This is the first show, besides V no Arashi, that I have actually seen before I started this Arashi Journey. Luckily it was back in 2006 or so, which means I don’t remember much about it. I remember Jun’s hair (this is a given) and being really charmed by Nakama Yukie. After watching it again, I can confidently say those are the main highlights of the show.

That’s not to say it’s not a great show all around. The rest of the cast is solid, especially Oguri Shun and Hiroki Narimiya who are two of my fave Japanese drama actors. The setting is pretty fun, somewhat following in the foot steps of GTO (I’d love to rewatch the live action of that someday and even the anime). Rebellious Students + Rebellious Teacher = Heartwarming & Comedic Story.

This was another show that makes you wanna hang out with the characters, especially Missy. She is possibly the greatest teacher of all time! I thought that although the “love story” with Jun makes sense from his side of things, it doesn’t seem like she would ever reciprocate anything so I couldn’t really invest in it. But I certainly fell in love with her too. Maybe after Jun graduates and comes back in 10 years they can explore the romance.

There seem to be a lot of uplifting dramas about “troubled youth” in Japan (even in the Arashi timleline so far we have Shinjuku Detectives, Abunai Hokugo, Kisarazu, Bokura no Yuuki, Handoku, Otousan, Shounentachi, and then to lesser degrees Hitsuyou no nai Hito, Akimahende, V no Arashi and Namida wo Fuite…….so that’s like every show so far!?) I’m not complaining, I find those stories very warm and entertaining. Although I’m sure we have similar topics that were popular in Western media, especially in the late 90s, I feel it’s extra prominent here.

I can’t complain much about this show, the format is pretty repetitive but that wasn’t an issue. Each episode Missy helps a student and also sometimes gets help with her own problems. The characters are very lively and endearing, even the evil coworkers or students get to redeem themselves somewhat. I agreed with a lot of the moral values represented here and appreciate the focus on giving people a second chance, even if they make a mistake—along with not judging people by appearances.

On my dream team of heroes, I assemble Missy, Sawada, Missy’s grandpa and Kuma. I can guarantee they would have my back to the ends of the earth.