This review contains some light spoilers.

For those who hated this show, don’t waste your time reading this. But for those who are fond of this garbage, I’ll gladly for you to stay until the end!

Kaguya-samWHAT? Sono Bisque YUCK? Shikimori/Komi-WHO? Now, after these ultra-overhyped romance shows for children have passed, it’s time for this show, to take the center stage. Ladies and gentlemen, from the studio that brought you the hit shounen Doctor Stone, the quirky Nagatoro-san, and one of the classic shoujo romantic-drama series Fruits Basket comes the biggest romance for the GIGACHADS. The widely-anticipated Kanojo Okarishimasu or Rent-a-Girlfriend 2nd Season!

Many people say that this show is “garbage”, “mid”, “dumpster fire”, or whatever fucking describes this show from some random users on the internet. But damn, they didn’t know what they are missing. Even I, was one of them until I appreciate the story and the message behind it. People just love to the bandwagon and jump the hate train. But those people are still watching each episode of the show, and being a hypocrite. This show divided the community into two groups; the fans and its haters. But due to its popularity, the manga is still trolling and it already has a live-action J-Drama. I’ll try to be straightforward, and precise while writing this review and explaining, how great this show is. Yes! GREAT! I’m not creating a satire review! That’s why I’m reminding you from the beginning of my review. Yes, the manga is garbage, while I’m writing this positive review about the 2ND SEASON ONLY!

Analyze this. We all know that not all romance stories are intended and created to be perfect. Each coin has its two sides; Rent-a-Girlfriend depicts the not-so-perfect side of a romance story. Many popular romance animes out there had a perfect love story, as well as the characters. But not all stories had to be perfect or on the bright side. We also need to know the “not-good” side of a story. This is what I like about Rent-a-Girlfriend, after giving it a second chance to rewatch and continue the story. Believe it or not, we must know the fact that we can’t always be rooting for the “good” one. Sometimes, we need to give a chance to hear the side of the “losers”.

I’ll be general about the events of the second season. It continues where the first season left off, after a year of encountering the two main protagonists of the story; Kazuya and Mizuhara. If I were to judge, the story became better than the first season. I saw some developments from the story, even though I know that they were snail-paced. I’m glad to see those parts being animated, as one of the manga readers out there. The romance was really good, and the comedy never fails to amaze me. One of the main highlights of this show is Kazuya’s expressions. It reminds me of the funniest expressions from Gintama, Grand Blue, and Baka to Test. I admit that almost the dialogue and the scenes from this show were cringing, but honestly, it’s not as bad as you think. Even in real life, cringe moments can happen when you interact with people, especially with that person you like. It happened to me before and currently to my friends. That was one of the reasons why I like this show because it’s realistic. The story isn’t that perfect, but real life isn’t perfect either. Say what you want but what happened in this show, can happen in real life. You all people are just missing the point because it’s an “anime”, and using it as a delusion to escape real life like a coward.

The characters are back, as well as Captain Cringe Kazuya for the second curtain. The beautiful ladies that we had missed were back also! I admit that the characters sold me off. I know that many people hate Kazuya for being cringe and weirdo, but this isn’t a valid argument why he’s a bad character. Like I said at the beginning, believe it or not, you can find those kinds of people in real life. I’m so related to Kazuya as a dude, because like I said that not all of us and the main protagonist from a story had to be perfect, especially when chasing or interacting with the person we like. I found him very realistic through my friends, and even myself. “Pathetic and hopeless”, are those words I can describe to him. But not all of those guys are bad as you think. Some of them are kind and will do anything to impress the person they like, even if they are not being noticed.

Aside from Kazuya being a well-written character, I found also the girls great, and still impressed me. Mami-chan is one of my favorite girls because she’s realistic too. I also know a girl from our school who is a backstabber and a cold-hearted witch on the inside. She doesn’t give a shit about what’s happening to any of them, but still, she couldn’t let go of her feelings. Chizuru is still a good character too, and I saw her development and the reason why Kazuya likes her a lot! She wanted to pursue her dreams and her passion for being an actress. I like how Kazuya supports her because he wanted to make her dreams true, without expecting anything in return. That’s the kind of love that I want to express to the person I like, unconditional love. Doing the best to make him/her happy is a truly special love, that will be never bought with money, even the money from Kazuya’s wallet. A person who wanted to stay by your side and help you in any time of need is a sign of true love.

Ruka-chan is still an attention-seeker, but I know her situation. I’ve been through a puppy love back then when I hoped for a girl to notice me and my worth. Did all those good shits just to make myself enough for her. But this is the worst kind of love that you could ever receive, in retrospect though. Fascination and lust with nothing to stand on. Some girls are wanting a guy just to satisfy themselves and enjoyment. They didn’t see men as capable enough to be loved as a person.

I’ve got to see this cute Sumi-chan this season! I like it when she comforts and supports Kazuya from Episode 11. She became dependable and her character developed from being a shy girl. I think she and Chizuru are those girls who can lend an ear when Kazuya needs to take off his mask. The problem here is that she didn’t get screen time again this season, even in the manga. I think she’s not being part of the heroines’ roster in this show. But yet, she developed.

The animation is flawlessly smooth. It’s a peak at its finest and I didn’t expect it from TMS Animation Studio, and it caught the romantic vibe of the whole show. They did justice to the comedic moments of Kazuya’s interactions, as well as his reactions. I love how the studio made the characters more gorgeous than from the manga. They made the heroines sexier than ever, and it’s one of the best animations that I’ve seen from many romance animes. The music is one of the amazing things that I’ve heard from many romance animes. Instead of using musical instruments more like a piano or something, they used electronic music as well. It’s rare to hear that kind of soundtrack and as a musician/writer, it fits very well to the scenes. The OP and ED are the top tiers in this season. Who would’ve thought that one of the famous J-POP singers like Chico with HoneyWorks performed the OP in this season? And the ED is absolute fire and much better than from the first season. It’s a great thing that they didn’t use such upbeat tunes this time and it sounds like a mature one.

I understand why many people hate this show, but I don’t understand why people don’t get the point of the whole thing. So far, this is one of the unique romcom harems shows in this generation. Aside from linear stories like childhood promises and the girl will win appearing from the beginning as a hinted clue, this shit is a complicated one. I don’t mean shit as bad, but a good one. This show executed well in my eyes and how it should be seen as. This season is a great building block to the upcoming great arc if the production staff announces the third season. A controversial yet groundbreaking show that pushes the boundaries of being an average romcom harem. Once you pass the negative reputation get from this show, you will see it for what it is. A mindless entertainment that you can actually enjoy, and have a great time.

Story: 8/10
Animation: 9/10
Characters: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Entertainment factor (Comedy: 4/5, Romance: 4/5): 8/10
Enjoyment: 9/10
Score: 8.5/10