REVIEW: ‘My Happy Marriage’ Season 2 Episode 11 — “A Resolute Departure”

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 11, “A Resolute Departure,” sees Miyo (Reina Ueda, Too Many Losing Heroines) rally aid from her friends so she can free Kiyoka (Kaito Ishikawa, MF Ghost) from Usui’s (Yûya Uchida, One Piece Film: Red) clutches. With her newly awakened powers, it seems the Maiden of Dream Sight should be able to accomplish her goal, but what tricks remain unseen up Usui’s sleeves?

One of the core purposes of My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 11 is to establish what Miyo’s newly awakened powers entail. Her dreams now provide visions of the future, which are cleverly utilized. Rather than just precognitive moments of grand fights and looming death, Miyo sees small things that become unbelievably useful. A rotted door, an unlocked window, and the presence of her future in-laws in the capital are all examples of knowledge she gleaned from her powers that are utilized to affect Kiyoka’s rescue.

We also witness Miyo confront enemies directly for the first time, as she makes some of Usui’s guards fall asleep with only a touch. While her entrance into physical confrontations is done in the mildest way possible, it suits her personality well. The gentleness of the technique is as fitting for her as the power with which it’s implemented, reflecting her unwavering determination.

Miyo’s powers actually prove to be useful in this episode.

The advantages these powers bring are clear, but they don’t yet feel fully delivered. If the Maiden of Dream Sight is as powerful as the narrative has led us to believe, more must be on the horizon. It seems likely we’ll get the full showcase in the finale.

Beyond the new revelations regarding Miyo’s powers, My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 11 spends the bulk of its time following Miyo as she sets up a plan to break Kiyoka out of his confinement. Despite everyone’s concern for her safety, none of the allies she approaches tries overly hard to dissuade her from her chosen course. Even her future mother-in-law, Fuyu Kudo (Kikiko Inoue, SHY), seems impressed with Miyo’s resolve as she combs her hair and speaks about the luck Miyo has with her place in life.

This acceptance feels like a response to a subtle shift in Miyo’s personality. Despite being as soft-spoken as ever, there is a low-key confidence in Miyo’s actions and words. Perhaps it is her visions of the future that are reinforcing her usual timid behavior. Where before she had little knowledge of larger events, now she can see things with a new clarity, allowing her to move with a subdued confidence those around her cannot help but respond to.

Miyo is the most confident we’ve ever seen, and it feels earned.

This approval, in particular, feels like a powerful moment for Miyo. Remembering how her first interactions with Fuyu went, seeing her fully accept Miyo’s choice feels like a powerful acknowledgment of how far the lead has come in her growth as a character.

Once the stage is set, Miyo and her allies launch their attack on Usui’s stronghold. While Godo (Hiro Shimono, My New Boss is Goofy) leads what remains of Kiyoka’s unit in a diversionary battle, Miyo’s small group sneaks inside to save Kudo.

The battle itself is fairly underwhelming. The animation gets the job done, but isn’t anything that will stick with viewers. The sparse nature of the battle goes beyond the style of its implementation to its scale as well. For the headquarters of a group that is close to seizing total control of Japan, you’d think the base their leader resides in would be better protected. At most, there are a dozen guards seen fighting, making the sequence feel paltry for the setup.

Regardless of its issues, My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 11 gifts us the reunion we crave.

The dangers faced by Miyo’s team within the compound follow similar struggles where presentation is concerned, though numbers aren’t a problem here. Plus, Miyo’s involvement aids these moments of peril. At this junction, it’s easy to feel protective over the protagonist after everything she has been through.

While My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 11 contains some sub-par elements, it delivers on its most important moment: the reunion of Miyo and Kiyoka. Wrapped up in the safety of Kiyoka’s embrace once again, Miyo tells her betrothed her true feelings, not wanting to risk never getting the chance to tell him again.

The presentation of this moment succeeds wonderfully. The strength with which Kiyoka clings to Miyo as she says the words “I love you” comes through wonderfully. Kiyoka’s joy at hearing those words is expressed through the tremors that shake him and the warmth on his face, with wonderful execution.

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 11 sets up the season finale well, but not without some stumbles. While the moments that fall short won’t surprise long-time fans, the same can be said for those that succeed. All that remains is to see how it all pays off.

My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 11 is streaming now on Netflix.

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