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"At a high school full of unique characters, Tadano helps his shy and unsociable classmate Komi reach her goal of making friends with 100 people.

Source: Netflix"

Genre(s): Comedy, Romance

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1,2

Arguably a top 10 first episode, this really sold the sweetness of the main pair and had me take more seriously the extreme social anxiety that Komi has. It really must be a lonely existance, though I cannot say I can relate to such crippling fear myself. It was dwelt on enough to get annoying by most measures, but somehow avoided the dreaded eye roll I was prepared to give it, mostly because of the chalk board scene. It was genuinely cute. The twist at the end of the first episode was actually a bit of overkill, in that I was already vested, but to add that the entire student body just happens to be freak-o is icing on the cake.

The second episode was a bit of a step back, as I'm not as endeared to the new gender-bender character, but the dynamics in place here should expand the comedic space we can expect if for no other reason than we now have two characters capable of holding a conversation. I also have a special place in my heart for two other elements in this episode: the Yandere groupie chick who deems Tadano unworthy of being around Komi, and the well meaning but ultimately misinterpreting Starbucks barista. Things you can only find in anime. Give it a try.