***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Chio’s School Road. Reader discretion is advised.***
Series Synopsis
In the life of an average student, nothing can be more mundane and innocuous than the walk to school. Such an activity is so expected and so commonplace, people often don’t consider it as a significant part of their day. However, that is where most people would be wrong. A simple commute can end up being incredibly exciting if you’re willing to be a little unconventional.
For high-schooler Chio Miyamo (voiced by Naomi Ozora), the very thought of being anything more than normal is scary, as well as a tad bit annoying. What good can come from being the center of attention? According to Chio, none at all. Be that as it may, Chio has a special knack for getting into unbelievable situations that are sure to be the talk of everyone.
Whether it is taking a shortcut, talking with her friends, or dismantling the entire leadership of a motorcycle gang, Chio’s dream of having a no-nonsense, utterly ordinary reputation will always remain just that – a dream.
Series Positives
In multiple reviews, and sometimes on multiple occasions in those reviews, I have used the phrasing “It would be a lie if I said.” I now find myself in a position where a series has presented me with an unusual opportunity to say that phrase in two seemingly contradictory ways.
Second, it would be a lie if I said Chio’s School Road was one-hundred percent engaging.
There were instances where this show was funny as can be, and it was an excellent display of anime comedy. Then there were also many instances when segments were painfully uninteresting. In the end, and in this series’ favor, I would have to say the reality was more often the former of the two scenarios.




To get at the heart of Chio’s School Road, we must understand its anchor, Chio herself. She was the necessary constant a series like this needs to remain grounded. That said, “constant” doesn’t mean “calm.” Chio was not at all calm. She was selfish, manipulative, adventurous, violent, conniving, a coward, and was always trying to stay “normal.” Her complete failure to achieve the latter was the first of two main ingredients which allowed this series to occasionally knock things out of the park.
The second ingredient was depended on Chio’s partner. Whoever she happened to be sharing a scene with was critical. There were a few characters who had decent chemistry with Chio, and yet, there was only one person who was able to help Chio bring out this series’ A-game. That person was Chio’s best friend, Manana Nonomua (voiced by Chiaki Omigawa).
Chio and Manana were fantastic. They were BFFs who had been together forever, and therefore, there were no boundaries between them. They had no filter. They had no more lines left to cross. These two were just as likely to lend the other a hand as they were to sell one another out when it was most convenient for them. They were equally nasty, equally mean-spirited, and equally amazing.
Whenever it was Chio and Manana working as a team, Chio’s School Road was at its peak. These two girls could counterbalance much of the more troublesome aspects found in this series. Unfortunately, they couldn’t do everything.
Series Negatives
Chio’s School Road was oddly sexual, even though I wouldn’t consider this an ecchi series. However, there were an awful lot of random, unnecessary upskirt shots and boob physics that left me scratching my head.



Then, once you add that to Chio’s School Road’s tendency to lose its stride with poorly delivered jokes and the we-are-screaming-therefore-we-must-be-funny brand of anime comedy, this show was more than capable of leaving a bad taste in your mouth.

Nevertheless, there is a risk that comes with taking risks. It is possible things are going to fall flat.
For instance, I do not care about the sport of kabaddi – and I apologize to all my kabaddi playing readers out there because this series convinced me your sport had to be fake.
Also, it was disconcerting that a former (and I assume adult) delinquent might have been trying to impress the high-school-aged Chio.
Also, it was disconcerting that a former (and I assume adult) delinquent might have been trying to impress the high-school-aged Chio.
It is challenging to list Chio’s School Road’s lower points because I’m having trouble recalling the details of those particular moments. My brain is a little fuzzy on this matter because I was trying to stay awake during these points.
The bright side to this was, Chio’s School Road never went too long without delivering something worth paying attention to.
Final Thoughts
This show was great, except for the times when it wasn’t.
I am unable to tell you the reason why this series felt it necessary to rely on low effort “engagers” such as cheap and pointless fanservice. While there may have been jokes that fizzled and sputtered, there were far more examples of sharp comedy.
To give credit where it’s due, this series nailed it with its two lead characters, and it wasn’t afraid to just try something. I would much rather have a story take a chance than play it safe. When a show tries to go by the book, that is when things become forgettable. If nothing else, this won’t be something I will forget anytime soon.
Chio’s School Road had plenty of good to its name for me to recommend it.
But these are just my thoughts. What are yours? Have you seen this show? What would be your advice concerning Chio’s School Road? Leave a comment down below because I would love to hear what you have to say.
And if you liked what you read, be sure to follow me here and on all my social media sites so that you never miss a post or update. Also, please share this review across the internet to help add to the discussion.
I’m LofZOdyssey, and I’ll see you next time.
![]() |
Google+ Facebook Twitter |
No comments:
Post a Comment