Review of My Clueless First Friend

This show was described to me as "an unaware child cassanova tells the main girl every romantic line that a tired adult woman viewer would want to hear after a long day". And it's true. It's me, I am the tired adult woman watching this show to absorb its innocent charm as I recover from daily life. My Clueless First Friend is simple: Takada loves Nishimura; excitedly, wholly, and enthusiastically. He loves her so much that he absolutely cannot process anything less than perfection about her, so any bullying, self doubt, or otherwise negative thoughts are turned on their head into positives. And this is good,albeit unusual for Nishimura, a meek bullied girl who's used to being ostracized as the Grim Reaper. Luckily Takada is also a young boy obsessed with "cool" things with dark powers, so the grim reaper moniker only adds to his obsession.

And that's the formula. People are mean to Nishimura, Takada turns their comments into compliments. Nishimura is used to being alone, Takada follows her everywhere and has the best time. Any doubts or insecurities are repeatedly confronted and destroyed until Nishimura is forced to begin thinking of herself at least somewhat beyond her usual self loathing. It's simple and a bit repetitive, but it's very charming and because of that it never got old. Maybe eventually it would if it ran longer, but at 13 episodes we had plenty of fun situation writing and evolving cast to keep it fresh and engaging.

I can see where this might be dull to some people. It definitely isn't particularly deep or difficult of a watch. But while the cerebral and high concept shows have a place, the older I get the more I also value the simple, sweet, and happy ideas too. Truly after a long week of being worn down by the world, I loved to watch Takada shower Nishimura in affection as the warmth helps rejuvenate and energize me. Even if other weekly shows stumbled, I could use My Clueless First Friend as a palette cleanser to feel good again. It's a simple show with clumsy and unambitious art, but the designs that could be called weak in other shows actually work with the laid back vibes of this show. Overall its just an enjoyable time, a soft hug of a show that came once a week to cheer me up. While it never could've lasted forever without losing some of its charm, I will definitely miss having it going forward. Quiet + outgoing odd couples will always be a common trope, but few are as wholesome and uncomplicated as watching these two children navigate their first time caring deeply for one another and learning how to support and grow together.