Kisaki Kyouiku kara Nigetai Watashi [Season 1 Episode 12]

A Rollercoaster of Emotions: Reviewing Kisaki Kyouiku kara Nigetai Watashi Episode 12

Kisaki Kyouiku kara Nigetai Watashi (or I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons) has been a polarizing anime this season, and its finale, Episode 12, is no exception. The show follows Duchess Leticia Dorman, a once-free-spirited girl now trapped in the rigid world of princess training, all while being betrothed to Crown Prince Clarke. Episode 12 wraps up their tumultuous journey, but not without sparking heated debates among fans.

The Good: Cute Moments and Character Growth

One thing fans universally agree on is the charm of the main couple. Leticia and Clarke’s dynamic, though rocky at times, has its sweet moments. The finale delivers on this front with scenes like their long-awaited kiss, which many fans found heartwarming. As one viewer put it, “The kiss at the end was cute. Ngl, this anime was really cute and did not deserve the hate it got.”

Clarke’s character, often criticized for his lack of romantic experience, finally shows growth. His patience with Leticia—especially in the bedroom scene where he respects her boundaries—earned praise. “Clarke says he will not force Letty to have sex until she’s ready,” noted a fan, appreciating the show’s attempt to balance romance with consent.

Supporting characters like Prince Matthias also stole the spotlight. His innocent interactions with Leticia provided some of the episode’s most wholesome moments. “That boy has a heart of gold,” a fan remarked, highlighting how these side stories added depth to an otherwise straightforward plot.

The Bad: Pacing and Unresolved Themes

However, not everyone was satisfied. Critics pointed out the rushed pacing and lack of closure. The wedding scene, a major event, was conspicuously absent, leaving fans disappointed. “It’s a shame they didn’t show the marriage scene,” lamented one viewer. Others felt the finale leaned too heavily into filler territory, with one commenter calling it “a wet fart of an ending.”

The show’s handling of Leticia’s agency also divided audiences. Some saw her eventual acceptance of Clarke as Stockholm syndrome, while others viewed it as genuine character development. “Not sure if Leticia has Stockholm syndrome or not,” mused a fan, reflecting the ambiguity.

The Ugly: Controversial Themes

The anime’s darker themes—like forced marriage and emotional manipulation—were a major point of contention. One scathing review read: “Remember kids, all you need to do to make your crush love you is to kidnap them, lock them up in a literal dungeon, and gaslight them to oblivion.” This critique highlights how the show’s premise clashed with modern sensibilities.

Yet, defenders argued that the show’s lighthearted tone and comedic breaks softened these issues. “It was fun, funny, and lighthearted,” countered a fan, suggesting that the anime wasn’t meant to be taken too seriously.

Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag

Kisaki Kyouiku kara Nigetai Watashi Episode 12 is a fitting microcosm of the series as a whole—flawed but endearing. While it stumbles in pacing and thematic execution, it succeeds in delivering heartfelt moments between its leads. As one fan aptly summarized: “Despite the bumpy road to get here, what a nice finale this was.”

Would I recommend it? If you’re looking for a fluffy romance with occasional depth, sure. But if you’re sensitive to problematic tropes, this might not be your cup of tea. Either way, it’s been a wild ride—one that’s sparked enough debate to keep the fandom talking long after the credits rolled.

Rating: 6.5/10 – A flawed but charming conclusion to a divisive series.