This season was more disconcerting than I imagined, difficult truths revealed, unusual choices made!!

The premise of a dating show lies in its vulnerability to portray real characters; dating shows can’t be scripted, moments cannot be created. When nine men gather together, there is going to be a lot of drama, emotional upheaval and even regrets. The second season of “The Boyfriend” chooses to reflect and dwell on such regrets. There are transient cross connections between quite a few contestants, their pasts colliding and exploding into future possibilities. While at times, it chooses to prioritize one couple, it doesn’t take the opportunities for others. Set in the snow-clad mountains of Hokkaido, Japan, Season Two is baggage of shared conversations, close friendships and mature attitudes. There was no undulated rivalry this season; the contestants were mature enough to talk through the differences even when they were pursuing the same person. Some people came looking for love, others for self-retrospection while some simply wanted a chance to claim their sexuality openly. The show doesn’t negate any of their emotions; instead it offers them a safe space to pursue their own dreams, whatever choices they make. We had some early-bird surprises in the first half, gradual progress in the second, with the show ending on a high note, with not one but three couples walking out of the perennial “Green Room”. The experience was rich, emotionally driven and character oriented.

Before we dwell into the mechanics, let’s take a look at the contestants again.

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

9) Taeheon, (24) Designer from Korea (Gay)

Alongside the contestants, our eclectic group of commentors 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)

William & Izaya

William & Izaya’s romance was messy, chaotic and very, very complicated. They had a brief history of dating, and later they went their separate ways, because of rancid misunderstandings. When they met at the Green House, old flames reignited but their uneven memories and unresolved issues often tore them apart. While William found his fear of being abandoned, Izaya repeatedly sought reassurance and a desire for a shared future. The one thing that kept them together was William’s insistence to resolve their issues swiftly and Izaya’s ability to remain patient while William was dealing with his past issues. Their relationship was tumultuous albeit emotional. Their decision to become a couple was a slow & gradual process. But their intent to leave the Green House midway, was surely shocking. I’m glad they found what they were seeking and their desire to be with each other overrode their fears!

Huwei & Bomi

Another couple in the making, who had already met before, Huwei & Bomi, briefly went on a few dates. When they met again at the Green House, Bomi thought it was fate. Huwei didn’t think about their reconnection because he was focusing on learning about everyone. Their first few dates were endearing, but Huwei only got serious about Bomi when he realized the weight of emotions that Bomi felt for him. Bomi’s open declarations of love and assurance slowly paved the path for their budding romance. They both missed each other whenever they were apart for a few days. When Huwei “came out” to his mother & faced rebuttal, Bomi cried his heart out. Bomi’s kind nature and gentleness were gradually well received by Huwei, who had practiced self-restraint all his life. Their love story was driven by their need for emotional reconnaissance and a steady approach to understanding each other.

Taeheon & Jobu

Taeheon made a shocking re-rentry mid-season. It was quite unexpected. One of the strongest contestants last season, Taeheon struggled with the fear of “Coming out” to his own family, a theme that was strongly recurrent throughout this season. On the other side was Jobu, fresh from the hurt of losing love interest William to Izaya. In the initial episodes, Jobu had already expressed his interest in Taeheon when everyone talked about Season One contestants. So, for him, it was a shocking surprise when his bias landed in his lap. Their first date was awkward and pretty steep. After initial hesitation, Jobu decided to give it his all and Taeheon responded because he felt that he couldn’t leave Jobu alone. Job’s mother played an important role in their relationship when she showed up with baggage of food and sound support. For someone like Taeheon who struggled with coming out to his own family, Jobu’s close connection to his mother and their kindness seemed a heaven respite. Their intimacy slowly grew into something substantial but not without issues. Taeheon is a “thinker” and Jobu is someone who hates to impose. They had to work through their differences before walking out of the Green House as the “Finale” couple!!

Kazuyuki, Hiroya, Tomoaki, and Ryuki

Rather than pursuing love, Kazuyuki came to the Green House for retrospection. Fresh out of a recent breakup, Kazuyuki wasn’t searching for love, but answers. Throughout this journey, the audiences must have felt connected to Kazuyuki’s ex-boyfriend, even though he never once made an appearance; that’s what true love feels like. Kazuyuki sought his ex-partner’s presence in every memory & moment spent together. His choice to leave the Green House & reconcile with his ex-boyfriend is understandable, because even though we never saw them together, we felt their love, experiencing the highs & lows of their relationship.

Hiroya came to the Green House with a mindset of pursuing love but also overcoming his shortcoming, which unfortunately included internalized biases. While pursuing Huwei & Taeheon, he was pretty consistent. He didn’t back down before trying his best. He also formed close friendships, nonchalantly becoming the group’s advisor. At times, he understood his friends better than they did themselves!

Tomoaki was the surprise entry in the second half. We already had some decisive pairings by the time he entered the Green House. Extremely shy, reserved and reserved, Tomoaki entered the Green House after overhauling his image, after a consistent weightloss. Initially, he found it difficult to connect with the contestants, which often led to instances of self-isolation. Gradually, he was able to come out of his shell and interact actively with the other members. In the end, what he sought wasn’t love but company & friendship.

Ryuki was another contestant who entered the Green House with hopes or rather the belief that “Coming Out” is a slow yet painful process. There were quite a few instances when he sought advice and counsel from the elder members; the fear of losing his only family, his father, was palpable. Ryuki’s meaningful conversations with his fellow contestants will surely pave the path for members of the queer community, who face the same fears & anxieties.

Final Impressions

By the time the season ended, I was emotionally wrought and unable to move on!!

Season Two was entirely focused on giving second chances. William & Izaya worked through their differences and desire, to understand their individual needs. Huwei & Bomi’s relationship centered on patience and their mutual need for a steady relationship. Taeheon returned with the sole aim of finding love and met Jobu. Their romance was bittersweet yet tangible. Kazuyuki had his own journey to trace back, which led him to his old love and plenty of self reflection. Ryuki & Tomoaki were able to walk out of the Green House as confident men who could handle their fair share of worries and fears. Hiroya spoke to his own biases & learned that it is important to love oneself before loving someone else. Each member had a revelation of their own, and they struggled with their choices, but an honest disposition always wins. Being in love is laying yourself bare and this season couldn’t be more honest than that!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Netflix