This episode obviously puts the spotlight on Takane, which is one of my favorite idols aside from Azusa and Chihaya not because of her looks, but her mysterious personality.
Ever since we got introduced to her, everything about her was mysterious because it’s a secret. Even so, she intrigued me since she could outsmart everyone who played tricks and is extremely polite. Also, her singing voice sounded excellent from listening to her recorded tracks of “Flower Girl” (フラワーガール) and “Wind Flower” (風(かざ)花(はな)). I have to admit that she slightly edges out Chihaya’s singing talent because of Hara Yumi’s (Takane’s voice actor) singing voice has a broader range compared to the latter that sound somewhat rough in few of the other songs (for example: Chihaya’s version of “MEGARE!”). This practically makes any song she sings sound perfect without being out-of-place. At the end of the day, both of these girls still sound great in my opinion, especially when they sing songs that fit their characters.
Sadly, 961 Productions aren’t satisfied and want to launch another attack on 765 Productions. Don’t they have enough pleasure from almost getting Hibiki kicked off her own show and upsetting Makoto? Now they want to have the paparazzi to stalk Takane just so they can write tabloid about something that isn’t true? Man, when they are going to give up! You know that the Producer is going to outsmart his attempts, so why bother? Thankfully, Takane outwitted the paparazzi, even though she kind of slipped up. She eventually gives justice by arresting him while wearing a policewomen’s outfit at a police ceremony and it was great. After all this, she managed to crack some humor that made me laugh and I have to admit that the outfit she wore looked pretty on her.
On the other hand, it seemed that Kuroi had another plan up his sleeves after Takane spoiled his plans. As you might have known, Chihaya has been pretty cheerful up until Episode 16. From there, things gradually go south, especially at the festival as something reminded her of a childhood memory. Apparently, the paparazzi took a picture of her fighting with her mother at the cemetery and use it against her in a despicable tabloid article. When she read it, it caused her to become very upset and suddenly lose her ability to sing. When I saw this happen, not only this saddened me, but it also enraged me because this was a personal matter and clearly, Kuroi crossed the line. I just wanted to get some cinder blocks and throw them at his house for revenge. Either way you look at this, it won’t go well for her and she will need a lot of support from the Producer and Haruka to mend the damage 961 Productions caused and resolve her family problems so she can return to her cheerful self.
Despite the unforgivable actions the scumbag Kuroi did, this episode was very satisfying. Sure, we didn’t learn much about Takane, but she was still a majestic woman who is true to her own words. Not only that, her family is proud of her for becoming a successful idol. For that, she should be proud of herself and everyone else.
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