Final Fantasy XIV Dad of Light season 1, episode 2 review: Beginner Difficulties

Photo Credit: Final Fantasy XIV Dad of Light/Netflix Image Acquired from Netflix Media Center

A hidden gem on Netflix, Final Fantasy XIV Dad of Light is a heartfelt comedy that you don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy. A fun title for those who have played the game and for those looking for something off the beaten path.

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“Beginner Difficulties” opens with Akio reminiscing about a time he tried to ask his dad to play with him. Thinking back about that time from his childhood makes Akio really want to succeed in his plan to get his dad to play Final Fantasy XIV with him. He just has to come up with a way to meet his father in the game and send him a friend request. Unfortunately, Akio is facing a test at his job that needs resolving before he can focus on his plan. Akio’s boss has asked him to figure out why so many of the newly hired women are quitting so quickly.

While Akio is dealing with this problem at work, he learns from his online friends that his father has not been online. Akio. worried that his plan is finished before it really gets going, tries to figure out the reason. Eventually, Akio finds the reason, and in the process, learns of some parallels that have to do with his issue at work. After Solving the problems at home and at work Akio eventually has an opportunity to add his father to his friends list.

The Reaction

This episode didn’t have the intrigue that the first episode did, however, it was not a bad episode. Getting to see more of Akio in his office setting was a nice change of pace to the amount of time they show the game itself. The main issue with this episode was that there was a lot of non-verbal cues and facial expressions to convey the context of the scene. This isn’t a bad thing when you’re dealing with regular actors, but is a bit dull when dealing with the digital characters.

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Overall I would say that this episode was “OK.” There were some funny parts mixed in with a lot of awkwardness. There are also some parts in the episode where it feels like the show is trying too hard to get you into your feelings. After such a good opening Episode 1, “Beginner Difficulties” is a bit of a letdown.  The saving grace was the bits of humor coupled with just enough insight to why Akio’s father quit his job that would keep you watching.

Next: Final Fantasy XIV Dad of Light season 1, episode 1 review: A Relationship Reborn

The Decision

Because there are still so many questions that need answers and the humor is still there, continuing the season is likely. There is a hint as to why Akio’s father quit his job and I need to know the reason. Also, there has not been much about how Hakutaro will interact with other people in the game. Even though this episode was a bit of a dip, it was still good enough to keep watching.

All 8 episodes of season one of Final Fantasy XIV Dad of Light can be found on Netflix.