Gokusen Season 3 [ごくせん 3] Gokusen 3 (slight spoilers included!) [Rating: 5/10] I have to agree with many about how similar season 3 is to season 1 and 2. It is literally a combination between the first two seasons. I wish there was more variety in what happens to each character and I'm sure the producers could've been more creative. There were a few differences towards the end. Kuma was more involved and one episode sort of focused on him more. Goda (the Kudou imitation) appeared in 3 episodes instead of just one and there was a sad episode (the last one). I have to say the last 3 episodes were probably the best, especially the finale. It was the most heart-wrenching because even though the viewers know everything it going to be all right (after seeing 2 seasons), it's still scary and sad. I want to see them graduate too! It might be too much to ask for seeing as season 3 was sort of unnecessary, but I wish there was a graduation episode at least. Those are always the best ones. =)
Drama wise, yes it was a repeat, but it also wasn't too great on how quickly the students accepted Yamaguchi-sensei. They weren't too quick in calling her "Yankumi," but I think after episode 3, they were all friends. It's not so much that I didn't like it, I just thought the process was too quick. The best was still the first two seasons, but I like HOW they found out. I thought it was funny how they thought Yankumi's family made takoyaki for aliving and then was like, "How come it says 'Oedo'?"
Characters wise, I wish it wasn't only Kuma that returned. I wish previous actors, Kazuya, Jin, Jun, Oguri Shun, and Mokomichi were shown briefly. Of course, they all had their new dramas to film, so it's understandable. Even though I didn't think much of the cast for Gokusen 3, I've come to realize that after watching this, they grow on you. I've come to like them a bit because even if they're not my favorite actors (the ones I mentioned above), they're still not so bad. Yuya and Haruma are all right and probably are the most popular among the Gokusen fans. I think it's wonderful how all three seasons managed to include singers from Johnny Entertainment. I LOVE JE!