Gachi Koi Nenchakujuu (2023)

So Much Potential And Yet…

7.0

Acting is extremely good, probably my favorite thing about the show and the reason why I’m not giving this a 6. Haven’t read the original source but it seems like a faithful adaptation (most of the problems I had with the show probably come from the manga’s plot itself).

Really enjoyed the first arc (episodes 1-3). I liked that they showed us a multi-layered female protagonist that yes, she did a lot of bad stuff as a gachikoi - however, they didn’t mindlessly vilify her and instead showed us the dangerous power imbalance idols can have over their fans. Hina was crazy, but Subaru was an asshole too, I thought their dynamic was really good and interesting and morally grey in a good way. Hina’s and Meru’s relationship was also so well-done and a bit heartwarming. The ending of this arc was my favorite.

And then we get to the second arc and that’s when the show goes downhill for me. Nevermind that the show redeems Subaru’s asshole character in the most passive way possible - I can live with that - it’s the awful romantization of obsessive behavior from fans that ruined it for me.

Don’t get me wrong, the characters, especially Kotono and Ginga were still likable, but sometimes romance isn’t necessary and I think the themes of this story did NOT need romantic endgame. How the story treated the female gachikoi vs the male gachikoi also rubbed me the wrong way, especially because it was the only r/s with homoerotic undertones. Wish we could’ve spent more time exploring Ginga’s character rather than boring Cosmo. I do have to mention that there’s at least two instances where women support each other despite being rivals, those were some of my favorite scenes and I wish we could’ve explored more of that.

In the end, I think I was annoyed at this becoming just another silly romance when the characters and themes were so unique and had so much potential.

If you’re a fan of any of the actors, I would recommend watching, the acting is what elevates the show and the male leads are great eye candy. I watched for Inoue Sora and was not disappointed in his acting. Kanon was magnificent. If you don’t mind some dumb idol/fan plot, I’d recommend, it’s still entertaining, just don’t expect anything mind blowing.

Highlights: the acting. first 3 episodes. ginga.

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