This show is both endearing and entertaining. However, I had to stop watching it around ep 10. because I just couldn't bring myself to watch the so called "love story" anymore. I kept hoping it would be a growth story where the girl eventually realises she's worth more than this cold, uncaring and controlling jerk. I experienced much the same feeling when I was reading Twilight. Alas, I was disappointed on both counts. I believe that for most Western viewers this show is quite shocking in terms of how far the main character goes to please the guy who shows her no interest and repays her kindness by consistently treating her poorly, instead of realising that she's being taken advantage of. The unequal power balance between Uehara and Nao probably ties in with Japanese values and women's traditional role, but personally I found it quite unbearable to watch. In fact, I think their relationship even borders on emotional and physical abuse. Watching him emotionally neglect her while gobbling down her cookings and making her carry all the grocery bags is one thing but by ep 10 when he pushes her away when she's trying to hold his hand is just terrible. If this was a Western show it would take feminist issues back decades, however as a Japanese show I suppose I can't judge it quite as harshly. Still, I can't help but wonder why anyone would find the relationship between Nao and Uehara ideal; I was hopelessly rooting for Daichi until the very end as I utterly dislike Uehara's character. He may say he loves her but he sure doesn't treat her like it. Nevertheless the premise was fun and to my surprise I really like Nao's character despite disagreeing with her choices. The actress does a pretty good job there.
Review of Good Morning Call
