Oshi no Ko Rewatch - Season 2, Episode 5 Discussion

**Longtime B-Komachi Fan!**

This episode had a great mix of drama and comedy.

Aqua straight up admitting to Akane that he's only in this to get revenge was something I didn't expect when I read this arc in the manga, and I certainly didn't see it coming that Akane would casually get on board with helping him achieve that goal! I have to admit, I like that ride-or-die attitude of hers and the thought of her scheming together with Aqua.

[](#concealedexcitement)

Although, he did "admit" to it in a way that he could have just as easily covered it up as a bad joke if she reacted badly, which is on point for him. It's also notable that he didn't care if Akane watched his old acting footage while he absolutely refused to let Kana see it. There could be a few reasons for this. Maybe he wanted Akane's advice on what he could do to improve, since he said he values her skills as an actress. Maybe Kana's opinion would feel more personal to him and he couldn't deal with that since he seems ashamed of his acting back then, or maybe he just knows she's the type who would tease him mercilessly.

[](#rengethink)

Speaking of merciless teasing, Kana and Akane nearly coming to blows was hilarious. Aqua and Melt had to hold them back.

[](#azusalaugh)

Also hilarious was Ruby's shock at the very idea of her brother sneaking off with Akane for... impure reasons. I liked the back-and-forth between her and Minami here when the concept went right over her head at first, and then she veered hard into denial. But there was a sweet, somber moment at the end when she said Aqua wouldn't take a risk like that with a teenaged girl, which shows that her reaction runs deeper than a sister who just doesn't want to imagine her brother doing that sort of thing. She's saying he wouldn't put another girl in the same position as Ai.

And a thumbs-up to Melt for running interference when Minami was clearly uncomfortable with that guy coming on to her.

[](#kannathumbs)

**Questions of the Day:**

1) I may be way off base here, but I get the impression he cares more about Kana's opinion of him on a personal level, whereas with Akane it's just professional and he can accept critique from her the same way he would from the director.

2) They're getting away with murder, of course. [](#smugkaguya)

**Semi-Rewatcher**

[I would've said Akane is going for the "I can fix him" route, but maybe it's the other way around.](https://imgur.com/a/slMjQ9Q)..

[](#terror)

"The curtain rises" does feel like a pretty perfect title for an episode that is largely concerned with setting the stage for the play that's about to start. Well, less so literally, but more in terms of all the major conflicts that are going to be central to how we view this play now that we've resolved actually getting it rolling with a normal script. Honestly, in that sense, it's actually a surprisingly loaded episode despite being pretty firmly setup!

First and foremost, though, Akane is kind of crazy, huh? Admittedly, maybe that's what it takes to deal with someone as troubled as Aqua. Still, that conversation ([Very well framed](https://imgur.com/a/rvWKnGR)! Great dividing *and* color coding) sure takes quite the turn as Aqua actually drops his real reasoning for acting, presumably in an attempt to turn her away, only to be met with a surprisingly nonchalant agreement. There's something particularly great about how [you first get Aqua's dark star eye](https://imgur.com/a/rvWKnGR) to kind of set the tone for the dark personality he's implying here, only for Akane to meet that with such a straightforward... [*normal* looking expression](https://imgur.com/a/qY5dsPg), in effect, Akane comes off scarier here! Frankly, and maybe my Kana bias is showing a little here, but while Akane is definitely the right person to finally move Aqua forward in terms of his emotions ([And even perhaps provide some of the warmth he so critically needs](https://imgur.com/a/Da51lfX)), I do think this episode shows why it might be a good thing their relationship is "For business purposes" right now. I mean, putting aside the part where she's trying to emulate his dead mom, there's something about how she feels so indebted to Aqua, to the point where she says she'd do it even if he wasn't a good person, that feels like it crosses over to being pretty unhealthy and uncomfortable.

On the point of both Aqua's troubled nature and our main conflicts, the scene we get here with Ruby and Melt is quite interesting. The Melt/Sakuya conflict is our first major one that's highlighted coming into this play, and all in all, it's very straightforward. Sakuya might be an asshole, but he's not entirely wrong about how Melt's career used to look, and that's innately going to cause some issues in such a talented, driven cast. Hell, even outside of it, [Yoriko's worries are hardly unfounded](https://imgur.com/a/tetSMAe). Now, of course, we've already seen that Melt has significantly changed. And now it's his time to prove whether or not he really has it in him to prove everyone wrong and show genuine improvement that puts him on par with the rest of the cast, or whether the strain from this ambitious play will prove too much, causing him pull down with his acting.

Much more interesting, though, is the initially comedic scene between Ruby and Minami when it came to Aqua and Akane's relationship. Because, despite the nature of the conversation, it quickly brings up bad memories for Ruby, who severely objects to Aqua doing something like that, given how that defined Ai's life. Even more critically from a visual thematic standpoint, we see Ruby's own star go dark for a bit! Obviously, nothing new for Aqua; it happens twice just in this episode, but the same can't be said for her. So I think the fact that it gives her such a strong emotional reaction is rather interesting in the context of Aqua's trauma and her larger character.

Last episode, Aqua specifically said that the big reason he doesn't want his family to see his panic attack is to protect Ruby from recalling the event and going through the same experience. But this episode says otherwise, right? Even if not as severe, she is also clearly still dealing with that trauma. Aqua is generally good at figuring people out, but Ai was not one of those people. We've seen before how his adoration for her gives him a bit of a skewed perception there, and I wouldn't be surprised if the same could be said for Ruby. His protectiveness causes him to miss her deeper emotions. Aqua hides his own emotions through apathy, and perhaps, Ruby does the same through her cheeriness. She's certainly much more "forward-facing" as it were, compared to him, but that doesn't mean all the pain is actually shouldered on his back. It's small, but it's a rare extra layer of emotional complexity to Ruby we haven't gotten to see much of.

[](#thoughtful)

The actual heart of this episode undoubtedly goes to major conflict #2 though, that being Kana and Akane of course. Technically speaking, there isn't that much that's particularly new here either, although for one, I do enjoy how we fully frame their little rivalry. Sure, the main piece of conflict between them that jumps out at first is Aqua's affection, [and there is some of that in very amusing ways](https://imgur.com/a/fXNIpQF), but what's great here and actually makes them feel fully realized is that it hardly stops there! Theirs is a much more longstanding and fundamental conflict that relates to their passion for acting and the way they're currently viewed. For Kana, to outshine Akane here is to completely grow out of and reforge her current reputation, one which we've seen before causes a good bit of emotional difficulty. To beat current "genius" Akane is to prove she isn't just a once-famous child actress, to finally move forward. Akane likewise clearly has a very longstanding grudge against Kana, and I guess more importantly, her somewhat arrogant attitude, where beating her inherently means truly proving herself.

But you know, more fundamentally than the actual character implications, is frankly that their fighting is just a ton of fun? I don't know lol, whether it's truly Kana's *fantastic* trolling of Akane or their normal confrontational attitude, the show delivers their animosity towards each other in such an entertaining way, it's impossible to take your eyes off the screen. Certainly helped along by great character animation as well. All of which, in an in-universe sense, is actually perfect given the nature of this play calling for intense emotional acting! If Tokyo Blade is a good ol' battle shonen story, then having two people who have a genuine, competitive, and confrontational relationship with each other perfectly sells their conflict on-stage. When Kana "[Goes for the kill](https://imgur.com/a/JlT6F8O)", I think we do a great job of conveying how genuine that feels for a second, and that's built on the strength of their hostile relationship. Same for [this absolutely *gorgeous* cut of animation that shows them transforming into their characters](https://www.sakugabooru.com/data/e911f37213e092801bf746b37ca2b455.mp4), the battle on stage is very genuine, a real battle between these people, and that shows in the acting. That goes for the other conflicts as well, of course.

Also, I'd just be remiss not to mention how good Megumi Han is as Kana here. I feel like I've been highlighting VA performance for every episode lol, and admittedly, I did just forget how much star-power there was on the cast here, and indeed, Megumi Han is an excellent VA that's always great to hear, but man, you can just *tell* how fun she's having with the role here! This "[Oya, oya, maa, maa](https://imgur.com/a/jF3k30X)" lives rent-free in my brain. She sells that semi-arrogant, passive-aggressive of Kana so goddamn well, it's incredible.

Anyway, there is one more conflict here, and that's Aqua's. Superficially speaking, he's paired up against Himekawa right now, but that's not really on the personal level; rather, to beat Himekawa is to beat Aqua's conflict, the internal one he has against himself and his trauma. If Aqua can churn out emotional acting on a level in which he and Akane outshine everyone else, then he's actually moving forward from his trauma for once! Of course, it's the exact opposite if it overcomes him and he simply collapses again. I really love the sequence where we see him preparing for the play, [the room becoming fully red and his memories/emotions showing on the mirror](https://imgur.com/a/ZVfwlR0) is already such a powerful visual for showing you how intense these feelings of his get, but I also really love [pulling back out to a *flipped* reality afterwards](https://imgur.com/a/bamSMce). For a brief moment there, it's like you were literally in Aqua's stylistic emotional trauma mirror world? As he's getting over it? That's great. Time to see how well Aqua's method of acting in embracing his own darkness looks!

[](#concealedexcitement)

**Rewatcher**

The relationship between Akane and Aqua has become fascinating in light of Akane realizing the truth. Akane's perspective is a bit clearer - Aqua is the guy who literally pulled her back from the ledge, and now she knows a part of him that's he's hidden away from the world. As far as she is concerned, [they could be the only two people in the world](https://imgchest.com/p/ej7me5kz9yd).

Aqua's perspective is intriguing though, as he is cautiously opening up, as if he is testing the waters of how far this partnership could go. He lets [Akane watch some of his old acting](https://imgchest.com/p/n87wnbg6x7x) - is it because he feels more comfortable with Akane's demeanour, trusts her analysis more, or purely because she asked later? Or is it the other way around, maybe he doesn't care as much about Akane's opinion, but wants to show only the best of himself to Kana? He, of course, also casually reveals his true motive for being in the industry, and Akane lets him know that [she would go to war for him](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kkgex378) regardless of his reasons.

But for now, they settle their goal on getting good enough as a duo to rival the [eletric pairing](https://imgchest.com/p/9249kegzbyn) of Kana-Himekawa.

Speaking of rivalry, the way the Akane-Kana rivalry has been written is really compelling. I'm usually not one for shipping wars and love-triangles, but the amount of writing put into the duo's characters to contrast them against each other, not only as romantic options for Aqua, not only their personalities, but also their styles of acting, career progression, what they consider to be a good performance, how they bring out different sides of Aqua and how they also [mutually admire each other](https://imgchest.com/p/xny86wolw4b), is really really interesting. Particularly because the show also almost equally stresses the point that Aqua himself is [nowhere near a healthy mental space](https://imgchest.com/p/o24a6lvkeyl) to have a normal romantic relationship. Of course, all of that doesn't mean there is a lack of [delicious snark](https://imgchest.com/p/md7obkxxl4p).

Another big development this episode is of course [Ruby's black star](https://imgchest.com/p/6eyrnb88l7p). It seems Aqua was mistaken last episode with how much Ruby has apparently gotten over it. It makes sense in retrospect that Ruby's trigger is an issue that is more pertinent to women, becoming horrified at the thought of Aqua getting a young woman in the industry pregnant and possibly putting her on the same path as Ai. The episode also treads this particular disturbing theme somewhat throughout, with [Sakuya creeping up on Minami (and then immediately Ruby, who actually accepts his invite)](https://imgchest.com/p/qe4gq3xxk7j), with Mem and Kengo noting how Yuki and Nobuyuki wearing matching bracelets is a [greater risk for Yuki](https://imgchest.com/p/agyvnbwwk48), and with [Kengo casually noting how much Ruby stands out for her looks](https://imgchest.com/p/m9yxnb2267q) even among industry people.


1. Could be any of the above reasons I listed, or most likely all of them in some capacity. I think Aqua also can't really form a clean separation between Akane and Ai in his head, and so to him Akane might seem a bit more attractive/approachable, and maybe he himself his testing how he truly feels about her, and maybe how much he can get out of her.

2. Akane channels Ai and gets Aqua eat good hearty dinners with lots of vegetables.


Some things to note-

- Director Gotanda mentions that Aqua also collapsed in a panic attack on the set of the movie Akane watches. [The subtitles of the movie dialogue](https://imgchest.com/p/pg73oqwkg7r) tell us exactly why

- [Akane once again inflects like Ai for this one line](https://imgchest.com/p/md7obkxel4p). Interestingly, it immediately gets Aqua to open up.

- Funniest Aqua white eyes, [he is genuinely enjoying](https://imgchest.com/p/wl7lw8r334x) Kana and Akane bickering, the bastard. Speaking of which, [funniest dark eyes](https://imgchest.com/p/xny86woqw4b) too. If I was Akane I would be concerned here, this is the second time Aqua has mentioned killing people in the span of a few days.

- [Just the phrasing Akane uses in this conversation](https://imgchest.com/p/lqyelr6jm4d), knowing what she knows, and how she navigates the gravity of what Aqua revealed, is amazing. She really is astute.

- ["Hitori ni saseneeyo!"](https://imgchest.com/p/9ryd2daj64k)

And so they're over at the director's house again.

Yeah... Akane is _scary_.

And so Ruby is visiting them.

Lol Ruby so innocent.

Ok...

Ah right the legendary rivalry between Akane and Kana.

Lol right that magazine.

Lol Kana.

Lol the guys being Statler and Waldorf.

And so it's finally opening night.

So the whole cast of that show went to go watch them.

Oh no, Aqua's having a moment again.

And so it's the crucial moment, waiting backstage for their cue to go on stage and perform.

Questions:

1. He likes Akane and not Kana.
2. Planning a murder.

**Rewatcher**

Really didnt expect it to open with Akane in an apron to be cooking for Aqua a whole meal, but its so cute its like theyre already married. Its a shame hes too tsun to let her feed him.

Didnt expect Aqua to confide in her too about his actual reason for being in showbiz. Even more was for her to be supportive of it. \[s2e13\]>!As they say the couple that slays together stays together!<, or sth like that. While Aqua sure didnt expect yandere Akane, the ride-or-die really has me firmly in her camp for the Aqua bowl.

With how Kantoku is shown having so much acting experience and directing and a big part in guiding Aqua, Im surprised he isnt doing better or being an acting coach. Is Aqua his only disciple? Meanwhile Akane's heart tongue gushing over young Aqua acting. I wonder how they wouldve been like if they knew each other as kids.

\[s2e6\]>!On hindsight it makes sense Melt staying late practicing. I thought it was just to set up the whole "Aqua isnt here" thing.!< I just love pink hair's fake accent. The first time watching I thought Aqua and Akane could just be doing date stuff. Like they could just be spending time together and doesnt have to go all the way right out the gate. The whole thing with yellow hair trying to get her contact was so uncomfortable no matter how many times I watch it even knowing whats gonna happen, Im just glad Melt was there to put a stop to it.

\[s2e6\]>!Sadly the first time watching this, I was spoiled that Melt would have his own hype moment. I wonder what first timers think of the reason for his inclusion so far. I tend to forget he was in S1 if im not constantly reminded of it!< Its pretty clear Melt is the weakest cast member. But who would be second weakest? I assume probably not Lalalai since they are a theatre acting troupe and this is their domain. Meanwhile Ruby handing out her contact like that. On the rewatch it makes sense considering her lack of life experiences being in a hospital most of her life the first time round as Serina. I can see why Aqua would join the same school to keep her out of trouble.

Kana was so mean. Ordering that magazine was a whole new level of petty. What did Akane ever do to deserve this. Akane's claim to fame at something other than theater being a relationship TV reality show must really sting. And from someone who she was a huge fan of as a kid. I wonder what Akane must think of all people, its her that Kana keeps picking on. Seems like this arc Aqua is firmly supporting her, so Melt would be there for Kana to bounce off of. It helps flesh Melt out too. If Melt as a character was not in this arc, would Himekawa have fit in for that? Other than Akane, it feels like most of Lalalai doesnt really stand out, even Himekawa. Love everytime how Kana fumes in denial at the Aqua x Akane (business) relationship.

Im not too clear but is Kana's beef because Akane was considered a child genius too but is still a genius now? Or that she wasnt a child genius then but is a genius now.

The whole scene with Aqua in the dressing room with the picture of Ai \[unrelated to OnK, trigger warning\]>!reminds me a lot of bulimia, especially with him actually throwing up with a trigger!<was kind of uncomfortable. Im not too clear why he needs to do that, \[s2\]>!i assume its practice at bringing up emotions for his scene?!<

Abiko-sensei being afraid of social interaction offline despite working with the same people online is oddly relatable with the pandemic and all. Love Ruby's white jacket (the show is usually good with Kana's and Akane's wardrobe but I dont often notice Ruby). And her smug face about being a bigshot even though she isnt one. Interesting how Abiko sensei and GOA take the front seat when Miyaemon mentions how the bigshots take the back to get a clear view of the audience reaction. Seems like Abiko and GOA would rather see the play up close itself and care more about how their work is portrayed than how it is received.

Its funny how now Akane and even Ruby refers to Kantoku as Kantoku even though its been so long since Ruby was even tangentially involved in one of his projects. Miyaemon remembering Kantoku is also interesting like she knows he is an important figure in Aqua's life.

And finally the show is about to begin! Grateful for the new years break, its really hard to get the motivation to rewatch the last few episodes with nothing much going on.

1/2: I dont know why its not letting me post everything even though I'm under character count