At first, Buddy Daddies was met with some skepticism from anime fans, who saw it as an obvious attempt to cash in on the success of Spy x Family. The show has received generally favorable reviews, with many viewers praising its humorous and heartwarming aspects; however, to its own detriment, its strongest selling point is largely ignored.
The premise of Buddy Daddies is that the titular fathers are hired assassins who accidentally end up acting as young girls' guardians. Despite the obvious potential of such an original premise, the show plays up the "fish out of water" angle by exploring the antics of two guys who are utterly out of their element. However, the show rarely touches on their unexpected career. The end result is a comedy-worthy series that falls short of its full potential.
The Assassin Fathers Almost Never Assassinate Anyone
Kazuki and Rei, roommates who both work as hired guns, are the main characters in Buddy Daddies. Unfortunately, one of their missions goes wrong, and Kazuki ends up taking in the daughter of their recently deceased target. Following that, these two contract killers will face their most terrifying assignment yet: parenting. They are completely unprepared for fatherhood, struggling to learn the ins and outs of basic childcare – understandable given their professional background. Miri, their charge, can be annoying on occasion, but this adds realism and charm to her character.
Although the unconventional found-bond families naturally touch viewers' hearts, the show mainly relies on jokes about fish out of water that make fun of the busy bachelors. Although some spectacular action scenes are presented to viewers, they are few and don't convey a genuine sense of danger. Buddy Daddies appears to have forgotten entirely that its protagonists are assassins, despite the fact that this is the key element that sets it apart from other tales of "accidental baby acquisition."
Buddy Daddies Would Be Better if It Reminded People of Its Fundamental Aim
In anime, the unlikely parent's setup is fairly common. Buddy Daddies is a fresh take on the concept, but it fails to capitalize on its strongest asset. Despite the potential for both humorous and dramatic turns, sequences in which Rei and Kazuki are caught in the crossfire – while Miri innocently toddles along, oblivious to the threat – are frustratingly scarce (when it does happen, it makes for one of the more engaging episodes of the series). Emphasizing the perilous nature of Rei and Kazuki's careers would raise the stakes for their newfound family, heightening audiences' emotional attachment to Miki while adding depth to the fathers' tragic backstories. This could ultimately prompt them to examine their choices and reevaluate what they want out of life.
Given the show's trajectory thus far, it's unlikely that viewers will be subjected to a sad ending, but Rei and Kazuki's jobs should have a greater impact on the story. Putting the characters in more danger, or simply emphasizing the absurdity of two assassins raising a preschooler, would help it stand out from other similar shows. As it stands, the most memorable kill in Buddy Daddies is a trope-laden horse that continues to beat.
