Hana Yori Dango J-drama S2: Episode 01
The agonizing wait for Friday night once again threatens my semi-peaceful existence. No, I am not talking about the safe haven of weekend outings nor I am talking about a want for Ryu Sasakura-esque concoctions. Relaxation and alcohol consumption are a wonderful refuge from long work days. Ah, but this blogger’s brain is deluged by another set of amusement.
The Fab Four and their muse return from their slumber. And dear, gentle readers, be afraid. A season-long of harrowing and torturous Hana Yori Dango fangirling will inevitably flood this site.
And so I begin.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Tsukasa is still in New York. A distressed Tsukushi comes to visit. Alas, His Most Arrogant One refuses to derive pleasure from the reunion. Oh, sweet sorrow. For now, the mighty duo stays apart (because we need to make room for angsty storyline). This audience member simply ignores the manipulations and goes along for the ride.
On the first viewing, this blogger merely watched the show in an extreme-fangirl mode. It involves massive giggling, sighing, and sniffling at the most mundane scenes. In the second examination, the excitement slightly wears off; I managed to observe in a more, erm, objective approach.
Tsukushi and the F4 subtly grow up. While Tsukasa still pouts his way into female and some males’ hearts, he surprisingly exudes the aura of young man coming of age. He easily side steps the Makino ultimate attack(TM) and informs her of his “change of heart”. (Good scene, btw.) Tsukushi, armed with her stubborn will, marches on. She will learn to deal with this newish information.
During the minor angsting of the not-so-doomed lovers, Rui, Akira, and Sojirou meddle ever so slightly. They failed to acquire the 411 on the new Tsukasa drama. So instead, they invade NY and show off the F4 fashion, which was potentially disastrous but surprisingly successful. Except maybe for the Mafia heir Akira. Why does he have the need to sport that retro-look underneath his weird leather coat?
Rui and his metaphoric white attire is a hit. I have come to heart Oguri Shun; I admit enjoying every minute of his screen time, especially his little glances to Tsukushi. (Note to self: Must watch Detective C.) As for Sojirou, he actually rendered me speechless. A manly Tea empire heir replaces the girly-looking Sojirou. In just a year, he morphed into quite a little hottie.
After saying hello to the main cast, the secondary characters grace the screen. Tsubaki-sama remains gorgeous. Sakurako becomes perky and strangely pleasant. The annoying trio still manage to make screen time. A prettier Yuuki transforms back to her no-nonsense self. (I can’t believe the writers almost turned into an airhead in last season’s finale.) Tsukushi’s boss is still eccentric and captivating. The Makino household retains their commoner charm. And Mommy Dearest, who finally fixed her eyebrows (it was godawful last season), is up to her old tricks. Then again, she introduces a potentially likeable Shigeru. So no harm, no foul. I have a feeling I will be enjoying the performance of the actor playing Tsukasa’s current fiance. BTW, Mommy D. must tone down her bling. Doesn’t she know that old money is quiet money? Or so I was told.
The mere mention of a second season of HanaDan J-drama sent me nerves and excitement. On one hand, I was giddy like a schoolgirl. But on the other hand, what if it fails to live up to expectation? If this episode indicates the direction of the rest of the season, I am somewhat relieved. Comedy coupled with cheese and slight drama sets the right tone. New flavors are added to the familiar plotline without destroying its essence. The established characters are about to be fleshed out. To be honest, I am thrilled.
P.S. B-story ain’t bad to explore. Not to mention, the cringe-worthy stereotypes portrayed in the first act. Alas, this post is already way too long.
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