Comedy tends to be subjective, as they say. Ultimately, we perceive art as beautiful, exciting, and hilarious. We define the meaning of these words ourselves, and to me, Kaguya-sama: Love is War - Ultra Romantic is subjectively perfect.

The writing in Kaguya-sama remains some of the sharpest on television, balancing physical humor with hysterical scenarios. The jokes are never easy or predictable, and the comedy emerges from a finely-tuned combination of unpredictable narrative turns and how much we know these characters after the first two seasons. Its perfection is partly thanks to the hilarious cast of loveable characters and production. Few modern anime directors bring as much creative inspiration as Shinichi Omata has to all three seasons. The endless supply of memorable frames, slick editing, and symbolic imagery make it a gloriously ambitious anime production.

Kaguya and Miyuki's worlds may seem like their own, filled with more spontaneous fantasies and lovesick visions than ever, but the real people in the student council surrounding them bring them back to Earth. Hayasaka and Kei ground Kaguya and Miyuki in reality respectively when needed. Their emotional support is endearing, and Hayasaka mainly develops as a multi-faceted individual. These supportive friends, and the series, recognize the mistakes Kaguya and Miyuki make along the way inherent in the relationship they so desperately desire. We know their end game is becoming a couple without admitting they're both emotionally vulnerable. We just don't know how they'll get there, and the journey is a fantastic achievement alone. Additionally, all five of the leads are balanced, and the writers seem even more confident in these characters than they did in the first two seasons.

Whether it's Miyuki's struggle to learn a new skill with the help of Chika or Ishigami's awkwardness causing embarrassment, the humor feels in line with what we expect from this quintet and yet impossible to see coming at the same time. It's fresh yet consistent, which is common in the best comedies—I laugh because the jokes fit the characters I know so well, and yet I still can't see the punchlines coming. The leading voice actors embody their roles, bringing so much life and love to their counterparts. It's one of the best comedy ensembles in anime, realized with the show's trademark blend of raw emotions and ridiculous, over-the-top humor. Especially Iino Miko, who integrates into the group as if she's always been there after last season's election arc. My personal favorite side character Ishigami undergoes more progression, grappling with his own relatably awkward romantic aspirations throughout the season. Even the lesser-known secondary players have a handful of interesting, character-driven conflicts.

What they'll do when they hopefully become a couple is secondary to their continued ego-fueled hilarious hijinks, but let's say things progress in a natural and totally satisfying direction. Occasionally the show rides the line between recognizing what they need to do and their obliviousness to their emotions, and its equal parts cringe-worthy and earnest. I loved relating to these kids struggling to overcome their inner feelings of inadequacy to believe they're worth being loved. Without spoiling anything, a moment in the third episode shocks Kaguya into self-awareness, a trend continuing throughout the season for both leads. These are refreshing, much-needed moments of clarity in what had been a desperate struggle to gain each other's affection, but it also showcases how everything would be if their egos simply got out of their way. Luckily, they fight through their turmoil with sheer will and supportive friends.

The dynamite opening and ending themes are up to par with the series' high standards; there's even a special ending credits song that recaptures the spark the original one did all those years ago. Though they reuse the original soundtrack of the previous seasons, the editing and audio mixing make it fresh and suited to each scene.

The slow footsteps towards advancing every relationship in Kaguya-sama are beautifully measured and carefully considered. The show is excellent at taking each character to the brink of a romantic epiphany, but it simultaneously leaves room for the illusion of idealized love to fall apart when human nature believably prevents it. If Ultra Romantic was Kaguya-sama's swan song, it certainly has all the qualities of the perfect finale of this long-lasting love affair. It has been an incredible journey I won't soon forget. I can't wait to see what comes next for these characters I've become invested in over the past four years.