Worth it despite the change in tone

I loved the first series of this show, so this series was a bit of a shock at first since the tone was very different, and I didn't care for it during the first half (except for parts of episode 5, which I will absolutely be rewatching from time to time). The first series was so fun and largely lighthearted while still having pathos, but I felt this series lacked that sense of fun despite including some attempts at comedic elements, such as the robotics club. The main character was unsympathetic for way too long; his only redeeming quality for several episodes was being played by Mabo. The cast is honestly the only reason I kept watching at first-- but I'm glad I did, since the second half was much better despite some bonkers storylines, and made having stuck with the show worthwhile.

Most of my favorite dramas are completely bananas, so I am not put off by a weird or over-the-top storyline-- on the contrary. However, I felt like this plot lost the plot in the last couple of episodes especially, after having been all over the place before then. The real-world-type stories and supernatural elements needed more balance, and the series as a whole would've been improved if those had been blended more (or, at all). With that said, the cast did a fantastic job with what they were given, and the sincerity they brought to their performances is what made it work. The end of the series even made me emotional, which I wouldn't have predicted at the beginning.

Overall, I think this is worth watching if you like:
- redemption arcs
- any of the cast members
- high school settings

Maybe avoid it if you don't like:
- bonkers plots
- any of the cast members
- dark themes

Also, fans of the first series should go into this series aware that it's nothing like the first, except for some of the cast and the very basic general concept being the same. I think my initial experience with this series would've been better if I'd known that.

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