Oshi No Ko – Season 2 Episode 8 Recap & Review

Trigger

Episode 8 of Oshi No Ko Season 2 begins with Melt and Kamoshida performing in the Tokyo Blade Stage Around Play. Then, we cut away to Kana discussing her recent performance with Akane with Taiki. Kana argues why she chose to serve as a coordinator for Akane, Taiki, and the others.

After Taiki discusses his glasses debacle with Kana, Kana asks him why he’s examining the play’s script. Taiki says he’s reading the script because he’s afraid Akane will defeat them in the next scene. However, Taiki plans to insert some ad-libbing in the next scene and asks Kana to “playoff” that technique. 

Kana promises to do so. Eventually, Aqua and Taiki perform their scene together. Taiki wants Aqua to give it his all, but internally, Aqua refuses and states why. Then, we see two other performers discussing Aqua’s strategy. Although the male performer lists why Aqua’s acting strategy is brilliant, he lists why it’s not. 

Then, Akane and Kana enter the fold. Kana falls into Aqua’s arms and learns Aqua’s ad-libbing. Then, Aqua continues following the script and Kana acknowledges Aqua’s ability to play off other performers. Then, we receive a spiritual scene between the two. During this scene, Kana realizes Aqua wants her to reclaim the spotlight and abandon the coordinator role. 

Then, we receive several scenes of Kana’s past. Kana narrates these scenes. She informs audiences about her mother’s dreams, what she achieved because of Kana’s success, and what happened between her, Kana, and her husband when Kana’s fame dwindled. 

Kana’s mother’s emotional decline enticed Kana to find ways to survive in the entertainment world. Also, Kana says Taishi’s words made her realize that adults favor actors and actresses who are easy to work with rather than those with sheer acting talent. This encouraged Kana to act in a way that would be in line with others. 

After some encouraging words from Aqua, Kana returns to her old acting habits. Aqua, Akane, and several others acknowledge Kana’s presence on stage. Aqua argues he’s different compared to Kana and Akane. Then, Akane performs her self-sacrifice scene for the play and falls to the ground. Aqua kneels before Akane.

We receive several flashbacks featuring Aqua, Akane, and Taishi. Taishi discusses panic attacks with Aqua and knows Aqua has a sense of guilt about Ai’s death. Moreover, Taishi has a hunch Aqua’s acting solely to exact revenge on someone. Aqua confirms Taishi’s suspicions. Taishi tells Aqua he must suffer while he performs.

In the present timeline, Aqua demonstrates this style of acting on stage. Taiki disarms Aqua and Aqua bites Taiki, much to everyone’s shock. The episode ends with Aqua stating that acting equals revenge in his eyes. 

The Episode Review

Doga Kobo Studios continues adapting Aka Akasaka’s beloved manga to brilliant effect. This episode looked fabulous from the character’s authentic movements to the gut-wrenching themes tackled within Kana and Aqua’s specific segments. The animation and sound department deserves praise for giving this part of Akasaka’s tale love. 

That aside, fans will enjoy receiving more intel on why Kana deserted the spotlight. From Kana’s mother’s grievances to the words Taishi shared with Kana, it makes sense for Kana to tackle acting more selflessly. Many folks who let go of their goals for others’ sake will resonate with Kana’s decision here. 

Aqua’s segment provided similar depth and emotion. However, others may argue that Aqua’s dilemma felt rushed. While the beats covered were gripping and informative, Doga Kobo Studios should’ve drawn out that segment more or saved it for episode 9. That way, it’d give Aqua’s tale more weight to it.

But all in all, Oshi No Ko Season 2 remains a solid continuation (so far)!