Should I give Zero no Tsukaima 3 a chance?

While engaged in the manly task of laundry, I chanced upon ep 5 of ZnT3 on the local channel - my 2nd time catching the only episode I'm seen of ZnT3. While there was the usual uninspiring harem hijinks, I was mildly surprised at the sweet moments shared by Saito and Louise at the haunted dolls mansion (Of course I also relished the earlier scenes of Tabita but that's another tale.) and saw a spark of the magic that was Season 1 which set me wondering

I'm not sure how most view the ZnT franchise but it was akin to Mahoromatic or Da Capo IF for this tanuki - Absolutely LOVED part 1 but am been going through psycho-somatic treatment to forget part 2. ZnT for me is all about Louise and Saito. The wars, parallel worlds and even, yes EVEN the fantabulous haremettes are present to contribute to their love story. Season 1 was focused and managed to weave this main thrust into every ep in the midst of delivering a coherent story, dispensing good harem fun and dishing out endearing characters. I love Season 1 because it was a simple but well-told love story with loving-crafted bishoujos.

Season 2 inherited very little of its predecessor. Uninspiring harem situations, emphasis on side characters the viewers did not care for and most devastating of all, the shabby treatment of the key Saito/Louise relationship dealt a deathblow to my 2D ranking of ZnT. Many would point out that the final 2 eps were actually passable. But this also tells us that the production team was capable of quality which they did not apply to most of the season.

Coming back to Season 3. I have avoided the 3rd season because I know a bad season would leave such a bitter taste that I'd never be able to wash it out with the esteemed Season 1. But I've been heartened by what I saw this evening. Should I give ZnT3 a chance? Does the Saito-Louise relationship go anywhere this season? Would I think less of any of the characters if I pursued S3? (I loved Siesta a great deal less after Season 2 since she resorted to dishonourable means to win Saito.) Or would I burn my Louise figures after that?

Would appreciate if those who have seen all 3 seasons shed some light without divulging too much.

Zero no Tsukaima Season 3 – (Non)-Expectations

For a huge fan of season one, I'm not looking forward to another installation of Zero no Tsukaima. I lay the blame squarely on the sequel which not only destroyed the good in the preceding season but went on to mercilessly quell the possibility of having an decent third.

Zero no Tsukaima is mostly about Louise and Saito - their maturing relationship as they individually grow to learn their place and purpose in grand scheme of things. Everything else in the series exist to support or is layered upon this theme. From the overarching plot of Tristaini treachery to Henrietta/Siesta's delicious incursions into Louise territory, the stories never failed to build on the leads' characters or relational growth, well, at least for Season 1.

The coherent and sweet tale of 2 hearts drawing closer to each other through haremic tussles and adversity was usurped by excessive fanservice and an uninteresting side-plot in Season 2, sacrificing character growth and stripping the series much of its original charm. Worse, by hastily raising their relationship to marriage status at the end, we are not only cheated of steady, coherent character growth that is typically accompanied by that warm fuzzy feeling but a poorly justified yet unassailable Louise lead that would negate Henrietta/Siesta competition. A harem series without efficient competition is like a Gundam series with all the shiny mecha sans battles.

We all can guess what will happen in Season 3. They'd do a relationship-roll back like that did with Season 2, frustrating audience and overwrite Louise's lead with fanservice. Fanservice may be good for laughs (IF well-executed) but a cheap substitute for relational growth. I found it utterly insulting that Saito's increasing affections for Henrietta/Siesta in Season 2 was proportional to their increasing bust-size instead of their fabulous personality/character. Fanservice in lieu of character development is a cowardly cop-put, period. Sadly given the closing direction of Season 2, season 3 looks set to use the same sad tactics to maintain the harem facet of the show.

I hope I'm totally wrong. That there'd be compelling material in the novels for scenarios that would circumstantially overwrite Louise's lead in a credible manner, allowing the other haremettes to gain footholds. That the writers would stop using whipping sessions as pseudo-sex and give us REAL character development. That the wonderful bishoujos of ZnT would not be cheapened with meaningless fanservice but lovingly crafted to exude congruent charm befitting of their irresistible personality.

It's a long shot but I sincerely hope I'd be proven all wrong come ZnT S3.

Zero no Tsukaima 2 – Sequel turned spin-off?

I loved season 1 of ZnT. It bears many marks of what J.C Staff excels at - engaging/coherent story off a simple plot, well-paced character development and loads of fun from an endearing cast. Sadly, I'm not feeling the same love for its sequel.

Of the many issues I have with ZnT2, probably Agnes' heroine-hijack stands above the rest. It just isn't sound to cast a new character as the heavyweight in a sequel and even weave the plot about her when there are so many well-loved characters just waiting for that limelight. This reminds me of DCSS when there were great expectations for a Kotori-centric series only to have air-head Aisia dominate and ruin the DC franchise with her juvenile struggles.

With Agnes and Colbert's expanded screentimes (stories which are not very engaging to start with) crowding out other characters, we're already seeing some casualties in character development.

Zero no Tsukaima

I agree with almost everything in Kabitzin's excellent review of this series so this post will just make random remarks rather than attempt a systematic review. Firstly, where got love dilemma? It's obvious that Siesta is the superior choice! Shaking Fists of Basket Grasping Fury FTW! Sudden Stop FTW!

Louise is my least favourite Rie Kugimiya role thus far. I found Shana's brattiness to fit her chibi-ko looks, permanent sulk and actually consider her to be fairly well socialized given that her life experience came from a shiny brooch and an emotionless de arimasu meido. Nagi works well too because she's dere often enough to balance out her tsun. Louise's heavy physical attacks were a big minus for me too - I really dislike these types of characters who employ plenty of physical violence against their objects of affection e.g. Ranma 1/2 Akane Tendou's huge inter-dimensional hammer, Love Hina's Naru Narusegawa's Hit Keitaro Through the Roof punch, pre-Fumoffu Kaname Chidori's paper fan etc etc etc. It may just be a cartoon but this type of thing turns me off like the way some anime fans just hate yaoi or lolipedofiend stuff.

Zero no Tsukaima – Random aftermath thoughts

My friends tell me that in love, it’s BMW (best man/maiden wins). I beg to differ. In reality (even anime), it’s often MOW (most opportunistic wins). And we see this so clearly illustrated in Zero no Tsukaima. For this viewer, Siesta’s the best-est maiden in the series. Winsome personality, kind, understanding, beautiful and meido. Plus, she’s honest and bold to act on her feelings, creating opportunities to get into Saito’s pants favour. Yet, her contact with Saito pales in comparison to his forced interaction with Louise by virtue of their tsukaima liaison. (Reminds me of how a school idol lost to an adopted sister.) And despite Louise’s trademark tsundere dishonesty/violence and general ill behaviour, she scores time and again with Saito. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE Louise as a character (although in RL I’d never consider her gf material), it’s just that given equal footing, Louise is unlikely to stand a chance against the wholesome charm of Siesta in the race for Saito’s heart.

Extrapolating BMW/MOW theorems to my anime palette (in a most farfetched manner), I was surprised that I found myself enjoying ZnT (Summer's best for me) more than Suzumiya Haruhi (Spring's best and also among animes' best offerings). Now before the HHH death squad hits me, kindly allow me some last words.

Undoubtedly, SHnY is the superior piece of work; animation quality, depth of characterisation, art direction etc etc. It's a sublime production. A best-est anime. But ZnT just presses the right buttons with me. While it has none of SHnY's sophistication, I love its simple but well executed plot. And meido for meido/tsundere for tsundere, I'd pick Louise/Siesta over Haruhi/Mikuru any day. (Although harem for harem, Kyon's un-worldly dan would square with Saito's off-worldly squad thanks to Yuki.) Even my eating habits reflect my philistine anime preferences. I'd prefer my favourite hawker fare over delectable fine dining. Truly, it's the heart over the head for this boorish anime watcher.

Ok, I've said my piece, HHH members can come do me in now.

Oh wait... a final prayer to the figure deities. O pls Kotobukiya-Kamisama, may there be a battle armour Henrietta and a enchanted-fairy Louise figure. Of course a meido or seifuku Siesta to make up for the seifuku tease in the OP.

Louise, from Zero to hero

While I've only been ranting about Louise's tsundereness and Siesta's sweet meido charms, I actually enjoy ZnT's simple but coherent plot very much too. Ep 10 reinforced this with the revelation of lost Void mages and it suddenly dawned on me how apt Louise's title is.

How befitting for a Void mage! I look forward to the day when this degradatory title given by her prophetic peers would become the truimphant chant of cheering crowds; Louise the Zero, penta-class Void mage! Her status as Void mage would also explain why her magic sucked so bad: The academy's not teaching her the right things, because they can't! And how her void magic is able to penetrate the tower guarding the Staff of destruction since it's strengthened by Square classed mages only against the 4 conventional elements. Of course, it'd also explain why the dark sinister powers (yes, Ward included) would want Louise; she's the only one with the potential to attain Penta-class status! And finally, Void magic brings to mind black holes which has been postulated by astro-physicists (or is it ill-informed sci-fi authors?) to be time/space conduits between universes. Sure explains Saito's summoning.

Truly ZnT has a well crafted story. Though predictable, it bears many details that lend crediblity to events and adds texture to the world/characters. I can't wait for Louise to pwn with Void magic.

It's exceedingly hard to find Louise in cool magical poses (ala Nanoha) on danbooru. As it was with her classmates, many of us see her nothing more than lolicious jailbait for gracing our wallpapers in lingerie/fairy wear. Forgive us Louise sama!

Zero no Tsukaima – light romance done right

Zero no Tsukaima is a most predictable series. Right from ep 1, many viewers would have already established cloaked green-haired summoner's identity. In fact, I would assume, at ep 9, all of us already know who Cromwell really is. Yes, plotwise, ZnT ain't no Higurashi. Premise-wise, alternate dimensions are not exactly refreshing either. With that many spoilers in the OP, we can all guess what the 'dragon blood' in ep 10 is really. But after having said all that, I just want to reiterate that;

I can rave about its well-executed story despite its predictability yada yada. But really, the true fizz of the series, for this tanuki, lies in its romance component. I can't remember the last time I felt all warm and fuzzy inside rooting for an anime couple. I've even resorted to raws for a quicker glimpse into Louise and Saito's latest love love developments. And no, I haven't scratched Siesta out of the race yet. She in seifuku at the OP gives me hope that she could possibly return with Saito to Earth. Anyway I digress.

ZnT got me wondering about the unique charm that sets it apart from generic harem fluff and after agonising over it for 10 mins, I realised there are 4 main elements I'd like my light romances served with.

- Endearing bishoujos

I liked the romantic aspect of Shakugan no Shana and often compare it with ZnT. But honestly, between Shana and Louise, the latter tsundere would be a clear winner, hands down. It may be her pink hair, filmsy nightie or childish demeanour. I really can't put my finger on it but I get more riled/psyched up when Louise gets jealous, upset or become just plain annoying. (Hmmm, ok, it could be her waitress garb in ep 7... )

- Deserving male leads

The harem male is the MOST important but often the WEAKEST link of any romance series. I've said this before but a credible basis of attraction is of utmost importance so as not to make a mockery of the shoujo no kimochis vested in the lead. Too often, animes focus so much on crafting moelicious bishoujos that they skimp on the male lead. Bad move. Bad taste is a vital character flaw for this viewer. Plus it reflects badly on one's IQ and I like my bishoujos intelligent. (Not necessarily smart, but be imbued with at least simian intelligence. Yes, there are harem leads even apes would not copulate with) I remember all the harem series I enjoyed have well-designed male leads with believeable charm. (Da Capo, SHUFFLE!, Suzumiya Haruhi just to name a few.)

- Worthy rivals

As with any romantic tale, there must be credible competition. Even if the winner has already been predestined, the rival still needs to have sufficient mettle to fight the good fight. One of the reasons why I feel so much for the Eri X Harima X Yakumo conundrum is that both Yakumo and Eri are such worthy opponents (Harima's an undeserving idiot but well I've heard people say that about me too.. XD) Anyhow, Siesta sure is a worthy challenger to Louise. In fact, if not for Louise's dere dere in ep 9, I would have remained a staunch Siesta supporter.

- Jealousy

We can have worthy male leads and delicious ladies but for romantic dilemmas to have a bite, we need these ladies to face off and invoke the first law of love - Jealousy. I personally can live without using 'misunderstanding' as a plot device. (Too many poorly executed 'misunderstandings') But 'jealousy' is a MUST-HAVE. For example, I ask, why do we like Tsunderekkos? Is it not partly because of their dishonesty? Their failed concealment of overflowing jealousy while spouting all sorts of verbal abuses? Or that kawaii but futile struggle at suppressing their feelings? (Btw I have a theory that affinity to tsunderekkos and voyerism have the same basis. Talk saved for another day.) And so it was great to see Louise, Siesta and even the easy going Saito have their bouts of jealousy. Ah the springtime of youth indeed.

I'm not sure why I have to articulate reasons behind my love for ZnT. Maybe it's just ingrained into an academic to justify his claims (no manner how flawed XD). Ah well, don't just believe me. Look into Louise's bewitching eyes and you know you want her.

Waiting impatiently for ep 11.

Zero no Tsukai-my-hearto! And a small tribute to J.C Staff

I can't believed I just marathoned 7 eps of Zero no Tsukaima off youtube. What a great ride! Sure, it feels a little like Shana in Hogswarts but it still oozes a unique charm that is greater than a mere marriage of the 2 series. Maybe I've missed her other works but it sure was GREAT to have Horie Yui finally in a meido role!!!!!! *teary eyes* (Checked off one life goal.) Siesta has just skyrocketed into the top 3 spots of my personal meido charts. What a beautiful personality! She has the warmth of Mahoro and the primp propriety of Hisui. (Incidentally these are No. 1 and 2 respectively on my meido charts.) Pity there isn't much of her after that dai pinch in ep 4. I'm soooo looking forward to a figure of this most wonderful meido...

And what.. what is this?! Lolicious tsundere in frilly waitress garb? Man, when Louise appeared in her black little no. at ep 7, I could have sworn I heard plummeting screams of "Moeeeee!!!" all around the globe. (I was on the ledge of my 11th storey window myself but when I remembered how my figures, especially the newly wedded acquired Feena, would become widows lonely, I withdrew.) It's really not so much of the very very beautiful outfit but her mixed response of bashfulness, failed pretense at nonchalance and the attempt to impress that was priceless. Indeed, Louise tops my personal anime tsunderekko charts now.

Having very recently enjoyed their Karin and Shakugan no Shana, ZnT has again heightened my love for J.C Staff. In this jaded age of animedom, when simple and well-executed stories are no longer popular, it's always great to enjoy coherent J.C Staff fare. The older hence sometimes louder in the fanbase would complain about current anime trends being predictable, shallow, rehashes of classics yada yada. So we have anime mammoths like SUNRISE responding to these demands with high density action/drama (include avant garde dual-fetishings) that end in trainwrecks because the plot inertia are too great for the limited airtime. (I'm still a SUNRISE fan nevertheless.) Ooooh but not J.C Staff. While driving the series with a simple but clear plot, J.C Staff productions reinforce their series with such great character charm that even on the slower eps, we continue to enjoy the cast's antics and root for their struggles. I've seen more than a few of this fine balance of story and character in their works (Karin/Shana/Honey&Clover) to know I'll be entertained come J.C Staff's next prodution. (Maburaho and Ikkitousen are forgotten articles of their misspent youth.)

Anyhow, like Kurogane, I wished I'll be summoned to bishoujo land right away where I get to pucker up with tsundere nobles, kawaii himes and sweet meidos. For that I wouldn't mind laundering kawaii pantsu with cute pink ribbons a permanent sleeping spot on the floor....

Onward to ep 8.