A Man Who Defies the World of BL 2 – Series Review

The second season begins with Mob's love confession to Kikuchi on the rooftop. Despite his original aversion to BL romances, Mob has fallen in love and wants to start a relationship. However, a shocking event occurs in the middle of his confession. Kikuchi's ex-boyfriend suddenly arrives, declares his feelings, and upstages the moment. Kikuchi and his ex end up kissing in front of a mortified Mob.

Mob runs away in devastation. He feels traumatized after his failed love confession, his first time ever expressing romantic feelings for a guy. The incident causes him to revert to his original stance. Mob is back to adopting a jaded outlook towards romances. He vows to never yield to the world of BL again.

Under his mentality, Mob is determined to become a side character, letting the other couples and their love stories take the spotlight. Everyone around him continues falling in love, including his younger brother Ayato and his boyfriend Toujou. Mob pretends to be perfectly content with this arrangement. However, his character's nonchalance masks his insecurities since breaking up with Kikuchi.

A Man Who Defies the World of BL 2 continues the same trajectory as the first season. The sequel carries many similarities, including the zany humour, the wacky scenarios, and the quirky tempo. There aren't dramatic differences between the two series. Those who liked the predecessor will probably enjoy the new installment. As for me, I was so-so on the original A Man Who Defies the World of BL. The second season doesn't change my mind about the franchise.

If I must highlight any differences, A Man Who Defies the World of BL 2 might be slightly less funny than the first series. The sequel has amusing moments, but perhaps the original benefited from the novelty of the concept. The comedic BL universe seemed new and innovative when it was initially introduced. In contrast, the goofy jokes have less impact when repeated in the second season. Nonetheless, I still enjoy the distinctive humour, which makes me laugh with its playfulness and unabashed silliness.

A positive change in A Man Who Defies the World of BL 2 is the added sentimentality. The plots appear to have more substance in the sequel. The first season was solely focused on telling hilarious gags, whereas the second series has several sweet and sensitive exchanges. Also, the main character shows more maturity than previously. His aversion to BL seems toned down, replaced by compassion and understanding. A Man Who Defies the World of BL 2 sacrificed some of its humour for emotional depth, which is a good trade-off.

With that said, this series is still on the shallow side. Like last season, it introduces many side characters, throws them into random plots, and barely develops them. The one-dimensional stories and paper-thin personalities leave a lot to desire. The BL romances also feel lacklustre. Kikuchi is a bland love interest who doesn't match Mob's vibrant energy. Their interactions are not funny, not flirtatious, and not passionate. Ayato and Toujou are the better couple with a few okay relationship storylines. Yet, they have limited visibility and don't make enough impact.

I remain impressed with the principal actor (Atsuhiro Inukai), who carries this series with his buoyant enthusiasm. A Man Who Defies the World of BL 2 is the perfect showcase of his comedic abilities. He is effortless at pulling off the hysterical reactions, exaggerated expressions, and slapstick mannerisms. Yet, he shows restraint and knows how to elevate the humour in every scene without going overboard. Mob's over-the-top antics could be obnoxious if portrayed by less capable hands. However, he's a charming protagonist because of the charismatic performer.

A Man Who Defies the World of BL 2 has an engaging last episode that explores Mob's feelings insightfully. This BL comedy hits the right sentimental notes, building up to a satisfying climax. However, the series teases the viewers by cutting away before the main character kisses the guy he likes. That's the second finale in a row they pulled this annoying stunt. 😞 Overall, A Man Who Defies the World of BL 2 is a decent follow-up to the first season. While it hasn't improved my opinion of the franchise, this sequel is endearing with a funny, upbeat, and delightful vibe.