Above all this is good news for AKB and the girls involved. It's great that they are delivering themselves in every kind of medium possible, which as idols, is what it is all about.
Though I have sentiments on how exactly will this be seen as. While of course, it is very much different, it can still be treated as this year's "MajiGaku". We all know that MajiGaku served many purposes, it delivered utmost fanservice for the fans, it showcased a big cast, AKB themselves, and more importantly, it did well as a bridge for non-fans to become actual followers, introducing more people to AKB. It can be said that MG brought in a new slew of fans... and contributed greatly into making AKB, THE idol group of 2010.
That said, dissimilar to MG's tounge-in-cheek tone, its clear they wanted to take on a more serious, (and timely) route for the dorama (albeit in a more minimal 4 hour run). One has to wonder, what is this all for? Sure it is more fanservice for the fans, but for the general public? is it to showcase a different tone for AKB? (contrast to thier wild, playful, lively appearance as idols that most people have accepted) Will we finally see true actresses in the making through this project? I guess its mainly for trying to tie-in the single, into SOMETHING. Either way, it is still interesting to see how this will fare. MG didn't break and ratings or anything as far as i know, but it sure established something, and in a way, was a memorable, even iconic, venture for AKB. But this... seems. Too Safe.
But anyways, excited to see this etc. blah blah.. OMG SASSHI IS A MOMMY