Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Script is Not Like This!
"The Script is Not Like This!" promised a comedic escape, and for the most part, it delivered. The premise alone – a protagonist forced to embody scum gong tropes in ridiculous scenarios – had me hooked. This novel isn't afraid to poke fun at the often-absurd world of danmei, and that's precisely where its charm lies.
First Impressions
From the get-go, the sarcasm is palpable. The author's voice shines through, and you can practically feel the MC's exasperation with the overused clichés. I immediately appreciated the cynical MC, who possesses a healthy dose of self-love and a reasonable outlook on the bonkers situations he finds himself in. It's a refreshing change from the usual naive or overly-virtuous protagonists.
What Works Well
The humor is definitely the star of the show. I found myself laughing out loud at the characters' inner monologues and their interactions, especially once the ML arrives on the scene. Their dynamic is genuinely funny, and their shared exasperation with the plot makes for some great comedic moments. The novel's episodic structure keeps things fresh, throwing the MC into increasingly absurd scenarios. It also doesn't hurt that the smut is well-written and adds another layer of enjoyment to the story. The story also does well with satire, and pokes fun at many BL tropes.
Areas of Concern
While the humor is generally on point, I did notice a few potential pitfalls. Some may find the MC's cynicism off-putting, even bordering on unlikeable. It's a fine line between a sarcastic protagonist and an outright jerk, and I can see how some readers might find him crossing that line at times.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Several reviewers mentioned feeling that the ending was rushed and anticlimactic. Apparently, some plot threads are left unresolved, which can be frustrating after investing time in the story. It seems the "tr*shy shou" is actually the scriptwriter that made up these scenarios, so if anyone is victim-blaming, it would be themselves. He literally just wrote random people from the real world into his stories and expects them to play along with his fantasies.
Final Verdict
Overall, "The Script is Not Like This!" is a fun and lighthearted read, perfect for anyone looking for a comedic break from more serious danmei. While the ending might be a bit abrupt, the journey is well worth it for the laughs alone. Just be prepared for a healthy dose of sarcasm and a protagonist who isn't afraid to call out the ridiculousness of it all. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys parodies and isn't afraid of a little smut.
