REVIEW: ‘My Happy Marriage’ Season 2 Episode 1 – “Another Kudo Residence”

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 1, “Another Kudo Residence,” produced by Kinema Citrus, follows Miyo (Reina Ueda, Blue Box) and Kiyoka (Kaito Ishikawa, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpei) as they wrap up a shopping trip with Hazuki (Yôko Hikasa, Is it Wrong to Try to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon?). However, an unexpected arrival brings an abrupt change to Miyo and Kiyoka’s plans as strange occurrences have begun to play out in the areas surrounding the capital.

Before getting to the meat of the story, this season opens with a brief dream sequence. It feels like a representation of Miyo’s fears playing out, as the scene projects heavy tones of isolation and loneliness for the character. That these fears exist makes sense, given everything she’s gone through. However, due to Miyo’s recently awakened Dream Vision, whether or not these dreams are merely that or something more can be felt lingering in the character’s mind long after the moment passes.

Once the matter of Miyo’s dreams is behind them and a gorgeous new opening plays out, My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 1 sees Miyo, Kiyoka, and Hazuki returning from shopping. While Kiyoka does some expected grumbling about the trip in general, Hazuki plays the cheerful sister role she always does, verbally poking her dour sibling as she playfully calls him out for ogling Miyo while she was trying on a new outfit.

This moment perfectly reestablishes the dynamic between this trio of core characters. A subtle element of her character is how Hazuki knows just how far she can nudge her brother without really causing a problem. Similarly, Kyoko clearly knows his sister means well and is just playing; otherwise, his responses to her verbal pokes would be far harsher than what we see. The playful bantering comes to an end, though, when Miyo gets the upsetting sense that she is being watched.

The figure who emerges from the shadows turns out to be Kiyoka and Hazuki’s father. The older Kudo seems like a pleasant gentleman who expresses an instant liking towards his future daughter-in-law. Over tea, My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 1 reveals that he has traveled to the capital to seek his son’s aid in dealing with a mysterious presence in his area.

Miyo faces new challenges in My Happy Marriage Season 2

When a timely letter from Prince Takaihito (Akira Ishida, Raven of the Inner Palace) requests Kiyoka’s services in the matter, he is left with no choice but to acquiesce to the request. Seeing no point in leaving Miyo by herself at home for the duration, Kiyoka agrees that it will be best for Miyo to come along. The prospect of travel and meeting her future family brings a mix of excitement and trepidation to the young woman anyone with anxiety will know all too well.

When the couple arrives at their destination, the welcome is initially warm. The family servants all seem pleased to see the long-absent Kiyoka again, and the head of the house projects the same low-key charm he did when he was first introduced. It’s not until Kiyoka’s mother joins the scene that everything falls apart.

To say the woman is unpleasant wouldn’t do it justice. She is condescending, judgmental, and lacks any sense of tactfulness whatsoever. When she notices Miyo by Kiyoka’s side, she presumes she is a servant, observing that her shabby dress identifies her as such. Whether this is a genuine misjudgment on her part or if she is being intentionally cruel is unclear, but the words cut deep regardless.

This moment in My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 1 may also contain a subtle sense of prejudice in Kiyoka’s mother. With only a couple of exceptions, everything in the household reflects Western styles. Miyo, by contrast, wears one of her usual floral kimonos. Given how lovely the garment is, one cannot help but wonder if the woman’s disdain is for the clothing itself or reflective of a larger cultural dislike.

Despite clearing up the potential misunderstanding concerning Miyo’s role, the lady of the house continues to pelt Miyo with her venomous words. As he has always been known to do, Kiyoka shows his unwillingness to let others mistreat his love and soon begins snapping back at his mother.

A hateful mother-in-law is the least of our couple’s worries this season

This sequence delivers the claustrophobia and discomfort of the moment from Miyo’s perspective powerfully. When tempers flare, the room grows smaller as the two combative personalities come to project themselves with greater force. As someone who weathered many such moments in their youth, I can say that if you don’t know what this kind of moment is like, this scene captures it perfectly. The moment culminates when Kiyoka’s anger grows so great that lightning is soon striking outside, causing the lights to flicker. Before the situation can escalate further, Kiyoka’s father intercedes to break the two up.

The most intriguing element of the dynamics seen at work here comes from Kyoko’s father. He seems genuinely nice, making his relationship with his wife a bit of a mystery. Given that Kiyoka acts unsurprised by the woman’s cruel words, it seems like this is a long-running clash the two have had. Why Kiyoka’s father seems willing to let such conflict exist amongst his family unaddressed is a reveal that will greatly impact how he ultimately feels as a character.

Looking to clear their minds after the harsh arrival, Miyo and Kiyoka set out for a walk through town. While Kiyoka starts getting his initial read on what may be happening, Miyo can get some fresh air and explore the area where her betrothed grew up.  Seeing the two together and the warmth they bring out in each other is the perfect emotional palette cleanser after the previous confrontation. How Miyo brings Kiyoka’s smile back and how gently he dotes on her is wonderful to see. The visuals further bring out the positivity of the moment as the couple is bathed in a warm light that reflects their shared feelings.

Wrapping up My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 1 is a brief return to the capital. There, we see Prince Takaihito having an ominous meeting with his allies. While everything said is too cryptic to decipher, it’s clear that there are far greater storms brewing on the horizon than an objectionable mother-in-law for the couple.

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 1 both sets up the personal struggles ahead for Miyo and Kiyoka while also hinting at the larger plot to come. It brings a wide range of emotional tones that keep the narrative feeling active throughout its run time.

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 1 is streaming now on Netflix.