The episode begins amidst the excitement of an upcoming idol performance. Before the main characters Ruby, Kana, and Mem-Cho take the stage, we get a glimpse of the bustling backstage environment, filled with the chatter of an idol group. The perspective shifts, placing us right in the middle of a colorful audience of idol fans eagerly awaiting the performance.
The highlight of this episode is undoubtedly the performance of the idol group B-Komachi. The intricacies of the group's music and dance routines add a new dimension to the anime. During the performance, we witness an old fan transforming into a fervent supporter of Ruby. The girls' grueling training pays off as they manage to maintain their composure throughout the entire show despite physical exhaustion. Amidst the loud music and roaring crowd, Kana succeeds in letting her inner voice shine.
While Ruby gains fans through her performance, Kana's personality once again captivates the audience. Kana, known for her sharp tongue, displays a range of emotions. She uses her words as a defense mechanism against Akane and plays with them during her interactions with Aqua. It is revealed that Kana and Akane have competed against each other in the past, further fueling Kana's competitive spirit.
After the performance, Aqua and Kana reconcile through a unique exchange of sharp banter. Then, the narrative focus shifts to the stage for the next story arc. Aqua teams up with actors from the theater group Lala Lai, associated with Ai, to work on a play called Tokyo Blade.
Meanwhile, a hidden love rivalry develops between Akane and Kana, adding an element of dramatic irony known only to the audience and the sharp-witted Mem-Cho. This rivalry, however, will not fully manifest until later, leaving viewers in suspense.
The episode ends on a dark note, hinting at the unresolved murder of Ai. A chilling sequence featuring a doll representing Ai, entangled in strings and meeting a tragic end, underscores the ruthlessness of the entertainment industry and the existence of Ai's killer. This sequence concludes with a haunting image of Ai's lifeless, staring eyes, symbolizing the disturbing reality of her death.
By the end of the episode, we see the main characters in their most impressive forms. However, the episode's conclusion brings no sense of closure, instead leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next season and setting the stage for a long wait.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.