Pani Poni Dash questions

[Momo-P]

I've watched the first five (?) or so episode of this show, but I'm curious about the later content. Overall I found it quite amusing, but some images made me question whether or not it'd get more fanservicey than I could take. There was also some parody of the Craft at one point, but I heard it's later redone in a more serious manner.

Anybody wanna fill me in? I'd love to buy this show, but I rather not approach it half knowing and then toss it out. ^^;

[ilikegir33]

I've watched the first five (?) or so episode of this show, but I'm curious about the later content. Overall I found it quite amusing, but some images made me question whether or not it'd get more fanservicey than I could take. There was also some parody of the Craft at one point, but I heard it's later redone in a more serious manner.

Anybody wanna fill me in? I'd love to buy this show, but I rather not approach it half knowing and then toss it out. ^^;

Well...Pani Poni Dash is rather tame when it comes to fanservice, but there is some other concerning content. Ichijo sometimes does things that aren't really Christian. Yes, there's black magic in Ep. 8, and quite a bit of innuendo having to do with [spoiler=innuendo]lesbians. In episode 10, there's a scene with Behoimi the magical girl and Media (a new character in a MAID OUTFIT) behind a curtain using a lot of innuendo (ex. "oh, don't do it that way!", "yeah, right there," etc.) but in the end, you figure out that they're diffusing a bomb.[/spoiler]

I think it's OK for anyone 13+ who can handle the content.

[SnEptUne]

In my opinion, it doesn't worth it to buy this show. There isn't any plots or themes at all. It doesn't seem to be a satire either.

[EricTheFred]

In my opinion, it doesn't worth it to buy this show. There isn't any plots or themes at all. It doesn't seem to be a satire either.

And here I was about to say this is one of the greatest satire/parody shows ever!

Yes, the content gets borderline here and there, mostly for comedic purposes. I can't remember any 'real' bad content (real as in, that's what they mean, as opposed to that's what they want you to think, until the punch line. Like the aforementioned spoiler.)

What I like about this show is, you have to watch each episodes two or three times before you can catch all the content, because it's so heavily packed with little side-jokes and gags. Many of them, you have to be fairly familiar with Japanese pop culture to know that what you saw was a joke, but there's plenty of stuff based on familiar Animes, plus American shows, etc. Some of it is kind of old school: I had to explain to my kids one thing based upon Star Trek: The Movie (the first Star Trek movie, with the original crew) because that was way before their time, and they couldn't figure out why I was howling in laughter.

The thing is, it gets deeper and deeper stacked with references to previous episodes, as well. Even though it doesn't have a true story arc in the classic Anime sense, it has the kind of continuity an American comedy develops after a year or two, where you laugh because of what you already know from previous.

I've noticed a tendency for people who like Pani Poni Dash to be the same ones who like Best Student Council or Cromartie High School (not always, though). They all have the similar approach of turning the familiar Gakuen comedy genre on its head.

[SnEptUne]

I see. I couldn't catch any of those jokes, because I don't watch that much popular Anime, TV shows, or movie, and I am not into pop cultures. If it is a parody of classical novels, I may be more familiar :p

I guess that's what prevent me from enjoying the show.

[ilikegir33]

There's a Little Black Sambo reference. And I agree with EricTheFred that PPD is one of the best satire shows ever!

Also, I LOVE Cromartie High and Welcome to the NHK. Those shows are just like PPD, except NHK also has heartwrenching drama too.

Another reference: The guy who voices the alien captain in the Japanese version, Mugi-hito, was the guy who voiced Spock in the Japanese dub of Star Trek!

[termyt]

There's no sex or nudity in the show, although one of the character's primary role is to supply fanservice. However, this is done for the sake of parody (each character in the show is a parody of a clichéd anime character type) and is very tame compared to most shows out there.

If you watch a lot of anime, then there will be plenty of content in the show you will recognize and enjoy. A lot is fly over your head, too, I am sure. There’s so much going on in each episode – it was a blast to sit back and watch it all happen. You’ll need to watch it several times to get the most out of it, but you will enjoy it on your first viewing as well.

If you liked what you’ve seen, there is no reason, in my mind, you wouldn’t like the rest of the series as well. It pretty much maintains that pace throughout the series.

[ilikegir33]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but the AD-Vidnotes are actually helpful here.

[minakichan]

Eh?? Content-wise, it's... almost like a kids' show! I mean, I'm pretty sure it's categorized as "seinen" or something, but in the same way that Azumanga is.

I think the gags get a little lame after a while. The funniest stuff to me is their portrayal of Becky as an MIT student. Yes, MIT students all wear suits and lab coats to class. *snicker* The other great part is her inability to pronounce "Massachusetts." SO CUTE!

[Momo-P]

I think the gags get a little lame after a while. The funniest stuff to me is their portrayal of Becky as an MIT student. Yes, MIT students all wear suits and lab coats to class. *snicker* The other great part is her inability to pronounce "Massachusetts." SO CUTE!

*lol* Totally agreed on the Massachusetts thing. It wasn't a big deal, but it was so darn cute. Or I guess since this is a PP thread, the term "Omega cute" would be better suited. :p

[termyt]

MAHO!

Some of the gags do run throughout the 26 episodes, so I can see some folks getting tired of them. Another reason to buy more DVD's, though, are the voice actor interviews in the bonus material. Definitely must-see.

[Rev. Doc]

But be warned that most of the opening and closing songs will be stuck in your head for days and days.

[EricTheFred]

No kidding. The OP that starts with all the girls rushing in behind Becky and bumping her off the screen just as she appears to be about to sing or say something, then yelling "Ooooooooo, MAHO!"... that song can start playing in my skull at almost any moment.

One of the EDs does it to me too, but I'm blissfully unable to think of it at the moment and wisely not trying any harder.

[ilikegir33]

Eh?? Content-wise, it's... almost like a kids' show! I mean, I'm pretty sure it's categorized as "seinen" or something, but in the same way that Azumanga is.

I think the gags get a little lame after a while. The funniest stuff to me is their portrayal of Becky as an MIT student. Yes, MIT students all wear suits and lab coats to class. *snicker* The other great part is her inability to pronounce "Massachusetts." SO CUTE!

I don't really think it's a kids' show. Becky does flip the bird.

[SnEptUne]

I still think Pani Poni Dash rely too much on anime joke. People like me could never hope to catch more than 30% of the joke.

Recently, I came across Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, which is also a parody. But I can related to it more because it is a parody of the society, animes, movies, as well as the culture as a whole. "The materialistic society has left me in despair!"

[minakichan]

I LOVE Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei! I actually watched it before Paniponi Dash and I was struck by the similarities-- they both involve a teacher interacting with random crazy girls with weird eccentricities (except both have one student who's eccentricity is being completely normal). And they both have random funny things written on the chalkboard in all the classrom scenes XD

[SnEptUne]

Indeed. But unlike Pani Poni Dash, I can really relate to Zetsubou-sensei, especially DV (family problem), perfectionist (myself), optiminist (myself again), hikikomoru, and suicidal parents. I haven't met any stalker yet however.