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- 20027.1 (131)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiWhile running late to school, the bike of Yukari Tanizaki unexpectedly breaks down. She soon steals a bike of a male student, who is also late for class, and dashes toward the school. Chiyo Mihama is introduced to the high school homeroom class as a ten-year-old child prodigy, as she showcases her talents in making plush toys and cooking desserts. Sakaki, being a soft-spoken girl, is perceived as frightening to the others. Although it is revealed that Sakaki is fond of cats, a stray cat named Kamineko bites her hand on two occasions. An energetic Tomo Takino tries to challenge Chiyo and Sakaki in academics and athletics, respectively. Newcomer Ayumu "Osaka" Kasuga is nicknamed based on her birthplace, despite being totally different from the many cultural stereotypes.7/10 - A lovely pilot and a good introduction to a large portion of the cast. It has some unique quirks that were not carried on to the rest of the show.
- 20027.8 (104)TV EpisodeDirectorYuki MiyoshiHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiAfter eating spicy food, Osaka develops hiccups, which Chiyo, Tomo, Yomi, and Sakaki try to get rid of using traditional and foolish methods.6/10 (7/10 rewatch) - While this episode is endearing on revisits, the actual quality of the comedy and its execution are fairly uneven. Netherless, a good showcase for the character of Osaka and the type of comedy one can expect going forward.
- 20027.6 (95)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi MatsudaMakoto NagaoHiroshi NishikioriStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiYukari is jealous about Nyamo being more popular among her students, which urges her to convince her class to play basketball in an attempt to boost her own popularity.7/10 (6/10 rewatch) - Yukari's hijinks in this one can border on obnoxious, however the focus on the "adult" cast is welcome. An early attempt in diversifying the situational comedy in the show, which would not really be explored further until episode 19.
- 20027.7 (91)TV EpisodeDirectorKôji MasunariHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiThe class goes to the pool despite Osaka and Chiyo not knowing how to swim.7/10 - The introduction of Kimura (and technically Kagura) and of some of the more "risqué" humor of the show. Strange combination of cute and creepy, quite a fertile ground for unhinged comedy.
- 20028.1 (85)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiDuring summer break, Tomo, Yomi, Osaka and Sakaki are all invited to go to Chiyo's house.7/10 - The first "holidays" episode. Very heavy on the recycled animation and static shots. It is slightly made up for by the compelling humor and effective editing. While the show has built its reputation on this "low-cost" approach, they have taken it too far here.
- Episode: (2002)20028.0 (82)TV EpisodeDirectorTakashi IkehataHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiThe athletics carnival is soon approaching. Yukari tells her class to only think about winning, especially against Sakaki racing against Nyamo's class, promising them juice if they win.8/10 - Not the funniest episode thus far, although a couple of comedic highlights make up for it. This one mostly rely on solid plotting and narrative satisfaction. The beginning of the show reaping the rewards of having built its likeable characters.
- 20028.1 (78)TV EpisodeDirectorYuki MiyoshiHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiIn an attempt to come up with an original contribution to the school's culture fest, the class decides to hold a "Stuffed Animal Exhibit".8/10 - Successful blending of comedy and cuteness. The excitement of the previous episode is traded for more understated and arguably subtler jokes. This due to the focus shifting towards the quieter Sakaki.
- 20028.2 (79)TV EpisodeDirectorMakoto NagaoHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiOsaka, Tomo, Sakaki and Kaorin have unusual New Year's dreams involving their classmates.7/10 - This episode gets funnier on each rewatch due to its absurd nature, but it is another example of the show cutting costs in terms of animation. It is hard to complain when the humor has aged so well, and the absurdism is still anchored in the characters' "psyche".
- 20028.2 (77)TV EpisodeDirectorYayoi MinazukiHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiSakaki searches for a cute present to bring to Chiyo's upcoming birthday party, but cute things seem to run away from her.7/10 - Mainly focused on Sakaki, this is a leisurely paced episode which occasionally underwhelmes. The earnest and fairly lenghty closing segment does not quite connect on first viewing, but is charming.
- 20028.1 (75)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiWith the imminent start of their second year, Osaka and Chiyo worry that they and their friends could be in different classes. Kaorin is also dreading the possibility that she might be taken away from Sakaki.8/10 (9/10 rewatch) - A busy episode, due to the introduction of the feisty Kagura, a nice contrast to Sakaki. Kaorin is also a great source of comedy here, with her very dramatic outbursts. The show has found its winning formula, and the visual presentation improves greatly from here. A lot more creative visual gags, and lively non-linear editing.
- 20027.9 (73)TV EpisodeDirectorJun FukudaHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiKagura challenges her new classmates (and homeroom teacher) in various tasks, as Sakaki pursues her quest to pet a cat.8/10 - Uneventful "everyday" episode when compared the previous 6. Essentially an exercise in comedy by putting the newly introduced Kagura in a variety of situations with the rest of the cast. Similar to episode 2 but with an emphasis on short segments.
- 20028.1 (70)TV EpisodeDirectorIsao TakayamaKenichiro WatanabeHiroshi NishikioriStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiChiyo recounts the event of her daily life as a high-school student, and some of the things she misses from her primary school days.8/10 - A thorough account of the state of the show by Chiyo, which would make for a decent introduction. A victory lap of sorts, from the cutesy perspective of Chiyo, which does not shy away from dark jokes, and ends in with a satisfying earnest segment. More successful than episode 9 in that regard, and the formula the finale will follow.
- 20028.1 (69)TV EpisodeDirectorIsao TakayamaHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiTomo, Kagura and Osaka make a last-minute effort to study for the upcoming exams, as they realize they cannot get help from their classmates.9/10 - Very "hyper" episode, with Nichijou-esque slapstic and dramatic animation, constrasting nicely with the usual relaxing vibe. A very good showcase for Tomo's chaotic personality. Funny from beginning to end.
- 20028.3 (71)TV EpisodeDirectorMakiko DateHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiFor their second year summer break, Chiyo re-invites her friends to her summer home to take part in a festival.8/10 - Better animated than the other two "holiday" episodes, though not quite as funny as the final one. The comedy stays in line with the previous 3 episodes, relying on the 3 duos of Sakaki/Kagura, Tomo/Yomi and Chiyo/Osaka. It ends on a very strong comedic note.
- 20028.1 (68)TV EpisodeDirectorKôichi TakadaHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiYukari's class is once again tasked with defeating Nyamo's at the athletics carnival. The students also learn of Kimura's "waifu" who will be attending the carnival.8/10 - Like the previous and following episodes, this one repeats a previously explored situation. The stakes are not as "high" as in episode 6, and the focus is on the gags. In keeping with this, most of the time is spent with the least athletic characters, and the main event is the introduction of Kimura's wife.
- 20028.3 (68)TV EpisodeDirectorYuki MiyoshiHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiThe class struggles to think of another original theme for the culture festival and ultimately decides to expand their previous year's idea of a "Stuffed Animal Exhibit" into a "Stuffed Animal Café".9/10 (8/10 rewatch) - The cutest episode of the show. A one-trick pony in some respect but it is highly effective on first viewing. However, it is not as clever as episode 7.
- 20028.1 (65)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi NishikioriJun TakahashiKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiAs Christmas approaches, Tomo wonders if Chiyo believes in Santa, whether reindeer are real, and why their English teacher is having them do P.E. in the cold outside.8/10 - A return in some ways to the earlier episodes' formula (from 2 to 4) as a more loosely connected series of skits. This is likely due to Osaka's musings and Yukari's outburts retaking center stage. This makes for a cozy yet diverse experience.
- 20027.8 (63)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi NishikioriKenichiro WatanabeKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiTomo gets mad at Yomi for bragging about her winter holidays and tries to take her revenge on her anyway she can.7/10 - One of the few slightly "mean-spririted" episodes of the show (aside from 3 and 20). This one highly focuses on Yomi and -by association- Tomo. It is written well enough to remain funny and not tiresome -character-wise- and the wholesome ending does not hurt.
- 20028.0 (68)TV EpisodeDirectorYayoi MinazukiHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiAs the cherry blossom trees are blooming, both students and teachers stay up late at night to reflect on their insecurities and their goals in life.8/10 - Holds the distinction of being largely separate from the source material and it shows. This is an unusually moody episode, which expands on the characters' motivations to give them more depth. This is peharps a more "traditional" narrative approach than the Peanuts-inspired perspective of the manga, but it works well for the adaption. A sequel to episode 3 for the development of Nyamo -and Yukari to a lesser extent- and an early closure for those characters.
- 20028.0 (64)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi NishikioriSetsugorô TobariKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiNow entering the third year, the students discuss what they plan to do after high-school. However, not all of them will get to spend the next year among their friends.7/10 - The first act in setting up the show's ending. The enjoyment of the comedy is slightly lessened by the mean-spririted nature of a portion of the gags, mostly towards Nyamo and Kaorin. At this point in the show, maybe one has grown too invested in the characters to really enjoy some of the darker comedy.
- 20028.3 (65)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiYukari takes her class on a school trip to Okinawa. The students take part in some sightseeing, shopping and scuba diving, and get to encounter some of the local wildlife.8/10 (7/10 rewatch) - The comedy is back to over-dramatic Nichijou-isms from Yukari and Tomo in the first act. The remainder of the episode is evenly divided between a couple of running gags, some nice sight-seeing (for this show) and some satisfying rewards from being invested in Sakaki's feline troubles.
- 20028.8 (72)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiKaorin finally gets to visit Chiyo's summer home, as they and their friends try to find a balance between studying and enjoying their usual summer activities.9/10 - This is the last "holiday" episode, but arguably a last hoorah for comedy-centric storylines. Character-wise it offers about as much closure as one can expect for Kaorin, but the episode is essentially a build up to the show's best (Osaka) gag. Like episode 5, some corners are cut for the animation, and it really shows in the last segment, which is just ok.
- 20028.1 (65)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi NishikioriTôru TakahashiKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiOsaka's wish to participate in a "bread eating contest" is finally granted for this year's athletics carnival. However, Chiyo is more than ever afraid her young age might hold her team back in the relay.9/10 - This episode concludes Kagura's arc nicely and fits somewhere between the humor from episode 15 and the investment from episode 6, with a fun relay race.
- 20028.5 (67)TV EpisodeDirectorHiroshi NishikioriKenichiro WatanabeKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiSakaki sets her sights on studying to become a veterinary after high-school. For a start, she has to get over her differences with certain felines in the neighborhood, but not without the help of an unlikely ally.9/10 - The most successful Sakaki-centric episode as the writers do not have to restrain themselves from showing character growth at this point in the show. Not especially funny but immensely adorable and satisfying.
- 20028.2 (65)TV EpisodeDirectorNao IinoHiroshi NishikioriKiyotaka OhataStarsTomoko KanedaYuki MatsuokaChieko HiguchiIt's the New Year, and the students go to the temple to pray for success in their entrance exams. They also come up with their own rituals to get luck on their side, as some of them may need it.8/10 - Aside from being the episode with "that scene", this one is story-oriented and leisurely guides the viewer towards the show's conclusion. In the sense, the stakes have never been higher and a lot of the humor fittingly arises from the stress inflicted onto the characters.