Adapted from the manga of the same name, the series is about a fujoshi named Serinuma Kae. For those who are not familiar with the term, it basically designates individuals who has fascination about boys’ love (BL, yaoi, etc). Kae is a bit of an extreme example as her character is not only into BL but also fascinates about fictional characters like an otaku. The first few episodes establishes her as an avid fangirl of a TV show that she watches. Furthermore, she ships about her classmates in awkward fantasies. So on surface, you can pretty much say that she’s a girl that may have a hard time making real friends. Oh and she is chubby too. That is, she does certainly lose a lot of weight after the death of one of her favorite anime characters. Life changes and now, Kae is a bombshell who attracts attention at school like never before.
Okay, okay. I know what you’re probably thinking. How can this show really make a character like Kae likable? The fact that is, she is an otaku-fujoshi hybrid although the show seems to emphasize more on her BL fandom. The storytelling focuses on her the most but makes it more into a shoujo dramedy. This is accomplished by the numerous suitors that seeks to capture her heart. The fun catch is that Kae is more interested in seeing the suitors paired with each other. Throughout the show, you can expect a lot of daydreams and fantasies from Kae’s point of view. Most of is delusional while others are crafted by misunderstandings. In the meantime, the main male protagonists really do care about Kae whether she knows it or not.
From the main cast, we have Mutsumi, Igarashi, Nanashima, and Shinomiya. Each of these guys has a different personality although all has the same goal: to win Kae’s heart. Oh and later on, even another fujoshi girl enters the story further amplifying the competition. Now I have to admit, these guys are pretty stereotypical in terms of characteristics. For instance, Igarashi instantly gives me the classic suitor type that never seems to give up until he gets what he wants. Nanashima is more of a tsundere with a bad boy type attitude. On the other hand, there’s Shinomiya with feminine features and a more gentle personality. Mutsumi is probably the most care-free of the guys and treats the competition more casually compared to the others. So you get the idea here? They are pretty much the type of guys you can find in any shoujo or reverse harem show. Comically enough, Kae isn’t too interested in dating any of these guys but rather have the guys date between themselves. She is a fujoshi after all.
Regardless of the characters, the show focuses a lot more on its comedy by selling humor. This is done through character relationships that progresses between Kae and the others. While the pacing isn’t too impressive, she does get closer to each of the other guys. In fact, it’s clearly shown that some of them are truly falling for her while Kae herself begins to wonder about her own feelings. The comedy comes in with Kae’s usual fantasies that begins to also blend between fiction and reality. The introduction of a female character (Nishina), also makes the show more refreshing because she and Kae has quite a bit of similarities. It hypes up the competition and also brings out the other guys’ personalities more into the open. The point is, the show isn’t really much more about serious drama or realism. It’s there instead to make the viewers laugh and experience from first view point of a fujoshi character. It isn’t trying to get you to like Kae or the others. Instead, it seizes opportunities to bring the storytelling and characters to a level that is beyond just popcorn entertainment.
From a technical perspective, the show is just fine with how Brain’s Base adapted this manga. Honestly, I’m more borderline between fine and so-so because the overall quality isn’t impressive. The character designs obviously gives the reverse-harem and shoujo feel with its bishounen looks. On the other hand, Kae is decorated with femininity and her gentleness. However, character expressions is another story. The directing of Kae and others characters’ facial reactions has a very entertaining way of expressing themselves. Most times, it’s Kae’s yaoi fangirling but the other characters draw attention as well. In retrospect, character expressions adds an extra dose to entertainment in this show.
The soundtrack is more or less pretty standard although the theme songs stands out with performances by the actual voice actors/actresses. Speaking of voice acting, I have to emphasize that each of the characters does make impressions just by their voice tone alone. It defines their personalities especially Kae. I mean, you’d see Kae fantasying about the guys and her voice changes dramatically to overemphasize her passion.
Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is the type of show that is definitely not suitable for everyone. It’s hard to recommend to everyone because what it looks on paper. Yes, the premise is pretty much what it is and the storytelling never distances itself from that. Still, I would recommend giving this show a chance if you’re seeking for some comedy. As a manga reader, the series is also faithful on most parts so it doesn’t degenerate into a mess. But all else aside, this show is like a buffet where you choose what’s satisfying for you.
