Anime Oshi no Ko season 2 brings a lot of explanations for the stories that happened in season 1, but the climax of the movie must be mentioned in episode 9. Hobiverse will help you summarize the content of this episode as well as give some explanations to help you understand the plot of the movie better!
Oshi no Ko season 2 anime breaks the balance of Aqua and Ruby's duration
From the very beginning, Oshi no Ko has had two parallel stories. It is both a horror and revenge drama set in the Japanese entertainment industry, and it also tells the story of the bright and dark sides of the entertainment industry. The story follows the search for Aqua Hoshino's father (who may have been involved in the death of his mother Ai Hoshino). Both he and his younger sister Ruby pursue their own career paths. Ruby dreams of succeeding her mother as a legendary idol, while Aqua reluctantly pursues acting. In general, both have equal "stages" and importance in the plot, but in the Oshi no Ko Anime Season 2, this balance is broken by the Tokyo Blade Arc.
Ruby has taken a backseat for most of the current episodes, as the anime focuses almost entirely on Aqua and his two love interests, Akane Kurokawa and Kana Arima. This episode not only shows their growth as actors, but also teases their personal scandals. Episode 9, titled "Dream," ends with a dramatic moment of Aqua's self-awareness.
The film reflects many factors truthfully.
In the Oshi no Ko season 2 anime, the Tokyo Blade arc serves two main purposes. First, it sheds light on how 2.5D stage plays are made, highlighting the creative differences and inevitable difficulties that come with making adaptations. Second, it reflects on the main cast of the anime by focusing on Melt Narushima, Akane, and Kana's struggles with their artistic shortcomings and personal insecurities.
Following the dramatic ending of the previous episode, episode 9 also focuses on Aqua, as he loses himself in his acting method. This not only creates one of the most touching and tragic moments of Oshi no Ko, but also helps viewers see the rare vulnerable side of Aqua, who is usually cold and aloof.
Aqua has been a major player throughout Oshi no Ko, but it wasn't until episode 9 of the Oshi no Ko season 2 anime that he actually got an episode of his own. Despite being the main character, Aqua has spent most of his time pulling the strings behind the scenes. For example, the mystery behind Ai's murder, the artistic journeys of the other characters, and the plot itself have all played out according to Aqua's schemes. Everything that has happened so far has either fueled Aqua's revenge or benefited him in some way.
It was only in the episode "Dream" that Aqua was able to be unconditionally true to himself. Furthermore, the episode portrayed him as more of an emotionally broken teenager than the cold and calculating genius that the audience usually sees. This was by far the most growth and introspection Aqua had gotten, and also the most memorable scene in season 2.
Aqua finally achieves his own form of self-discovery through emotional acting, which requires honesty and includes emotions he would rather hide. Even if he forgives himself and properly mourns Ai through a stage play, it is still a big step for Aqua.
This self-realization is beautifully and tragically portrayed through the episode's direction, animation, and acting. The back and forth between the ending of Tokyo Blade, Aqua's important childhood memories, and his personal worldview is skillfully edited. The self-loathing and eventual self-forgiveness between Aqua's three selves (teen self, young self, and previous self, Gorou Amamiya) is the emotional climax of the episode, and it's brought to life by the stellar performances of the voice actors.
Points that make fans dissatisfied with Anime Oshi no Ko season 2, episode 9
The next two acts of "Dream" are dedicated to ending the Tokyo Blade Arc and setting up the next act. While it's clear that this is meant to advance the plot, it's still a shame that Aqua wasn't given an entire episode to overcome her fears and grow as an emotional person. This is also somewhat frustrating for his fans when compared to Episode 6, "Growth," which spent its entire runtime exploring the hidden depths and talents of Melt, who was essentially a side character.
Longer or additional scenes dedicated to Aqua's identity crisis and self-loathing may not advance the plot, but they would deepen his character and make him more endearing to the audience. This would also make the tug-of-war in his mind between enjoying his second life in the present or continuing to let the pain of his past take over more meaningful.
Anyway, the ending of Tokyo Blade Arc was quite good. The other cast members, even Ruby who was not involved in the Arc, had a better sense of self. Likewise, it was heartwarming to see the creators of the play finally breathe a sigh of relief. It was also the calm before the storm, the shocking plot of the episode.
The Oshi no Ko anime season 2 is not where Aqua really shines, but Hobiverse believes that the author has his own way to help the anime become more popular. And you, what do you think about the personality change of the character Aqua Hoshino?
