Don't get me wrong, the show accomplished exactly what it set out to do, which was to essentially create a "If you had a fox spirit girlfriend simulator". What the show does do, it does it relatively well, I enjoyed the show overall. But the show's shortcomings cripple it's ability to be anything more than fantasy escapism.
The show has virtually no plot. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but doesn't make it stand out. Yes, it's a slice of life show, which isn't supposed to have any sort of grand Odyssey for a story. But I've seen slice of life shows be done far more eloquently - "Ascendence of a Bookworm" for instance.
I liked all the characters, though the main character is essentially a placeholder for the viewer.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD:
Well actually, due to a lack of plot, you could consider this minor, or major spoilers, as it essentially involves the entirety of "the plot".
This issue I know wasn't intentional, as they needed some sort of plot to allow progression and some form of struggle, but in my experience it kind of hindered my ability to enjoy the show.
The entire show, they drop hints that Senko being there is only temporary. This is a major issue, as the show tries to get you attached to her. So the entire time I'm watching, I'm wanting to get invested, but with the threat of all that being demolished by the end made me constantly wary of Senko. To top it off, the show (and not the character's actions) also makes you question Senko's motives.
I wanted him, or her, to say the words "I love you" the entire way through. Not because I was on the edge of my seat, as if it were some extravagant love tragedy. But because I needed some sort of definitive clarification of where they stand, so I can say: "OK it's safe to get invested in these characters". I didn't get any sort of definitive statement until the very end when he said "Let's stick together". That's it. Had I gotten that statement sooner, I would have enjoyed the show far more.
So what are my final thoughts?
It's a fun, warm, charming little show, just don't expect the well to run deep. I honestly hope this show gets a second chance with a season 2, because despite people's complaints about some of the characters being one-dimensional, I actually see a huge reservoir of untapped potential here. There are so many different directions they could take this, with both plot and character development. Maybe Kuroto could propose to Senko, and hijinks ensues when they tell the priest that she's a real fox spirit. Or maybe Kuroto finally finds a better job, and requires him and Senko to move across country, or maybe overseas. Maybe Senko meets Kurotos parents, or Kuroto Senko's parents (does she have parents?).
Regardless - Like I said, there are many different directions they could choose to take it, and I really hope that if they get the the chance to evolve this show further - They take it.
