Hrmm. I want to like this show. I figured it would be like a reverse Komi-san, and it kind of is in regards to the premise. But it lacks everything else that made Komi-san fun to watch.
I understand that they chose to make the protag more of an emotionless kuudere type since he's supposed to be hard to notice, and it would be easier to notice a person showing a lot of emotions on their face. Often times it's cute when combined with anime girls, but it really doesn't work here imo. In particular, I think it was a terrible decision not to have him at least blush or be more expressive in thought bubbles when he's embarrassed. It really takes a lot out of otherwise cute scenes.
It really doesn't help that like many protags, he lacks a personality. Often times in stories the justification for liking a person is weak or amounts to "I think they're cute," and I'm fine getting some average looking boys into the hot seat for some waifu love. But just like how Nagisa's friend asked why she liked him, I've felt the same the entire time. Exactly what is so endearing about him? He's not exactly mysterious or admirable in any given quality. It doesn't feel very fun watching him get teased because he barely reacts to it. They don't really have anything in common. The closest thing I can think of is the "exclusivity" factor of having a boyfriend no one else can see, and the paternal side of watching him play with his little brother.
Every time I see his face with his huge bug eyes, a part of me wants to swat him with a flyswatter. He just feels so boring and apathetic, and not in an interesting way. I really can't see why Nagisa is going to all this trouble. There isn't even an alternative goal like making friends, winning a rivalry, getting good at something, joining a club, etc. It's just Nagisa all but telling him she likes him, and him sitting there like an idiot with a blank expression on his face.
There are definitely cute moments to be seen, and I like all of the girls so far. It would definitely help if the other characters had more screentime because Nagisa is carrying the entire thing right now. This episode in particular is one of the better ones because there are basically 3 of her.
I definitely wanted to slap the shit out of him for not immediately offering to walk her to the nurse after all this time. Just like I want to slap him for basically avoiding her all the time. We're walking to school together now. Nope that was one time only. We're eating lunch together now. Nope that was one time only. Studying for the exam together is also probably going to be a one time only thing. Next episode will be like a month later, and we'll see confirmation that none of those things are daily occurrences, he still barely talks to her, and he still calmly walks away the moment she isn't looking.
I can't believe he didn't realize Akina was her older sister. It might've been a translation error in the fansub, but I remember him thinking she must've been her sister in that episode. But now he apparently forgot this or didn't believe it??? Also kind of weird he didn't immediately think of Nagisa when seeing Saki. You would think a person who only knows one other person would put two and two together, especially with Saki. This looks like someone I know. Who do I know? One other person. Couldn't be. Lol (I still remember, "Aharen-san, did you shrink?")
I really can't fathom how he hasn't realized Nagisa made the cookies. Like dude, you know full well she's the only person in the city who even knows you exist. It was one thing in the original episode because she was being intentionally vague, but in the White Day episode she essentially tells him the truth. You can't be this boring and this dumb, my dude. You can be one, but being both is a bad combo.
4/10 so far. I hope the show gets better in the latter half once it comes out. Normally I really like shows like this. I don't really mind the slow pacing as long as we're moving forward somehow, whether that's plot, character development, milestones, world-building, etc. And I'm a sucker for cute girls falling for lonely boys. But after each episode I don't feel a sense of fun, intrigue, or enjoyment.
I just feel bored and disappointed. If he doesn't start commenting on how cute she is more often in his own mind, this show will be an absolute slog to finish.
It's like they took Takagi-san and Komi-san, blends the concepts together, threw out the best elements of each show, and put what was left on screen. You're missing some vital elements to a slice of life drama/romcom, and you can't help but see how better shows would handle the same thing. Especially given just how quickly they're going through the school year as well as all the stereotypical milestones right now. It's like you're just checking a box on a spreadsheet instead of writing a compelling couple event.
P.S. If the show stays like this and they don't even confess, it's getting a 3. If there also isn't a swimsuit, yukata, or other fun costume, it's getting a 2. You gotta give me something. If you aren't giving me diabetes from the wholesome cuteness, I'd at least like a little more fan-service.
P.P.S. The ED animation is nightmare fuel. All the blotches of watercolor make Nagisa look bruised all over the place. |