AKB0048 09 – 10
Embracing Summer with a beach episode!~
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Now, on to AKB … I mixed things up a little bit this week and used less pictures for an easier viewing experience. If you want to see the pics just open up the spoilers underneath each section! |
The Takamina / Kanata Dynamic
As a character Takamina has seen some of most extreme changes of all the AKB idols. She’s gone from the encouraging, confident older sister-type character to slightly desperate and overreaching, and more recently in episode 9, frustrated and determined. It’s strange how even the smallest bit of competition can change a person, and despite her initial spirited conviction even Takamina is affected by the presence of a possible threat.
Once again I’m torn on my feelings towards her actions this week. One side of me wants to cheer her on for working up the strength to perform in such a physically demanding concert, but the other side of me is angry at her for ripping that glimmer of opportunity right from under Kanata’s feet. Sure, the position was always hers to begin with, but the way she handled the situation was what rubbed me the wrong way. While I don’t throw my full respect behind Takamina, I do admire her persistence and aforementioned determination. She shouldn’t worry about losing her position anytime soon because she clearly has the skills and star-power required even if the Kirara don’t necessarily agree.
My full respect goes behind Kanata however, who has dealt with a rather contentious personality for some time now without ever losing her cool. The way she went and picked up Takamina after the performance without a hint of negative opinion says a lot about her character, and it reminds of the way Takamina used to be. It’s a bit of a role reversal that reveals more reason for the Kirara’s choice in naming Kanata the future successor. Everything went back to “normal” in episode 10 thankfully, with Kanata’s childish and adorable admiration returning and Takamina becoming cheerful again. Also, I SHIP IT.
TakaNata SHIPSPAM
The Disappearing Center Nova
Brought back into light this week by Yuuko was the disappearing act of the former, and final, center Acchan. The mystery surrounding her sudden vanishing has led to a lot of discord within the cast. On one side is Tsubasa, the former Mariko, who was dancing alongside Acchan when it all went down. Her true intentions were revealed this week, to find the truth behind Acchan’s fate. Resistance towards promoting a new Center is also supported by the second prior holder of the position, Minami. All hints lead towards an unfortunate possibility, that the Center Nova is much more than just the leader of AKB0048 and in likelihood is a very risky position among the group. Why else would Minami feel the need to run away? But what exactly does this mean for Acchan?
It’s still up in the air at this point. I can see a couple different scenarios, such as Acchan having been promoted to a much higher and more powerful position within the AKB faction (sensei-sensei, perhaps?) or she lost the influence of the Kirara. Whatever the truth is, the possibility remains that the Center Nova position could have some very dangerous consequences, which is where Yuuko comes into the picture. Her determination, while admirable, seems a bit misguided. She witnessed the disappearance of Acchan and still wishes to take the position. Is it bravery, or is it recklessness? Maybe it’s simply a prideful resolve? Whatever her reasons, I found Yuuko to be a bit childish this week in the way she talked to Tsubasa. She’s knowingly breaking rules, which is not the first time she’s done so, and was undeservingly blaming Tsubasa in some ways.
Gah, I want to know more! Who would have thought AKB would have such a ominous mystery thrown into the story. Can we get Oreki thrown into this for some help, perhaps? I imagine Acchan’s fate won’t turn out to be something bad in any way because the show is surprisingly lighthearted when it comes to resolving plot lines. A happy ending seems likely, but we shall see!~ More worrisome however is the likelihood that Nagisa or Chieri will end up fulfilling the position. Minami/Tsubasa pointed out in their conversation how bright the Kirara shined when they were together. Yuuka might have a rival.
BEACH PICTURE DUMP.
DAT CONCERT.
I was complaining some time ago that I felt the show had an odd lack of music and performances for a music themed show, but in episode 9 we not only got one of the futuristic concerts we’re used to seeing from AKB0048, but a second more down-to-earth performance by the up and coming girls of the 77th and 75th generation, as well as minor distraction concert mid-episode.
Despite the lack of flashy animation and seizure inducing strobe lights, the final performance led by Nagisa, Chieri, Orine, and Yuuka without a doubt the highlight of my viewing experience. Not only is it beautifully sung, but the lyrics connect almost perfectly with the story of the characters and their abundance of warm emotions. They’re the four that started this tale of weird musical suppression, and it was touching to see them together singing with the same powerful emotion that inspired them however many years ago as kids. Even more powerful was the scene of the four local girls being encouraged to the point of hearts showing up in their own eyes, possibly indicating that they’ll also be AKB idols in the future.
The other big performance was entertaining as well, in an entirely different way. The liveliness of the music and the choreography were fun to watch and even more enjoyable to listen to. It’s no wonder their singing brought such excitement to that town!~
Concert Picspam
~ Weekly Idol Ranking ~
#1: Suzuko Kanzaki |
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Suzuko impressed me the most this week. Leave it to the megane to be more insightful then anyone in the cast. I love that she helped Makoto improve her confidence by erm, squeezing her into that bathing suit. At the same time she also encouraged her by letting her know her body is perfectly fine as it is and that fake changes weren’t necessary at all. Suzuko is like the quiet supporter, always positive and never judgmental, and I think that makes her perfect for the manager role she’s going after. |
#2: Makoto Yokomizo |
| Makoto, you hilarious girl, you! If she had more confidence she’d probably be a big hit, but at the same time I think it’s that “grumpy” (as Sonata would put it) personality that gives her a unique charm. |
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#3: Kanata Shinonome |
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I think I’ve written enough about Kanata by now for you to know why she’s on my list this time. (I feel like I put her on my list every week …) One thing I hadn’t mentioned were the “d’awwws” I let out when she put on that AKB uniform. Only to have it ripped away by that hag, I mean … Takamina. I SHIP THEM ANYWAY DON’T HATE ME. |
Final Observations:
- Minami had the diamond in her hair/eyes just like Tsubasa, pretty much confirming that all graduated girls have the same change. I prefer the hearts. :3
- Suzuko’s reason for joining AKB0048 wasn’t to become an idol, but to become like Tsubasa and manage the girls. That seems like an odd goal, so I wonder if the Kirara would even choose a girl if she has her eyes set on the manager, not the idol.
- Beach episode done right? I would argue so. I’m somewhat disappointed that my favorite character, Makoto, got such weak development in her “focus” episode. She was hilarious as expected though, so I can’t complain!
POWUH: iLurker with 19 comments
I think it’s a bit unfair to compare Takamina’s and Kanata’s behavior in episode 9. After all Takamina has a lot more pressure on her shoulders because she knows about the kirara of succession and such. Kanata knows nothing about this so she has less reasons to be bitter.
Bottom line is, I don’t think episode 9 proves Kanata is a better person, or rather a better Takamina, than Takamina the 5th. We don’t know how Kanata would react if she was in Takamina’s place after all.
On another note, I think my theory of a double Center Nova is becoming true, what with Kirara going off the chart when Chieri and Nagisa were close together….
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Oh no I agree with you 100%! The amount of pressure on Takamina was beyond anything any of the other girls has experienced. I suppose what I was trying to get across what that I’m just disappointed in the way Takamina handled the pressure and by no means do I think she’s a worse person for it. In truth it shows a very human side to Takamina, and that the current idols are just as vulnerable as the rookies. Like you said, their positions at that time were hardly comparable.
Good point! I wonder how Yuuka will take that though. ><'
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
It’s as though if there are any former idols around who haven’t disappeared, they are either in the staff supporting it or doing something along the line that has something to do with AKB0048. The lady photographer seems to be sort of a yuri fan. She made a great choice pairing Nagisa and Chieri together. I strongly recommend yuri goggles even though they may risk breaking from intense levels.
Props to Makoto for always trying to turn her short comings into her advantanges like showing off her jellyfish stung chest. I didn’t think anybody could come up with such a thing. Crazy boob logic. LOL. It does not compute.
Suzuko’s motives for joining were weird but at least a lot more insight was put into her account because out of the other characters, she was the one left out the most.
It’s becoming increasingly interesting with the mystery behind the Kirara and the means of succession. Mostly the part regarding the Center Nova disappearances, something that Tsubasa (the former Mariko) witnessed first-hand. The interesting twist here is that despite being privy to 00’s secrets, Tsubasa is just as clueless as the rest of the cast with regards to this particular mystery.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
AKB ties seem to run deep, I guess escaping their past idol career is a tough thing to do if they all end up back where they started in a sense! As for the yuri, it was inevitable, so many possible pairings here! That photographer had the right idea. XD
That boob logic was just … insane, even for anime standards. I don’t even know how she stood up with falling forwards. I agree on Suzuko, she really needed that development since she was falling behind in terms of character progression. I still feel as though Yuka is in the background a bit too much as well considering she was one of the starting 4.
Tsubasa at least has access to that Kirara shrine-place at least! It’s strange that she hasn’t found out more yet. (I’m most curious about Sensei-Sensei at the moment!) I get the feeling this mystery will slowly start unwinding in the next few episodes though.