Share House no Koibito (2013)

Additional episodes and a more fixed direction might have improved Share House no Koibito, ultimately a disappointment. This is unfortunate as it is a drama which makes one want to like it; the potential exists but never becomes realized.

Three strangers, alienated by society in some way, enter into a love triangle. Share House spins this tried and true formula, having a male lead fancy the other -- instead of the main female. This aspect initially intrigues, but loses charm by the halfway point. Despite some chemistry existing in all directions, none of the possible love lines are handled well. Where romantic feelings exist, they appear to have done so strongly from first sight. We never see "falling in love", and no tension is created by the triangle. A second triangle (comprised of seriously underdeveloped supporting characters) could have been cut without repercussion.

The other theme, alienation, fares somewhat better. I will refrain from making a joke about extraterrestrials now, since there are enough in the drama.

Only one character worked for me (Sakurai), with the other two being snooze-worthy (Shio) or out of this world (Teppei). Sakurai, almost feline and seriously aloof, was easiest to like and sympathize with. His story rang true and actually had me feeling for him. On top of that, the comedic aspect of his character worked most consistently; Tanihara Shosuke has amazing comedic timing. Oizumi Yo does as well and is generally wonderful on screen. It's just the script spent too much time wringing laughs out of his character that weren't there.

Little impression was made by the music, though the vocal by ayaka is noteworthy. It plays at the beginning of each episode, accompanied by a neat intro sequence.

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