had been one of the most masterful aspects of the show throughout season 2. While the various tests and Koji’s means to manipulate the situation and people to his advantage have been the focal point, the rivalry between the two classes has slowly simmered along as a subplot coming to full focus with the current arc. Each test, even the island test from season 1, made sure to emphasize the looming threat and presence of Class C, going as far as to make them be shadowy puppeteers in wrecking the sports festival, controlling Kushida, and being the instigators of the cruise ship test. Everywhere you looked, Class C was there, trying to stir up conflict, especially as Ryuen became more and more obsessed with discovering who was the mastermind behind Class D. Ryuen’s Obsession One of the strongest parts of the last few episodes was slowly seeing Ryuen’s measures and tactics to uncover the mastermind become more and more drastic. While his capture and torture of Kei showed just how dark and twisted he was, the more startling revelation was the twisted motivations behind all his cruelty. There were no deep, redefining characterizations behind his motivations. There was no tragic backstory. There was no anti-heroic goal to explain his cruelty. The truth is that Ryuen is just insane. He views life as a game and he wants to win at any cost, no matter how dark or twisted those means become. In a sense, it seems fitting that someone willing to use anyone and do anything to win would be the first major antagonist for Koji to overcome since he acts in the same way. Despite the similar mindset toward using others, the stark contrast between them lies in their differing philosophy on the ultimate power in the world. While Ryuen is one that believes in violence, Koji’s seems to believe that the ultimate power is manipulating desires (which can be seen from all his actions). That is what makes their final conflict so poetic since Koji orchestrates it to solve with violence while Ryuen sought to take advantage of the mastermind’s desire to keep Kei safe. In every sense, Ryuen is portrayed as an irredeemable villain, and it was one of the more brilliant moves of the story since his villainy overshadows Koji’s cold manipulation of his classmates. Between his intimidation, violent persona, and persistent harassment of Class D, he was the one that finally forced Koji to reveal his hand to someone other than a pawn. Koji Unleashed This episode’s shining moment was finally showcasing the insane, disturbing potential behind Koji. Since season 1, there have been a plethora of hints, foreshadowing his potential, but this was the clearest look that had been given of what he’s capable of. While Koji’s effortless defeat of Ryuen’s goons was one of the best-animated sequences of the year, it was his emotionless indifference that stole the show. Never before has there been such an overwhelming, one-sided affair by a character that seemed to show zero interest in his opponents. His stoic, expressionless demeanor has always been a signature of his persona, but when coupled with his brutal beating of Ryuen and his gang, it added another dynamic equal parts exciting and disturbing. The peak highlight of that moment came during Ryuen’s Joker-like moment when he crazily confessed he wanted to just to make Koji feel anything, but in response was pummeled in the face by that same uncaring, emotionless face that saw him as nothing but a bug. For someone as narcissistic as Ryuen, having the object of all his time and effort think so little of him was the final straw that led him to feel fear for the first time as Koji demolished him for hurting Kei. Yet, Koji’s dominance didn’t stop there. Between the reveal that all these events have just been a part of his carefully orchestrated plan and him physically dominating Ryuen, he made it clear that Class C and Ryuen never had a chance of causing him any real problems. Despite subtle parallels between the two characters, the fact that Koji can’t even begin to comprehend what makes Ryuen tick showcases the vast divide between them and how Class C will just be another stepping stone in his goals. Kei is the best part of the show Between season 1 and 2, one change of direction has made all the difference, the incorporation of Kei into the main plot. While her growing attachment to Koji (who only sees her as a tool) is messed up in so many ways, it is that bond that really drives the narrative forward. It should not be missed that Horikita has been in countless bad predicaments, especially ones with Ryuen, yet Koji never once stepped in himself to aid her. For her, he always stayed in the shadows. Through their relationship, we are given more of an insight into Koji’s potential from an intellectual, emotional, and physical view. Intellectually, her role as his pawn lets the audience witness more of his mindset as he explains his plans through her. Physically, her endangerment forces him to stop holding back his combat potential. Emotionally, their promise shows a rare side of him that can be protective even if he hides that protection behind a twisted promise. While he prefers to be a fly on the wall, the show begins to slowly develop him into more of a classic, high school protagonist role due to her influence. That journey reaches its full culmination as he sweeps in to rescue her from harm, keeping his promise and allowing her to be the only person in Class D fully aware of his full potential. Verdict 10/10 Perfect Episode |
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September 2022
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