Tenshoku no Mao-sama (2023)

Well conveyed dreams

The series are unique depiction of job searching company. This alone attract my interest to take a sip on it. Good narrative has protagonist and antagonist to create tension along the story arcs. While the dorama has protagonists, the antagonist remained on first arc. Subsequent arcs do not have any antagonists, so we won't find any common tension found in normal stories. I suppose the early antagonist was created as pilot propelling the story abound. That being said, the story keep intriguing to the end. You see, this was relayed as episodic journal of job seekers. Yes, single job seeker per episode. Although some episodes intertwined couple clients, like the final one.

Theme per episode has practical wisdom in it, usually in ML line within the episode. FL said the theme line once to show how she had groomed to a full-fledged career advisor. The story actually shown that ML returned favor for FL, previously saved him from despair albeit she didn't remember initially. It was beautifully construct, subtle and strike to the heart. To summarize the arcs:
1. FL succumbed from blood-sucking job and superior.
2. FL started job in her aunt company.
3. FL gradually healed, both her mental and physical. She can actually taste again!
4. ML-FL growing bonds, attraction tension.
5. Third party MS interested in FL.
6. Aforementioned MS inducted to regulars.
7. Closure to ML past and properly healed by FL.
However, due to time constraint some segments seemingly forced and like too easily flipped. That is one of my complaints.

Acting of both leads are top notch, very natural. You can see the relationship curves so smooth. From slight chemistry to strong close ones. This was my first exposure to Fuka Koshiba, I am impressed. I will watch her next in Nami yo Kiitekure. Then again, because of the episodic nature of the dorama they need different guests per episode to cast in. This is hit and miss, some are good some are not so good. To sum them all it was so-so, a pity should they have brought stronger guests the impact of the episodes would be more gritty.

Opening theme portrays ML characteristics, funny I say listening them for so long. Ending theme got mellow hinting romantic. I have no objection of both, seen coloring the dorama atmosphere.

Should I rewatch them? I rarely rewatch doramas, but this one I will save it for later due the unique theme it brings.

ps: thank you for fatemasubs subbing project I can watch them in delight!

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Is it ok to live your life like this?

J-dramas are great in highlighting interesting professions and “Tenshoku no Mao-sama” aka “Demon King of Job Changing” introduces us to the world of career change advisors.

The plot is very simple. Each episode showcases a job seeker who wants to change their job for different reasons. Our leads support them in digging deep into their heart to find out why they want/don’t want to change, and what jobs they really want. Once the job seekers know what they really want, our leads will find them the most suitable one to interview based on their criteria.

There’s a lot of self-discovery in this drama. Not only are the job seekers doing that, but our leads also have gone through a difficult time in the past, and have to learn to heal and move forward. ML has a total personality change after his injury and was forced to leave his dream job. FL crumbled under the stress of power harassment and had to pick herself back up as well. This dynamic duo is supporting and learning from each other as mentor/mentee. Their personalities are total opposite yet they complement each other so well, and they make great partners.

Do not watch this looking for romance. There might be some positive feelings between the leads, but they were never explicitly shared. There are some interesting characters and stories, and all of them are easy to digest. This is an easy watch with pretty good acting (not too much over-the-top anime-style acting). You might resonate with some of the stories.

To me, “Tenshoku no Mao-sama” is missing an emotional punch to give this a higher rating. I do enjoy watching the leads and follow their story of growth, and think they have good chemistry. If you are looking for a career change or a new job, this drama might offer some inspiration.


Completed: 11/16/2024 - Review #516

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