So let’s talk about 4x9. Fucking, finally! is what all the fans though. After 11 years NEWS finally get their own show. I tried not to get my expectations up for the show but I guess overall I was neither very impressed nor disappointed.

Basically, the show was interesting to watch but I think the editing was very sloppy. First of all, I really expected a proper opening and ending. At least a brief introduction but there was none, it just began so abruptly. It also seems obvious to me that 18 people in the span of 45 minutes is too much. While some guests took a good portion of time others were barely shown. I think even 9 guests is kind of a lot, let alone 18 so it doesn’t make sense to have 2 topics. Too much content jammed into one show so a lot was cropped out.



But as a fan I’m satisfied. I think the boys managed pretty well. You would expect Koyama to lead the questioning but instead it was Shige. I think he was very good too, always up to the point and his comments were funny, if somewhat rude. Reminded me of an elitist pre-debut Shige. Not only is he a good host, he is also very observant and that actually made quite a difference. There was also a lot of Tegoshige interacting, I am pleased. Massu, on the other hand was very quiet though that’s nothing new.

I think in a way I always feel sorry for people who take part in such shows because they are basically judged and made fun of. I mean I know they agreed to it but sometimes it seemed so cruel. I think it's pretty brave to come out and reveal something weird about yourself.

The show’s second topic was “People who can’t get married” and the first guy they talked to was actually Teruki from An Cafe. I don’t know them that well but I did think he looked kinda familiar. That’s interesting. I wonder why he wanted to participate. J-rockers are usually very secretive about their personal lives. The guy revealed he can’t get married since he’s too attached to his mother. Tegoshige shared knowing looks saying “maza no kon” = mother’s complex, I assume. Koyamasu seemed a bit more sympathetic which is understandable.



Tegoshi's fake coming out was another important highlight. They even stuck it in the previews. I really liked the girl and she looked very nervous but she was certainly amused by Tegoshi's outburst. I think Shige actually said “Are you making a coming out?” You’re early, Tegoshi. The coming out day is October 11. Seriously though, it’s weird no matter how you look at it. If Tegoshi missed Shige’s question how did he understand what they thought he said? Guess we’ll never know the whole truth but it was certainly good for the ratings. Even if it was a pure dumb slip-up it was still cute how he proclaimed his crossdressing talent loud and proud.



On location shoots were very random but hey, I got my Tegoshige and all is well. Not only did they end up in a team, Tegoshi nearly jumped Shige upon seeing a cricket. The gods of fanservice were on my side.



Overall, the show was fun and I think it has good potential if it gets some polishing. Let's pray it gets picked up as regular.