Anime fans usually hope to see love triangles resolved by the end of their favorite romantic comedy series, but unfortunately, More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers cannot boast such a resolution. Viewers may be disappointed in Episode 12’s loose ends, but the series concluded in a wholesome way that points to a potential second season.
Though Akari moves on from her crush on Minami and fully accepts that she has fallen in love with Jiro in Episode 11, Jiro is still caught up between his childhood crush and the possibility of feelings for the wife assigned to him as part of the school’s marriage training program. After sharing a romantic kiss with Shiori, the tension between the childhood friends is at an all-time high. He obviously has a chance to pursue a relationship with Shiori given their mutual feelings, but something is holding him back. Episode 12 highlights the choice that Jiro will have to make should the series continue into a More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers Season 2.
Who Does Jiro End Up With?
Jiro spends quality time with both love interests in the series’ final episode. Confused over Shiori’s feelings about their shared kiss, Jiro is both excited and nervous about the opportunity to hang out with Shiori at her apartment. However, when the perfect opportunity to discuss their relationship arises, Jiro hesitates after seeing Akari in a photo from their beach trip. Jiro returns home just as unsure as before, and Akari invites him on a date. This raises even more questions for Jiro. He evidently enjoys spending time with both girls, and in turn, both Akari and Shiori are determined to get even closer to him. Akari and Shiori seem to be on equal footing when it comes to their potential, so it is up to Jiro to come to terms with who he actually loves.
While many romantic comedies with love triangles tend to emphasize the competition between love interests, More Than a Married Couple takes a healthier approach. Both girls surely realize that they stand in each other’s way, yet they are not antagonistic toward each other. Shiori does challenge Akari to a race to a shrine at which they can pray for a romantic blessing, but their race is a friendly one. They keep up with each other as they pass various scenes that symbolize the growth of a relationship, with the male counterparts in each scene resembling Jiro.
The scene ends with Shiori and Akari arriving at the same time and the three of them praying at the shrine together. The love triangle doesn’t get resolved, but this scene provides a unique perspective on the cliché unempowered ending. Though many signs in the series do point toward Jiro ending up with Akari, the race scene demonstrates that both love interests have a valid place in the fight. Shiori’s feelings are just as important as Akari’s, and Jiro’s own conflicted feelings are also valid, as they are rooted in the series’ confusing circumstances. While many romantic comedy protagonists border on manipulating such a love triangle, Jiro’s situation points toward a purer outcome, as he must learn to love himself to figure out which girl he truly loves.
More Than a Married Couple’s Finale Sets Up a Season 2
Regardless of the unique handling of the unresolved love triangle, viewers may still be disappointed by Jiro’s lack of decision. However, More Than a Married Couple’s last scenes leave the series open-ended to potentially set up a second season. After their race to the shrine, Jiro spends time playing an RPG game that has shadowed his conflicted emotions throughout the series. His gaming console shows his character with the two love interests that represent Akari and Shiori, announcing that the characters are ready to face their next adventure. This seems to tease a second season, which would continue following the love triangle as both couples have reached A-rank, giving them the opportunity to switch partners if they desire.
While a second season has yet to be announced for More Than a Married Couple, the teaser at the end of the final episode certainly suggests the potential for one. However, the manga is still ongoing, so viewers may have to wait for more content to be published if a More Than a Married Couple Season 2 is announced.
More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers has yet to be renewed for a second season.
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