Impression:
What a pleasant episode this was. I absolutely loved that in comparison to season- the build up to this point all flows smoothly. I was especially pleased that we were able to learn a bit about Ai and Ranmaru, but Reiji himself the heart of the group who binds them together as well as Camus remains shrouded in mystery. It’s interesting though because you look at STARISH, a large group who initially didn’t get along with each other and were in different classes brought together by Haruka and they all became friends. Heck they even welcomed Cecil with open arms- that’s how much they have changed.
Then we have Quartet Night, who are basically tied together by Reiji- because he’s the one who is always encouraging his teammates to do something altogether, making him the heart of the group. This episode it was Ai and Ranmaru in particular who were drawn by STARISH and their performance ever since having heard Maji Love 1000% (cue to season 1 finale). Ai… if you read any spoilers involving his character or perhaps you had picked up some subtle hints along the lines, you will know his circumstances of why he has a heard time ‘Believing’ and ‘Feeling’. I haven’t exactly read the spoilers, but I have accidentally come across some lines pointing out about certain things- but since I am not 100% sure, I can’t straight out tell you what the answer is. I really feel for Ranmaru and I don’t blame him for not wanting to be part of a group after having been betrayed and abandoned by his original rock band members. That just sucks and left a big scar in his heart. I’m glad that he had asked Nanami (along with having helped her out when HEAVENS was getting within her personal space) about what are Friends and her answer matched with Reiji, so it gave him a lot of feels.
On the other hand, we didn’t get any background on either Camus or Reiji. I hardly expect that we will next week since the focus will be on STARISH’s performance with their career on the line, but I honestly don’t mind too much that we haven’t learned more about their characters. I feel, Ai and Ranmaru are special cases because right off the bat in the beginning neither of them were that interested in mentoring the boys they were assigned with as Camus and Reiji both immediately tackled their assignment.
Overall it was a mild episode, but you know what- I couldn’t have been happier because the last season pulled the bullshit card for the finale. I was also happy to see that HEAVENS in fact did perform and as much as I hate Eiichi and Nagi, the three of them had great vocals (I am quite a fan of Akira in particular) and I absolutely loved the song. However lets face it, their dance doesn’t even come close to the awesomeness of STARISH’s Maji Love 2000%. I mean remember how we all died within five seconds of the performance back during the first episode? BOOM, TAKE THAT HEAVENS! Anyways I look forward to the finale, this should be a fun one! I would actually be really hyped if they were to sing twice because they can’t decide between the two- but you know what, I do smell something fishy when Eiichi had mentioned, “Thing have already been settled.” I just hope that there wasn’t any backroom deal that is supposed to guarantee HEAVEN’s victory- but if there is, I will be on the edge about how it would play out all within the final episode.
Oh and can we all take a moment to appreciate Haruka’s backbone? She’s like, “Bitch move aside.” to HEAVENS (YOU GO GIRL!!!!). While she wasn’t able to make them back-off, she did at least speak up for herself. And of course, we can’t forget Cecil’s Agnadance- oh man, that was too funny!
