And that is because Love Live Sunshine has an extremely weak introduction. Right from the first episode, Sunshine doesn't leave much of an impression or leave you wanting or craving for more. Chika's ideas and intentions were scattered, and you can tell that this is the kind of person she is. In what possible, non-forced, way could Chika develop in a way that compares to the predecessor's series' leader of μ's, Honoka? What trials would Chika face, like the ones that left Honoka devastated beyond her own imagination in her time as a School Idol? Chika's extreme obsession with μ's was also a huge block in the show that was difficult to ignore or get over. The case of a weak introduction is also the case for every time one of the new members of Aqours is introduced. Every time a new character was introduced, my initial impression was that these characters would react and develop linearly. Would Ruby always hold back and be shy? Will Hanamaru always be so reserved? Is Kanan ever going to drop her Tsun side? To my surprise, much like the original series, all these developments in the show progressed in a way that didn't feel like the plot stretched to achieve (other than arguably Yoshiko's, but I think it was okay), which was my biggest concern while watching Sunshine.
As the series progressed, I came to think that the reason this show works is because it has a predecessor. If it makes sense, the problem with the show was actually the fact that they tried too much to be like μ's, but Chika comes to realize that, along with the rest of Aqours. To me, the fact that they realize this, and DEVELOP off of it was unexpected. With my initially weak impression of Sunshine, I didn't have high expectations for the rest of the episodes, but it is because of the fact that the show developed in such an unexpected way, that I felt like it made up for everything I didn't like about the beginning of the series.
Continuing on the point that the second half of the series is exponentially better than the first half, the character balance in the show is very good. I felt at least, that none of the characters were underdeveloped for the amount of time the first season had. Dia probably probably had the least things happen to her character development-wise, but I'm hoping season 2 makes up for that. The show is funny at the right times, and when it wants to be serious, it can be very heart-warming. There is also a very real contrast between characters, like the scene in episode 11 where Mari told You that she should be honest with her feelings with Chika, because of her whole previous dilemma with Kanan. To me, the fact that a character LEARNED from her mistakes, and is able to tell her friend the same thing so she doesn't make the same mistake, to me, is a very well thought out and resonating scene. It makes the entire atmosphere of the show feel more realistic.
That's what reality is. You make mistakes, and things don't always come as easy as you think. Just because you put your mind to it, just because you work hard, doesn't mean your results will come to show. Chika learns this the hard way during her first live in Tokyo. Through that, she gained experience, and the motivation to continue and try harder. The Zero to One metaphor is a metaphor that resonates with the plot of the show very well. This makes me come to believe that Chika's development with the cast of Aqours is actually extremely heartwarming, and well-thought out. Morally, this show has theme that I can very well agree with, and loved to see develop. That's why I ended up loving this show, despite some of the character linearity (GANBARUBI, ZURA, DATENSHI -COUGH COUGH) in the show.
And Mari's broken English......... Well.... I'll let you be the judge of that one...
