Best Student Council Series Thoughts/Questions

[Suwako Moriya]

All right I have recently finished watching through all of Best Student Council. For the most part it was a pretty good series with a rather strong and varied cast of characters. So many wonderful girls that it can be hard to decide who to mention directly. Rino, Minamo, Ayumi, Kaori, and Rein are probably the first that come to mind though. So it goes without saying that I'm fond of them.

I guess if I had any issue with the series is that sometimes it felt like the girls were taking turns. Which probably comes a result of how large the cast is. Also near the end you started getting what I like to call the "By the way" moments. Still aside from that the series did turn out pretty well. Plus I am a sucker for stories focused on groups as opposed to the center of the universe.

There are other things I want to mention/ask and part of the reason I'm making this topic. However since they're kind of spoilerish, I'd rather them not be in the root post and thus I'll start a new subthread for that purpose. One that's both for those who've finished the TV series or don't care about being spoiled. You have been warned.

[Suwako Moriya]

Okay truth be told I have only one question right now, but I may have more later. In any case we learn that multiple characters are relatives of Kanade as they are also Jinguji. This includes Seina, Minamo, and Rino. I know there are others, but I'm too lazy to give a full list.

Still part of me is wondering what the exact relationship between them is. My first assumption is either cousins or second cousins, but it's really hard for me to say for certain without any evidence. Just knowing two characters are related doesn't always determine how.

I guess there's also the matter of the whole "power" stuff. I can't really tell if all Jinguji are supposed to have the same basic power or if it's supposed to be a case by case basis dependent on the family member. Rino and Kanade's power seemed both different and similar to each other. And apparently this means I did in a sense have multiple questions.

[Draneor]

I should start off by stating I haven't read the manga, listened to the drama CDs, or played the game. As such, my experience in this multi-medium franchise is limited.


Still part of me is wondering what the exact relationship between them is. My first assumption is either cousins or second cousins, but it's really hard for me to say for certain without any evidence. Just knowing two characters are related doesn't always determine how.

I think their mothers were sisters, although I don't recall the anime stating it explicitly.


I guess there's also the matter of the whole "power" stuff. I can't really tell if all Jinguji are supposed to have the same basic power or if it's supposed to be a case by case basis dependent on the family member. Rino and Kanade's power seemed both different and similar to each other.

My understanding is that the entire family has the power to manipulate the minds of others, but the strongest officially "rules" the family, more or less (of course, they don't actually have much political power). Rino's mom was especially strong in the power, but she ran away. Thus, Rino inherited a power stronger than Kanade's. Seina, on the other hand, did not inherit any of the power. As such, she was basically kicked out of the family, for all practical purposes. Seina's sister Minamo also is powerless, and is not an official member of the Jinguuji.

[Suwako Moriya]

I should start off by stating I haven't read the manga, listened to the drama CDs, or played the game. As such, my experience in this multi-medium franchise is limited.

If not for the potential cost and work involved, I'm almost tempted to try out the other aspects of the franchise to see if maybe they help expand and flesh things out a bit.

I think their mothers were sisters, although I don't recall the anime stating it explicitly.

I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, but if so I do wish they had made things clearer.

My understanding is that the entire family has the power to manipulate the minds of others, but the strongest officially "rules" the family, more or less (of course, they don't actually have much political power).

Ah I see then, when you put it that way it makes more sense. Although speaking of the political stuff, I find the whole "because we're hiding ourselves, we're all powerful" story element to be hilarious sometimes.

Rino's mom was especially strong in the power, but she ran away. Thus, Rino inherited a power stronger than Kanade's. Seina, on the other hand, did not inherit any of the power. As such, she was ostracized, and basically kicked out of the family, for all practical purposes. Seina's sister Minamo also was powerless.

The fact that Rino awoke to her power late in the series while Seina was determined powerless early on makes me conclude that the Jinguji must have some special test system they do. Ie one that will say "Even if she lives to be 120, she'll still be powerless" or "Wow, she could awaken any minute now".

[Draneor]

Oh. A question for you. Assuming you watched the dub version, did they keep paya-paya?

If not for the potential cost and work involved, I'm almost tempted to try out the other aspects of the franchise to see if maybe they help expand and flesh things out a bit.

Did you watch the extras? Either the first or second volume had a couple long trailers for the game, which went into a good amount of detail regarding each character. For the record, the Gokujo Seitokai game had a cheap PS2 Best (http://www.yesasia.com/us/gokujo-seitokai-bargain-edition-japan-version/1004537280-0-0-0-en/info.html) version released a while back (2,940 yen with tax).


Ah I see then, when you put it that way it makes more sense. Although speaking of the political stuff, I find the whole "because we're hiding ourselves, we're all powerful" story element to be hilarious sometimes.

Well, the thing is, the Jinguuji isn't powerful. While they have a special power, they cannot use it how they want or live their lives how they wish. They're basically tools for the Japanese government, etc. Thus, it's essentially a prison for Kanade. Until she met Seina, no one had ever talked to her without wanting to use her. This was precisely why she created Miyagami Private Academy--to be free for at least a few years. Later, Kanade decided that, even if she could not be free, she would make sure that Rino was. Of course, Rino wasn't happy with that (and neither was Seina).


The fact that Rino awoke to her power late in the series while Seina was determined powerless early on makes me conclude that the Jinguji must have some special test system they do. Ie one that will say "Even if she lives to be 120, she'll still be powerless" or "Wow, she could awaken any minute now".

The Japanese wikipedia article on the Jinguuji power indicates that it first manifests itself during middle school (or Rino's age). I'm not sure why Minamo/Seina do not have the power. Perhaps their branch of the family hasn't had it for some time.

[Suwako Moriya]

Oh. A question for you. Assuming you watched the dub version, did they keep paya-paya?

Yes, I did watch through the series dubbed and I can confirm that the paya-paya was kept in.

Did you watch the extras?

I still need to get the actual DVDs for the series. Which I definitely plan to do. However right now it's mainly a matter of deciding when that will be. Balancing act and all that.


Well, the thing is, the Jinguuji isn't powerful. While they have a special power, they cannot use it how they want or live their lives how they wish. They're basically tools for the Japanese government, etc. Thus, it's essentially a prison for Kanade.

Ah yes, it's kind of sad to have a power that only results in being rewarded with as you put it a prison. It's too bad this wasn't one of those series where the mystery guys get killed off. Then again the one who usually does the killing in those scenarios are themselves evil.

The Japanese wikipedia article on the Jinguuji power indicates that it first manifests itself during middle school (or Rino's age). I'm not sure why Minamo/Seina do not have the power. Perhaps their branch of the family hasn't had it for some time.

Well in regards to Minamo/Seina, I suppose a lot could be speculated since they never do indicate one way or another in regards to Seina's parents and branch of the family in general. Actually come to think of it if the parents have the power, but the children don't, I wouldn't be surprised if that resulted in forced separations.

[populuxe]

I wasn't expecting much from this show, but ended up enjoying quite a bit. I don't think it's overly important what the exact relationships are between the various branches of the Jinguuji. It's just one of those things that constantly pops up in anime and manga. There's a powerful family with many branch families, just like in Fruits Basket, Moon Phase or Ceres.

My favorite aspect of the show was the relationships between the three leaders of the school: Kanade, Nanaho and Kuon. Each one had a very different but entertaining relationship with the others. Another favorite of mine was Sayura. I love those sword-girls. Especially if they're well-endowed and wear glasses.

[Draneor]

I wasn't expecting much from this show, but ended up enjoying quite a bit.

Being a former amateur puppeteer, I knew this show would be awesome. A wise-cracking puppet. Tamura Yukari. What's not to like? The first half was really funny, and I cried a lot during the second half. Gokujou is J.C. Staff at their finest, in my opinion (not their best show, but one of theirs).


My favorite aspect of the show was the relationships between the three leaders of the school: Kanade, Hanaho and Kuon. Each one had a very different but entertaining relationship with the others.

For me, it was the characters and emotionally moving back stories. Gokujou had a great cast, all with unique personalities and mannerisms. While it seems happy and cheerful when Rino first joins, every member of the student council had something tragic they were struggling with and eventually had to overcome. Oddly enough, Rino, who was first presented as a tragic character, ended up being a source of cheer for everyone else.

Another favorite of mine was Sayura. I love those sword-girls. Especially if they're well-endowed and wear glasses.

Sayura was my second least favorite character (Cindy being my least favorite). Not even Kawasumi could make me like her.

[something]

Oh yeah, when I read your question about the final episodes and all the silliness therein, it reminded me of what I said about this show in the Currently Watching thread: "The last two episodes make for one of the biggest clusterfucks of hyperconvenient plot devices and absurd logical contortions and sheer melodramatic silliness I've ever seen..."

But followed with "but it was so shamelessly ridiculous that I couldn't help but like it."

Honestly, thinking about it too much will just kill brain cells, so I gave up. The way all logic was kicked to the curb at the end would have weakened my enjoyment of lesser shows, but I had way too much fun with this one for that to matter.

You're right that it does have a lot of "girl of the week" stuff, but with the huge cast that was inevitable. I think it was handled quite well regardless. They were just all so lovable. Well, most of them. I wasn't a fan of Minamo, Cindy or Kaori. As mentioned in my previous post, favorites would include Rino, Ayumu, Mayura, Seina, and Rein, and maybe Kotoha.

Not the most memorable show but a great watch-through once.

[Magewolf]

[QUOTE=martialstax;1483026]I wasn't expecting much from this show, but ended up enjoying quite a bit. I don't think it's overly important what the exact relationships are between the various branches of the Jinguuji. It's just one of those things that constantly pops up in anime and manga. There's a powerful family with many branch families, just like in Fruits Basket, Moon Phase or Ceres.

I only picked this up because I was able to get buy all the singles used cheap. But I was very surprised at how much I liked it, even Rino who is the kind of character I normally hate turned out to be fun to watch.

[Suwako Moriya]

I don't think it's overly important what the exact relationships are between the various branches of the Jinguuji.

Perhaps, but sometimes even things aren't important there are times I'd still like to know. Heck sometimes the minor details can be more interesting anyway.

[Suwako Moriya]

You're right that it does have a lot of "girl of the week" stuff, but with the huge cast that was inevitable. I think it was handled quite well regardless.

You're right that it was handled pretty well. Especially in the context of it only being 26 episodes. It's an eternal conflict, I want more focus for the girls I prefer. Yet I also like the idea of havig multiple characters matter. I guess I'm the type that wants to have it both ways.

[pianocello]

They should have made this more like Strawberry Panic.....

[something]

They should have made this more like Strawberry Panic.....
No.

[Draneor]

They should have made this more like Strawberry Panic.....

Completely different type of property and audience. Gokujou Seitokai isn't GL, for one (in the game, you play a male teacher whereas SP originated from "vote for your favorite pairing for three girls and any other girl" stories that ran in Dengeki G's).

[Suwako Moriya]

They should have made this more like Strawberry Panic.....

Having recently finished watching volume 5 of Strawberry Panic, I can say that over all I enjoyed the series even with its issues. It also goes without saying that I ended up rather liking Best Student Council. In the long run I like both series for different reasons. So with that cleared up and out of the way, I'm going to be blunt here.

Best Student Council is perfectly fine being Best Student Council. Seriously if I want a series that's just like Strawberry Panic then I'll watch Strawberry Panic. It's a bold plan, but it might just work. After all Strawberry Panic is just like Strawberry Panic.:P

To be fair, I can't say for certain what a Best Student Council closer to Strawberry Panic would be like. There's a huge difference between an idea on paper and the actual execution. Also there's the matter of having completely different casts.

However when I watch a series, I prefer to judge it based on its own merits. I'm not really into the idea that X needs to be more like Y. In some ways I find such a thought insulting to both. Instead I prefer to watch X for the sake of X, Y for the sake of Y, and not watch Z at all. *Waits for a fan of Z to respond*