Chaser Game W2: Utsukushiki Tennyotachi

Touching

This was a dramatic improvement compared to the first season. Fuyu reemerged more emotionally vulnerable and, though battered from intense familial pressure, managed to rise above and take a true stand for her and Itsuki's relationship.

Not only was there a more concrete storyline and satisfying ending, but they also had something to say: If we always hide, we'll never create a more accepting world where Queer people can feel safe and comfortable to come out. Let us not reinforce our culture's promotion of silence and enduring.

And Tsuki—darling Tsuki—was a national treasure, encouraging and supporting her moms just by being an innocent, confident, and kind little girl.

Even if you never watched the first season, I recommend you watch this one.

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Season 2 Redemption: Fuyu has feelings now, and It’s actually wholesome.

This season focused more on Fuyu and Itsuki's relationship. I'm glad they redeemed themselves from season 1 and added more sentimental flashbacks to actually make you care more about Fuyu and Itsuki's relationship in the past and now. And I finally got my closure with Ro Asami's revelation in the end of season 1, so win for me I guess.

The acting for me was still not my cup of tea, deeming it as pretty unnatural for my liking, but it's cute how they finally made Fuyu have emotions rather than being an extremely one-dimensional character in season 1.

It's heartwarming to see Fuyu seeking for help like a logical person this time and communicating her feelings of jealousy and doubt, meanwhile her friend group trying their best to cheer her up was so funny. You could also see them being more creative and romantic with the scenarios in this season, which made it easier to root for the main leads to get together in the end. Themes of self acceptance, removing yourself from toxic familial responsibilities, and self discovery is something I applaud this series for having.

What I didn't like: 1) Itsuki's first love. She was lowkey extremely weird and forcing on Itsuki and the fact Istuki made it seem like it was alright and normal was something I didn't like. Clearly boundaries and consent weren't being set properly which is not good representation. The fact that she's delusional too pissed me off, but I'm happy she finally understood she truly had no chance with Itsuki and Fuyu and her ended up being on good terms so it's all good. 2) The constant push and pull happening especially on Fuyu's end. Like please, make up your mind, the show's way too short for this.

What I loved: 1) All the sweet moments, flashbacks, and protective moments Itsuki had with Fuyu. 2) How they have no shame with using the word lesbian. So many shows are too scared to even include the word lesbian, so I'm happy they're unapologetically using it. 3) Fuyu, Itsuki, and Tsuki family dynamic. I'm a sucker for found family tropes so seeing it in a GL makes me extremely soft. 4) How it shed light to the societal discrimination toward same sex couples in Japan. It might have been painful to see for Tsuki's part but it was realistic and really gets you grounded to reality.

All in all, season 2 of Chaser Game W is miles ahead better than the first season in terms of writing and plot. It has become a pleasant and wholesome watch.

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