Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru Kan - Episode 1 - 10 Second Anime

Yukino talks with Hachiman and Yui about her plans. Later, Hachiman spends time with his little sister. Season Premiere.

Episode 1 – “In Due Time, The Seasons Change and the Snow Melts.”

First Thoughts.

It has been five years since last I wrote about Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU), so seeing the first scene pick up exactly where it left off filled me with relief and excitement. I don’t have to worry about any artistic changes; I can just watch the characters I know and see Hachiman’s next interpersonal problem he needs to manage and solve.

Hmm.

The first scene with Hachiman’s triangle with Yui and Yukino still has the same vague language of something Yukino wants but can’t articulate. The way Hachiman thinks about it, he believes Yukino wants to pursue an exclusive relationship, but this would hurt Yui’s feelings. Whether this is true or not, I don’t know, but the fearful emotions of even getting close to the topic makes it clear that whatever Yukino finally asks for, Hachiman thinks it will upset the delicately balanced friendly relationships between the three of them. We’ll put that aside until the Climax! arc (This is called My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Climax! in English) starts in earnest near the end of the season. Until then, we’ll just have to see Hachiman dote on younger sisters and get their older sisters to fall in love with him. It’s a familiar tactic that always works in anime.

Heh.

The opening credits hint at a big musical production the Service Club will have to rescue. Plus, Yukino saving a dance for Hachiman after a prom too. That’s too much hinting at Yui getting left behind.

It’s only the beginning of the season, so it’s way too early for Hachiman to choose his Best Girl. They both get drinks. Metaphor alert! Aw. These flashbacks to the last season are great. They also show great consistency in art style.

The kids are still making us wait to hear about Yukino’s secret past, or why it’s such a big deal. That’s what the rest of the season is for. Part of it is that Yukino wanted to go into her dad’s business, but Haruno the older sister took on that role. Yukino has been aimless since then, or has she? The main theme is still Yukino finding her own identity outside of her mother’s presence.

What is Haruno wearing? Did she go out in the cold in her loungewear? She’s tipsy!

Enough of that serious stuff. Let’s play with little sisters! Komachi is about to take her high school entrance exam. Komachi and Hachiman are great together. It’s really the only time you see his true self. Yay! More little sisters. Saki is with little Keika who likes Hachiman so much. Ha! Busted! He’ll have to join them now.

Don’t go touching dudes so friendly-like, Keika. Only do that with big bro Hachiman! This sounds all sorts of wrong… Oh my, Hachiman is the best big brother to little sisters ever. Ah. The Kawasaki sisters are waiting for their brother taking the entrance exam too. Saki can’t help but like Hachiman for having helpful ideas.

Komachi, yay! High fives for everyone! Saki likes, but doesn’t like the Hikigawa’s great sibling relationship. Nice flashback from the first season when Saki got feelings for Hachiman. They need to do these since it’s been so long for any of the anime versions.

Aw. Komachi’s best date with her brother is going home and cooking together. Komachi’s hobby is “pampering her big brother.” Nice for Hachiman. Komachi picked the right day to express formal gratitude for all her brother’s support. Test day marks a big transition to high school and another step towards adulthood. Aw again. Komachi moved Hachiman to tears. Komachi started to cry too. Good stuff.

The end credits show Yui and Yukino remaining best friends. Let's hope that's true.