Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei – 12 (Final)
Just as planned! My final impression is included.
Summary:
One of Nozomu’s female students, Kaga Ai, wonders if she is causing trouble while on the train. Harumi suggests that she sit down, simply because there is an open seat, but Ai apologizes for causing her trouble. Chiri coughs after passing Ai in the classroom, which makes Ai think that she stinks. After apologizing, she backs away from Chiri. Nami moves her head behind Ai during class, so she soon starts apologizing for her head being in the way. Ai continues to apologize for various other ridiculous things, as Nozomu enters the classroom. Nozomu believes that this is kagai moso, a perpetrator complex. He then gives examples of situations where people wonder if they are a bother, and their actions to prevent it. Finding that she has not been around school to avoid being a bother, Nami and the other girls begin to claim that it is their fault rather than hers. Nozomu believes that this is Japan’s mentality, as Ai runs out of the room.
Nozomu and his students arrive in an area, which he calls a perpetrator complex crossroad. There, Ai believes she is causing trouble for browsing in a shop. The employee there begins to apologize in return, believing that it is her fault. Nozomu tries to convince Ai to return to class, and he takes her to a coffee shop to let her calm down. There, the chef wonders if their food is alright. He apologizes for the food being bad, and the employees continue to apologize on her way out. After a car crash in the crossroad, all of the drivers begin to apologize to each other. Japan’s soccer players show up to begin apologizing for their bothers as well, before Nozomu cuts in to give a kagai moso test to his students. Believing that he has become trouble for Tokyo, Nozomu takes off with Ai following. However, when they reach Okinawa, they start to believe that they are causing trouble there. This makes Nozomu attempt suicide. The students all claim that it is their fault at Nozomu’s funeral, but Nozomu bursts out of the coffin to confirm that it was his own fault.
Another one of Nozomu’s students, Mitama Mayo, expresses that she has evil looking eyes which make people misunderstand her. Nozomu witnesses her playing ding dong ditch, before the old man of the house chases after her. However, after catching her and seeing her eyes, he finds that it was impossible for her to be the culprit. The old man instead blames Nozomu, which makes him claim that it is shouko kata in reply. Nozomu begins giving examples of situations where people misunderstand and blame people who look like culprits, even though they are not. Nozomu continues to blame Mayo, but Nami claims that this is impossible when she appears as well. Nozomu almost starts to believe that he was mistaken, until he sees her violate a dog. Kafuka appears to claim that the dog really wanted something stuck in, and she asks for an example from Kudo Jun. After Jun asks for the culprit in his story, Nozomu claims that there is none because of lack of evidence.
All of the students’ precious possessions become ruined around them, but Nozomu believes that it is all shouko kata. While finding out Meru’s problem, Kaere bends over to taunt her. Nozomu stops Mayo from pointing a pole towards her, but this makes Kaere blame Nozomu while the pole is in his hands. Nozomu apologizes to Mayo, believing that there is no way she could be the culprit. Mayo attacks Majiru with a bat after running away, and Nozomu finds that there isn’t enough evidence when he arrives at the scene. Nozomu is hit in the head with a brick next, but he still insists that there is not enough evidence. Even after their house is blown up, Nozomu still believes that Mayo could not have done something so horrible. After Mayo expresses her liking of these types of things, Maria calls her a tsundere.
Impression:
As I guessed last week, they completely threw out the dramatic cliffhanger from last week. Did you really think they would give us a continuous plot? Also, in SHAFT fashion, we were given the remaining character backgrounds in the last episode. The jokes were great, but not anything that really topped any other episode. I wouldn’t say that is bad at all, as that keeps the series consistent. The Starbucks and Snoopy parodies were absolutely hilarious, as I did not expect them to start throwing in American jokes as well. Things like Matoi being in the coffin with Nozomu and the “dog incident” also had me cracking up.
The introduction of Kaga Ai was awesome. I have seen a few people like her, and I’m sure you all have too. Being so paranoid of causing trouble for others and blaming herself for everything, she was the typical representation of problematic personality. It’s just a problem of self confidence. I liked Mitama Mayo as well, though not as much. She seemed a bit less realistic, but as usual, that could just come from my lack of experience. It is funny that she looks evil, and is evil, but people do not assume she is because of that. For some reason the word “typical” keeps coming out of my mouth for this character, even though I have nothing to back that up with. We were also shown a bit more of Kudo Jun, the storyteller. Even though he was introduced earlier, he has never had a real episode like everyone else. On to the final impression!
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei has been a joyride for me, and I don’t think that is a surprise to anyone who has actually been keeping up with my posts. Looking at its premises and the team that was going to be taking care of it, I knew that this was going to be my favorite show of the season even before it aired. Now that it has ended, it still remains as the best show for me. This series has such an excellent mix of humor and deep meaning behind it. Not only is it extremely fun to watch, but it really makes people relate and connect to it on another level. SHAFT was the perfect team to take care of this show, and I believe that it has resulted in a masterpiece. Even at 12 episodes, this series definitely takes its place on my list as one my favorite series of all time.
As many others have said, this is one of those shows where I can’t help but like every character. I could relate to a lot of the characters, and I could find the realism in the ones that I couldn’t. The personality flaws that each student had was so real, and anyone who suffered from the same problem could relate. Actually, I believe that those who do have those problems are the ones who can enjoy this series to its full potential. It’s just so uplifting in a dark way. From Nozomu’s suicidal tendencies to Meru’s inability to speak, I could look into all of the characters for hours. I did this slightly in some of my posts, which I’m sure some of you are already familiar with. If I ran a different kind of anime blog, I would have probably done character profiles for everyone. Heck, someone should do that right now. Do it! If you don’t, let me be a guest writer and do it!
I think the only downfall of this series is its lack of coverage and promotion. Up to the point that I am writing this, I believe that only half of the series has been subbed by your lovely sub groups. This series is also being overshadowed by series like Lucky Star, for no reason. Granted I am a SHAFT fan, I still believe that this show could receive more love. Maybe like all other SHAFT series, this show can only reach out to that certain fan base. It’s love or hate! On a side note, this show also gave me a lot of good Japanese practice. I always like to remind myself that this is what I started my blog for, and my study is always continuing. This show pushed me to the limits at some points, but I think I gained a level because of it. So, those of you who are at this point, or maybe even those who aren’t, what did you think of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei?
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NO! Why must it end!Why…?! Love the snoopy reference! (now have nothing to watch on Saturdays…)
I must say, I have never enjoyed a series such as Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei since Suzumiya Haruhi. The humour in SZS never fails to make me laugh or smile each episode. I agree that it is difficult to cannot help but love each and every character. Although it is a shame that the series is only 12 episodes long and the chances of a second season may be very slim, I can confidently say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride and thrill of anticipating each new episode, as well as your summaries.
I guess it really is time to say “Sayonara, Zetsubou Sensei.”
Its finally ended…good riddance, i say !
Totali: The new animes for the fall 2007 is coming soon and I still can’t finish this series yet. You are right that they don’t have enough promotion. I have only watch up to episode 7 so far, so I am in deep despair right now.
So far, this is a great series. Some jokes were kinda weird and some jokes were just too damn funny, so it’s kinda balance out.
Guhhh. And I was really looking forward to how everybody would take last week’s accident thing. Daaarnit. SZS always ends up making a fool out of me. XD
I still think it’s pretty popular and well liked even though it got such shitty subbing treatment. I hope someone will eventually pick up the pace and finish, but the damage is probably done by now. Overall, it was a great show and I enjoyed it a lot.
I don’t get it why nobody have subbed it haha since episode 6? Other animes don’t want to name even crappy is subbed and a great anime like this not? Don’t know what’s wrong with the subbers LS is already over maybe they will start subbing now SZS?
I guess they will be no more philosophy classes es
Some good times and some bad times but i will missed the background music.lol
kitsune > Isn’t it a sad day? Actually, SHAFT’s next project, EF -a tale of memories- is going to start airing on Saturdays next. There’s a slight possibility that I will be covering it.
Halcyon > Well said. I’m glad you liked my summaries. I hope they helped! That quote is so good! I should have used that for my opener. “Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei” indeed.
Karry > Ah, someone who doesn’t like the series! Well, I’m glad that you actually gave your opinion ;P. It’s like I guessed then. This show just isn’t for everybody.
kenshin514 > I keep up with TT occasionally, and it looks like some sub groups are picking back up on it (though they are ones that I’ve never heard of before). I hope those of you who watch subs can get your fix soon!
Mintie > Didn’t I tell you?
I’m sure you weren’t the only one who was tricked with the climactic end of last week.
ann > Honestly, the problem with subs could be more of a translation/technical issue rather than popularity. SHAFT tends to be much more dialog driven, not to mention all the writing. This was the same case with PPD awhile back.
arigatou > Well, now that the series is over, it’s only a matter of time for them this series to get subbed.
Sniper > Haha. No more of my favorite philosophy teacher Nozomu!
Wow, I didn’t notice that SHAFT’s next project is ef-tale of memories. I saw the preview and the music was awesome. SHAFT has some good and some that little bit disappointed animes in my opinion.
Some of them that I like: Eureka 7, Honey and Clover (1&2), Spirit away, ROD TV, Ouran high school host club, etc. But there are some project that I was kinda disappointed (not bad, but could be better) like: Blood+, Negima!?, Dual parallel trouble Adventure, Mushishi, etc. So, hopefully ef-tale of memories will be a good one.
@kenshin514
Mushishi become epic last 2005. Still one of the best….
arigatou: I watched about half of the series.I understand why people like Mushishi a lot because of the good fairly-tale story and great graphic animation. I was actually like it at some point. It was definitely a great series, but overall it wasn’t my style. Sorry.
kenshin514 > though they did work in most of those anime as far as animation goes, I don’t really consider a lot of them to be “SHAFT anime”. To me, I would call an anime SHAFT if they did the production. It’s easy to tell when an anime has that SHAFT feel to it.
Mushishi? A slow series, but an all time favorite for me. For the record, my favorite episode is the one with the girl who could see the future through her eye. The girl who wrote with mushi was awesome too. Ah~ good memories.
Totali: you are absolutely right. I think that I haven’t watch “SHAFT anime” that much. The animes that I already watched were: Negima!?, Negima OVA, REC, and SZS. So I still don’t quite have the feeling/judgement to know which one come from SHAFT just yet. The only feeling I got from those 4 series is that they’re kinda random, weird, but unique on their own way. So do you have any recommend for the anime from the SHAFT studio, and what do you think about them. Thanks
Another good one, though I’m surprised that the last episode was all about new characters. I would have thought they would have focused more on established people; but then again, I also thought that they would at least start with the whole hospital thing. Not good at guessing it seems.
Now I just hope that the manga gets translated…
P.S. A big thank you to Totali, the best write-ups out there for SZS; they helped my increasingly rusty japanese cope with this crazy show.
Oooh. I was one of those who thought they would pick up the story from the accident last time. I’ve been wondering what was gonna happen afterwards. Haha. Oh well.
Lol. I have that perpetrator complex too! (although not that much, I think.)
Sayonara has been a really enjoyable series for me to follow. Although I didn’t quite get most of the references, I still liked it and it was unique in its own way. I think my top 3 favorite episodes were 1, 2 and 6.
Almost all the series I’ve been watching is ending soon… I still haven’t decided what exactly I’d pick up watching and blogging this Fall.
Totali, thanks again for the summaries! It was fun to follow the series along with your impressions. ^_^
kenshin514 > Negima!? is actually a pretty good example of a “SHAFT anime”. If you want the best example though, check out Pani Poni Dash. I dare say it is funnier than Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, without the philosophical background.
Dhomochevsky > Hehe another victim! Again, I am very glad to be of help to you ^.
hazy > No, no, I’m sorry, it’s my fault!!! Were my write ups too horrible? I’m so sorry~!!!
I really liked the show as well!
This and Doujin Work are the only two I’ve been following for this season, and doujin is something you watch when you kinda wanna stop your brain for a little bit, while this one I consider a piece of art.
I’m so glad you wrote impression on every episode, or else I would’ve missed a lot, if not most, of the references they made, and how realistic this show really is. It’s sad to let it go, but if it didn’t even it’d probably turn out like Naruto 2.0.
I don’t know if you caught that reference toward the end, where that girl went to Zetsubou’s house with a baseball bat. I guess it could’ve been Higurashi, but it reminded me of this show a couple years ago about a boy who roller blades around, and injures people with a baseball bat. He was called Shounen Bato, not sure if that’s the name of the show.
Oh yea I caught that! I totally forgot to mention it though. That would be Paranoia Agent, another show that I liked back in the day. Thanks for pointing that out, ohphive!
Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that anime (Pani Poni Dash). I think, I watched the first episode like a year ago and it was kinda weird, random, and little bit annoying, so I didn’t continue after that. I might check it out (if I have time that is). Thanks a lot, Totali. By the way, which anime are you going to blog for the up coming season?
@ Totali: ~Lol. You almost got me there with your reply. I immediately thought “Oh no! What did I say? Did I say something awful?” Haha. I told you I had that complex. It took me a couple of seconds to realize it was sarcasm *sheepish grin*.
kenshin514 > With my current situation (see: Uni troubles), I cannot say for certain what I will be able to blog. This is also why I did not do a season preview, though that it also because it just isn’t my style. I can give you a small list of what I would like to blog though. That would be: Sketchbook -Full Colors-, Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun, Kodomo no Jikan, Clannad, Shana 2, and ef -a tale of memories-. I also plan to pick up one or two more after seeing their premises.
hazy > Haha! Bahhh~ bahhh~ ^.
Talking about SHAFT-style anime reminds me when I watch Hidamari Sketch. I thought to myself “what the hell with all these SHAFTish style?” then laugh out loud when I realize it’s SHAFT’s work.
I wonder if anyone metioned it yet, but there’s a season 2.
Well, look at the dates of the comments holly, heh.
But aye, a second season to be made.
Anyways, I enjoyed the series on the whole, even though I really wasn’t into it until like episode 3 or so.
Man, the end of 11 was so brutal and evil to me, BOOOOOO!!
I wanted to see what happened next so badly, lol..
One of my favorite parts especially was definitely the Gurren Lagann ref during the funeral. xD Yaoi doujin!
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