Akebi’s Sailor Uniform episode 1 starts off what appears to be a cute, wholesome slice of life adventure. The show’s pilot introduces us to Akebi, a young girl who faces the prospect of a fresh start at her new school. True to the show’s title, her clearest motivation from the get-go is to wear her sailor uniform in this new school. Let’s talk about the pilot’s biggest talking points in a spoiler-filled discussion!
An endearing introduction
Ultimately, the goal of a pilot is to establish key aspects of a show and its characters as fast and as comprehensively as possible, and Akebi’s Sailor Uniform episode 1 does this very well. Viewers are introduced to Akebi Komichi, who is a young girl who yearns to wear a sailor uniform when attending Roubai Academy. In the first half of the show, viewers get a lot of information regarding her and her past. We learn that her mother attended this school and that she’d always wanted to wear a sailor uniform because she’d heard that those were the kinds of uniforms her mother wore back then. We also get some insight into potential problems she may face later on, as Roubai Academy students are apparently rich and trendy girls; something Akebi herself is not.
And though a lot of information is dispensed in these first few minutes, it doesn’t quite feel like that. That’s because the exposition of the episode is delivered with a veil of wholesome charm that endears you into letting it slide. With that, a strong introduction is formed, and viewers know everything they need to in order to proceed through the story without the halfway mark of the episode having even been passed.
It’s pretty standard to have a solid pilot episode, so it may not be a particularly excellent mark on Akebi’s Sailor Uniform’s part. But ultimately, these are the foundations that any show must have in order for it to succeed. That this show’s foundations come off so effective and sturdy this early on is a great sign for its prospects moving forward.
Stunning backgrounds
One of the biggest takeaways from Akebi’s Sailor Uniform episode 1 is that Studio Cloverworks truly spared no expense when it comes to how the show looks. The aspects that take center stage, such as the characters and the fabrics, all look amazing. However, it’s in the show’s backgrounds that Cloverworks’ effort and diligence really shine through.
There’s a picturesque nature in the backgrounds throughout the first episode of the show. Whether Akebi is running through the fields or is doing chores in her house, there’s something immaculate about how the environment always brings about a sense of subtle charm and serenity. Perhaps it’s in the way outdoor shots are designed like beautiful mosaic-style paintings.
Maybe it has something to do with how seamlessly 3D backgrounds are integrated into indoor shots, as seen in the moments spent in the family’s house. Whatever it is, it’s an absolute treat for the eyes and makes the viewing experience of this show all the more fruitful and captivating.
A first friend
The show also doesn’t shy away from thrusting Akebi with difficulties right off the bat. To her utter horror, after Akebi’s Sailor Uniform episode 1’s halfway mark, she finds out that the school no longer uses the sailor uniform as their school uniform. Despite the principal allowing her to use it when classes begin, she is still faced with a difficult dilemma. Does she want to risk standing out and ostracizing herself by being the only person in school wearing that sailor uniform? It’s always been her dream to wear it. However, she also has the goal to make as many friends as possible. Could standing out in that way possibly doom her chances to make a lot of friends before classes even start?
It’s a pretty compelling conflict she comes across. Surely, most people can understand how difficult it is to manage how one comes off in a school setting. Hell, even watching this, a pit of dread filled in my stomach remembering my days wearing uniforms in school. It’s such a simple problem, and yet it feels so heavy because it’s so relatable.
She also comes across another challenge when she finally gets to the school and encounters her first classmate. When she finds Erika Kizaki sniffing her nail cutter, Akebi worries about making good first impressions. However, the two talk and start off what appears to be a budding friendship, with the two finding solace in their shared worries. Akebi’s interaction with Erika gives her a bit of a boost, letting down her hair when she realizes that perhaps life at Roubei won’t be so bad.
All in all, this first episode of the show is a pretty solid start. There’s a lot to like about it, from the lovable characters to the beautiful visuals. It will be interesting to see what else lies in Akebi’s life at Roubei as she does her best to make friends in her sailor uniform.
You can watch Akebi’s Sailor Uniform on Crunchyroll. Episode 2 will air on January 16th, 2022.
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