Hm… my issue is that Akira isn’t very likable. Even if age wasn’t a factor, why WOULD the manager want to go on a date with her? She’s just a mopey kid that works at his cafe and does an adequate job. And maybe he's just pure but he doesn't seem intimidated by or intrigued by her beauty, either. If there’s going to be a progression in their relationship, Akira’s gotta have a bit more personality. Something to show that she’s more than just the opposite sex. As for character (and by that, I mean personality) Akira doesn’t have much going for her. You've gotta ask, what would be the benefit in the manager even dating someone like her? What would she do to make him enjoy the relationship? 😅
(I mean, after all of her lukewarm, semi-bitter reception to the manager's kindness, up and saying "I like you" to him isn't going to mean much. At least humor him when he tries to be nice to you, smile a bit more, and then ask him out. That way -- even if he still didn't reciprocate the feelings -- he'd be elated. As of now, he's probably just flattered that a young person sees something in him on account of his age.)
And so, putting myself in the manager’s position, these are things I’d have to consider. As of now, I’d let her down nicely because of the age factor. But the manager’s bubbly and understanding (albeit a bit ignorant or klutzy at times), so there’s gotta be a way he can let Akira down without shattering her… at least, for now. OR, if Akira can have some personality growth — or show some way of benefiting or appealing to the manger (in time) — then perhaps the concept of this anime can be more tangible.
I’m not hating, these are just critiques.
Episodes 1 and 2 were very entertaining watches, but this one felt a bit slow and awkward. I don’t think the effect they’re going for is being executed in the correct way. Still an 8/10 (borderline 7) for sure, but the MC isn’t very likable. Heck, she’s got a great life aside from her leg injury… that is:
* unless they reveal that she’s got family issues (which I don’t think is (going to be) the case)
* or that its permanent (and that she'll have to give up track for good)
* or unless she’s got a mental illness (depression)… which I think is different from just being “depressed” (as Wikipedia puts it). But why is she depressed? Because she isn’t living a fulfilling life? She works at a great cafe (one that she clearly likes as shown in Episode 1 when she was people watching during her shift), she works under a man that she likes (both romantically and because he’s kind), she’s got friends at school (even if she’s unsatisfied with her class friends, her track friends like her a lot — especially the tan one), her coworkers are clearly nice people (albeit quirky). She shouldn’t be so miserable.
I don’t know. Akira delivers in the fan service department (and I say that rolling my eyes) but there’s not much else. (Although everything would change if her leg was in fact permanently damaged... then I'd kind of start feeling bad for her.)
I’m kinda just watching for the Manager at this point — to see how he reacts and interprets things. He's definitely an amusing guy and checks a lot of boxes in the character department.
The first two episodes were stellar but this one caused me to lower my score.
(It seems on the odd one out as most people are PrAiSiNg this anime (and episode)... but I'd much appreciate it if anyone let me know if they felt the same way. I think this is an entertaining anime, but I'm hoping other people recognize the unappealing aspects of Akira's character and why it's distracting.) |