English Dub Review: Classroom of the Elite “Hell is Other People”

Classroom of the Elite drops another thought-provoking episode in “Hell is Other People” as Sakura convinces Ayanokoji and Kushida to venture with her to the electronics store to have her camera repaired. Conveniently, it’s covered under warranty.

In “We Should Not be Upset that Others Hide the Truth from Us, When We Hide it from Ourselves,” or the most obnoxiously-named episode ever, there’s something suspicious about the camera. Again, the episode is packed with fan service. Notably, the guy working at the electronics store is pretty creepy. As in Francis Dolarhyde level wacky.

Ayanokoji realizes that Sakura is a model that’s become a popular Internet model. This element is really uncomfortable, especially considering that she’s a teenager. But this satisfactorily explains her concern about the camera, as well as why she didn’t want to testify about Sudo’s attackers from the beginning.

While Ayanokoji attempts to get Sakura to come forward and comment on Sudo’s innocence, Sakura refuses. However, Szune presents evidence in the form of a photo shoot featuring Sakura. The fight was captured in the background. Yet this doesn’t absolve Sudo. Instead, it merely proves that Sakura was present. As such, there’s a slight compromise: class C teacher Sakagami suspends Sudo for two weeks and each class C student for one week. Class D though refuses this. Manabu concludes the hearing, claiming to decide the next day unless there’s more evidence.

“Hell is Other People” is my favorite Classroom of the Elite episode. I like that Sakura comes out as a witness, as well as what convinces her. It’s only after Ayanokoji’s statement that Sakura should come forth for herself and that it’s the right thing to do that she steps forth.

The title refers to several elements. Sakura doesn’t trust others and is uncomfortable around strangers. Moreover, there’s an aspect of class D students lying about the fight with Sudo.

I’m still not a fan of the rampant fan service. It’s unnecessary and creepy. Suzune shines in her testimony, where she doesn’t completely absolve Sudo of innocence in his behavior while reasserting his full innocence in this specific incident.

Overall, this is a marked improvement over past Classroom of the Elite entries. It’s not as melodramatic which suits the show, and I’m curious how the ruling turns out.