The anticipated sequel to the much loved manga adaptation “Minato’s Laundromat” premiered to high expectations and quickly took a nosedive into unknown territories. To those who were expecting some intellectual growth and character development, I’m sorry to inform you that it doesn’t happen. While the prequel was a classic attempt to bridge the distance between an age gap couple, the second season should have focused on their relationship; it doesn’t, instead we get twelve episodes where they both play the passive game. It made me wonder on how can one guy could be so patient (Shintaro) whilst the other one is so cowardly (Minato). Physical intimacy cannot be excused when you are in a long-term relationship; fear is understandable but downright denial is out of the realm. Our main couple still continue with their cheeky conversations but it fails to serve the purpose. You can only converse so much while ignoring the giant elephant in the room, which keeps tipping the scales on the glaring problems in their relationship. While the main couple struggle with intimacy, the secondary couple does a better job of bridging the distance (makes you ponder if the sequel should have been about them). There isn’t much to discuss here, so we will do a quick review of the things we liked and disliked.

Synopsis-

Minato Akira, running his grandfather’s laundromat, finds his relationship with Katsuki Shintaro facing unexpected challenges after three months of bliss. Meanwhile, Asuka and Hiiragi’s budding romance takes a complicated turn. Brace yourself for the trials and tribulations that await these two pairs of lovers in this captivating sequel!

(Source: GagaOOLala)

~~ Adapted from the manga “Minato Shouji Coin Laundry” (みなと商事コインランドリー) by Tsubaki Yuzu (椿ゆず)

What I Disliked

Following the events in Season One, Minato Akira (Kusakawa Takuya) and Katsuki Shintaro (Nishigaki Sho) have been dating for a few months. Shintaro wants to take their relationship to the next level while Minato has his recurring bouts of gay panic. Their silly arguments are still quite ridiculous. Shintaro is still extremely possessive and hates dividing Minato’s attention with anyone (especially his school friend, Asuka). They also haven’t gotten over the fact that Minato’s once had a crush on his school teacher, Sakuma Takayuki. Frankly, the script spends too much time rehashing ancient history, that the real purpose gets lost. There is no scope for personal growth, as both hold on to their past grudges. Although, I must accept that Shintaro has the patience of a saint, because it is almost impossible to argue with a nonsensical person like Minato. They love each other, that’s obvious, but Minato’s inability to accept or offer solace will leave you exasperated. Kusakawa Takuya & Nishigaki Sho make a handsome pair and they do their level best to salvage the situation; but there is only so much you can do when you handed an impossibly absurd script. The second season could have given them the chance to explore their relationship better, as they grow closer and resolve their issues amicably. Instead, they slapped us with the age old amnesia track in the penultimate episode, which was resolved quickly in the finale. Their story had so much more to offer, but it fails to capitalize on the main leads chemistry.

What I Liked

While I detested the fraudulent problems between Minato & Shintaro, the secondary couple, Sakuma Shu (Inaba Yu) and Hanabusa Asuka (Oku Tomoya), became the saving grace. While Shu does have some preposterous moments of confusion (like Minato), he doesn’t spend too much time contemplating on them. Instead, he seeks advice from Shintaro and goes out of his way to resolve the complications in his relationship with Asuka. Frankly, if Minato & Shintaro actually TALKED like Shu & Asuka do, their romance would be so much better. Shu and Asuka actually communicate and although Shu can be really weird (because of his obsession with architecture), they do make each other better. They are really endearing and adorable.

Is It A Worthwhile Watch

NO, IT IS NOT. WHY DID I WATCH THIS?

“Minato’s Laundromat S2” could have been a cheerful, light toned romance that would have been charming. It had all the makings of a solemn BL romance; especially after Minato & Shintaro move in together. The show could have given us some classic moments of togetherness; they had so much time to communicate, but rather we are left with dull witted scenes where they argue endlessly without resolve. I understand the need for melodrama; but this show takes it a tad too seriously and after sometime, watching their interactions gets frustrating. They do have some sweet moments, but they are too far between. Let’s face it- the script lacks depth, they just went with the flow. I’m not sure if the original manga has the same storyline; if it does, then I’m definitely questioning its popularity. Overall, “Minato’s Laundromat S2” wasn’t what I expected it to be. I’m sorely disappointed.

Rating- 3 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala