User blog:Staraptor Kwan/Aikatsu Stars! Episode 14 Review: Beautiful Blade 2.0



Summer's here at last, and what better way than to start it off with a brand new episode that introduces us to this lovely if radiant young lady?

Ever since the events of Episode 8, when we were first introduced to Kasumi Mahiru, who loved nothing more than giving her elder sister one-sided death stare downs, fans have been clamoring for a episode that would be centered around her. Episode 14: Mahiru's Battle not only manages to exceed their expectations, but also provides a really intriguing spin on a never-used story element in the Aikatsu franchise: sibling rivalry.



Mahiru is introduced in one of the most character defining moments of this series so far; walking down on the path while rays of sunlight break through the clouds to envelop her every step. It just so happens that our three main heroines, who are decked out in all-new summer uniforms are on the very same path she is on, and they are immediately dazzled by Mahiru's radiant aura, as befitting her name.

Since it's Tanabata, Yume and Laura have already written similarly-aligned wishes: membership within the ranks for the S4 while Koharu, in a reflection of Oozora Akari's original goal, wishes to be like her beloved senpai Kasumi Yozora. Yume decides to reach out to Mahiru, but the latter coldly inquires about her identity (naturally, since Yume's just another student to her at this point). However, Koharu, whom Mahiru's already accquainted with, introduces both sides to each other. They offer her some wish paper and pens, but she refuses and leaves the scene. However, before that she states that she will make her dream come true on her own, not through "silly" pieces of paper, which gives us a minor insight into her character.



Later on in the cafeteria, Koharu and co are watching Yozora's Fashion Show while sitting nearby is Mahiru, who keeps a eye on the show as well. After Yozora's dishes out some advice about getting inspiration for designing new coords via observing other people's outfits in town, she informs her viewers about a new contest in which anyone can enter with their own designs based on Moon Beauty's summer theme, Asian Heroine. Whoever wins gets to wear it during a special live, which immediately draws everyone's attention-especially Mahiru herself.

Over in town, Yume, who apparently took Yozora's advice quite literally, observes the coords of other girls and getting told off by Laura for acting like a creeper. One stomach growl later and the three heroines find themselves hiding from Mahiru's presence at a muffin cafe. Just then, the M4 boy that played the role of Prince Charming last episode appears-right beside Koharu, of course. He then proceeds to deduce that Mahiru will buy a chocolate muffin, which is spot on to the amazement of the trio (especially Koharu XD). Plus, why is it that I feel that those two (Koharu and Asahi) might have some chemistry going on between them? XD



Everything afterwards then lurches into a family drama scenario dominated by the Kasumi family; thanks to the power of coincidences Yozora shows up just as Mahiru comes out clutching a bag of choco muffins while Asahi and co are standing out in the open. Things get heated pretty quickly when Yozora reveals what basically everyone knew since kingdom come that Mahiru, Asahi and herself are all one big happy family (debatable from Mahiru's perspective) and does what every big sister does: snuggle their cute and adorable little sis. Since all the main characters are on scene. Yozora suggests that she would like to have teatime together, only for her little sis to reject the offer. When Yozora presses on, Mahiru then forcefully states her insistence on refusing some delicious tea-by bringing out some tiles and SMASHS them like a karate black belt, which she is, as stated by Asahi. Now, that's one gal you do not wanna mess with.

Yup,  it's now officially confirmed that Koharu is a Kasumophile. Wait, did I just make that up?



It's pretty clear at this point that there's a fierce if one-sided sibling rivalry going on between those two. Fortunately, the same does not extend to Asahi, since he and his big sis get along quite well. Later on, the main trio talk about the Kasumi family, with Koharu being the most knowledgable about them as usual (she even carries dat fashion magazine around everywhere she goes). The three of them are literally amazed by the star-studded cast of Mahiru's family and their glorious reputation, but Koharu, who understands her quite well, remarks that that she has observed that Mahiru never attempts to interact with her sister during Moon Beauty class sessions, which leads to Laura remarking that sisters do have their own unique set of problems.

In the next scene, it is shown that on Yozora's Fashion Time, the final result has been tabulated and confirmed. And the post of the winner goes to...Lunch-san, whose winning entry is the Blaise Lotus Coord, a unique Chinese inspired coord. Cue groans from our three protagonists...and a victory pose from Mahiru, sitting behind them. It is revealed that she's been watching the same show as them, and for the first time viewers are treated to the pretty enjoyable scene of Mahiru in full tsundere mode, which is an efficient method of breaking down her cold facade. The trio correctly guess that she's Lunch, and when questioned why she entered the contest under an alias, Mahiru replies by telling them about her motivations.

What follows up is a predictable yet soul-searching example of every trope related to sibling rivalries; due to feeling inferior to her sister, Mahiru desires for a challenge with Yozora to prove her own abilities, as well as to dissipate any perceptions that she was chosen due to being related to Yozora by blood, not by personal talent. This exposition is really well-done, for it builds upon Mahiru's well-stuctured character (the cold and calculating part) and provides a reasonable explanation for her animosity that she holds aganist her sister, as well being a viable plot advancement.



After a montage of Mahiru undergoing intense training is shown, she shows up on the day of the Special Live to the surprise of Yozora, the latter whom upon realising that her sister is Lunch-san, reminisces nostalgically about the real meaning behind the nickname's usage during their childhood-only for Mahiru to coldly respond  by stating that she will show her up. Afterwards, while Mahiru is in her dressing room being deluded by visions of grandeur, Yume and co show up with a delicious surprise; chocolate cake courtesy of the former's baking finesse, although it's messed up due to Yume wanting to present it to Mahiru before her performance began.

Despite that, Mahiru cracks up and laughs a little, which is immediately noticed by the trio who comment on her being more cute when she laughs. This proves to be a wake up call for Mahiru, who really hasn't smiled or laughed a lot since her series debut. She then tastes Yume's chocolate cake-and in response gives out a really warm and genuine smile. This scene does a excellent job of bringing out Mahiru's true demeanour which mixes well with her outward maturity, and also rounds up her character development within this episode nicely. It also shows that like her predecessor (see review title), Mahiru might be cold and stubborn on the outside, but given enough time and patience, cracks on her mature demeanour will appear and reveal a far more cuter and girly nature.



Afterwards, Mahiru takes the stage for her debut while wearing her Blaise Lotus Coord and performing to the tune of Summer Tears Diary. This writer admits that the song didn't leave much of a impression on him at first, but after listening to it a few more times, concluded that the slow yet riveting tempo really fits Mahiru; the lyrics fit the main theme quite well, and makes for a interesting performance when paired with a muffin-based aura and a Chinese themed background. As far as debut performances go, Mahiru's is by no doubt quite intriguing.

The episode ends with Mahiru being encouraged to write her wish for Tanabata; said meaning of her wish is revealed courtesy of Yozora, who's jogging during nighttime (obviously). She spots her sister's words, smiles and moves on. What was written on that piece of paper?

"Defeat Onee-chan!! Signed, Mahiru."

Guess some things never change.

Conclusion

Episode 14: Mahiru's Battle, as far as solo focus episodes go, pretty much lives up to the intensity of its name. It's pretty solid, since there is smooth transition throughout each and every entire scene from start to finish without encountering any plotholes. Excellent storytelling and some really funny moments also livens up the experience of watching Episode 14, and Mahiru also has the benefit of having her character steadily built from the ground up.

Afterword

"Claps" Well done, writers, well done! You guys really did a great job of buliding upon the hype and expectations of the fanbase and crafting a geniunely enjoyable episode with plenty of exposition on Mahiru's character and background, and as thanks I salute all of you!

I can say with confidence that Episode 14, just like the majority of the episodes before it, managed to meet the expectations of fans everywhere including mine as well. It was really great, I mean, it's amazing that Mahiru can be so incredibly cute and serious at the same time. She really has proven herself to be worthy of being the spiritual successor to both Ran and Mikuru, and the fact that she looks so much like Mashiro Rima (Shugo Chara) has made me fawn over her a lot. Anyway, it seems that the next episode is a continuation of Episode 14, so stay tuned for what I believe is going to be a even more emotional and intense affair involving the Kasumi family! Adios!

Rating: 8/10