Finally, after eight freaking episodes, we get an episode devoted solely to a character that has been treated as a minor cast member. Today was Ranko’s turn to debut, solo! I am glad that she was the first amongst the rest of the members who have yet to build up presence in the show just because of how critical it was for her to be the first. You see, all this time, everyone had misunderstood the character Ranko was enacting. The worse part is that she had no idea that everyone misunderstood her image until the Producer showed her what the project materials were, which were supposed to be based on her image. The thing is, Ranko wasn’t trying to be a Gothic Prince of Darkness ready to conquer the world or something dark of the sort- in fact, she can’t STAND horror, it is the furthest thing from her mind. What Ranko was trying to convey was a character who was a Fallen Angel. And it makes sense when you think about it because as highlighted throughout the episode, Ranko is a sweet girl who cares about her friends. She isn’t trying to “curse” anyone, but to bless them with fortune. But her intentions are lost in translations as the only one who can actually properly translate her meanings is Miria of all people.
Much to my surprise, Ranko turned out to be a cute shy girl, who needed to muster up her courage to confront the Producer and give him her grimoire which contained her concept for her debut. Once she did, and the Producer finally understood what type of character she is projecting, they went with Rosenburg Engel. However while she without a doubt is an entertaining character, this episode didn’t change too much about how I already thought of her. The only thing that has changed is that I understand her more, and appreciate her charms, but that is about it.
While Ranko owned the spotlight today, the Producer had humorous moments of his own. After the promise last week to try and loosen up and speak more casually to the girls, he makes the effort to do so, but it’s a difficult transition and sounds just plain awkward. Poor guy. But that’s his charm, his serious nature and speaking professionally is who is is. I cracked up when he announced to Ranko that he likes steak too.
There were definitely some subtle hints that may or may not have been overshadowed by what was happening this episode, but I am keeping a close eye on Miku. My gut tells me that she is going to be that character who is probably going to have one of the deepest back-stories (I could be wrong though). I was rather taken aback hearing how she wasn’t on board for the show-and-tell activity that Mio had suggested, saying how she wanted to keep work and private life separate. We also learned that she lives in the dormitory with Anya and Ranko too. But unfortunately it doesn’t look like it will be her turn just yet.
