Watashi no Oyome-kun (2023)

A cute and light-hearted drama

I started watching this drama because of the OST sung by Sekai no Owari, and I fell in love with Haru all over again.
I found this drama most suitable to watch without any expectations, just enjoying it. Aside from that, I appreciate the message conveyed by this drama. The use of the terms "husband" and "wife" in the drama is intentionally stereotypical, but I really like how the "wife" tries her best at work and the "husband" puts effort into learning household chores, even though she's not very skilled at it.

Regarding the acting, I understand that dramas based on manga adaptations have their own distinctive style, but I like how the actors portrayed each character in this drama.

This drama is not without flaws, though. Some characters felt a bit annoying when they first appeared, but I still enjoyed the drama. And yes, Akamine is the best girl. Where else can you see a ML's female friend competing with the ML to win the heart of the FL? I also liked Koga.

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Initial charm fades with clichés, dragged-out plot.

"Watashi no Oyome-kun" kicks off with a promising premise—Hayami Honoka, a corporate ace with a messy secret, and Yamamoto Chihiro, a domestic superhero, forming an unlikely alliance. The initial quirkiness and chemistry between the leads, played by Haru and Mahiro Takasugi, create an engaging start. However, as the story progresses, the charm begins to wear thin.

The plot struggles with a lack of direction, relying heavily on annoying tropes and clichés, making it feel like the narrative is moving without a clear purpose. The attempt to break societal norms and gender roles is overshadowed by frustrating misunderstandings, overused drama, and numerous unnecessary love triangles.

While the lead couple's chemistry remains a highlight, the constant interruptions to their romance and the exaggerated misunderstandings contribute to a sense of irritation. The characters, particularly the side ones like Akamine, often come off as overly comical, destroying the balance between humor and genuine connection.

As the series reaches its later episodes, the pacing falters, with the story feeling dragged out and losing the initial fun that drew me in. It becomes apparent that the show could have wrapped up sooner without sacrificing its essence. Despite the shortcomings, the presence of Haru and Mahiro Takasugi keeps the interest alive, and moments of adlib add a touch of authenticity.

In conclusion, "Watashi no Oyome-kun" has its entertaining and funny moments, but a dull plot progression, irritating clichés, and a waning charm in the later episodes might leave viewers wanting more. It falls short of being a standout romance drama and may test the patience of those looking for a more substantial and well-paced narrative.

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