Laughter truly is the best medicine, and Japan is here to deliver.
Adapted from the manga series Zettai BL ni Naru Sekai VS Zettai BL ni Naritakunai Otoko by Konkichi, the Japanese drama The Man Who Defies the World of BL returns for a second season.
And it had me laughing just as hard as the first.
Following the escapades of our protagonist, Mob (Inukai Atsuhiro), as he tries to avoid becoming part of the BL narrative, this is a drama that knows how to make fun of itself. Despite my love of BL entertainment, I know that it has its tropes and idiosyncrasies. The Man Who Defies the World of BL delves into the heart of these tropes, offering an amusing look at our beloved BL world.
In the first season, Mob went from being a passerby in the world of BL to part of the story when he falls for a man named Kikuchi (Ito Asahi) only to return to being a passerby when Kikuchi’s ex kisses Kikuchi.
Aside from the comedy, one of the most interesting things The Man Who Defies the World of BL does is break down the episodes by topic, from exploring the gender-neutral names BL characters tend to have to couple fights to memory loss. All while Mob gawks from the sidelines.
Mob is all of us while watching dramas.
As popular as reaction channels on YouTube have become over the years, it’s no surprise that a drama where the main character spends the entire time reacting to different BL situations has become so popular.
But the real fun is seeing Mob try so hard to remain outside the narrative only to become a part of it. In the first season, he was firmly on the sidelines, but by the second, he’s fallen in love, whether he wants to admit he has or not. This adds an interesting depth to a satire-focused series. Rather than instantly panicking over each new situation, he begins dodging them while also somehow helping the other characters.
It’s evident by the end that he is never drawn into a possible loveline because he’s already taken. Despite Kikuchi’s ex ruining Mob’s previous season confession scene, Kikuchi loves Mob. He’s simply too humiliated to face him.
Ironically, although the drama itself is an over-the-top comedy that’s not meant to be taken seriously, it’s easy to take seriously. Especially when it comes to Mob and Kikuchi. Their mutually awkward, evading personalities make them endearing, and I hope we get the third season the end scene promises. I’d love to see Mob go from trying to evade the BL world to trying to exist within it, to see him attempting to figure out his relationship before it happens.
Here’s to hoping.
For a fun, laugh-out-loud watch, check out The Man Who Defies the World of BL 2 on Viki and Gagaoolala.
Rating- 4 out of 5
The BL Xpress 
I would probably reverse ratings of season 1 (for me 4/5)- rough but hilarious and fast paced as trope after trope exploded in front of Mob’s horrified eyes!
Season 2 is still fun (3.5 of 5) but for me has some trouble maintaining the pace- and I thought based on the BL love Mob experienced at end of season 1- that he might be a bit more serious as a character in season 2- but no from the opening scene we are back to the flustered Mob- there is still plenty of fun to be had but his continued cartoonishness makes his “love” with Kikuchi feel a bit hollow.
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The first series kept me laughing and re-watching with the camp humor. The beautiful cast certainly helped. Whoever wrote the script knows the fall in love Friday break up on Sunday scenario. Mod’s reaction to his brother’s involvement was perfect. Happy to see Japan put humor into BL I haven’t seen since Make it Right. Also happy to know a reviewer to also see it. Cheers
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Ooh season 2 is out already? I feel like I’m being bombarded with new BL shows left right and centre, I can hardly keep up! Thanks for the news! S1 of this show was good fun, looking forward to season 2. 😊👍
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