This term has become so overused and generalized to the point where it's lost most of its meaning and weight, but Shikimori kinda embodies it's definition to where it can be labeled it accurately: it's just 'mid'.

Ngl, I don't think it was good or interesting enough to be memorable in the long run. But that's just it: it's not particularly special or unique. It has enough positive elements that I wouldn't go out of my way to deter any dedicated romcom/s.o.l lover from watching it - as it certainly can scratch that itch just as well as any decent romcom or s.o.l can. Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie isn't bad by any means, but's it not what I could objectively consider 'good' either. Shikimori's writers did a great job with them, I just wish they did a better job at making a more overarching story and shaping the 2 protagonists into more than mostly 1-note characters. Even some the lesser characters that don't get episodes dedicated to like Izumi's parents or Shikimori's brother were given enough subtle build-up that it made the story better and world/background of the protagonists more cohesive - a rare trait we see constantly overlooked and half-a$$ed in some many other generic romcoms. The episodes that centered around them, which mostly came in the later episodes, were by far the most enjoyable ones in the series. This anime's best aspect and biggest saving grace is honestly it's secondary characters: they're far more interesting and were given quite a bit of scope and depth.

I was able to finish it, but don't really feel rewarded for doing so. But this came along too late, and still was not nearly good enough to where I can genuninely say it was worth the time investment. And admittedly they did somewhat do that towards the end episodes 7-12 were a definite cut above the entire first half of the season. I was willing to give Shikimori the chance to make comeback in the second half, though I didn't have high hopes at that point tbqh. I almost did, and honestly finished it mostly because I was already halfway through and knew if I didn't stick with it I'd likely never come back to pick it up again sitting forever in the unfinished list. By episode 6 I had become so uninterested and bored that I came very close to dropping it. The optimism and enthusiasm I went in with began waning around the end of the 3rd episode. It kinda just repeated the same gag over and over again, making it quick to stale. The main duo's character dynamic/relationship is cute and different, but very flat. Because while Shikimori does have its moments here and there, it doesn't do much to try and keep things interesting nor be creative to keep me interested or invested. Unfortunately though, it was quickly made apparent after a few episodes that it wasn't going to be on par with those moderate expectations. In short: what I was hoping for was something along the lines and on the level of Tonikawa.

Didn't have to be out of the park good either just a wholesome, enjoyable and interesting enough s.o.l that could make me smile and keep me engaged at the antics of a couple already together at the start.

I wanted this anime to be good, I stuck through all 12 episodes on weekly basis hoping for Shikimori to be just that. I know some folks will immediately jump to the conclusion from looking at my overall grade for this that I'm just another of the mindless crowd that took one look at Shikimori and just dumped as 'mid' then moved on, or gave it the unreasonable expectations of trying to have it fill the shoes and itch that My Dress-Up Darling left at end of the Winter season.

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