花より男子 ~リターンズ~ ▫️2007 ▫️Info
Even though I struggled rewatching the first season, the last episode definitely left me looking forward to season 2. I didn’t remember this season as well so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew it would be over the top and potentially problematic. I honestly can’t decide which season I like more because I don’t know if I even like them at all. But nothing will beat that last scene in season 1 for me………
Initially, I felt this couple wasn’t really in love. There is a lot going on but at the beginning I was actually kind of rooting for Shigeru. Even though my feelings were up, down, left, right and all over it wasn’t until the middle that I finally felt the that the romance between them was alive again. Of course I am a Rui fan, so the subtle flirtation there was fun for me, but I haven’t ever thought they were a good match either. He was honestly a bit obnoxious this season, which I didn’t feel in season 1 at all. Shigeru serves a similar purpose, to create extra tension and test the lovebirds.
Ultimately I’d argue there were too many challenges for the main couple. Especially near the end when he loses his memory, like come on. It’s harder for me to buy in to over the top manga scenarios as I get older, I suppose. But I did like Toda Erika’s character and of course the resort episode is probably the best one for people who support the main couple. I really liked that part. So perhaps the memory loss was a necessary catalyst for all of that to happen….
I have to say, surprisingly, I was almost more moved by the side characters in this season. Nishikado’s love story was potentially my favorite episode and I was absolutely bawling when he runs up to the roof. I also think Shigeru might be my favorite character overall. She definitely got screwed over and despite that she was, as expected, a hero. I think, too, it was good for Domyouji to experience love from someone who wasn’t Tsukushi so that he could really confirm his feelings because overall his love for her has felt very unexplored. Ikuta Toma’s character was another really fun twist. Domyouji helping Tsukasa’s little brother is another great mini-story. There was just so much going on and the side quests are what left the biggest impression on me somehow.
If you are a fan of Hanadan then this season is fun. The production was good and MatsuJun was fantastic—I liked that he had even more intense emotions in this one. But if I’m being fully honest, it’s not great. And I kind of hated the ending. This series is absolutely problematic but because it’s iconic it’s hard to hate it too much. I can’t say if season 1 or 2 are better because they are both mid to me. I still appreciate bits and pieces of each and perhaps it’s still a show I would say I like if I had to come to a conclusion. I’m glad it helped spark interest in Arashi for people and also helped their songs get lots of cultural significance. But I am so thankful this type of cliche and problematic love story is not the norm anymore.
.
| SCREENPLAY | ★★☆☆☆ |
| PRODUCTION | ★★★★☆ |
| CAST | ★★★★★ |
| TOPIC | ★★☆☆☆ |
| THEME SONG | ★★★★★ |
| SOUNDTRACK | ★★★★☆ |
| FRESHNESS | ★★★☆☆ |
| OVERALL | ★★★☆☆ |
