Kageki Shoujo Episode 12: Sources of Passion

An interesting semifinal episode.

Don’t worry. There’s a good reason I’m showing this.

So it was Ayako’s turn to try out for the role of Juliet. Like last time she had little confidence in herself despite her hidden talent. Also like last time she had a solid reason besides lacking confidence. In a flashback we met her and a guy she had a crush on. Again don’t worry. She hoped to use her family pastries to win brownie points with him.

However, it turned out he had his eyes on a girl most guys liked and semi-jelly girls wondered what the big deal was about her, Asuka Yano. The interesting part was who Asuka stared at while Ayako’s group gossiped about her. Later Asuka rejected the guy and Ayako hoped this was her chance but alas she got shot down…or as sad kids today like to say, “friendzoned”.

Back in the present before their turn came up Ayako told Best Girl Sawa to not get too upset if she ended up not doing a good job. She’s about to tell the others the same but Sawa’s like “No need for that.” Ayako’s like “But I have no experience with love. I never had a boyfriend nor has any guy called me cute before”. Sawa countered “I never hated anyone before either but I’ll still give it my all to earn the role of Tybalt. All you have to do is remember your training. So chin up cutie pie! You got this!” Again Best Girl showing she didn’t need a backstory to improve her character because she’s already awesome.

Anyway the most important takeaway from their conversation wasn’t just Sawa’s encouraging words but Ayako recalling someone calling her cute before. It wasn’t until her turn to audition came up when she remembered.

It’s about fucking time we got one of these. This is a frickin’ Stage Girls anime. There had to have been AT LEAST ONE. Ai’s currently at “maybe” but Asuka definitely wanted Ayako’s taco and that’s exactly what motivated her to put on an excellent performance at the audition. Her biggest fan, that passionate teacher, couldn’t have been happier.

Guess the closest we got to hints of a Best Girl backstory was her being a prima ballerina and she played the Black Swan. Wonder if she had a yuri illusion too? Her Tybalt was obviously fantastic, motivated by her #1 giant raivaru.

Speaking of said giant…

I originally planned on typing a very long paragraph rant but instead I’ll keep it simple. This has “Have to, not want to” written all over it. If the Sarasa and Boy thing was irrelevant to me before, after the conversation Sarasa overheard between him and big bro it’s even less so. Let me put it this way, I’m not a fan of relationships based on dated traditions. I’m sure there will be defenders or sympathizers but as far as I’m concerned any kind of spark between them is long gone and I couldn’t give less Fs anymore.

Back in the present it’s Sarasa’s turn at bat for the role of Tybalt and there’s a surprise Romeo taking the stage, Phantom-Sensei himself.

First half was good, second was blah. I assume the next episode is the anime season finale so that will determine whether this show gets a G-View or Quickie.