YMMV / Real Fake

• Anvilicious: Yuusuke's chronic illness is given more focus in 2nd Stage and the story takes every moment that it can to remind the viewer that people who suffer chronic illnesses can't control the severity of the symptoms, and they should be supported and understood if this forces them to drop out of work or other commitments. Considering how the strict work culture in Japan is resulting in massive numbers of deaths every year, combined with how things like chronic illnesses are seen as weakness or something to be ashamed of and hidden in more traditional circles, there is good reason for this.
• Harsher in Hindsight: Ren Ozawa playing an idol who acts cute and happy for his work, but once the cameras are off he reveals a different, darker personality.
• Ho Yay: The series runs on it when they aren't focusing on the overarching mystery.
  • Moriya and Akane are the most obvious. They were Childhood Friends whose behaviour in highschool resembled a crush more than platonic friendship, and as adults the plot is only resolved the way it is because even after not speaking to Akane in years, Moriya still loves him and will do anything to protect him. When they're reunited in the final scene, there is also a Lingering Shot and a Held Gaze when they hold hands.
• Jerk Ass Woobie: Kouki in 2nd Stage. He's needlessly antagonistic towards Yuusuke and mocks him over his chronic illness, completely under the impression that Yuusuke exaggerated his symptoms and caused the breakup of their group unnecessarily. However, after the breakup Kouki was unable to find any more work in the entertainment industry despite his talent and his ambition, and had all but given up on his dream until Kamishiro recruited him for his revenge plan. While working under Kamishiro, he is kept in the dark about the full scale of his plans, and then once they're revealed and Kouki wants out, Kamishiro hits him and threatens to kill him. At that point, it's impossible for the viewer not to feel some level of sympathy for him.
• Special Effects Failure: In 2nd Stage, it's painfully obvious in some scenes that the screen of the computer that Moriya and Reijirou are using has been Chroma Key'd in, as the graphic does not line up correctly with the computer at certain angles.