REVIEW: ‘My Happy Marriage’ Season 2 Episode 3 – “The Gifted Communion And Demons”

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 3, “The Gifted Communion and Demons,” sees trouble brewing everywhere. As Kiyoka (Kaito Ishikawa) rushes out to face the threat of a demon attack, Miyo (Reina Ueda) must harness her Dream Sight to save a man’s mind from being consumed, despite not yet having mastery over her unique talent. And once the dust settles, shocking information comes out about The Gifted Communion’s leader.

This entry picks up where the previous episode left off, as Miyo is confronted by Arata (Ryohei Kimura) about using her powers. Her cousin remains deeply concerned about Miyo utilizing her gifts before she is properly prepared, but he ultimately acquiesces to her decision to try to save the suffering man’s life, as it is clear no other help will reach him in time.

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 3 shines its opening spotlight on Arata.

Even though this moment focuses on Miyo as its core, My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 3’s opening scene feels far more important for Arata’s character, as it reveals how much he respects Miyo. Given who Miyo is, Arata must know that he could easily strong-arm her into not taking the risk before her. As someone who feels like a “big-picture” person, it is easy to see him potentially safe-guarding Miyo over running the risk of her being hurt or worse. But when faced with her resolve, he relents, showing respect for Miyo she has rarely received from anyone outside of Kiyoka.

As Miyo re-enters the suffering man’s mind, My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 3 jumps away to catch up with Kiyoka. A group of fleeing men warns him to turn back. They witnessed the attack by the old shack and claimed a demon was there. Unwilling to let the threat run free, Kiyoka pushes onward to face this new danger.

When he arrives, he is greeted by a hooded figure who freely shares information with Kiyoka, such as The Gifted Communion’s goals and the identity of its leader. The man claims that they want to create an equal world, one in which a chosen few families don’t hold all the power, thanks to their spiritual abilities. However, it seems their method of leveling the playing field involves turning people into Demons.

This revelation plays out as a disappointment overall. When the man first starts, it feels like a reasonable argument. The advantages given to certain bloodlines do feel unfair, all but ensuring power remains with the few. This initially gives the impression that this “villainous” group might have an argument to make. However, their means betray their intentions, as the unthinking monstrosity they unleash shows that no true equality is pursued, just an enrichment of their power.  As the monster and some more Gifted Communion members prepare to attack, they are interrupted by the appearance of Tadakiyo (Ryôtarô Okiayu), who has arrived to aid his son in the fight.

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 3 highlights starkly different fighting styles between father and son.

The best part of the unfolding battle is the stark contrast in the father and son fighting styles. Tadakiyo’s attacks are fluid and graceful. He moves through his enemies with ease. Kiyoka, on the other hand, barely moves at all. With a raised hand, he lashes out at the oncoming Demon, roasting it in mid-air.

While the Kudo men deliver an impressive display, less can be said about the monster. The visual design of the creature is generic to an extreme, leaving virtually no impression after he is quickly dispatched. Hopefully, future foes may be given more memorable designs.

Once the threats at the shack are dispatched, My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 3 returns to the Kudo estate as Miyo strives to save the dying man. Despite the initial moments seemingly playing out smoothly for her, Miyo soon finds the situation escalating as the man slips further into the nightmare that threatens to consume him. As the moment worsens, Miyo begins to falter.

Her life-long uncertainties in herself begin to rear up, causing her to hesitate. But not for long. Seeing the man nearly disappear into some dark recess of his mind, Miyo manages to summon her courage and lash out at the threat, summoning a brilliant white light that drives away the monster, pulling the man under. This moment feels like a huge step for Miyo. She pushes past doubt and uncertainty so she can help someone. Her drive to help win over the negativity reinforced in her through her upbringing is a fantastic sight.

Reunions and revelations lead to some perfect moments.

The positive reinforcement continues once she leaves the man’s mind. Arata makes it a point to ensure she understands that she just saved a life, and the man’s mother is overjoyed, expressing her deepest thanks. All of the positive affirmation hits Miyo hard as her expression beams with pride.

Miyo’s self-reflection is interrupted by Kiyoka’s return, who immediately calls for her. Worried about her safety, just as he is his, the two rush to each other and join in a deep embrace. Their mutual relief is palpable as they cling to each other. This delivers a perfect climax to the protagonists’ success.

After the reunion, Kiyoka relays everything he’s learned about The Gifted Communion to Arata. Upon learning that their leader is Naoshi Usui, Arata becomes visibly disturbed. He later reveals that Naoshi is from a branch of the Usuba Family. He disappeared long ago, leaving no clue as to where he had gone. The fact that the new threat has ties to Miyo and Arata gives it a more personal feel.

After these revelations, Miyo and Kiyoka are left alone to catch their breath. Out on a balcony under a shimmering moon, the two lovebirds reaffirm their commitment to each other, sealing their continued devotion with a deep kiss. The visual presentation of the happy couple’s romantic moment is everything that could be asked for. The setting and lighting craft the perfect mood, and the tenderness and mutual love radiate from the pair. It’s a perfect moment.

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 3 skips ahead to the next day as Miyo prepares to depart for home. As she does, her efforts are halted by a visit from Fuyu (Kikuko Inoue). The following interaction is a difficult one. While Fuyu does gift Miyo with a ribbon that she used to wear, she floods the gift-giving with accusations, insults, and hurtful observations. It feels like the scene is supposed to be sweet, but it doesn’t work. It would be one thing if Fuyu was overly curt at the moment, but to be outrightly hostile makes the moment feel less than it wants to be.

After a brief farewell from the rest of the household, Miyo, Kiyoka, and Arata head out. When they disembark from a train, everything around them begins to slow down. Kiyoka immediately suspects an attack, and the trio is approached by a menacing figure who claims to be Miyo’s father just as the credits roll.

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 3 delivers some great moments of growth for its core cast while stumbling a little with some of its side elements. However, the good outweighs the bad and sets up the next episode with a phenomenal cliffhanger.

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 3 is streaming now on Netflix.