Always a Catch! Immediately Turns Familiar Fantasy Tropes Into Something Fresh
At first glance, Always a Catch! seems like it is preparing to deliver another standard villainess-style fantasy romance. The opening setup teases many of the genre’s familiar elements, from noble social expectations to public denunciation scenes and political matchmaking. But very quickly, the series makes it clear that this is not simply another recycled fantasy formula.
Instead, Always a Catch! thrives by taking recognizable subgenre tropes and gleefully twisting them into something far more chaotic, comedic, and surprisingly heartfelt.
Across its first three episodes, the anime establishes itself as one of the more entertaining and unpredictable fantasy romance debuts of the season.
Maria “Mimi” Annovazzi Is the True Heart of the Series
The biggest reason the show works so well is its lead heroine, Maria Annovazzi, affectionately known as Mimi.
Rather than reacting bitterly to losing her position as ducal heir after the birth of her younger brother, Mimi embraces her freedom with boundless enthusiasm. Her response to political disinheritance is not revenge, resentment, or self-pity. Instead, she sees it as an opportunity to pursue her own dream: finding the perfect husband, or as she puts it, a true “catch.”
This alone already separates her from more conventional fantasy heroines.
Mimi’s personality is absolutely infectious. She is energetic, sincere, fearless, and entirely unapologetic about who she is. She does not attempt to mold herself into the polished noblewoman society expects, nor does she pretend to be weaker or more refined than she naturally is.
Her honesty becomes her greatest strength.
Whether she is bluntly telling off a prince, enthusiastically befriending rivals, rescuing cats, or standing against danger, Mimi remains wholly herself. This consistency makes her incredibly easy to root for.
The Romance Works Best When It Focuses on Genuine Human Connection
The developing relationship between Mimi and Prince Renato provides much of the emotional backbone for these early episodes.
What makes their dynamic especially engaging is that Mimi treats Renato like an ordinary person rather than an untouchable royal figure. She offers him honesty, comfort, and straightforwardness that few others in his life seem willing to provide.
For Renato, this authenticity is clearly refreshing.
Likewise, Renato occasionally provides Mimi with something she rarely receives from others: acknowledgment that even someone as strong and capable as she is can still feel vulnerable.
This balance helps their relationship feel more emotionally grounded than some of the series’ more exaggerated comedic moments might initially suggest.
That said, the romance is not entirely without flaws.
Renato’s assumption regarding their engagement, without explicitly prioritizing Mimi’s direct agency, does create some uncomfortable implications. While Mimi herself does not seem overtly distressed by the arrangement, the narrative still presents moments that may leave some viewers questioning the balance of power within their developing relationship.
Fortunately, Mimi’s dominant personality prevents her from ever feeling fully passive.
Comedy and Chaos Are the Series’ Greatest Strengths
What truly elevates Always a Catch! is how effortlessly it balances fantasy romance with absurd humor.
Mimi’s reactions to noble politics, social expectations, and royal absurdities often feel delightfully unpredictable. She consistently subverts the behavior expected of her, creating scenes that are both funny and refreshing.
Rather than becoming trapped by the rigid conventions of courtly drama, the anime embraces spontaneity.
This gives the series a lighter, more energetic tone that makes it stand out in an increasingly crowded fantasy romance landscape.
Visual Presentation Is Solid, Even if Not Exceptional
From a production standpoint, Always a Catch! may not be visually groundbreaking, but it performs well enough to support its strong character writing and comedic pacing.
Animation remains competent, character expressions are lively, and the overall presentation captures the playful tone effectively.
Some areas, such as the physical weight and movement of Mimi’s outfits during action-heavy scenes, could benefit from more refinement. However, these shortcomings rarely detract significantly from the overall experience.
The show’s strength lies far more in personality than visual spectacle.
Final Verdict: One of the Season’s Most Enjoyable Fantasy Romance Surprises
With its first three episodes, Always a Catch! proves itself to be far more than another formulaic noble romance.
Its willingness to break genre expectations, combined with Mimi’s irresistible charisma, creates a genuinely enjoyable experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly distinct.
While certain romantic dynamics may warrant closer scrutiny as the series progresses, the anime’s humor, charm, and energetic protagonist more than compensate for its early imperfections.
If the show continues building on these strengths, it could easily become one of the standout fantasy romance series of the year.
Final Score: 8/10
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptionally likable main heroine
- Creative subversion of fantasy romance tropes
- Strong comedic pacing
- Refreshing character dynamics
- Energetic and charming tone
Cons:
- Some questionable romantic power dynamics
- Animation is solid but not exceptional
- Certain noble romance conventions still linger
Overall Impression
Always a Catch! is off to an incredibly promising start, delivering a fantasy romance that feels playful, refreshing, and driven by one of the season’s most entertaining protagonists. Mimi’s refusal to be anything other than herself makes this series genuinely special, and her journey is already proving difficult to resist.
