Covers First and Second Seasons
These comments cover both the original from 2007 and the 2020 sequel 13 years later. Netflix has both under same title as two seasons given most of the original cast returned to reprise their roles.
This is a comedy and very focused on a serious issue in Japan - the use (and abuse) of temp workers. After WWII Japanese major companies needed devotion and promised salary men life time employment in return for total commitment. Once the the country hit the rocks in the 90's lifetime employment became unsustainable - the solution was suppression in lifetime salary men numbers and an increase in temp workers with the radical opposite of lifetime employment promise - three month contracts and no benefits. Temp work makes building a life difficult.
So this series centers around a super temp who is so capable and efficient companies pay her extra and soon become dependent on her fantastical wide ranging abilities and skill certifications.
Did I mention it's a comedy? If you can appreciate the pain the society goes through trying to reconcile the irreconcilable, and don't mind heavy doses of Japanese culture then it can be quite funny.
The production is well done. The ratings of 7.5 and 7.6 reflect the cultural hurdles and not the overall quality. If you can appreciate the cultural aspects you have an opportunity to enjoy a series deserving a higher rating.
This is a comedy and very focused on a serious issue in Japan - the use (and abuse) of temp workers. After WWII Japanese major companies needed devotion and promised salary men life time employment in return for total commitment. Once the the country hit the rocks in the 90's lifetime employment became unsustainable - the solution was suppression in lifetime salary men numbers and an increase in temp workers with the radical opposite of lifetime employment promise - three month contracts and no benefits. Temp work makes building a life difficult.
So this series centers around a super temp who is so capable and efficient companies pay her extra and soon become dependent on her fantastical wide ranging abilities and skill certifications.
Did I mention it's a comedy? If you can appreciate the pain the society goes through trying to reconcile the irreconcilable, and don't mind heavy doses of Japanese culture then it can be quite funny.
The production is well done. The ratings of 7.5 and 7.6 reflect the cultural hurdles and not the overall quality. If you can appreciate the cultural aspects you have an opportunity to enjoy a series deserving a higher rating.
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