Kinou Nani Tabeta? SP (2020)

I watched this special earlier this year (it seems like it’s been a decade, with all that’s going on) and I thought I wouldn’t write a review, but after watching other things after, I came back to it, watched it again and I feel like it deserves some love.

This special has all the feel-good energy of the drama, which I consider as heartwarming as the meals they prepare in it. If you liked the food, the feels and the domestic fluff of the series, this has all of it.

Storytelling-wise, it doesn’t add anything too crucial (aside from Miyazawa Rie making an appearance as the famous Mitsuya Mami), but it does develop interesting elements upon what the show discussed. There’s more about Shiro’s feelings towards his relationship with Kenji, about their plans of growing old together, and details about his relationship with his mom, past and present. This drama has never shied away from difficult subjects while remaining positive, and the special is no exception. A specific scene with Shiro’s mother got me feeling all sorts of emotions.

The special is divided into three mini arcs, the first and last centered in Shiro and Kenji, whereas the middle one is centered in Kohinata and Wataru, which I could have lived without, but I think it’s amenable enough, all things considered.

All in all, it’s an extension of the series that delves into some of the aspects outlined there but doesn’t add anything too major. Still, this is such a feel-good series, I come back to it when I need some pick-me up energy, and this is a good way to come back. The food is still amazing, by the way.

Apparently, there will be a movie, so maybe this special was meant to tie the two. In any case, it’s as enjoyable as the series, so if you liked it, I’d give the special a go.

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excellent follow up to season 1

Overall: because there is more comedy I actually enjoyed this a bit more than season 1. The special is 1 hour and 15 minutes. GagaOOLala picked this up in September 2023 which is when I watched it (GagaOOLala picked up the whole franchise and the order to watch is: season 1, special, movie, season 2 which is airing October 2023).

What I Liked
- comedy, I burst out laughing several times
- cute moments
- communication progress
- Wataru, yes he's immature but he's honest and his partner enjoys their dynamic so I won't judge them
- tighter pacing than the series

Room For Improvement
- the fake out (I'd rather they show nothing at all than the 'stop right before it happens')

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