does "date a live" get better?

so ive seen it be recommended a lot of times now on the daily "ecchi suggestion" threads.

ive watched the first 4 episodes now and while the animation and fights seem to be alright, i hate the character writing.

im actually getting pissed off that they set up this whole premise about MC dating these spirits so they dont destroy entire cities, but at the same time the same people are actively attacking and sabotaging all of MCs efforts to make the spirits feel safe? why are they attacking them when everybody knows that MC is trying to make them fall in love with him?

so like, is there going to be some character development? will the MC start to speak up and tell them to fuck off so he can follow through with this plan that THEY forced him to engage in? or will it continue to be this coward MC just trying to make things work out despite all the efforts put into sabotaging him?

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N7CombatWombat2026-01-07 20:28

Because you have two competing groups, one group says the best way is to make them feel safe, the other group says "which building do we level to get them?"

And yes, there is development out of the MC and the story, but don't go looking for high art here, it's a harem show.

Sahtras19922026-01-07 20:33

but these two groups apparently work together no?

or was that just not communicated properly or maybe i missed it?

if both groups are independent from eachother thatll atleast put some logic into those actions.

N7CombatWombat2026-01-07 20:36

No, they don't work together, they're only related in that they are two groups who have an interest in stopping the destruction, but their methods are complete opposites. The MC and his group are all about making the girls feel safe, the girls in the battlesuits think the only option is to kill the them.

Jeanbore2026-01-07 20:29

You watched 4 episodes and the entirety of the plot was not revealed and there was no significant character development is what you are saying, correct?

Artsy7272026-01-07 20:30

Yes, the character develops. Its hard to speak more about it without spoiling.

Madman2722026-01-07 20:32

It does get better, but from what you're saying, I don't think the show is for you. Its not meant to be taken too seriously and a lot of it is just for laughs. Nothing wrong if you aren't vibing with it though. I like the series but I can definitely tell you that its not for everyone.

The_Persistence2026-01-07 20:34

Not every MC needs to have character development by episode 2. This isn't a 1-season trash-sekai.

But yes, the story has a deeper plot down the line, but saying anything about that would be a spoiler.

GateauBaker2026-01-07 20:39

In hindsight, the author has a plan from the start and follows through with it, elevating the series beyond its first impressions. The first four episodes already are packed with foreshadowing.

insuline042026-01-07 20:43

It improves post-ep4 with deeper spirit backstories and relationships driving plot—MC gains assertiveness, calls out saboteurs like Ratatoskr/DEM for their hypocrisy, but stays harem-focused without full "fuck off" rebellion. Character writing shifts from contrived to engaging arcs. Push to ep10.

beckychao2026-01-07 20:48

It's not ecchi at all, though...

Date A Live is more fun/heartwarming, with some mildly racy outfits/scenes.

The MC does not tell them to fuck off, he cares about them and has a degree of EQ. They are not human beings, they are dangerous spirits, even though Tohka poses no danger to people when she is in full control of herself.

If you're looking for a series where there's straight up problem solving, this isn't for you. There is an absurdist element to it, and part of what makes it charming is that Shido is a well meaning idiot who is not out there to take advantage of the spirits. He's already lost everything. He doesn't want to tell them to fuck off, because they are his world.

There is character development, FYI.

AzurePhoenix0012026-01-07 21:02

4 episodes is way too little to accurate gauge the full series

Local_Pickle_47172026-01-07 21:32

It gets a little better, but not significantly better.

giitaru-kun2026-01-07 21:33

It does in terms of plot as there is a lot of character development around the MC and the supporting cast. It develops more in latter seasons, especially around Season 4 and 5.

However... in terms of animation, I kinda wish consistency in animation quality, but it's difficult since each season except 4 and 5 was done by a different anime studio.