Focusing on the titular Akebi Komichi, we join her through her first experience of school and onwards to their equivalent of a sports day.
If we're being completely honest, Akebi is a boring character. You can love her for her charismatic nature, tendencies to make new friends easily, and generally be the centre of attention when she's in the room, but she has very few flaws.
What I would posit is that the show isn't really solely about Akebi (despite her being our POV into the world). The sailor uniform after two episodes is almost a non-factor in the 'overarching narrative' (what little there is). It's not the uniform itself, or the trials and tribulations of making it and wearing it for her first day, but what the uniform represents.
The uniform is more of a representation of Akebi's differences to the other characters. She dresses differently, she acts differently, she's nowhere near as apprehensive or emotionally repressed than the majority of the cast.
The uniform itself is white; symbolic of purity. In a school of a relatively black dress code save for their colorful (but uniformly so) neckties, she stands out as unique. The show then channels the status of Akebi as approachable and likable and uses it to tell small stories about its characters. The focus is often shifted away from Akebi and toward her classmates who can confide in her or let their hair down around her.
Where I think the show falls a bit flat is that these stories, while interesting, don't really give enough time or focus enough energy on a core cast of characters to really make it hit home or make you completely invested in their growth as people. It does feel a little bit artificial. For how much the animation, music and atmosphere of the show flows beautifully, the story and writing fall by the wayside.
That's not to say that it doesn't throw in tons of charm and memorable moments. The slightly lacklustre character writing isn't the be-all and end-all. Akebi herself is set up to be a catalyst for fun and entertainment. The other characters can enjoy themselves and play off one another around her. There's not as much of it as I'd like as say, K-On! but it does set up some interesting scenarios where the girls can express themselves in fun and interesting ways. There's not really an overarching narrative or story to follow, it's pure day-to-day slice of life, and I think that lends itself best to a show with a main character who's fun and engaging enough to find the little things of life enjoyable, even though Akebi herself is a bit boring.
What accompanies all of this is some of the best animation of the season, coupled with a a smooth, inoffensive soundtrack designed to tug at your emotional heartstrings. The animation is probably the best thing about this show; it elevates something fun but a bit average to something visually engaging and unique.
Overall, this is probably the best fetish show I've seen.
