DAKAICHI -I'm being harassed by the sexiest man of the year- Episode 11 Review: If you're that in love with me, you can have your way with me until you're done.

*Cue the sad violins* ChuTaka is no more… With just a couple of episodes left, Dakaichi has taken a one-way train to Dramaville and the fun is just beginning. This week’s episode definitely turned things up to 11, but in a good way. So sit back and get ready to see just what’s in store for our star-crossed lovers!

Plot

After a ‘risque’ photo of Junta and Takato is published, the pair agree to go their separate ways. But, in an effort to smooth things over, they both make deals with the photographer. Will they be able to make this go away or will things just get worse?

Episode Highlights

Hawaiian Adventure Callback: I mentioned this in my Episode 8 review, but despite being little more than a throwaway episode, Takato and Junta’s Hawaiian getaway adventure does play a semi-important role in the Paparazzi arc. The dolls Junta bought during the trip show up again in this episode, and they’re kind of trumped up to be symbolic of ChuTaka’s relationship…. so that’s a nice callback.

It’s not the same: The scene where Usako propositions Takato just wasn’t as tense as a similar scene with Ayagi back in episode 5, but, it just didn’t have the same weight to it. Usako just isn’t really a threat (at least not like Ayagi was) and it’s obvious from the start that Usako just isn’t serious about sleeping with Takato. So when Takato says that it isn’t the same, I wholeheartedly agree with him.

Themes and Trivia

Coded Gay: I know this is a BL anime so chances are 95% of the male cast is in fact gay, but, there are two characters in particular that are especially coded to fall into that oh so popular ‘flamboyant gay’ category. Two of the agents at Junta’s agency are so heavily coded they’re a little more than caricatures, from their flashy hair colors to their slightly out-there fashion sense and, oh, let’s not forget the way they act around Junta. They practically throw themselves at the beefcake…

Deal with the devil: Junta and Takato make a deal with the photographer in order to protect the other. Both agree to help the guy snag an even better picture than the one of them kissing outside of Junta’s apartment (I don’t know what tops two male actors kissing, but, it’s sweet nonetheless).

Comments

I am shocked, they completely glossed over the breakup sex scene between Junta and Takato… I mean, wow. I know this is shounen-ai, but, dammit that was one of the best scenes in the manga because it is such an emotionally charged moment between the two male leads. So, its absence is noticed.

That unpleasantness aside, the rest of the episode is a play-by-play of the events from the manga down to the reveal that Junta is now dating his female co-star. I’m usually not a fan of these kinds of storylines since they never reach the level of believable conflict, but, here it works. Even if you know how things are going to play out, you just can’t help but get swept up in the journey.

It’s not you, it’s me…

What can I say that I really liked this episode? We get to see just how much losing Junta is affecting Takato and honestly, he’s come a long way since episode 1 #growth

This is definitely yet another cliche storyline that plays things by the book, but, like with all things Dakaichi, it’s about the journey, not so much how we got there. So, overall, this was a pretty good episode.

I’ll be back next week with another DAKAICHI review, but in the meantime, be sure to check out MANGA.TOKYO’s other amazing Fall 2018 reviews!!

NEXT TIME: Hug 12: Mi Tesoro