“Guilty Pleasure” is a term often thrown around in the anime community, and it perfectly encapsulates shows that might raise eyebrows but still manage to be incredibly entertaining. When we talk about “guilty pleasure” anime, we often think of two categories: shows that overuse fan-service and those that explore taboo relationships. While anime like Kuzu no Honkai, 25-sai no Joshikousei, and Domestic na Kanojo have delved into the psychological complexities of taboo themes, they often faced backlash. Then came Spring 2019, and Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher? (Nande Koko ni Sensei ga!?) arrived, unafraid to tackle this topic with a surprisingly lighthearted and, dare we say, almost innocent approach, appealing even to younger viewers. Let’s dive into why this anime, despite its potentially controversial premise, is worth a watch.
Plot and Story: A Series of Absurd Encounters (7.23/10)
The plot of Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher? is straightforward: it’s a collection of short, eroge-inspired scenarios where students and their teachers find themselves in increasingly improbable and suggestive situations. Set in a school environment, the anime primarily focuses on four students and their respective teachers across its 12 episodes. It’s a simple premise, neither groundbreaking nor disappointing, landing squarely in average territory. This simplicity is perhaps where the anime loses some points in terms of narrative depth, but it’s clearly not aiming for a complex storyline.
Implementation: The Art of the Absurdly Realistic (8.78/10)
Where Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher? truly shines is in its implementation. Over 12 episodes, spanning a narrative timeframe of roughly three months, the anime masterfully crafts logically insane and absurd situations that, paradoxically, feel like they could almost happen in real life. Within each 9-minute episode, the introduction and development of these scenarios are expertly paced, brimming with just the right amount of comedic timing. Not a single moment feels wasted. The transitions are seamless, and the anime boasts top-notch dialogues, witty retorts, clever prop mishandling, and meticulously detailed location settings. It’s a beautiful and well-orchestrated symphony of various elements working in perfect sync.
Comedy of Terrors: Embracing the Ecchi Fails (8.03/10)
This anime thrives on character-driven comedic development. Each self-contained story within the anthology format gains its own unique flavor based on the speed, intensity, and hilariously illogical logic of the situations presented. It’s evident that Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher? cleverly draws inspiration from previous ecchi anime missteps, learning from their shortcomings and amplifying the comedic potential. The humor is often derived from the sheer ridiculousness of the scenarios and the characters’ reactions to them.
Characters: Unconventional and Refreshingly Direct (8.56/10)
Another significant strength lies in the anime’s cast of unconventional characters, particularly the male students. In a landscape often filled with archetypal characters, Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher? presents a refreshing set of personalities. Each character comes to terms with their feelings of attraction without relying on forced external pushes from side characters, and they are remarkably direct in conveying their affections. This straightforwardness keeps the anime light, fast-paced, and perfectly aligned with its backdoor nudie comedy style.
Character Sync: Room for Improvement (7.15/10)
While the individual character pairings are well-developed, there’s a missed opportunity in character synchronization. The narrative rarely attempts to integrate characters from different storylines into shared screen time. Imagine the comedic potential of interactions between pairings like Kojima-Tachibana and Saya-Chizuru – moments that could have added another layer of fun to the anime.
Character Design and Art Direction: Expressive and Engaging (8.12/10)
Initially, one might expect generic and uninspired character designs in an ecchi anime. However, Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher? surprises with its original and expressive designs. The character expressions are particularly well-drawn, making it one of those rare anime where simply observing a character’s face can elicit laughter. This attention to detail in character design significantly enhances the overall comedic effect.
Airing Duration: A Matter of Preference (7.75/10)
While a full 23-minute episode might have stretched the narrative too thin and risked becoming tedious, the current 9-minute short format feels almost too brief. An 18-minute runtime might have struck a better balance, allowing for more development without overstaying its welcome. However, the concise format does contribute to the anime’s brisk and energetic pace.
Opening and Ending Themes: Surprisingly Memorable (8.00/10)
Some R+-rated anime manage to deliver opening and ending themes that resonate deeply, kissXsis being a notable example for many. Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher? joins this list with surprisingly catchy and memorable opening and ending sequences that perfectly complement the anime’s tone.
Overall: A Recommended “Guilty Pleasure” (7.86/10)
Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher? is undoubtedly a must-watch and comes highly recommended. Beyond its comedic elements, the anime manages to subtly invest viewers in its characters. You might find yourself emotionally connecting with them and even rooting for their unconventional, taboo romances. If you’re looking for an anime that doesn’t take itself too seriously, embraces absurdity, and delivers consistent comedic entertainment with a dash of ecchi, then look no further than Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher? It’s a “guilty pleasure” that’s easy to justify.
