Play It Cool, Guys - episode 22 - I drink and watch anime

This show is not getting easier to write about. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing… unless you are trying to post about it. Then it’s a very bad thing. Otherwise, still a great show 🙂

I have a soft spot for this week’s episode. Essentially, we see a very specific relationship between Hayate and Motoharu, that is to say between a fan and his idol.

Hayate is a book geek and just a general geek while Motoharu just happens to be an author he admires a lot. We’ve seen this before in fiction. Exploring fan culture is something a lot of shows do since it’s an easy way to be relatable to a good portion of the audience. Who hasn’t been a fan of someone? But this was different from what I’m used to seeing in many ways.

First of all the episode was from Motoharu’s POV, meaning that we saw the object of admiration’s side instead of the fan’s. Usually, when we’re following the idol/celebrity’s experience, the fan is a dangerous, obsessed individual that serves as a boogieman and not much else. Not in this case though. Of course, we already know Hayate and he’s a sweetheart so there’s that but also, Motoharu isn’t afraid of him, he doesn’t feel stifled or suffocated by the attention either. No, this is the quite unique problem of how to establish a real connection with someone who puts you on a pedestal.

That’s cool, right? It’s not just me who likes this angle? I mean we don’t see that explored all that much at all, let alone in anime. And the way Play it Cool, Guys does it (the same way this show does everything) is in a calm and understated matter that leaves on a positive note. It was just fun watching these two get to know each other and how you could visibly see Hayate relaxing.

Another week, another cute and fun episode!