“Ai Love Triangle”
What They Say:
Nijigasaki High School is known for its diverse subjects and the freedom they give to students. Second-year student Yu Takasaki has been turned on to the charms of school idols, so she knocks on the door of the School Idol Club with her friend, Ayumu Uehara. Sometimes friends, sometimes rivals, the members of this club each contribute their own thoughts and motivations to the group.
The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
The QU4RTZ concert was a success and has gotten everyone excited for the School Idol Festival. The School Idol Club is certainly more hyped than ever! Ai wants to have an online concert so that even people who can’t make it to the venue can enjoy the show. I think that’s a good idea. Ai also wants to try performing in a unit. I also think that’s a great idea. How about forming a unit with Karin? Nah, she prefers working alone. She likes competing with others rather than accommodating them. I don’t know about you guys but I have a feeling that she’ll change her tune. It’s a gut feeling. I’m sure she’ll have a chance encounter. Oh hey, Karin bumps into Ai and her neighbor, Misato, at the mall. She’s asked to tag along with them.
Throughout the day, Ai and Karin compete in numerous activities such as bowling and crane games. They seem to be having fun! Why isn’t Misato joining in on the fun? She reveals that she’s been in and out of the hospital lately. That would explain it. Ai shares that she used to be a shy crybaby when she was younger. That’s totally the opposite of what she is now! Misato used to play with her all the time though. Eventually, she was able to make friends and become more active. Ai has never forgotten that kindness and that’s why she wanted to return the favor. She suggested the online concert with Misato in mind. D’awww. But Misato seems to be hiding something behind her smile. Hmmm, I wonder what it could be? Elsewhere, the decision is made to combine the Cultural Festival and the School Idol Concert with Shioriko taking the lead.
Karin spots Misato looking at an “Everyday English” book. She admits that she has thought about working overseas. Karin meets up with Ai a bit later and they discuss Misato. Ai feels like something is bothering her. Karin confirms her suspicions but advises Ai not to go see her. She doesn’t listen though. Ai rushes to find her. She does eventually and they have a chat. Misato admits that Ai gave her hope while she was at the hospital. But at the same time, she became a bit sad seeing Ai doing what she wanted to do. She started to lose hope. I can understand where she’s coming from. It’s depressing seeing people accomplishing their dreams while you’re stuck in a hospital for so long. Misato proclaims that she’ll keep supporting Ai before leaving. The next day, Ai has doubts about being a school idol. Will she quit? That’s fine by Karin. She’ll just take all of her fans. Heck, she might even take Misato away from her. Ai doesn’t want that! She wants to continue being a school idol. That’s better. Ai invites Karin to perform with her at the online concert as a fellow rival competing with the same song. Karin is intrigued by this proposition and agrees to perform with her. And thus, DiverDiva is born. HYPE!
On the day of the performance, Misato regrets what she said to Ai. She wants to apologize but can’t bring herself to go to the venue. However, she does watch it online. Ai’s words before the concert move Misato to tears and she rushes to the concert. By the way, DiverDiva’s performance was great. After the concert, Misato tells Ai that her heart was moved. Watching her perform made her happy and motivated her to try her best. Maybe she will try to work overseas after all. Misato tells Karin that her goal is to become just like her. She wants to have the same friendly rivalry she has with Ai. Bring it on! The episode ends with the arrival of Shioriko’s sister!?
Please enjoy an official clip of DiverDiva performing their song “Eternal Light” from this episode!
In Summary:
This is my favorite episode of the second season so far. Is it because it was a DiverDiva episode? Absolutely! I have not hidden the fact that DiverDiva is my favorite Nijigasaki sub-unit. And they did not disappoint! To no one’s surprise, “Eternal Light” is also my favorite song from this season. What can I say? I’m just a big fan of DiverDiva songs. Also, I love Ai’s rapping. Can we have more DiverDiva episodes, please? But seriously, I think Karin and Ai are a good duo. They play off of each other well. I did sympathize with Misato. As I said, it’s tough not being able to do anything while you watch everyone around you living their dreams. You start to feel lonely and lose hope. But I am glad that she started feeling motivated again by the end of the episode. It’s hard not to be when you’ve got a friend like Ai! I can only imagine that the next episode(s) will focus on A・ZU・NA. And if we’re lucky, R3BIRTH will follow.
Grade: A-
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
