Thursday 18 September 2008

Itazura na Kiss - Episode 23

Watching Itazura na Kiss has become almost an episode-by-episode hate-fest for me, not so much for the series itself (although I suppose perhaps I do dislike it by association to some degree) but for the various characters on show within it. Despite Naoki's conversion into really rather a decent husband (which still leads me to suspect that the real Naoki is being held hostage by aliens), it seems that the dislike I felt for him has simply been spread around to others.


On this occasion, the main source of my irritation has to be Kotoko's so-called friends, who rile her up into a frenzy with their talk of the husbands of pregnant women having affairs - You could argue that it isn't their fault that Kotoko goes off at the deep end, but these people could at least show a little decency for Kotoko's situation rather than gossiping idly. Naoki's mother isn't much better, with her constant spying and interfering once again managing to raise my blood pressure quite substantially.

To top it all, we also see another example of domestic violence as pre-cursor to romance, as Yuuko Matsumoto gets a slap from Sudou which indirectly leads to her falling for him. This is the second time we've seen a woman fall in love with a guy who slaps her in this series, and frankly it baffles me.

Finally, with Chris and Kinnosuke still planning to get married (just how many ill-matched couples does this series want?), Chris' mother proves to be pretty annoying too.

Yes, yes, I know I just sound like "Angry of Dorset" in this entry, but if this series only had one or maybe two characters that I didn't like I could live with it. Instead, Itazura na Kiss has frequently seemed to leave Kotoko virtually alone in an unending sea of absolute assholes of different types and degrees, and I suppose the chivalrous male in me just feels that isn't on. Oh well, only two more episodes to go and then you won't have to hear me complaining about the characters I don't like in this series any more.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kudos to you for making it this far - I jumped ship halfway through because Kotoko was the only endearing character. Actually, her amiability made it worse because, like you, I couldn't stand such a pleasant character being treated so badly for no good reason.

Allison and Lillia isn't great but even its stupidity adds another level to the entertainment value. This? I honestly don't know whether I could enjoy it at all. You must have the patience of a saint!

Anonymous said...

I've come to hate (or lose respect for?) Kotoko throughout the 17 episodes I watched... it's not just about her stupidity, but the fact that she allows herself to be treated _that_ way by Irie. Call me mean or apathetic, but I think Kotoko is partially to blame for Irie's treatment of her. She tolerates it, and despite everything, she still "loves" him~ meh I say T__T

I wonder if I should post a Kotoko rant so I can at least, 'rest in peace' =___=

Hanners said...

Martin, just call me Saint Hanners of Anime. ;) I suppose if nothing else this series has become like my Two Minutes Hate every week.

usagijen, I somewhat agree that Kotoko has brought much of the woe upon herself for allowing Naoki to run roughshod over here - There's being a poor, innocent girl, and then there's being a glutton for punishment.

Unknown said...

I completely agree! I get so angry with all of the guys who slap girls in this anime. I wish Kotoko would slap back like Matsumoto! And each situation has such a predictable line of events-Kotoko messes up, she's afraid Naoki will be mad(which is just awful!), she cries, he comforts her. Yet I keep watching hoping it'll get better. And you're totally right about Naoki. He bugs me, though he's a tiny bit better, but he still hardly seems to care at all! He didn't care about Kotoko, suddenly wanted to marry her and then went back to not caring. I get it, he doesn't show his emotions or whatever, but even the quietest people have their own ways of showing they care!