The drama is over and it's time to drop a line. Or two. Or dozen. Anyway.
Overall, it was a good watch, visually pleasing thanks to the setting and the cast. Also the awesome soundtrack. The actors did a really good job and I think Matsumoto really nailed it. There was also a good deal of humour which I really appreciate. But the plot is a different matter. At first I really found it quite exciting and was looking forward to new episodes but the further it got the more my interest dropped. I mean I likes some plot twists and some scenes but overall it felt they flunked a good premise. The last episode was very disappointing. Too much sap and everything felt so blurry and the ending had a bit of a WTF? feeling to it. I mean Souta had fucking 4 love interests and he ended up alone? It all just didn't make sense to me and basically I found it boring.
Initially I was very hopeful about Sekiya and Kaoruko. Meeting in a drama 9 years later I really wanted them to work out. But I lost that idea pretty soon. Kaoruko really disappointed me. I thought she's a strong and proud woman but she's awfully awkward and cowardly and keeps judging people even though doesn't even know what she wants. I don't like Saeko but at least her position makes sense. And her relationship with Sekiya was so pointless. (Actually, I was not only disappointed in Kaoruko but also Mizukawa Asami. From what I've seen she isn't much different in life. And while I was glad she's so different from all timid and kawaii hicks out there she's actually obnoxious even by my standards.) And Sekiya... well, he's not exactly a prince either. I dunno, he's a bit strange and it's not clear what he's thinking but at least he isn't hypocritical. And he's hot. Well, that didn't need to be pointed out.
Anyway, even though Shige's role was rather small and he didn't appear in all the episodes I think it was great for his career. His character is mature and cool and I'm sure he attracted some new fans.
Rating: 7 (Good)
Verdict: worth it!