An In-Depth Look at the Emotional, Animation, and Narrative Highs of the Season 1 Finale
When Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu (colloquially known as Dakaichi or The Man Who Was Threatened with the No. 1 Spot) first aired in 2018, it quickly became a polarizing yet beloved entry in the BL (Boys’ Love) anime genre. The series, following the volatile romance between top actor Takato Saijou and his rival-turned-lover Junta Azumaya, is known for its melodrama, steamy scenes, and sharp commentary on the entertainment industry.
But among the 13 episodes of Season 1, Episode 12 — titled “It’s Better to Have Loved and Lost” — is frequently cited by fans as the episode that “gets it right.” In fact, if you search the fandom forums or Reddit threads, you’ll find a recurring sentiment: “Episode 12 is better than the rest of the series.”
Why? Let’s break down the animation, pacing, emotional payoff, and directorial choices that make this episode not just a finale, but a genuine masterpiece of romantic tension.
Spoiler Alert: For those who haven't watched the series, Episode 12 likely concludes several plotlines while setting up potential future conflicts. dakaretai otoko 1i ni odosarete imasu episode 12 better
Episode 12 of "Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu" marks a significant point in the series. Without giving away too many spoilers, this episode typically focuses on deepening the relationships between the characters, particularly highlighting the complicated dynamics between Umino and Shirakawa. Viewers can expect intense emotional moments as the characters navigate their feelings amidst the pressures and challenges of their environment.
The production quality holds steady. The finale uses softer lighting and longer cuts, allowing facial expressions to carry the emotional weight. Voice acting (especially Hiroaki Miura as Takato and Kazuyuki Okitsu as Junta) is at its peak—the trembling in Junta’s voice during the confession scene is devastating.
The ending theme leads directly into a post-credits scene: a paparazzi photo of them holding hands in Kyoto, blurred but unmistakable. Junta’s voiceover: “We’re still being threatened. But now… it’s us against the world.”
Many BL anime save their most explicit content for the finale. Episode 12 subverts this expectation. The famous love scene in this episode is notable for what it doesn’t show. The camera lingers on faces, on interlocked fingers, on tears, and on whispered affirmations. The dialogue—”I want to be the one who protects you, even if I’m weaker”—is a far cry from the power-play banter of earlier episodes. An In-Depth Look at the Emotional, Animation, and
This shift from physical dominance to emotional care is what makes the episode "better." The intimacy feels earned. Rather than gratifying the audience with spectacle, the episode gratifies the characters’ arc. Azumaya finally initiates a kiss, and Saijo asks him to say “I love you” only when he truly means it. This mutual consent is the thematic payoff of twelve episodes of turbulent relationship-building.
One common critique of Dakaichi is its inconsistent animation quality. Early episodes suffer from stiff character models, awkward pacing in motion, and a lack of the “shoujo filter” that BL fans crave. But Episode 12 is a visual anomaly.
When fans use the word “better” to describe Dakaichi Episode 12, they don’t mean it’s better than the greatest BL anime (Given, Doukyuusei). They mean it’s better than the show deserves to be — a surprising, heartfelt, well-directed twenty-two minutes that somehow slipped into an otherwise flawed adaptation.
If you dropped Dakaichi early, give Episode 12 a chance. Watch episodes 11 and 12 back-to-back. Let the rain, the whispered confessions, and the trembling hands wash away your skepticism. Spoiler Alert : For those who haven't watched
You might just find that, sometimes, the best part of a story is the ending that almost wasn’t.
Have you watched Episode 12? Do you agree it’s better than the rest? Share your thoughts in the comments below — and don’t forget to check out our deep dive on the Episode 12 vs manga differences.
Article last updated: October 2025