Miyo’s Dream Sight may have awakened now, but she’s only just beginning to learn how to make sense of what she sees. To help her, the new head of the Usuba clan is…joining them for breakfast? Kiyoka is pretty grumpy about the whole thing. Later that day, while Miyo is out shopping with Kiyoka and his sister, she senses something sinister watching her, when suddenly, an elderly gentleman taps her on the shoulder, proclaiming how delighted he is to meet her before the wedding. Miyo is understandably perplexed, especially considering his mildly flirty attitude, but all becomes clear when he announces himself to be her future father-in-law. The four go for refreshments, and Kiyoka’s demeanor is more frosty than ice water when his father asks him to come sort out some trouble with grotesqueries in their neighborhood. But when Kiyoka receives a directive from Prince Takaihito telling him to go and do just that, the young couple decide to make an occasion of it and set off to the Other Kubo Residence together. What kind of reception awaits Miyo in the main Kubo home? What will Kiyoka’s mother be like? And why did Prince Takaihito want Kiyoka—and maybe even Miyo too—to take this journey?
Miyo beginning to suspect that this may not be the welcoming homecoming she’d anticipated…
It’s back! And just as sweet and lovely and beautifully animated as before. No dip in production quality here from studio Kinema Citrus, who continue to stun with their rich visual storytelling (those backgrounds!). While season 1 was a bit of a slow burn not just in a romantic sense, but specifically in terms of the fantasy and political elements, this episode makes it clear that My Happy Marriage is now a veritable blazing conflagration as the machinations kick off with Prince Takaihito and the Usuba clan, and Miyo’s unique power begins to blossom. Ramping up the intrigue and magic gives the story a new lease on life, while bringing in Kiyoka’s absentee family adds a whole new layer of tension and melodrama to the interpersonal side of the story as well. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say that the encounter with mother dearest was pretty shocking! Kiyoka’s parents do not seem at all well suited to one another (or to raising children!), but their dynamic explains so much about the young man’s icy manner and locked-up emotions, as well as his determination to pursue kindness as best he can. The episode is not all drama and tension though, being dotted with moments of humor and growing affection between the young couple as well, making for a satisfying episode, regardless of whether you’re watching mainly for the fantasy and intrigue or the romance. The voice acting remains top-notch, and the music seems to have opened up to explore new vistas, with more playful and fantasy-inspired pieces providing a backdrop to the expanding world and lives of the young couple. Season 1 was a delight, but it feels from this premiere that the real story is now about to begin! Looking forward to it.
My Happy Marriage is streaming on Netflix.
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