I was scrolling through my X feed when it suddenly dawned on me that the second season of the Japanese gay dating reality show “The Boyfriend” has premiered. It was even more shocking that Netflix had dropped six episodes on the first day itself!!

Set in the snow clad mountains of Hokkaido, Japan, Season Two returns with a careful portrayal of same-sex relationships. While Season One curated to different perspectives and audiences, the sequel endeavors to set a benchmark for shocking precedents. It is slightly mature, overtly rehearsed and has a time-tested formulaic personality.

Season Two is a strange clutter of coincidences. There are people who knew each other previously or other’s who went on random dates and ghosted each other later. Frankly, it does seem a bit scripted because the casting directors would have definitely known about these veritable connections. They seemed to have picked an entire entourage of guys who have dated each other on & off. So, let’s dissect and see if this sequel is worth your time!

Synopsis–

Every snowflake is unique — and so are the love stories that will unfold among a group of men at a snowy retreat.

This season shifts its setting to wintertime Hokkaido, where ten men stay together in a cozy lodge dubbed the Green Room. Surrounded by a blanket of white snow, they begin to discover both what they want in a relationship and who they hope to become as partners. From hitting the slopes together to sharing intimate conversations in a makeshift igloo, the winter wonderland becomes the perfect place for love to grow.

Of course, it’s not all hot springs and leisurely sauna trips. The group is also tasked with operating a peppermint-colored coffee truck, taking turns working in pairs. Over 15 episodes, the housemates hope to develop slow-burn connections that are worth the wait — much like the drip coffee they serve.

Ranging in age from 20 to 40, the men live together for two months in the hopes of forming lasting bonds — and maybe even finding the boyfriend of their dreams.

(Source: Netflix)

Before we start discussing about the variant dynamics in this show, let’s get acquainted with the nine contestants-

The eight contestants are as follows-

1) Bomi (23), University Student, Japan

2) Hiroya (29), Art Director, Japan

3) Huwei (26), Graduate Student, Thailand

4) Izaya (32), IT Sales Worker, Japan

5) Jobu (26), Marketer at Manufacturing Company, Japan

6) Kazuyuki (40), Telecom Sales Worker, Japan

7) Ryuki (20), University Student

8) William (34), IT Company Project Manager, Spain

Alongside the contestants, the Season One commentators are back to chronicle the relationships that unfold in Season 2.

1) Megumi (Japanese talent, actress, singer and former gravure idol)

2) Chiaki Horan (Japanese actress and tarento from Tokyo)

3) Thelma Aoyama (Japanese pop and R&B singer)

4) Durian Lollobrigida (Japanese drag queen)

5) Yoshimi Tokui (Japanese comedian and actor)

What Happens in the First Two Episodes

Netflix has quantified the sequel based on the popularity of the prequel. As such, we have 15 episodes this season and Netflix actually dared to drop six episodes on the premiere date. So, we get to watch the contestants get acquainted with each other. By the end of sixth episode, we already some cliques and inconsistent pairings. The seven contestants are introduced in the first episode itself with Ryuki joining them in the fifth episode. Unfortunately by the time he joins them, the game is pretty set. William, Izaya and Jobu form an unusual love triangle from Day One. Jobu and Izaya are mutuals who have known each other in an unromantic manner while Izaya dated William briefly three years ago. Their separation is dotted with a lot of misunderstandings on both sides. So, it seems like they are both trying to overcome their personal fears and insecurities (especially William) for a second chance at love. Jobu seemed dead set on pursuing William, but William has gently rejected him twice.

There is also the inevitable love quadrangle that involves Huawei, Ryuki, Bomi and Hiroya. Huawei is another popular contestant this season. Both Bomi & Hiroya have been pursuing him. Huawei’s ideal type is someone cute like Ryuki. They have a history where they went on two dates & Ryuki ghosted him later. So, even after Ryuki enters the Green Room, Huawei seems hesitant to approach him. While he has also gently rejected Hiroya’s advances and seems to be getting along with Bomi; Huawei still isn’t clear about his choices.

First Impressions

There is too much baggage to unpack this season, the show sounds like a emotional retreat for the contestants!

William and Izaya seem stuck with each other. They have chemistry, sparks and a deep emotional entanglement. William did sound like a callous flirt in the first two episodes; but gradually, it becomes apparent that he has deep seeded fears and insecurities. He was thoroughly wounded in his previous relationships and is being awfully careful. Izaya has managed to break him out of his shell, but not entirely. Their relationship is a work in progress. Kazuyuki had a breakup with his partner of 15 years; and even though he is on a dating show, he doesn’t seem too inclined towards dating again. Huawei is a go-getter, he is good at academics and is a national athlete; and yet, he seems too unsure about his choices. The contestants this season seem far too confused and I’m not enjoying it as much as I did with Season One!

Rating- 3 out of 5

Streaming on- Netflix