My Stepmom's Daughter Is My Ex (2022)

[継母の連れ子が元カノだった]

Director: Shinsuke Yanagi
Studio: Project No.9
Starring: Hiro Shimono, Rina Hidaka, Ikumi Hasegawa
Episodes: 12

Synopsis:
A former couple must adjust to life as stepsiblings after their parents remarry.

Impressions:
The premise sounds like a fairly basic comedy setup and it is, but I was digging the vibe that got established in the first few episodes. We have a pair of not so amicable exes now living together, needling each other with snark but also considerate enough for their parents to keep up appearances (the latter alone puts them leagues ahead of the human garbage of Domestic Girlfriend). You have some unresolved attachment which leads you on to the almost inevitable conclusion that they're going to get back together. The problem is that both Mizuto and Yume—especially Yume—prove to be massive pains in the backside, to the point where you figure they deserve each other (even though Mizuto later gets a vastly superior option later on). This is the real sticking point. Belligerent sexual tension is fine in a romcom, but constant petty squabbling is just tiring, especially when there's little sign of growing out of their character flaws. The supporting cast (save Higashira) aren't very good either, which doesn't help. I say all this, but it could definitely be worse. There is some merit to the story (mainly Higashira), so it's possible there might be enough to warrant a watch, but you won't be missing much if you pass on it. At least you won't feel as scuzzy as you would after watching Domestic Girlfriend. That's something.

Rating:
50/50