Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! hit a strong note with Episode 9, bouncing back after a rough previous installment by returning to what makes the series work best: simple, grounded character moments.

The episode centers on Nakamura's involvement in the school play, where his initial reluctance gives way to genuine investment once he sees the production falling apart. Rather than using Hirose as the sole motivation, the show smartly shows Nakamura stepping up because he actually cares about helping others—a character trait that often gets buried under his obsessive comedy bits. His reward comes naturally when he finds himself sharing the stage with Hirose, creating a satisfying payoff that feels earned rather than contrived.

One standout moment comes when Nakamura encounters Hirose's sister, who bears an uncanny resemblance to him. His immediate existential crisis about his own sexuality is played for laughs, but it works because it's brief and absurd—exactly the kind of humor the show does well without overdoing it.

What really stands out is how Episode 9 proves the series can succeed by keeping things straightforward. There's been an underlying question about whether the rosary beads from the occult club have any actual mystical properties, but the episode wisely sidesteps supernatural explanations. Instead, it just lets Nakamura be a reasonably well-adjusted high school student navigating typical social situations. He's introverted but capable of kindness, awkward but genuine.

The episode also highlights something important about Nakamura's character: he's not just defined by his crush on Hirose. Other characters genuinely look out for him, and he reciprocates that care in his own way. These quiet moments of connection feel more meaningful than the show's exaggerated obsession comedy, which can overshadow what makes Nakamura likable in the first place.

Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! works best when it remembers that comedy serves character development rather than replacing it. Episode 9 strikes that balance, delivering both genuine laughs and reasons to actually root for Nakamura's happiness.

The series is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.