Inspired by Homura Kawamoto’s beloved manga “Kakegurui” (which translates to “compulsive gambler”) and adapted for television by “Warrior Nun” creator Simon Berry, Netflix‘s latest dramedy series, “Bet,” is a tale of chance and retribution. The show follows Yumeko (Miku Martineau), a new transfer student to the exclusive St. Dominic’s Prep, a school attended by the children of the most ruthless elite where they receive a very singular education. A traditional curriculum is nowhere to be found. Instead, students play various games, gambling huge sums of money (provided by their parents) to rise in St. Dominic’s social hierarchy and reign over the house pets, students who have fallen into massive debt who are subjected to servitude. Despite its unique setting, “Bet” is repetitive and grows increasingly wearisome, offering nothing new to the “Kakegurui” fandom.
“Bet” begins with a lot of promise. After getting expelled from a nondescript American high school, Yumeko eagerly transfers to St. Dominic’s mid-semester. Her presence at the institution completely rattles the student council. Ruled by the vicious Kira (Clara Alexandrova ) and her (mostly) nonverbal sister Riri (Anwen O’Driscoll), the council members also happen to hold the largest wins, ranking in the top 10 and dominating the downtrodden house pets.
While the council is used to being feared, Yumeko, who has secret reasons for attending the school, eagerly steps into their crosshairs, and her presence throws the entire ecosystem of St. Dominic’s off-kilter. Still, the gambling addict finds kinship with Ryan (Ayo Solanke), who is overwhelmed by his attraction to her, Michael (Hunter Cardinal), who refuses to gamble and eventually Mary (Eve Edwards), a former council member turned house pet. Immediately, Yumeko eagerly immerses herself into the varied games and bets at St. Dominic, rising in the ranks and threatening Kira’s hold over the student body.
Unfortunately, there are many missteps in “Bet.” To start, this Americanized adaptation feels wholly unnecessary. The success of “Kakegurui” has already spawned an anime series, a live-action Japanese TV show (both of which can be seen on Netflix), two live-action films and several spinoffs. This 10-episode first season doesn’t add anything distinctive or worthwhile to Kawamoto’s manga and instead offers overly exaggerated renditions of the beloved characters that fans will likely struggle to connect 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 infatuation with her, and her revenge obsession is so one-sided that she often acts without thinking and fails to consider how her actions might affect the few people at St. Dominic’s who immediately embraced her. Though it’s obvious Yumeko has put on a mask to protect herself from past hurts and from being manipulated by Kira and her gang of terror, her constant shrieking, overly bubbly faux personality and odd costuming choices (including a ridiculous micro mini-skirt) don’t seem to add much to the plot.
One of the most interesting aspects of the series is the varied games the St. Dominic’s pupils play to get themselves out of debt or maintain their Top 10 status. From the House Wars in Episode 5 to the House Pet Hunt in Episode 7, it’s fascinating to see how vicious these teens are, choosing to kill off their classmates instead of having to live as a house pet. Yet, as “Bet” continues, it all feels repetitive. Clues about Yumeko’s true mission are sprinkled across the seasons. Yet, the revelations aren’t as shocking as promised when all is made plain in the final few minutes of the Season 1 finale.
Overall, “Bet” has an interesting premise. Barry offers audiences entry into a sinister world driven by greed, power and the desire to subjugate others. At the center is a young woman determined to draw blood and seek vengeance no matter what it might cost her. However, since the series is not quite faithful to the original manga, and the previous adaptations garnered such rave reviews, “Bet” feels bland in comparison and completely unnecessary.
“Bet” is now streaming on Netflix.
