Therapy Game (2025)

Interesting but lacking

I have to start with they did an ok job with getting actors that look the part, but that's about the only good thing. The acting was limited. I have to say I I was not a fan of Kida Naoya acting as Mito, it felt like dry and lacking. However Tomita Yuki as
Ikushima was very spot on, i enjoyed his acting. The actors sadly lacked no chemistry and there for did not real believable as a couple. I wish the series did a better job with the story as well. The manga was so good but betraying it live action just did not work with this cast to much. There were parts that felt like it was not needed and bored me. I was looking forward to the ending but the over all series was lacking in a lot especially trying to keep my attention. Sadly was not as good as I had hoped.

Read More

Lackluster ending which spoiled the drama for me

I truly enjoyed the beginning of this BL : the plot highs and lows could be seen from miles away but despite the lack of surprises, it was a really compelling watch because the characters were so cute together with a touch of angst and twisted start that I loved. Unfortunately, pacing was a huge issue as main conflicts were resolved halfway through the series and that the plot felt pretty void after than with a very lackluster finale.

I would recommend this to people looking for a cute BL. Despite the issues in pacing and storytelling that felt less compelling in its second half, it is just a very soft and sweet watch (while pretty forgettable).

Read More

Interesting premise, but executed poorly

The first half of the drama was nice and interesting. However, the plot kinda fell apart after that. It made me bored and I kept skipping some scenes because I think ‘it’s not that important’. And sure enough, it’s not.

What really irks me is the character of Shizuma. I can’t relate with him nor do I understand his actions. Why would he suddenly fall for Minato? Very hard too, at that. The bet was also resolved very quickly, which I think kinda takes away the plot, because from then on it’s like they keep beating around the bush (bahasa indonesianya bertele-bertele). The drama also focused on the background story of Minato, without giving us any on Shizuma’s. That’s why, for me, it felt very one-sided. And I do not like that very much.

The only good thing from this drama is the visuals— the actors and cinematography, and music too, yes. Anyway, I don’t hate this drama, but also don’t like it, soooo…..

I kinda recommend you watching this drama just to get the feel of it. You might like it, who knows.

Read More

Great start, mediocre progression and ending

The other day, I was scrolling Reddit and came across a post where the poster was making a list of dramas where the FL was just as into the ML as he was into her. The poster argued that their list stemmed from them being exhausted of dramas where the ML was always chasing the FL, while she all but ignored him or acted as a spectator in the relationship

Now, granted, the post was about straight couples, and the shows in question were Chinese dramas, but if the post were to encompass all kinds of dramas, this specific show would 100% not be included in that list.

Shizuma spent so much of his time chasing. He is very much the devoted husband who will do everything for his partner, even though his efforts almost always go unnoticed and unappreciated. Minato kept running. He was so hot and cold. Even his confession to Shizuma in the 2nd last episode felt like pulling teeth.

You could argue that Minato did that cause of his trauma, and I'd say back that in the year of the Lord 2025, therapy (actual therapy, using love to therapize yourself as this show does) is more accessible than it's ever been. Find that before finding a partner. As clearly shown here, skipping that very important step leads you to deeply or constantly hurt the other person.

Also, the show kept hinting at this huge secret about Minato's background (and thus his trauma) only for the whole thing to be sorted in like half an episode. All that buildup for nothing. You couldn't even feel the impact of it because of how quickly they 'resolved' it.

All in all, the show had a great premise, but it was unfortunately ruined by a lack of proper direction. Once Shizuma finds out about the whole bet thing, everything falls apart. I'd say the show tried to do too much with too little

📷The 2nd couple... eh🤷🏾‍♀️ They are very forgettable and don't add much to the overall story. If I had to define their role in the story, I'd call them 'explainers.'
📷The kissing and NC scenes... *insert deep sigh here*

Random question:
Uhh.. does anyone else get bugged by the fact that these characters wake up with perfectly styled hair? There is no bed-head with these people.

Read More

Buena adaptación, disfrutable y buena actuación de Naoya como Minato

La adaptación estuvo muy linda, Naoya hizo un buen papel como Minato, este manga es mi favorito porque me identifico mucho con Minato, ver que el actor pudo representar bien las emociones e inseguridades de él fue muy satisfactorio.

Si me parece que fue muy corta y por eso algunas cosas estuvieron en distinto orden de como pasaron sin embargo al final de cuentas lograron mostrar bien de una manera sencilla la historia de ambos.

Recomiendo mucho leer el manga porque en cuanto a sentimientos y drama esta mucho mejor detallado y puedes entender tanto el trauma de Minato como el de Shizuma y como ambos son la salvación de otro.

Read More

hurt & healing

Overall: I had mixed feelings about this series. Adapted from manga series "Therapy Game" by Hinohara Meguru which I haven't read and I reviewed the series based on its own merits. 9 episodes about 20 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5935/therapy-game-2025 (not available in Japan or South Korea).

Content Warnings: held against will, manipulation, trauma; past death, murder, manipulation, child abuse

What I Liked
- easy to understand premise
- caring moments
- a character stood up to his friend
- supportive people (friends, siblings, ex girlfriend)

Room For Improvement
- started with a flash forward
- nonsense stuff: his friends just left him when he was super drunk, a cliche in episode 1, a person couldn't get out of a necklace that had a magnetic clasp/looked very easy to break, all those candles and magically they have what they need in a 10 year abandoned house
- really wish therapy with a licensed professional was at least discussed if not shown
- in real life, Minato would be so exhausting, I'm not 100% convinced these two will stay happy together

Read More

Good drama.. i wish people like shizuma actually existed

I don't get the hate this drama is getting cz for me a good drama is something that made me watch all the episodes and left me satisfied in the end and thats exactly what this did.

1st I'd like to address the thing that drew me to this drama and that is Kida. He's just too beautiful to skip this drama (nearly did cz of the name)

Anyways loved every bit of this drama and watched it without skipping. I also like minato not being magically healed from his trauma instead he learnt to cope with it and look at things from a different angle by the end of the drama. He always had people around him he just never realized it.

Shizuma was a total green forest. I really loved his character although ik people like that dont exist irl as for Minato he's more like a yellow flag. He did some wrongs but i get why he did those.

Overall loved it so I'm giving it a 10

Read More

Honestly, I never thought I’d end up liking this series so much. With his pride wounded, the insecure Minato swears he’ll make Shizuma fall for him after Shizuma doesn’t remember the night they spent together. That’s how their journey of healing and growth begins.

Minato has to learn that he deserves love, stability, care, and safety, that being vulnerable isn’t weakness. Meanwhile, Shizuma needs to realize that loving someone doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself completely. Some people might find the pacing of the series slow, but for me it was perfect. The characters need time to feel safe, seen, and protected, and that takes respect, care, and above all, patience.

Finding true love means finding someone who respects your feelings, understands your fears and insecurities, faces them with honesty, sees you at your lowest, and even then still chooses to be present at all times and stay by your side every day.

The chemistry between Kida Naoya (Mito Minato) and Tomita Yuki (Ikushima Shizuma) was just adorable. They’re absolutely charming and won me over from the very beginning.

Read More

Sweet, soft, and absolutely heart-melting!!

At first, I thought this would just be a light, sweet drama. But honestly, it completely swept me off my feet and kept me feeling all the sweetness the whole time.

The story isn’t too heavy, making it super easy and cozy to watch. The acting and chemistry between the leads? Absolutely adorable. it literally had me melting. I also really loved Shizuma’s character, so kind and gentle. Minato gave such an emotional and lovable performance too. The second couple added even more life and charm to the story.

Every single visual in this drama is stunning, and I especially loved the ending.. it was just beautiful. The soundtrack fits perfectly and makes the whole experience even more engaging. If you’re looking for a light, super sweet drama with gorgeous visuals, this is an absolute must watch!🛐🤍

Read More