Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! is making a refreshing move by centering its story on a high schooler who explicitly wants a gay romance—and the anime handles it with genuine earnestness rather than punchlines. Through its first four episodes, the series proves it's more interested in exploring Nakamura's anxious personality and romantic yearning than turning his sexuality into a joke.

The show's biggest strength lies in its craft. The character animation is expressive and playful, with standout visual gags like a recurring cockroach that comments on the action. The dubbed English version particularly shines, with voice actor Nasim Benelkour delivering an authentic performance that captures every nervous shriek and rambling thought of an anxious teenager. His work sells Nakamura's vulnerability, while the supporting cast—especially whoever voices the eccentric cult club president Reiko—brings energy to every scene.

However, pacing is where things stumble. This is a slow-burn romance by design, with Nakamura and his crush not even becoming genuine friends until episode four. The first episodes mostly circle around Nakamura's anxiety spirals and awkward moments, which are relatable but don't amount to much plot momentum. The show works better when it leans into cartoony humor than when it sits in quieter moments.

What does work is how the series mines Nakamura's character. Episode four reveals layers to his anxiety—he's reserved about his interests because of past mistreatment, and small things like his love of octopuses become recurring character details. Meanwhile, the classmates' obsession with boys' love fandom becomes a fun running gag that adds levity without feeling mean-spirited.

Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! isn't rushing its story, and whether that patience pays off depends on your tolerance for slower romantic comedies. The foundation is solid: genuine representation, strong performances, and actual character work. Just don't expect major plot developments in these opening episodes. This is a show building atmosphere and personality first, plot second.