'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Under the production of Kinema Citrus, My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 premiered on January 6, 2025. The episode was embedded with the essence of romance and drama, featuring Miyo Saimori and Kiyoka Kudo's unbridled passion and love for each other. The production studio's excellent effort enhanced the episode's visual and emotional appeal.
Whether it was Miyo and Kiyoka's journey to the latter's countryside residence or the new threat surrounding the Imperial Capital, My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 has perfectly laid the stage for an exhilarating sequel. Moreover, the first season has already proven how passionate the staff members are regarding the project.
Aside from remaining faithful to the source material, the episode included subtle anime-only sequences to enhance the overall quality of the adaptation. While some long monologues and scenes had to be omitted from the light novels, the outcome was pleasant.
Trending
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1.
My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 review: The adaptation, production, and Kinema Citrus' portrayal of Miyo and Kiyoka's chemistry
After an incredible first season, My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 marked the return of the beloved cast, with Miyo Saimori and Kiyoka Kudo at the forefront. Although the premiere episode didn't show Yurie, who played a pivotal role in the previous installment, it introduced new characters, such as Kiyoka Kudo's father, Tadakiyo Kudo, and his mother, Fuyu Kudo.
From the onset, My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 set up a sense of intrigue, with a captivating dream sequence of Miyo. In the dream, Miyo witnessed the passing of the seasons, from Spring to Winter. As the seasons passed, the warmth from her life gradually disappeared, with Kiyoka apologizing to her at the end.
Marked with a sublime blend of warmth and despair, the dream suggested a grave fate awaiting Miyo and Kiyoka. Although Miyo's dream was the result of her Dream-Sight ability, it was revealed she couldn't quite control her powers. Therefore, she didn't know what her dreams truly meant.
Kiyoka Kudo admonished Arara Usuba, who swore to help Miyo regarding her Dream-Sight powers. He also felt his fiance could learn to comprehend her dreams if she kept working hard. To some extent, the opening scene of My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 was pivotal for the entire season.
From the lyrics of the poem to the stunning change in visuals, the anime original scene suggested an ominous future for the central characters. However, it was evident that Miyo wasn't ready to confront the truth. That said, she also acknowledged that she was the only one in the world with the Dream-Sight ability. Hence, she needed to control her powers.
Notably, Kinema Citrus removed some key elements from the source material. My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 continued the adaptation from volume 3 of Akumi Agitogi's light novels. However, the episode didn't feature the prologue chapter, featuring a mysterious figure in a village. Rather, the prologue was replaced with the anime original dream sequence.
It was a masterstroke from Kinema Citrus, as it only created an intrigue for the rest of the season. The mysterious figure's narrative was revealed later in the episode. Following the opening scene, the narrative for My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 moved to Miyo Saimori returning home from shopping with Kiyoka and Hazuki.
Just then, she confronted a vision as if someone was watching her. The defeaning sensational almost overwhelmed Miyo until a person touched her back. The person was none other than Kiyoka Kudo's father, Tadakiyo Kudo. Kinema Citrus has done well to design Tadakiyo Kudo, remaining faithful to illustrator Tsukioka's original design from the light novel.
Ryotaro Okiyaku, who has voiced Byakuya Kuchiki in Bleach and other important characters throughout his career, as done a fabulous job of portraying the amiable nature of Tadakiyo Kudo in My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1. According to the episode's narrative, Tadakiyo had come to invite Kiyoka and his fiance, Miyo Saimori, to their countryside villa.
Additionally, Tadakiyo requested his son to investigate a particular case regarding the Grotesquerie sightings near his neighborhood. Moreover, he revealed that a suspicious person had been seen near the area. Kiyoka Kudo didn't want to accept the request at first. However, he received a letter from Prince Takaihito, appointing him to the task.
Since it was a direct order from Takaihito, Kyoka couldn't refuse. He went to his countryside villa with Miyo Saimori. Notably, Kinema Citrus has done a phenomenal job in depicting the backgrounds throughout the episode. The background art for the sceneries, during Miyo and Kiyoka's train journey was truly a visual delight.
The rich blend of yellow, green, and the clear sky injected vibrancy to the narrative. The beautiful art was also accompanied by melodious OSTs. Undoubtedly, the production team has done a fabulous job. Notably, the narrative created subtle moments between Miyo and Kiyoka, showcasing their blossoming love.
For example, when Miyo mentioned how caring Kiyoka was, the latter's face turned red momentarily. Besides that, when Kiyoka's mother, Fuyu Kudo, rudely talked to Miyo, Kiyoka stood up for her and condemned his mother's actions.
The homecoming scene in My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 was truly one of the major points of the sequel. Miyo Saimori had come to the Kudo family with a lot of expectations. Although Kiyoka's father loved Miyo as his daughter-in-law, the same couldn't be said about his mother, who scrutinized her clothes and referred to her as her son's attendant.
Yet, Miyo didn't bog down. Rather, she wanted to get along with her fiance's mother, even though she insulted her apperance. The scene also evoked a passion and love Miyo and Kiyoka had for each other. After arriving at their countryside villa, Kiyoka went for a walk with Miyo to show her around.
It was a fabulous scene, where Kinema Citrus showcased their production skill. From fluidity of animation to beautiful character and background art, the episode was a testament to the production studio's skill. The staff members working on the episode has done a phenomenal job of portraying the events as depicted in the light novels.
Especially, the scene where Miyo vowed to get along with Kiyoka Kudo's mother, with the background of a setting sun, was fabulous. The color palette, with the sun's golden rays falling on Kiyoka and Miyo's cheeks added an extra charm to the episode. Besides that, My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 included a lovely scene featuring the main duo, where Miyo is flustered to see only a single bed at their suite.
She didn't expected to sleep next to her fiance. Although Kiyoka was oblivious to the implications, Miyo's heart wasn't ready. Therefore, she exited the room to arrange another bed. The scene added another dimension to Miyo and Kiyoka's chemistry, which will only get better as the season progresses.
Aside from Miyo and Kiyoka's relationship, My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 had nicely set up a new challenge for the commander of the Anti-Grotesquerie Unit. As evident from Prince Takaihito's letter, Kiyoka had to investigate a Demon (a type of Grotesquerie) near his countryside villa.
He also learned from a shopkeeper during his walk with Miyo that a suspicious person was seen going in and out of a run-down mansion. Kiyoka Kudo wanted to know whether there was a connection between the two cases. Aside from that, My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 saw Prince Takaihito assigning a special mission to Arata Usuba.
Takaihito felt an unforeseen danger was looming on the future of the Usuba bloodline and the Imperial City. According to his revelations, only Miyo Saimori and Arata Usuba had the key to prevent the tragic future. However, the episode didn't mention the nature of the mission Arata was assigned.
Conclusion
My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 marks a beautiful beginning to the sequel, powered by Kinema Citrus' excellent production. The animation studio injected life to Akumi Agitogi's narrative and offered fans a delightful experience. As such, all eyes will be on the next episodes to see if the studio can maintain such top-tier animation.
Also read:
- My Happy Marriage season 2 episode 1 full highlights
- My Happy Marriage season 2 complete release schedule: All episodes and when they arrive
- Solo Leveling season 2 episode 1 review
