Hana Yori Dango J-Drama S2: Episode 05-06
If I hear Utada Hikaru’s Flavor of Life in another HanaDan episode again, I am going to scream.
Oh, wait.
I must not fight the inevitable. Instead, I should place bets on which act this track will surface. The chances of the song being played are the same as the appearance of Tsukasa’s scream of frustration. As much as I adore his His Most Idiotic One, I cannot stand the constant current battle cry. Once or twice make the drama. Three or more, like Hikki’s song, is over-used.
/end rant.
Minor annoyances aside, episodes five and six prove to be a playground for fangirling (or fanboy-ing) moments. Highlights include confrontations, broken hearts, downhill battles, and awkward romances. But Shun’s Rui steals the small screen.
The F4 comprises of surprisingly competent actors. Tsuyoshi, who plays Akira, has a knack for the funny, as seen in the first season. Shota, the Tea empire heir, seems to have added a layer in his performances lacking a year before. Jun plays his role with such passion. While his Tsukasa relies on physicality, Shun’s Rui moves with subtlety and control. In these current episodes, he blows away audiences with a simple line or even a look. Remember when Tsukasa confronts him and Rui loses his control. Shun delivers his lines perfectly.
Damn, I think I am morphing into a Shun fangirl.
The female department will not play second fiddle either. Mao’s Tsukushi displays an array of emotion in her lovely face. Meanwhile, as Yuki story arc moves in an upward momentum, Aki shows she is more than a token bestfriend/sidekick. Sarah, a recurring character in the second season, is also giving hints of dramatic potential. And I can’t believe I am saying this but Kato Natsuki’s Shigeru is giving an awesome performance sometimes eclipsing Mao’s Tsukushi. She has a knack of comedy and drama. Her eyes consistently speak out to the audience. I would love to watch her in other roles.
Halfway in the season, the characters are locked in love squares — Tsukushi, Rui, Doumyoji, and Shigeru — and triangles — Sarah, Soujiro, and Yuuki. Frankly, at this point, I am all for RuixTsukushi just because. And I pick SoujirouxYuuki because I kept praying for it ever since I read the manga.
P.S. I am running out of snark. Must replenish.
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