よい子の味方 ▫️2003 ▫️Episodes

I can’t believe I had never watched this show before! I was really neglecting Sho in the olden days, what was I thinking? I even loved him in Honey and Clover so I’m not sure why I never checked out his other stuff.

I personally have worked as a preschool and elementary teacher, so this scenario peaked my interest. Because it had kids and Sho’s lovable energy I knew it was going to be touching and adorable—it did not fail to live up to this expectation.

I think during this whole show I just felt tender and emotional, watching Sho as an orphan (another orphan character!?) giving so much love to all these struggling kids was gut wrenching in the best possible way. I feel sometimes people give Sho a hard time for his acting but I disagree, he is a strong lead role (this being his first lead in a full drama). He really pulled off the dynamics of being a fumbling playful guy trying his best to cheer on everyone else and also being a sensitive, lost soul that gets his heart broken over and over by the pain that he sees in the world (reflected back in his own pain).

The kids were amazing in this and Sho’s female coworkers were super fun and bitchy (in a good way). I really enjoyed the energy of their relationships. The surprise visits from other Arashi and Gokusen members were super cute (although I wish Nino could have joined in….)! I know this happens in a lot of Arashi dramas, but this might have been the first case?? They even went to the drama set on a C no Arashi episode and interviewed the kids and staff about any complaints they had about Sho. Genius crossover.

If you’re looking for a light (though at times a bit heavy) and heartwarming show that will make you giggle but also cry a little, this is the one for you.