Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru - Episode 2 Review

I started watching Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru expecting a bittersweet slice-of-life about reincarnation and family ties, but episode 2 has taken a darker, more intense turn than I expected. What I thought would be a gradual dive into the complexities of Takae’s reincarnation and her relationship with her old family is rapidly evolving into something far more emotional and unnerving.

One thing is for sure: "Marika's" current home life is as grim as it gets. Her mother is, quite frankly, awful. While I can't fully decide if that's good for the story or just outright depressing, it certainly gives a lot more reason for Takae to cling to her former life. At the same time, it’s dangerous. Living under the roof of such an emotionally abusive parent is a ticking time bomb, and I can only imagine what kind of trauma Marika must have endured before Takae’s soul awakened in her body.

Marika’s Mother: Villain or Victim?

I was taken aback by how quickly the show plunged into the reality of Marika's home life. Her mother is harsh, cold, and borderline neglectful, and we get the sense that Marika has been neglected emotionally, if not worse, for a long time. The moment that really solidified this for me was when we saw her mother digging through her things, taking what little money she had. It’s hard not to feel for Takae, who has to navigate this situation while holding onto the love she has for her old family.

It’s clear the mother harbors deep bitterness—possibly from a failed marriage or personal trauma of her own—but it’s still hard to watch her take out those feelings on her daughter. There’s a sense that Takae, even with all her past life experiences, is vulnerable here. She might mentally be an adult, but as Marika, she’s just a child physically. If things escalate, she won’t be able to protect herself.

Takae’s Dilemma: Two Lives in Conflict

Takae’s reunion with Keisuke and Mai is both heartwarming and painful to watch. The birthday cake scene was particularly touching, a moment of pure joy that almost brought me to tears. But it’s clear that Takae is torn between her reincarnated life as Marika and the overwhelming pull of her previous life with her husband and daughter. Her emotional connection to her old family is too strong for her to simply walk away. And honestly, I can’t blame her—who wouldn’t choose the loving family over the cold and distant one she’s been dealt?

The complexity of Takae’s situation becomes clearer with each episode. While I thought she might struggle more with balancing her two lives, it seems like her new life is already unraveling. The way the story is progressing, it feels like Takae’s "secret" is bound to come out, whether it’s because of her growing attachment to Keisuke and Mai or her mother’s eventual suspicion. And when that happens, it’s going to bring chaos into both families.

The Show’s Emotional Depth: Surprisingly Dark

One thing that stands out about this show is its ability to balance lighthearted moments with gut-wrenching emotional beats. The first episode lulled me into a false sense of security, making me think this would be a simple, feel-good drama. But with the introduction of Marika’s abusive mother and the deeper exploration of Takae’s inner conflict, it’s clear that Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions.

The fear and tension in the scenes between Takae and her mother were palpable. Even though Takae is mentally an adult, her mother’s power over her is overwhelming. I genuinely fear for what will happen if the mother discovers Takae’s growing bond with her old family. The show is doing a great job of building up this anxiety, and I find myself constantly on edge, wondering when the other shoe will drop.

Final Thoughts

After just two episodes, I’m convinced this show has the potential to be a hidden gem of the season. The emotional stakes are high, and the character dynamics are rich with complexity. I’m especially curious to see how Takae continues to navigate her dual existence—mentally an adult but trapped in the body and life of a child who desperately needs protection.

The contrast between her two families is stark, and the show seems to be setting up a major conflict between her desire to stay with Keisuke and Mai and the reality of her current life. It’s clear that Takae’s situation is unsustainable, and I’m eager (and anxious) to see how it all unfolds.

The next episodes will hopefully explore more of Marika’s backstory and the reasons behind her mother’s cruelty. For now, Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru is shaping up to be a fascinating and emotionally charged watch, blending heartwarming family moments with a haunting look at what it means to live two lives at once.