Vampire Knight

Cross Yuki and Kiryu Zero are the adoptive children of the legendary ex-vampire hunter Cross Kaien. Kaien owns the Cross Academy. The school aims to maintain good relationships between the vampires and humans. The classes are divided into two; day class for humans and night class for vampires. Yuki and Zero help maintain this setup as guardians who make sure of the humans' protection. Early on Zero has a strange relationship with Yuki. He cares a lot about her yet he also despises her presence sometimes. Yuki on the other hand has always been tending to Zero's needs. Not related by blood to Zero, Yuki was rescued ten years ago from vampires by a pure-blood named Kuran Kaname who happens to be the leader of the night class. She could not remember anything before her rescue. Moreover, Yuki has never denied she is smitten with Kaname which Zero disapproves. Zero was also rescued from vampires when his family was attacked. It seems something else happened that night that has been bothering him ever since.

The Night Class with Yuki and Zero (in the middle with different uniforms)

Season one of this series introduces the characters, particularly highlighting Zero and Yuki's relationship. Yuki's love interest Kaname is portrayed as a mysterious guy with motives towards her. Whatever these were are not revealed yet in the 13 episodes. It has been clear from the start that Zero likes Yuki and he sees Kaname as a rival. It seems he has a chance though because Yuki cares a lot about him. However Zero and Yuki's relationship is strained further by the former's distancing from her and his hatred of Kaname. It is further complicated by several strange physical pains and transformation he is experiencing. Yuki doesn't know about this but Kaname does.

Among the three protagonists, Zero is the most well-rounded in this part of the series. His past and current circumstances are explored more fully than the other two. It is therefore much easier to sympathize or like him than the others. Although the story is told mostly from Yuki's perspective, her impact is less than that of Zero's. She seems to be liked by everyone yet has little to show for the qualities that makes her likeable except when she's with her foster brother. At the outset there is already a hint of incest in their strange relationship. They may be not related by blood but still the idea is there. The overall mood is dark and filled with expectation as if something will happen anytime. This is one of the few things I liked about the series. At first I thought it would be more relaxed because of its setting, but it was the opposite. However, like most recent vampire-themed series/movies/books, the vampires are romanticized and portrayed as beautiful, extraordinary god-like creatures. Yuki's obsession of Kaname only furthers that image. Viewers who are into the forbidden romance with vampires story will probably enjoy this. Those looking for plenty of action will be disappointed though. The series has a few good points as mentioned above but the direction of the story is predictable.

Rating: 7 out of 10