Blue Box: How to Make the Audience Root for the Third Wheel

Key Takeaways

Leveraging classic stereotypes can help increase character depth
Clear distinctions between main love interest and third wheel are a must
Blue Box gives the third wheel the spotlight for character development

As a dedicated anime enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I have to say that Blue Box has truly outdone itself with its captivating portrayal of the third wheel, Hina Chono. It’s not every day that a character with unrequited love for the protagonist manages to steal the show, but Hina does exactly that!

heads up: What follows may reveal key plot points from the sixth episode of Blue Box, titled “Wish Me Luck,” currently available on Netflix.

In Fall 2024’s anime lineup, Blue Box emerges as a top choice for those seeking romance, and among its captivating cast, Hina Chono stands out. She is the character who harbors one-sided affection for the protagonist, often finding herself in the awkward position of third wheel. The intriguing relationship between the primary pair, Taiki and Chinatsu, is compelling, but what truly sets this show apart is its skillful portrayal of side characters and their complex emotions.

What specifically about the “Blue Box” series causes you to lean towards the second option? This is intriguing, given that Hina only began to express her feelings for Taiki at the end of episode 5, “Aquarium.” Rapidly developing Hina’s character and unveiling her genuine emotions in such a short span, making her a significant contender in the “Blue Box” love triangle, is quite remarkable. However, it’s important to note that many fans still prefer Chinatsu as Taiki’s partner. Yet, as Hina herself admitted, her appeal has only just begun to surface.

All the Stereotypes Done Right

No Shame in Going with the Classics

The way the Blue Box character Hina becomes radiant isn’t necessarily revolutionary; she employs some traditional stereotypes and tropes. It’s acceptable to utilize established techniques to make characters like Hina who have an unspoken affection for the main character more captivating, as long as they are skillfully executed. The appeal of one-sided love stories, such as Hina’s, is that they resonate with viewers. Many people enjoy rooting for underdog stereotypes, whether in fighting, sports, or romance. Furthermore, it’s simpler to empathize with someone who has a crush rather than someone being pursued, making it easier to sympathize with Hina compared to Chinatsu.

A frequently used plot device for the character who is in love with the protagonist is being their childhood friend, and this is exactly Hina’s role towards Taiki. Being long-time friends allows them to have a rich background and great compatibility, something that shines brightly in the series. Their interactions are lively, and many of the most humorous scenes in Blue Box stem from their playful exchanges.

If you enjoy triangular dynamics in anime and want to find series that handle all three characters exceptionally, give a shot at “Toradora”, “Your Lie in April”, and “Takt Op Destiny”.

Having the Main Love Interest Be Clearly Distinguishable from the Third Wheel

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Blue Box: How to Make the Audience Root for the Third Wheel

An effective method to ensure the third character is noticeable is to clearly establish her desires, values, and behaviors as unique from the primary romantic figure. If these elements aren’t adequately differentiated, viewers may perceive the third character as a cheaper imitation of the main love interest, which isn’t ideal.

As a gamer comparing two characters in different sports, I see that while Chinatsu and Hina both aim for greatness, their approaches couldn’t be more distinct. Chinatsu is a relentless worker; her dedication to basketball borders on obsession. She wakes up early at school just to squeeze in extra practice, and she turned down an opportunity to move abroad with her family because she wants to compete at the national level in Japan. On the other hand, Hina isn’t a fan of putting in the grind. Even though she follows a strict diet to avoid gaining weight that would require additional training, she still trains diligently. However, compared to Chinatsu, who craves more training whenever possible, Hina is willing to make sacrifices to minimize her effort.

I’m not good at working hard, so if I can just endure it, I should.

As a gamer, I find Chinatsu to be someone who carries a sense of maturity and honesty with her emotions, while Hina seems to embody the spirit of joyful mischief, frequently playfully teasing her friends. However, when it comes to Hina, she tends to keep her deeper feelings and thoughts hidden like secret items in a game, only revealing them sparingly.

Giving the Third-Wheel Time to Grow and Shine

Giving Hina the Spotlight for an Entire Episode Is One of the Highlights of Blue Box

As a gamer, one strategy I found effective to make childhood friends feel more significant in a story is by creating an intriguing dynamic between them and the main love interest. In my favorite series, Blue Box, this was accomplished beautifully in episode 6, titled “Wish Me Luck.

It seems that Hina’s moment under the limelight is not close to ending. If the anime adheres to the manga, as it has been doing so, there will be plenty of chances for Hina to outshine Chinatsu in the eyes of fans.

Blue Box is now available to stream on Netflix. The release date for Blue Box, episode 7, is set to be November 14, 2024 at 8:30 AM PT.

2024-11-12 21:34