Double – Series Review & Episode Guide

Takara Takarada used to work an ordinary job until he watched a play one night. He feels inspired to change his career after seeing the lead, Yujin, perform on stage. Yujin is an aspiring actor in a small theatre trope. He takes Takara under his wing and mentors him on various acting techniques. Since that night, the two men have become close friends. Takara even moves into the room beside Yujin, becoming next-door neighbours.

Takara and Yujin are still friends seven years later. They remain anonymous actors restricted to a small local theatre troupe. Occasionally, Takara takes on a few minor bit roles in films or dramas. Yujin helps his friend rehearse before every gig. Their preparation is extensive since Takara can't memorize lines from reading a script. Instead, the two friends must analyze the screenplay, discuss the scenarios, and immerse in the fictional roles. As a result, their acting styles are highly in sync.

Although Takara is an excellent actor, he may rely too much on his friend's guidance. He idolizes Yujin and obeys every piece of advice. Takara depends on Yujin to the extent that it becomes a liability. They develop a codependent relationship where Takara can't act spontaneously without Yujin coaching him beforehand. That's a problem during auditions, script changes, or improv situations. Takara can't cope unless he can listen to Yujin's feedback.

Takara is the lead of a local theatre play. Yujin is his double, filling in during rehearsals when his friend has a preoccupied schedule. A talent scout attends the play and seems impressed with Takara's performance. Tsumeta introduces herself and wants to recruit Takara for her agency. She's captivated by his skills and appearance. This arrangement is excellent for Takara, opening up new acting opportunities. Tsumeta helps him land bigger acting gigs in dramas and films. His career gradually begins to take traction.

Yujin is happy about his friend's thriving career and prepares Takara for every role. However, Yujin hasn't received the same success in his career. He remains on the sidelines while watching his doppelganger become famous. Meanwhile, Takara struggles in his performances without Yujin's guidance. The directors change scenes or have specific instructions during filming, which clashes with Takara's comfort zone. He must learn to adapt without depending on his friend. As the leads embark on different journeys, their close bond becomes strained over time.

Double is not a BL drama. It's one of those borderline bromance series that teases tension and desire. There's enough ambiguity to make you speculate about a complex relationship between the leads. Yet, the story doesn't emphasize a romantic connection. Instead, the focus is on a conceptual bond that overlaps into confusing, disturbing, and heartbreaking. Although Double won't satisfy those primarily watching for BL, it offers compelling plots about emotional intimacy and personal growth.

Describing the relationship between the leads is complicated. Double is fascinating because it offers different ways to interpret their dynamic. Does Takara treat Yujin like a role model or see him as having too much influence over his behaviour? Is Yujin alienating himself from his famous friend out of respect or resentment? There are many thoughtful questions and intriguing psychological dimensions to their intricate rapport. Analyzing how Takara and Yujin perceive each other is a significant part of what makes Double enjoyable.

Double has almost no BL content apart from one surprise encounter. Since my reviews focus on the romantic angle, this series loses points for its lack of seduction. Regardless, Takara and Yujin's relationship is more sophisticated than your average bromance. They love each other in an abstract sense. The blurriness between admiration and attraction is intentional, so you must estimate how deep their bond goes. Still, I don't want to give the wrong idea. Let me reiterate that Double isn't a conventional BL drama. The storyteller defines their feelings vaguely.

This series has a few unexciting episodes that leave me nonchalant, especially around the middle. Parts of the narrative seem slow and sombre, struggling to hold my attention. It's a character-driven drama, although I don't feel too attached to Takara or Yujin. The story is opaque about their thoughts and backgrounds, making it hard to connect with them individually. Another problem is they don't spend enough time together. Maybe it's the BL fan in me complaining, but I want more relationship-building moments that highlight their camaraderie.

The best part about Double is definitely the acting. Both leads deliver tremendous performances with emotional nuances. Takara's actor (Yudai Chiba) looks different from how I remembered him in the past. Yet, he still exudes sincere charm with a twinkle in his eyes. I love his delicate performances that accentuate the character's fragility. His costar (Kento Nagayama) is a handsome stud who gives a firm showcase of his acting capabilities. His steely gaze, stern expressions, and serious demeanour tell a story without even speaking the words aloud.

Double has artistic cinematography with innovative camera angles that capture a unique perspective. The evocative soundtrack also enhances the atmosphere. Sadly, this drama stayed under the radar without much mainstream buzz. Despite the obscurity, those who watched the series praise it effusively. My review score is middling due to the sparse BL content. Also, the story's themes didn't resonate with me as much as they impacted other viewers. Double represents a classic case of "I liked it, but I didn't love it." Overall, I still think it's underrated and deserves appreciation.