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So Much Potential And Yet…
7.0Acting is extremely good, probably my favorite thing about the show and the reason why I’m not giving this a 6. Haven’t read the original source but it seems like a faithful adaptation (most of the problems I had with the show probably come from the manga’s plot itself).
Really enjoyed the first arc (episodes 1-3). I liked that they showed us a multi-layered female protagonist that yes, she did a lot of bad stuff as a gachikoi - however, they didn’t mindlessly vilify her and instead showed us the dangerous power imbalance idols can have over their fans. Hina was crazy, but Subaru was an asshole too, I thought their dynamic was really good and interesting and morally grey in a good way. Hina’s and Meru’s relationship was also so well-done and a bit heartwarming. The ending of this arc was my favorite.
And then we get to the second arc and that’s when the show goes downhill for me. Nevermind that the show redeems Subaru’s asshole character in the most passive way possible - I can live with that - it’s the awful romantization of obsessive behavior from fans that ruined it for me.
Don’t get me wrong, the characters, especially Kotono and Ginga were still likable, but sometimes romance isn’t necessary and I think the themes of this story did NOT need romantic endgame. How the story treated the female gachikoi vs the male gachikoi also rubbed me the wrong way, especially because it was the only r/s with homoerotic undertones. Wish we could’ve spent more time exploring Ginga’s character rather than boring Cosmo. I do have to mention that there’s at least two instances where women support each other despite being rivals, those were some of my favorite scenes and I wish we could’ve explored more of that.
In the end, I think I was annoyed at this becoming just another silly romance when the characters and themes were so unique and had so much potential.
If you’re a fan of any of the actors, I would recommend watching, the acting is what elevates the show and the male leads are great eye candy. I watched for Inoue Sora and was not disappointed in his acting. Kanon was magnificent. If you don’t mind some dumb idol/fan plot, I’d recommend, it’s still entertaining, just don’t expect anything mind blowing.
Highlights: the acting. first 3 episodes. ginga.
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Fans Who Go Too Far
I watched Gachi Koi Nenchakujuu during a time when there were major discussions online about extreme fan behaviour and sasaeng situations in the Asian entertainment industry. Because of that, watching this drama gave me a completely new perspective on the reality of how celebrities often live.
What surprised me most was how well the drama explores the psychology of fan obsession. I honestly wish it had more episodes, because the stories were so interesting, and definitely there was even more that could have been explored.
The drama shows different sides of how admiration for an idol can slowly turn into something unhealthy; they are not blaming the fan, but showing how it all plays out. At first,t it may look like admiration and support, but over time it can become something much more dangerous; a kind of delusion where fans begin to lose their connection with reality.
Through Hinaki’s character, you can clearly see how that obsession grows. Her feelings for Subaru go far beyond normal fandom. In some ways, you could blame Subaru as well, because his actions and the way he interacts with her make things even more complicated. It feels like he takes advantage of her feelings. But at the same time, Hinaki already seems like someone standing right on the edge, like a bomb waiting to explode.
She represents a type of fan who believes every word and every glance from their idol is meant specifically for them. Through a screen, they build a personal fantasy that slowly replaces reality.
Then there’s Kotono. At first, she seems like the opposite kind of fan; someone who simply supports from a distance and understands the boundaries between idol and fan. She looks like the “normal” fan who knows not to cross the line.
But as the story unfolds, you begin to realise that even Kotono isn’t as detached as she believes. In her own way, she also carries a form of obsession, just quieter and more controlled.
That’s what makes the drama so interesting. It doesn’t present obsession in only one form. Instead, it shows how different kinds of fans relate to idols, and how easily admiration can turn into something darker.
I found Gachi Koi Nenchakujuu to be a very clever exploration of fandom culture, especially if you have been in this world. It shows how love and support for an idol can slowly twist into obsession, delusion, and even madness; it's not just the fruit of cinematic storytelling, but a reality.
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