Get Ready for a Hilarious Summer Spree in Girlfriend, Girlfriend!

Highlights

"Girlfriend, Girlfriend" Season 2 picks up where Season 1 left off, with the trio's complicated relationship and the introduction of Shino's romantic feelings for Naoya.

The first episode of the new season maintains the charm and absurdity of the previous one, centering on Nagisa's academic challenges and the trio's desperate attempt to assist her in passing her exams. This episode highlights the distinctive qualities of the characters and introduces some unexpected twists, such as Shino moving in with the trio and Milika's extreme reaction to this change. Fans can anticipate even more comedy and absurdity in the upcoming season.

Spoiler alert for Girlfriend, Girlfriend Season 2, Episode 1, "Get 'Em Go Go Summer Break!!" streaming on Crunchyroll.

Girlfriend, Girlfriend returns with a bang, picking up right where it left off by unveiling the main trio's connection with Saki's close friend, Shino. The madness continues in this season 2 opener, titled "Get 'Em Go Go Summer Break!!," as the trio embarks on a frantic quest to help Nagisa improve her academic performance and avoid the dreaded summer school.

The second season's inaugural episode of Girlfriend, Girlfriend overflowed with vitality and humor, while still capturing the same captivating essence and absurdity found in the previous season. But how did it succeed in expanding upon the groundwork laid out in season 1?

Obsession

Shino Suspects a Conspiracy - Girlfriend Girlfriend Season 2 Episode 1

The episode opens with a recap of the previous season, highlighting Shino's growing romantic attraction towards Naoya and her deep investment in his relationship with Saki. To aid her investigation, Shino has created a detailed board featuring photographs of Saki, Naoya, and the unpredictable wildcard, Milika. Notably, there is also a meticulously-drawn sketch of Nagisa, adding to the board's already peculiar nature. As witnessed in the conclusion of the previous season, Shino strives to suppress her feelings for Naoya due to his role as Saki's boyfriend. She has always been aware of Naoya's unwavering love for Saki, which led her to believe that acknowledging or confessing her own emotions would be futile and unnecessary.

As someone who has observed the evolution of the relationship from a childhood friendship to a passionate romance, Shino had completely lost hope in pursuing Naoya before Nagisa's arrival. This renewed connection reignites the feelings she desperately wants to suppress, as it implies that she still has a chance with him. When Saki deceives Shino into visiting their place, she is confronted with their predicament: If Nagisa fails three upcoming exams, their planned summer vacation will be in jeopardy, depriving her of precious time with Naoya (and Saki).

Tsundere

Naoya Pleads for Shino's Aid – Girlfriend Girlfriend Season 2 Episode 1

Prior to seeking Shino's assistance, Saki and Naoya, who are both faring slightly better than Nagisa academically, attempt to support her. However, Naoya's approach to any situation is to forcefully push through and cram, which proves unhelpful given their limited time and Nagisa's quick burnout. While Saki is more intelligent than Naoya, she realizes that if Nagisa attends summer school, it would provide an opportunity for her and Naoya to have some alone time during their vacation. In a humorous manner, she begins feeding Nagisa incorrect information, taking advantage of her trusting nature. Naoya intervenes to prevent the sabotage, but the friendly rivalry between Saki and Nagisa persists. Upon arriving at Naoya's residence, Shino is shocked to discover that the three of them have actually been living together for approximately a month and a half, with no sign of any parents.

While Shino possesses intelligence and perception, she also exhibits a strong sense of shyness, bordering on prudishness. Consequently, the entire arrangement appears "indecent" to her innocent ears. However, they assure her that no immoral activities have transpired. Nagisa finds herself in her predicament because she let her guard down completely after attaining her desired relationship with Naoya. Her paramount goal during her time in middle school was to attend the same school as Naoya and capture his attention. After achieving this objective, Nagisa's dedication to her studies faltered, resulting in her falling several weeks behind. Initially, Shino displays no interest in assisting the girl whom she perceives as a threat to her best friend's relationship. She even expresses her disdain towards Nagisa. Nevertheless, Naoya himself implores and pleads with heartfelt sincerity to delete the video that Nagisa had taken as blackmail in the previous season, in order to keep her silence about their polyamory. Witnessing this, Shino's defenses crumble, unveiling a kind and compassionate side that starkly contrasts her prickly exterior.

Illogical Conclusion

In the first episode of Girlfriend, Girlfriend, one of the best aspects is how each character fully embraces their unique traits, taking them to extreme levels of absurdity. Naoya may be unintelligent, but he is relentlessly honest and unflinchingly pure. Nagisa may also lack cognitive abilities, but her deep compassion and strong work ethic shine through. Saki's stupidity is coupled with laziness and susceptibility to outside influences. Milika, on the other hand, combines stupidity with craziness, creating a truly outrageous character. Lastly, we have Shino, the intelligent one of the group, whose opinion holds great value for the main trio. Thanks to her guidance, they all succeed in their exams. The most unexpected turn of events in the first episode occurs when Shino decides to move in with them for the summer, aiming to prove that "two-timing doesn't work." This decision deeply offends Milika, as she was previously denied the opportunity to live with them and was instead relegated to the backyard.

Milika takes control of the episode by barricading herself at Naoya's front door, trying to avoid Shino's advances. She throws a tantrum and accuses Shino of having a crush on Naoya as well. Enter Risa, Milika's younger sister and fellow MeTuber, who is astonished by her usually capable older sister's display of stupidity. Earlier, Milika had drugged Naoya and brought him to her house to introduce him to Risa, hoping to win Naoya over by fulfilling his desire for a little sister. She proposes that Naoya can become her brother by marrying her. However, Naoya rejects the idea, pointing out that he would prefer to date someone without hidden agendas, especially motives as questionable as hers. The episode concludes with Milika moving into the neighboring apartment building, setting the stage for more absurdity and comedic moments in the upcoming season.