Wake Up, Girls! Episode 2
EmperorBrandon: Yep, that was a really undignified stage Sudou got them, leaving things feeling very uncomfortable, pretty much as expected. Miyu is right. This is not true “fanservice”. And that’s what was unexpected about this episode. Wasn’t expecting all the wonderful Miyu development. Was so sweet getting to see her perform in front of her closely-knit group of fans in the end, and I like that it was ultimately them, and not prodding on the part of the other Wake Up Girls, that could really encourage her to go even further.
Not sure how I feel about Tange coming back all of the sudden. I was wondering if Matsuda was going to be able to do anything on his own, and we didn’t really get to see any of that. Who knows if she’s going to run off of them again. I think they need to be prepared…
Hitsugi Amachi: Tange has problems, but she’s still far more capable than Matsuda is. He doesn’t seem to know the first thing about being a manager. It is a problem though, as you pointed out, that she has a tendency to run off leaving a mess behind her. A tricky situation.
bctaris: I really like that Tange’s been brought back into the story. It feels just slightly less conventional than you would expect in this kind of show. As a character, I appreciate her quite a lot–showing with a little more realism than, say, Idolm@aster, that, no, you really can’t just make it on honesty and good intentions alone in this kind of business. You need a strong-willed, connected, manager–and for an even more compelling portrayal, that despite that need there is a downside to that kind of personality also having the tendency of being ego-manically self-interested. I was a little worried in the first half, too, not just that the show was going to have the girls actually go through all of that only to lick their wounds afterward, but that this was how everything would go, with likable, well-intentioned, hardworking, naive Matsuda running things from one embarrassing-but-somehow-character-building moment to another, more honest, but pretty well just using the exact same template as Idolm@aster.
Instead, in a genre of shows where we’re supposed to care the most about one of the girls (Kaya still rocks, but I’ll add her equally pragmatic pairing, Yoshino), Tange’s a terrific character. This show has real potential now, to take a more practical, instead of triumphant, look at the brutal idol industry. Will depend, as others also point out, on how the I-1 melodrama will be handled.
Sensuifu: Definitely a more realistic approach at portraying the industry. I haven’t seen Idolm@ster, though I’m curious to how you’ll compare WUG to a show like White Album. Not sure if you’ve seen it or not, but that was another series that didn’t have anything particularly ‘upbeat’ about idol life (despite mainly focusing on a couple instead of an entire group). Although that’s probably not the best comparison as WA is probably closer to Macross Plus as far as focusing on individual idols go. Definitely a stark contrast to more genki, glittery shows like AKB0048 or Aikatsu for that matter. I still think all these shows owe it to Jem though.
—
Hitsugi Amachi: It’s interesting how they’re not shying away from the seamier side of show business. It’s not all packed concerts in large arenas with worshipful fans. At the lower tiers, it’s pretty rough and very ugly in some places.
Gildor: I am glad they are showing what happens at the lower end. I want to see the trials and tribulations the girls go through to be a success. Of course I do want them to be a success by the end, I’d just like to see the process (as long as they can keep the melodrama down to manageable levels – which they have so far).
The whole interaction with Sudo and the “health club” scenes were definitely painful to watch. Matsuda really needs to man up and defend the girls when they need it. I guess he still has to learn when the girls have to just tough it out and when they are in an inappropriate situation and need assistance. Hopefully Tange will be around long enough to teach him that before she flakes out again (which I am expecting sooner or later). Actually, I have to say Matsuda was showing signs of doing the right thing, he just needs to learn when he has to follow through.
Miyu being encouraged by her fans at the cafe was very touching. A nice ending after all the awkwardness in the first part of the episode.
stardf29: The first half was definitely painful to watch, but strangely worth it to see Tange return and give Sudo a good what-for.
Yeah, not quite sure how I feel about her return, but it looks like she and Yoshino have some kind of agreement to keep her from bailing again. And yeah, Matsuda really ought to grow a pair, so to speak.
Past that, this was much better. Especially the moment with Miyu in front of her strange little family at the maid cafe (because that’s really the feel I got from them). If there can be more of those moments, I think this show can turn out well.
Nork22: Yeah… the first part of it you know it didn’t feel right, and their show was essentially exploiting both their inexperience and naivety. I’m partly glad that the president was there when it happen and beat the living snot out of Sudo, but as expected, the group are really hesitant about her. At least to make amends, they got a regular spot on local TV so that’s a good thing. Also it’s nice to see some character growth with Miyu and how supportive her fans were. Mayu seems to wish she had fans like that after her “graduation” from I-1.
Also amused that they used the Nyaruko 2nd OP again.
hpulley: Really enjoyed that episode! Glad the girls put their foot down and the manager being there was perfect though she still has a lot of explaining to do.
So heartwarming for Miyu to be cheered on by her little group of fans in the maid cafe.
Enjoying the more realistic idol show still. After the preview last week I was worried that it would be cringe-worthy but they actually did it well.
—
Hitsugi Amachi: They seem to be setting up some fireworks in the future with I-1’s appearance in Sendai. Otherwise, why keep cutting away from the main girls to showcase it?
