Those were some epic trolling moments this episode, but to think they all fit into the grand scheme of things makes it all work out.
It really isn't much of an understatement to say that Reina's play in the second audition kicked the band up a gear, with everyone dead set on improving to a level that Taki wants, if not to complement Reina. I give my compliments solely to Reina though, because I highly doubt that Taki intended for that to happen.
Kumiko needs praise for her dedication to improvement, though that tunnel-vision nearly took her out via heatstroke and dehydration. Seeing someone do a great job, and understanding the hours that they put in to achieve said great job, really does serve as motivation for yourself to improve. For Kumiko, who'd been half-assing her play since middle-school, this was probably the first ever push in her life where she really felt an urge to match Reina's level of dedication. The urge half-backfired on her, because she didn't pace herself on her practices and ended up with a bloody nose.
Still, throughout all of it she finally realized her one true love: Eupho-kun! For her, whose been playing with Eupho-kun for around six years, this realization was probably as much a surprise to herself as it was to everyone around her. But her declaration, several times this episode I might add, says it all. She love Eupho-kun truly, madly, deeply XD
Taki was such a troll this episode, I understand exactly what he was trying to do when he told Asuka to play the part solo. He was trying to let the rest of the band understand the exact sound that he wanted during that part, whilst expecting for Kumiko to practice to improve well enough to be able to play that part like Asuka did (as she promised him to do).
I would put it down to his "Genius" ways, but he did a poor job in explaining to Kumiko and everyone else exactly why he pulled her off that part. Taki is a nice enough guy, but he still has issues with explaining his decisions to the band members. He might need some lessons in social skills and teenage psychology here, cause his off-handed decision was obviously devastating for Kumiko, who had practiced long and hard to get the part right, only to be told that she no longer had to play it during Band practice anymore.
It only really worked out in the end because of the phone incident, which allowed Kumiko to have some one-on-one time with Taki, but after this I feel like even Kumiko understands Taki better for it. But seriously, it was a half episode long troll by Taki there.
Natsuki and Yuuko.... there's seriously something going on with those two. After the hugs and ear blows last episode, these two have basically gone from enemies to frienemeis (mostly due to Natsuki's playful nature). Highly enjoyed the Natsuki troll there. It made me laugh out loud.
Then we have Reina, who finally admits to her own fault of being smug and haughty prior to the second audition. She didn't have too many meaningful scenes this episode, but her apology to Kaori and Yuuko really stood out. She finally realized through the second audition that talent alone won't win the her friends or respect that she needed to be acknowledged. I personally think this was a great development for her in the social dynamics of the band. She won't be ostracized for her talent any longer. It felt like a wall was finally being torn down there.
Kumiko trolled her hard in the end though, with the cryptic off-handed remark about meeting up with Taki alone after school. Kumiko's focus was obviously to tell her that she was finally understanding Taki's methods for the band a little more, and that she felt great motivation to improve to her level, but the only thing ringing in Reina's ears at the end was "I was ALONE with TAKI-sensei UNTIL JUST NOW". Good job Kumiko, you got her real good.
Excited for the final episode and the Competition. As much as I abhor the Hetero vs Yuri war going on, I would love to have a second season to watch how the band develops further. Would love to see the moment Hazuki actually becomes good enough to join the other three.
Oh, and Midori didn't get many closeups this episode, but she's still cute as a pickle in every shot she appeared! |