Horimiya

This show has romance. It has comedy. And it has several elements that makes it stand out in comparison to other anime romcoms out there:

• The pace of the romantic elements and building of emotional intimacy between the main characters is unusually fast. It focuses less on the curiosity and the first steps towards each other and more on the fostering and maintenance of the relationship.

• The protagonists are initially portrayed in a rather mature way and don't fondle too much in childish silliness.

Artstyle, animation and soundtrack are decent, although not too memorable. The design choice to differentiate the characters mainly by their bright and colourful hair colour is a little lazy. But it illustrates one of the issues this show has quite well: While the first half of the show focuses a great deal on the two main characters and the development of their relationship, storytelling takes a weird turn around the middle of the first season.

• Unrelatable side characters are getting a lot of screentime. Unlike the protagonists, they do not achieve any kind of meaningful character development and their stories seem really inconsequential for the whole picture.

• During the little screen time the main characters get, their relationship takes some weird turns and develops some borderline abusive elements that hardly relate to their personalities. It's being hinted towards this being some kind of fetish or kink, although at this stage of their relationship it seems really awkward - especially being displayed in public.

Fortunately the last two episodes seem to focus more on the original strengths of the show and bring it to a deserved closure. What remains is an impression of a beautiful anime with a wholesome start and a fair share of wasted potential - unfortunately. It is good. But could have been better.