Silver Spoon comes from the author Hiromu Arakawa of Fullmetal Alchemist fame. After creating such a widely successful and beloved battle shonen Arakawa shifts gears to give us a Slice of Life on agricultural and farming life. 420https://64.media.tumblr.com/76b0f8024807e7d17de733909e610196/tumblrnpsy3n6iAO1tnk2buo4500.gifv In the show we follow Yugo Hachiken a city dweller as he takes admission in Ezono High an agricultural high school in rural Hokkaido. Alongside Hachiken we learn about the different agricultural methods and the harsh realities of the food industry. Hachiken as he tries to make sense of himself away from his family he learns of the inconveniences and struggles of the agricultural life from his friends and their families. Throughout the semester we are given a realistic outlook on farmers their tough lives and the hereditary pressure that comes alongside this profession all while also showing the fun of being in agriculture and farming. Learning to distinguish between food and pet is difficult the viewers soon learn the struggle to maintain this balance through Hachikens eyes as he takes cares of animals meant to be livestock. The show makes an excellent use of dialogues heavy yet never melodramatic to point out that no one is right or wrong regarding their views on this matter. The effort people put into raising the livestock is also highlighted. Authors own childhood in a farming household helps her in writing a realistic piece of story full of humor and heart. As someone who has witnessed farming at close quarters I can assure that the shows facts on agriculture are very close to reality and transcend the cultural barrier. Even though the agriculture and farming are in the forefront its the characters and their lives that make the show such a delightful watch. The show presents a variety of characters with distinct personalities but all rooted in reality. Our protagonist Hachigen starts out as an outsider not being able to understand anything happening around him or the significance of it all and always freaking out while witnessing the fate of the farm animals. However he grows as the show progresses. Even though at the start he tries to be on his own he observes other people worries about them and tries to help them out. He learns of peoples struggles and this in turn changes his views on things. He however doesnt lose his core ideals but builds upon them. The show also sheds light on his own struggles and his fight to better himself. Hachikens interactions with other characters lead to some hilarious moments. The show also explores the supporting characters like Aki Aikawa Komaba and Tamako all characters with distinct personalities and stories of their own which we slowly learn about throughout the season. The difference in their ideals views and upbringing gives the show a multidimensional outlook on things. Each and every character in this show is charming and likable though we dont get to know everyone in season 1 itself. Img320http://31.media.tumblr.com/8f19e8ac9cb7a1d8273960a75b85e47c/tumblrmqr3cza8tw1rdvsijo1500.gif Silver Spoon has decent visuals. Arakawas distinct artstyle is easily recognizable and gives the show a nice touch. The vast amount of land under Ezono High houses different agricultural facilities all with distinct look. The show does a good job at showing the beauty of the Japanese countryside. And the faces characters make sometimes are absolutely hilarious. There are regular still shots and questionable angles of cinematography but those are minor complaints. The OST is nothing special but it helps to maintain the focus on the story itself. The opening theme is a catchy pop tune that will get stuck in ones head and the ending theme closes out every episode with a tranquil atmosphere it manages to create. Silver Spoon may not be for everyone. If you are not into slice of life or agriculture at all this may become a hard show to digest. However dont let the genre or the obscure subject matter prevent you from giving it a fair chance. Through its use of excellent humor relatable characters and dialogues the show makes sure it is as much enjoyable as it is informative. No one needs avid knowledge of agriculture or the food industry to enjoy this show. There is not a single dull moment throughout the season a true testament of excellent writing. Give it a shot and you will be surprised by how honest and heartfelt this show is.