While romance anime has always performed well with fans, few shows have risen to the level of popularity and recognition that “The Danger's in My Heart” has in such a short period. While season one of the hit anime series did its job attracting viewers and introducing new fans to the show, season two elevated it to new heights and levels of status. At the time of this article, viewers are one anime season into 2024, yet the show is already shaping up to be one of the best premieres this year, and after considering its broad appeal, it's easy to understand why.
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One of the main reasons “The Dangers in My Heart” season two does so well is its ability to appeal to a variety of anime fans. While romance is often perceived as more geared towards females in most mediums, anime is one of the few spaces where it feels as though entertainment value transcends gender and genre for many viewers. There are even a few incredibly loyal viewers who will even keep up with every premiere in an anime season despite the premise, which means capturing their attention and praise can be especially hard. Yet “The Dangers in My Heart” does this by creating a space that is easy to feel seen in and relate to. It's a romance but also a “firsts” love story: first crushes, first conversations, first touches, first dates. Regardless of age or experience, the feelings of giddy excitement and awkwardness that come with these moments are something many audience members likely remember or are experiencing for themselves right now. Sharing experiences with the characters not only makes them easier to relate to when watching but also easier to root for, which keeps you coming back each week.
Another highlight of season two is watching the characters' growth. The issues Yamada and Ichikawa face are different now than in season one. The teens are beyond some of the more awkward stages, leaving room for more progress and complex problems. While they still aren't together, their relationship has plenty of obstacles, from new friends to rivals to Yamada's growing celebrity and budding career. Seeing them attempt to maintain a relationship while Ichikawa tries to navigate these conflicts in the most mature way a 14-year-old possibly can, only adds to the experience, as it keeps the series fresh, exciting, and even a bit unpredictable. Season two is less about the “if their relationship is going to work” and more about the when and how.
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While it is promising to see Yamada and Ichikawa's relationship progress at a natural but entertaining pace, there are times during this season when said pacing seems slower or repetitive. With romance anime, it often feels like there are two sub-genres more prevalent than most: anime where they embrace the idea that physical intimacy exists, sometimes too much so, and anime where the main characters spend dozens of episodes exchanging awkward looks and moments but barely do so much as hold hands by the finale. “The Dangers in My Heart” season two falls somewhere in the middle, which is the perfect space for a series centered around middle school children. However, the show still falls into some other pitfalls that stunt the progress it feels like the characters have made since season one.
One crucial plot point season two focuses on is Ichikawa learning more about Yamada's career and trying to respect her needs. It's the kind of understanding and respect even adults hope to experience in their relationships. Around the middle of the season, however, there arises a sense that occasionally, when Ichikawa makes decisions such as keeping their friendship a secret from certain individuals or neglecting to communicate essential matters, it almost appears as though he is acting without considering her.
Although Ichikawa's approach creates good conflict and misunderstanding for the show, at this point in season two, it also feels like we should've evolved past these storylines because of how honest Yamada and Ichikawa have been at other times. Ichikawa's hesitation officially comes to a head during the last episode of the season, where the build-up is so significant that the payoff we get at the end of the episode isn't as satisfying as you'd expect. Considering how far they've come, the moment feels like something that should've already happened mid-way through the second season. Still, it isn't jarring enough to take away from how good season two is otherwise.
All things considered, “The Dangers in My Heart” season two is easily one of the best series of the 2024 Winter anime season. It's the kind of anime a variety of people can enjoy and relate to regardless of genre preferences or age difference because it's that well executed. Whether it turns out to be the best of 2024 remains to be seen, but either way, it's definitely worth watching or even rewatching in the meantime.
