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... EST. ⏎ How was the first episode? ⏎Paul Jensen ⏎ Rating: 2.5 ⏎ I don't think there's any getting around the fact that Keijo is, well, exactly what it looks like. As an excuse for all kinds of fanservice, it's actually sort of impressive in its creativity. If you're looking for boob-on-boob , it's a legitimate move in the show's fictional sport. If you're looking for girls in swimsuits, they're the default attire for all players since the matches take place on floating platforms in a pool. If you're looking for conversations where female characters make detailed comparisons of one another's figures, they're clearly just trying to assess the competition. In its own ridiculous way, it's an inspired premise. ⏎ It's impossible to tune out that focus on boobs and butts while you're watching Keijo, so you should be able to tell whether not this show is for you within a few minutes. If you don't have an interest in, or at least a high tolerance for fanservice, there's really no reason to stick around. Sure, there's a storyline about plucky heroine Nozomi setting out to seek her fortune in a popular and high-paying sport, but the narrative doesn't seem to have much of a purpose beyond moving the characters from one match to another. While no one's particularly annoying, the cast is fairly shallow; each girl has one or two obvious personality traits and that's about it. ⏎ On the other hand, Keijo looks like it might do fairly well as a fanservice series. While the animation in ordinary, conversational scenes is nothing to write home about, the visuals kick into high gear during the matches. As absurd as this sport may be, there's a strong sense of movement to the girls' various attacks. Character designs are generally all right, and the elaborate obstacle course for Nozomi's final exam shows a little creativity in its complexity. Perhaps most importantly, the fanservice in Keijo doesn't feel overly mean-spirited. There's no mistaking this show's intentions, but at least it doesn't seem to revel in the misery or embarrassment of the characters. As artificial as it may sound, the conceit of having everyone sign up for the sport knowing full well what it entails makes it all a little more palatable. ⏎ So, yes, Keijo is as ridiculous as you might expect it to be. It does, however, have that willfully idiotic charm that often defines some of the better fanservice shows out there. As long as it doesn't get too slimy with its writing and direction, it could be a good source of dumb fun for the right audience. If it sounds like your cup of tea, give it a shot. ⏎ Nick Creamer ⏎ Rating: 3.5 ⏎ I...