Always a Catch! subverts expectations by borrowing the trappings of a villainess-style fantasy only to steer them into an upbeat romantic comedy centered on an irrepressible heroine. Rather than leaning on revenge or scheming, the series focuses on warmth, earnestness, and the messy business of relationships — all wrapped in a bright, colorful package. Below I break down what makes the first episodes click (and where they slightly stumble), and why Mimi — the show’s beating heart — is worth following on her search for a true “catch.”
Table of Contents
Premise and Tone: Not Your Typical Villainess Story
At first glance, Always a Catch! appears to mimic the villainess/otome revival subgenre: a dramatic denunciation, aristocratic politics, and the obvious setup where our heroine could have been cast as the antagonist. But the series quickly clarifies its intent — it’s not about backstabbing or cold ambition. Instead, it takes familiar fantasy archetypes and retools them for buoyant character comedy. The result is a show that teases subgenre expectations before gleefully upending them.
Mimi (Maria Annovazzi): The Irresistible Protagonist
Mimi — actually Maria Annovazzi — is the youngest daughter of a ducal house raised as heir until the birth of a brother changed everything. Rather than seethe over losing her position, Mimi celebrates her newfound freedom: she wants to marry a “catch,” a desirable, admirable partner. Her boundless optimism and lack of pretense make her immediately endearing. She doesn’t perform nobility; she charms with authenticity. The way she engages with the world — rescuing animals, calling out rudeness with blunt affection, and throwing herself into learning how to be a proper lady — makes her the glue that holds the series together.
Why Mimi Works
What distinguishes Mimi from other cheerful leads is her consistent interior honesty. She never pretends to be cleverer or tougher than she is, and yet she isn’t helpless. That blend of vulnerability and competence creates a heroine who feels human and appealing. Viewers are invited to root for her because she treats others with directness and warmth; she also allows others to be ordinary people rather than caricatures of rank.
Renato and the Slow-Burn Chemistry
Prince Renato is introduced as a figure of privilege and occasional cluelessness, but the show quickly humanizes him through his interactions with Mimi. Their chemistry isn’t built on dramatic misunderstandings so much as small, honest moments: Mimi treating him like Renato instead of Prince; Renato offering simple comforts and seeing Mimi as a person rather than a challenge to his status.
Tension and Consent
One legitimate quibble is Renato’s precipitous decision to arrange an engagement without what appears to be a full, mutual conversation about Mimi’s desires. While Mimi doesn’t object — and their relationship shows signs of mutual affection — the proposal moment reads as somewhat paternalistic. The series does gesture toward Renato’s good intentions, especially in how he supports couples like Placido and Aida, but it would have been stronger if the show foregrounded Mimi’s agency in that pivotal choice.
Supporting Cast and Worldbuilding
Supporting players — including Aida, the helpful friend; Placido, the love interest for another subplot; Raimondo, the loyal aide; and Eleanora, whose antagonism stirs trouble — round out the story with complementary dynamics. Aida brings a dose of practicality and skepticism that balances Mimi’s exuberance, while characters like Raimondo provide comic relief and moments of quiet support.
Worldbuilding is lightweight but serviceable. The series doesn’t spend long constructing elaborate political machinations; instead, it uses the trappings of court life as a backdrop for interpersonal comedy and small-scale drama. This choice keeps the pace lively and centers emotional beats over exposition-heavy lore.
Animation, Direction, and Aesthetic
Visually, Always a Catch! favors bright palettes and expressive character animation that foregrounds comedic timing and emotive reaction shots. The character designs are attractive and well-suited to the romcom tone. A minor visual nitpick is that some action sequences, like Mimi’s fights, occasionally lack the physical weight one might expect — the skirts and motion could use more heft to sell impact. Still, the production values are more than adequate for the story the show aims to tell, and its aesthetic choices reinforce the upbeat mood.
Humor, Heart, and Themes
At its core, the series thrives on heart-first humor. Jokes land because they emerge from character truth rather than gag repetition. Themes of self-determination, the freedom to choose one’s path after familial expectation, and the value of treating people as people — not titles — permeate the episodes. Mimi’s search for a “catch” is ultimately a search for genuine connection rather than status, and that emotional center elevates the series above mere parody.
Critiques: What Could Improve
– The engagement/proposal beats could be handled with greater sensitivity to consent and agency; Mimi’s reaction is sweet, but the decision-making feels uneven.
– Physical action sequences occasionally lack convincing dynamics.
– The show’s refusal to fully exploit high-stakes political intrigue may disappoint viewers looking for darker drama; this is a lighthearted romcom first.
Where to Watch
Always a Catch! is available to stream on Crunchyroll. For viewers interested in checking the series out, you can visit the official Crunchyroll page here: Crunchyroll — Always a Catch!
Final thoughts
Always a Catch! is a pleasant surprise: a show that borrows genre signposts only to repurpose them for warmth and humor. Mimi’s infectious optimism, the grounded chemistry with Renato, and a cast full of small, charming moments make the series an easy recommendation for viewers who enjoy romcoms with heart rather than high-stakes intrigue. While it has a few missteps — chiefly a rushed engagement beat and occasional animation shortcuts — its strengths in character and tone largely compensate. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good fantasy romcom with a heroine who refuses to be anything but herself, this series is worth a look.
