Images: Kinema Citrus
After a few disappointing episodes, My Happy Marriage Season 2 redeems itself with Episode 8.
We all knew deep down that My Happy Marriage Season 2’s seventh episode, A New Year’s Commotion, was just a build-up for the drama that was about to ensue. And to be honest, my hopes were low about Episode 8… that is, until I was proven wrong.
Spoiler warning: major plot points ahead!
Episode 8, titled ‘An Evening Banquet and Distant Snow’, redeems the anime with compelling high-stakes events, and features more tooth-rottingly sweet moments between Miyo and Kiyoka. But the couple's romance is clouded with an atmosphere of tension and fear, as the threat of the Gifted Communion is ramping up; to the point that even Prince Takaihito struggles with Naoshi Usui’s terrifyingly overbearing presence.
Unrest is brewing at the imperial palace
Prince Takaihito has enjoyed little screentime over the entirety of My Happy Marriage’s run, so it’s about time that this magnanimous prince gets the spotlight. The inner workings of the imperial palace are on full display this episode, bringing viewers into the political intrigue that’s only been hinted at in the past.
Admittedly, this change in focus is a breath of fresh air. We’re treated to more solid world-building, and with the Mikado still missing, the imperial palace is in chaos with various sides arguing about the state of royal affairs. Kiyoka and Masashi spectate this political circus with wariness, as with the Gifted Communion already sinking its teeth into the government, there’s no way for sure to know who to fully trust. The ministers all have self-serving ulterior motives hidden behind their actions– and almost none of them are trustworthy even with their flattery.
Prince Takaihito bears the brunt of the overwhelming pressure from the ministers, many of whom do not hold him in high regard while he serves in place of the Mikado. However, Prince Takaihito isn’t fully facing this alone– his trusted vassal Takakura, who is the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, is intent to unveil the traitor currently hiding within the imperial rank.
There’s an air of urgency within the imperial palace, and it’s keeping me at the edge of my seat. I don’t have high opinions of Naoshi Usui as My Happy Marriage Season 2’s primary antagonist, but I can’t deny the fact that he is a threat that I’m not confident even Kiyoka can take head on. Prince Takaihito ominously warns that Usui is sure to come, sneaking up on everyone cunningly to take the country into the slimy palms of his hands.
Hazuki shines a light on the intricacies of love, Arata’s getting even more suspicious
Another character that finally got the spotlight is Hazuki, Kiyoka’s elder sister. Hazuki played an integral part in My Happy Marriage Season 1 as an influence to Miyo’s resolve into regaining her self-confidence, so it’s great to finally see more of her in Season 2. In an evening soiree, Hazuki brings Miyo, Yurie, Prince Takaihito, and even Kaoruko together to enjoy a relaxing night together.
It’s clear that Hazuki is providing emotional support to Miyo during these troubling times in her own way, and Prince Takaihito pitches in with some jokes of his own, inviting everyone to call him Princess Takako to ease Miyo into letting loose for the night. And she does!
My Happy Marriage Season 2 has shown us so many new sides to Miyo, and this episode plays greatly into featuring her growth as a personable character– who knew that the reserved, hopeless girl from a season ago could bloom into such an open and hopeful person?
Hazuki also gives out life advice that I think any person should hold onto when it comes to love. Being a divorced woman, Hazuki has had her regrets about the failure of her marriage, something that she has established before, so she’s gained this outlook on romantic relationships: that it’s important for anyone to express their love and create an unbreakable bond with their partner.
I 100% agree, a relationship thrives on showing your appreciation and trust to the person you love. Hazuki suffered during her marriage because her ex-husband was torn between his family’s negative opinion of her and her as his wife, which showed her that the bond her husband had fostered with her did not reflect the bond she had fostered with him. In a relationship, everything is a matter of teamwork and mutual respect.
As the soiree dies down and everyone retires for the night, Takaihito and Miyo have a heart-to-heart conversation about the burdens of their powers, where Takaihito expresses the loneliness that his gift comes with. It’s evident that Takaihito sees Miyo as someone who will also walk his path in the future, and through his own way, entreats Miyo to face her power and the loneliness it comes with head on.
Prince Takaihito also leaves Miyo with an ominous warning veiled in his rich vocabulary: “Cherry blossoms disturbed by the snow will bring the nightfall.” It’s looking like Usui’s arrival to the imperial palace will happen on a snowy night.
Afterwards, Miyo and Arata see Kiyoka off, and the two discuss Miyo's abilities, and the possibility that her emotions are what fuels her gift. Although Arata assures Miyo that he’s set on helping her, I can’t help but feel cautious about Arata’s intentions. An incident with the minister of education, who seems to be incredibly interested in the Usuba power, points at a peculiar interaction between Arata and the minister’s secretary. What message was whispered to Arata? Is the minister of education the traitor that Takakura is looking for? Will Arata really betray Miyo and Kiyoka, or does he have his own plans up his sleeves?
Miyo and the importance of consent
A point of contention in this episode happening within the fan community for My Happy Marriage is Miyo’s refusal to take up Kiyoka’s romantic advances as they share a bed for the night. I want to take the time to highlight this moment and talk about the importance of Hazuki’s advice, and gather my thoughts about the community's frustration about Miyo’s reservedness.
A deeper bond with a loved one is formed when both sides mutually respect each other’s wishes. Given that Miyo is still in the early stages of what is established as her first true romantic relationship, she’s definitely still reserved about going to the next level with Kiyoka. Romance, to her, is a journey that she’s still learning to undertake, and personally, I find it incredibly important that this episode featured more of her struggles when it comes to being affectionate, establishing that consent matters in building a stronger relationship.
Miyo doesn’t find herself comfortable with intimacy– it’s been established that she struggles with her desire and her perception of herself acting on those desires. Growing into a confident individual isn’t a smooth process, it’s marked by road bumps that will sometimes feel like a person is going back to square one. Kiyoka himself understands Miyo’s struggles. Although he’s the more dominant figure when it comes to expressing his romantic intentions, he respects that Miyo is still finding it within herself to be more open with expressing her love.
Kiyoka knows the importance of Miyo’s consent, and if he isn’t the greenest of green flags in this season’s romance anime, then I don’t know who is. Kiyoka respects Miyo's choices, and he doesn't push her into doing things that could make her uncomfortable or unhappy. And that's a given in any relationship; why would you make your partner do something that you know makes them uncomfortable? This moment perfectly encapsulates the depth of love Kiyoka has for Miyo, and it's incredibly beautiful to witness.
If you want to glean more information, look into missed details, or just read our thoughts on each episode, we’ve compiled a My Happy Marriage Season 2 review collection for your perusal!
