User blog:Staraptor Kwan/Aikatsu Stars! Episode 9 Review: Who doesn't want DAT taiyaki?

Usually, when one mentions the word "filler" in the anime community, one can't help but moan and groan in anticipation of boring filler that barely contributes to the main plot. This episode however, proves to be a good exception to that assumption, and for good reason.

Mr Jin Norizuki clone is brooding in his lair of evil as usual when a new character enters his office. Hikaru seems surprised at her sudden appearance, and she states that it has been a while since they met, but before their relationship can be elaborated further, the scene cuts to Yume and Koharu over at the cafeteria wondering about their choice of lunch.



Then, the duo overhear a man offering free taiyaki. Needless to say, the prospect of free food entices them both, and pretty soon the Ichigo part of Yume is savouring dat fine taiyaki when she spots a piece of paper stuck inside of it. A quick glance shows that the word "winner" is inscripted on it. Turns out that Yume just won the lottery to represent Four Star Academy at some sort of contest, and it appears that Laura has got one piece as well.

Anna's on site to help explain what's going on: it turns out that they made it into the Koukadou Audition, which is sponsored by a famous local confectionery with the same name. Said company plans on picking a new girl for their Happy Koi-Koi Konpeito Campaign, and the currently outgoing incumbent is none other than Yuzu herself, which isn't all that surprising given the preview had her appear in it.

On the day of the audition, the duo find themselves surrounded by eighteen other students in pairs. One pair that stands out, however are two girls in yellow tracksuits and with (wow!) imaginative hairstyles. Their names are Naho and Ayumi (I'm getting flashbacks to Corpse Party here) and they proceed to act like they are shoo-ins for their "eventual" victory as well as insulting Yume. Ugh...

One thing that intrigues me that both Naho and Ayumi state that they are Shiny Academy idol students. That fact alone confirms the existence of other idol academies in this universe; however their early introduction, while proving to be a reliable driving point for this epsiode's narrative, seems quite unnecessary for the long term. After all, given BNP's track record of conjuring up random idol academies for no apparent reason, it's unlikely that Shiny Academy might play a huge role within this season's storyline, due to Yotsuboshi Academy being the main setting.

They are interrupted by the same lady who appeared in Hikaru's office; her name is Kaoru Koumoto, and it is revealed that she's the president of Koukadou. Kaoru states that she's looking for an idol full of miracles ('''hence the title of this episode). '''Yuzu then takes the stage with her usual playful self, and proceeds to launch the first stage: a true or false challenge related to her personal attributes.

The first question is about Yuzu's choice of dinner for the previous night. The first random girl predictably guesses wrong and gets eliminated via mud facepalm. Second question involves Yuzu's personal spinning record, and said person to take up the challenge is none other than Laura, who thanks to her uncontested intellect  picks the correct answer. Third question is... about whether Yuzu sleeps with a cat plushie during bedtime. Given Yuzu's feline motif, yes would be the logical answer, but Yume decides to luck it out and to everyone's surprise, the answer is no (What does Yuzu sleep with then? Teddy bears?), meaning that she passes on to the next round alongside with Laura. Guess she got lucky!



Said next round involves your customary Aikatsu obstacle course with it's fair share of usual throwbacks, notably in the form of volleyballs being sent flying at the direction of any remaining contestants, only that this time automated octopus cannons are doing the deed instead of a certain groundskeeper turned teacher.This time it's Yume's turn to shine, as she shows off her volleyball skills that we learnt about in Episode 3 with panache, which manages to impress even Laura.



Meanwhile, the Shiny Academy duo reach the edge of the bank ahead of everyone else and it's announced that only four pairs remain in the audition. However, our heroines manage to catch up after going through some gruelling physical courses, which also serves as a sign of their improved stamina levels. They reach a bridge where they need to cross, and that's when the big reveal happens: Laura has acrophobia. Even as Laura tries to deny it, Yume comforts and encourages her to carry on because she will be by her side.

As Yume guides a reluctant Laura across the bridge, they come across Naho and Ayumi, both who apparently share Laura's fear as well-although they are quick to deny it and state they are just "resting". Once again, thanks to Yume's natural cheerfulness and leadership, everyone manages to get across safe and sound. With that said, both Yume and Laura manage to take the lead at last.

It's simple yet heartwarming moments like this that sheds light on one of this episode's strongest points: both Yume's and Laura's strengths and weaknesses are well-balanced against each other in two completely different scenarios. By doing so, both Yume and Laura get a chance to show off their best traits while revealing a weakness that forces them to rely on each other for advice and assistance, thus strengthening their bonds even further. Also, both of their interactions are reminiscent of their predecessor's solid friendship; at certain points it almost feels like you're watching Ichigo and Aoi again just like in the good old days.

At the last leg of the challenge, they find themselves up against the infamous "wall from hell". Laura tries to keep up with Yume but tumbles to the ground; the Shiny Academy duo take this chance to retain their lead. Once again, Yume goes to the extreme to support her friend. Literally speaking, for she piggybacks her BFF all the way up to the top. Now that's what you call super strength.



Yume's determination is so astonishing that even both Naho and Ayumi are mesmerized to the point where the remaining contestants give them the slip. Fortunately for both Yume and Laura, as the former nearly slips and tumbles down, the Shiny Academy duo are there to grasp Yume's hand and ultimately pull them up to safety, mainly as grateful payback due to Yume being there for them during the bridge section.

After both pairs predictably make it into the final round, Kaoru congratulates them then explains that the final pair will be determined by...rock paper scissors. Naturally, Yume's luck wins the day for her and Laura, and once again attempt one more round to determine the winner...a round that is repeated into the evening no thanks to goodness knows how many draws. And so once again, the victor will be decided via the traditional format of idol stage performances.

This means that for the first time in this series, Yume will be competing with Laura on stage, thus giving more development to their friendly rivalry. Sounds great and all, and both of their performances would have been a really great opportunity to cap off a great episode...were it not for the fact that BNP put out TWO recycled performances in the form of Aikatsu Step (Laura) and even worse, Heart Skips (Yume). Yeah, it's a filler episode so that was to be expected, but...ugh, I don't even want to talk about it.

With both of their performances over (the latter nearly burnt my eardrums), and to my delight, the votes are tallied in Laura's favour, meaning that she takes over Yuzu's position as this year's Miracle Girl. Despite her loss, Yume perks up and congratulates Laura while mentioning that she couldn't have made it this far without Laura's help. Laura reciprocates her feelings as well, thus cementing their friendship even further, as was this episode's intention.

Oh, speaking of which, a few days later the main trio are seen watching the new Miracle Felici-Taiyaki commercial, where Yuzu is seen tasting and complimenting on the flavour of the new taiyaki, then the scene shifts to.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA OMG HAHAHAHAHAHAHA DAT OUTFIT AND DAT SONG HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA........Laura, you definitely are the best there is-"chokes with laughter"...MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Verdict:

The Good: ​The Bad: ​Score: 6.9/10
 * Yume's and Laura's friendship is explored and strengthened by balancing both of their strengths and weaknesses against each other.
 * The introduction of many new characters provides an opportunity for future storylines involving them.
 * Awesome nostalgic throwbacks; at certain times it's almost as if Ichigo and Aoi were there instead of Yume and Laura themselves.
 * A lot of heartwarming moments occur between Yume and Laura.
 * DAT. TAIYAKI. OUTFIT. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
 * Shiny Academy's early introduction seems too sudden; it's almost as if it was established to further the narrative of this episode rather than contribute for the long term duration of this season.
 * Need I elaborate any further about those two perfomances?

Conclusion

'''Episode 9: Miracle Girls is one heartwarming story that develops the friendship between Yume and Laura extremely well while introducing new characters who may or not be instrumental to the plotline of the series, as well as giving older viewers more nostalgic throwbacks reminiscent of a similar episode from the original series. Overall, Episode 9 defies its filler tag to present nothing short of an satisfying experience to the Aikatsu fanbase.'''

Afterword:

When I heard the song being played out along with the taiyaki costume coming into view, then when the identity of the person wearing it was revealed...I didn't even know how to respond-my mind went completely blank. It was only after the credits began to roll that...well, you people know what happened next.

Anyway, I loved this episode, I really did. Just like Episode 4, the writers managed to produce a story that was really well-thought out, engaging, heartwarming, nostalgic and funny, all at the same time. Were it not for the recycled performances though, this episode would have gotten a higher score, and it really does deserve more credit and recognition. Also, the cameo appearance of those two mystery girls was very surprising; whether they are Yume's younger sisters or her potential kouhai remains to be seen.

With that said, this episode has proved to be a satisfying warm-up to the next episode; it's gonna be awesome, I just know it! Adios for now, oh and to all Europeans on this wiki, Happy Euro 2016!