But unlike mentioned, Nisekoi focuses on the comedy element, while downplaying drama and romance. That's not to say drama and romance aren't there or important, it's just that it's more about humor instead. And I think it even uses that to justify it's lack of progress and bad writing in romance and drama departments.
And for a time it's all good, it's really funny and you just keep counting how many times drama and romance got thrown under a bus to maintain the status quo while covering it up with humor and just a little bit of perceived progression. And in the first half, it really feels like there is progression, even though for every two steps forward we keep taking one step back and then also sidetracking for a bit. In the second half however, the amount of time some random shit excuses the progression just to maintain status quo just gets old and no longer something that's easily forgivable.
Manga is still ongoing so at least saying this isn't technically a spoiler: Writing feels biased towards a particular girl, and if that's the girl you're cheering on, and you're just here for some humor, pretty visuals and emotional fanservice, then more power to you, and you'll probably love this show if you aren't bothered by cheesy writing. It might make you realise how good Sakurasou actually is when it comes to actually having themes and drama! Bashing continues in spoilers section:
SPOILERS AHEAD:
This show is written completely in favor of Chitoge. Most of the moments shared between Onodera and Raku come about from Onodera mustering up her courage to ask him for something, and there isn't any conflict to build chemistry from. Instead there's a lot of romantic tension which gets misinterpreted because they're not supposed to like each other. On the other hand, whenever there's a crisis, Raku always resolves it by dashing to Chitoge. All his agency is directed towards showing Chitoge that he cares. Raku and Onodera will never have any chance to have a genuine emotional connection, while Chitoge get generous helpings every episode.
What bothers me most is I know how it's gonna end and there's no suspense. The show is basically: watch as we tease Onodera and slowly ruin her dreams of ever being with Raku, while Chitoge achingly slowly learns to be honest with herself. And that becomes more and more apparent as the show goes on, making me as an Onodera fan, more and more unable to enjoy the show at all, even though I found the first 5 or so episodes supremely entertaining, and whole first half generally quite enjoyable. By the time of last two episodes, I found it borderline unwatchable. I don't think I'll be picking up the sequel in any form. The way show is now treating Onodera is just too painful to watch.
Edit: I bumped this up to 7 and picked up the second season. Yes ladies and gentlemen you just witnessed someone on the internet change their mind. It comes down to expectations really. Once you make peace with this being an eternal tease where nothing ever progresses, it's possible to detach from romantic drama and enjoy it for its humor, craziness and cute girls, where it excels!
