Nana Episode 2: Past Loves and Naive Dreams
This episode of Nana dives into the protagonist’s past, revealing key moments from her high school graduation and early art school days. Through flashbacks, we see Nana navigate love and heartbreak, from unrequited feelings and missed connections to finally finding someone interested—a married man seeking a secret affair. Naive and infatuated, Nana is manipulated, unaware of the complexities of the situation.
Despite the underlying manipulative relationship, the episode maintains a light and endearing tone. Nana’s optimism, previously focused on city life, now fixates on romance. Her desperation for love leads her to fall for almost anyone, showcasing a lack of understanding about healthy relationships.
However, the show doesn’t romanticize Nana’s views. It portrays the naivete of a young adult realistically. The narrative undercuts Nana’s fantasies, presenting her as someone struggling with being single rather than a true romantic. While acknowledging the pain of her situation, the show avoids portraying her feelings as profoundly romantic outside the genuine hurt.
Nana’s friend, Junko, provides a grounding force. Junko’s pragmatism counters Nana’s flights of fancy, anchoring the viewer and adding comedic relief. She understands Nana and offers support with witty commentary.
Junko’s presence highlights the show’s sharp dialogue and humor. The characters’ unvarnished realism makes them nuanced and human. For example, after her breakup, Nana’s first concern isn’t lost love but long-distance logistics. A conversation with Shoji reveals further complexity: Nana seeks comfort but has no romantic interest in him, while he clearly harbors feelings for her.
The comedic interactions between Junko and Nana are particularly noteworthy. Their blunt honesty and quick-paced conversations result in consistently funny exchanges. One example is their post-breakup conversation: Nana impulsively declares she’ll go to Tokyo, then corrects herself to a beauty salon visit, before realizing they’re late for graduation. This rapid-fire dialogue and comedic timing create an engaging experience.
While the comedy makes Nana endearing, her relatable humanity shines through. Junko points out Nana’s tendency to view men as targets, not individuals. Nana’s responses to insecurity, like drinking to avoid nervousness, are questionable but understandable. Ultimately, Junko setting Nana up with someone less exploitative feels like the best solution for a friend who can’t be happy single but isn’t ready for a healthy relationship.
This episode exemplifies Nana’s strength in finding humor in everyday experiences. Sharp dialogue, relatable characters, and natural chemistry contribute to the show’s charm. The humor is grounded in reality, solidifying Nana as an excellent character drama surpassing typical anime.
