Inspired by the beloved Manga “Kakegurui” by Homura Kawamoto (who translates into “Compulsive Gambler”) and adapted for television by “Warrior Nun” Maker Simon Berry, the latest Dramedy series from Netflix, “Bet”, is a story of chance and retribution. The show follows Yumeko (Miku Martineau), a new transfer student to the exclusive St. Dominic’s Prep, attended a school by the children of the most ruthless elite where they receive a very unique education. A traditional curriculum is nowhere to be found. Instead, students play different games, gambling huge sums of money (provided by their parents) to rise in the social hierarchy of St. Dominic and to rule over the pets, students who have fallen in massive debts that are subject to service. Despite its unique setting, “bet” is repetitive and it becomes more tiring and offers nothing new to the “Kakegurui” Fandom.
“Bet” starts with a lot of promise. After he has been driven out of an inconspicuous American high school, Yumeko eagerly transfers to St. Dominic’s Mid-Semester. Her presence at the institution completely rattles the student council. Government by the mean Kira (Clara Alexandrova) and her (mostly) non -verbal sister Riri (Anwen O’Driscoll), the council members also have the biggest victories, ranking in the top 10 and dominate the pets with suppressed house.
While the council is used to being feared, Yumeko stops, who has secret reasons to visit the school, eagerly in their sights and her presence throws the entire ecosystem of St. Dominic’s off-can. Nevertheless, the gambling addict relationship with Ryan (Ayo Solanke), who is overwhelmed by his attraction, finds her, Michael (Hunter Cardinal), who refuses to gamble Gamble and eventually Mary (Eve Edwards), a former municipal councilor has become a pet. Immediately Yumeko eagerly immerses himself in the varied games and bets in St. Dominic, who rises in the ranks and the grip of Kira threatens over the student body.
Unfortunately, there are many missteps in “bet”. To begin with, this Americanized adjustment feels completely unnecessary. The success of “Kakegurui” has already produced an anime series, a Japanese TV program with live promotion (both shown on Netflix), two live action films and various spin-offs. This first season with 10 episodes adds nothing distinctive or valuable to the Manga of Kawamoto and instead offers overly overly exaggerated representation of the beloved characters that fans will probably have difficulty connecting with.
Yumeko is initially an intriguing character. However, viewers will quickly lose empathy for her because of her treatment of others. She manipulates Ryan by using his crush on her, and her revenge obsession is so one -sided that she often acts without thinking and not considering how her actions can influence the few people in St. Dominic’s who immediately embraced her. Although it is clear that Yumeko has attracted a mask to protect herself against pain in the past and that they are manipulated by Kira and her gang of fear, her constant screaming, exaggerated bubbles faux personality and strange costume choices (including a ridiculous micrini-skirt) does not add much to the plot).
One of the most interesting aspects of the series is the varied games that the St. Dominic’s students play to get out of debts or to retain their top 10 status. From the home wars in episode 5 to the pet hunt in episode 7, it is fascinating to see how malignant these teenagers are, choosing to kill their classmates instead of having to live as a pet. But as “bet” continues, it all feels repetitive. Instructions on the true mission of Yumeko are sprinkled over the seasons. Yet the revelations are not as shocking as promised when everything is made clear in the last few minutes of the final of season 1.
In general, “bet” has an interesting starting point. Barry offers the audience in a sinister world driven by greed, strength and the desire to subject others. In the center is a young woman who is determined to pull blood and seek revenge, regardless of what the hair can cost. However, because the series is not entirely true to the original manga, and the earlier adjustments have collected such praising reviews, “bet” feels faint in comparison and completely unnecessary.
“Bet” now streams on Netflix.