User blog:Staraptor Kwan/Aikatsu Stars! Episode 7 Review: Anyone want some konbu ice cream?

Well, here we are at last. After six consecutive episodes of exploring the brand new world of Aikatsu Stars! from Yume's perspective, it's finally time for the spotlight to shine on her new BFF, Sakuraba Laura.

Episode 6 begins with Hikaru's first appearance since that shocking cliffhanger at the end of Episode 2, and the dude's doing what he does best: plotting to kick out Yume while conspiring with one of his many henchm-sorry,henchwomen. Apparently, Anna is in cahoots with him as well. Their topic of discussion soon turns to Laura, with Hibiki stating that like Yume, Laura must break down her own barriers, which bascially sets up the premise for the rest of this episode.



Meanwhile, the main trio are scrutinizing over a long scroll which contains Laura's family genealogy: a long line of accomplished musical prodigies dating back from the Edo Period. This pretty much explains Laura's confidence (and dat smugness) and her superior talents; she might just be a rookie, but she takes pride in her musical lineage and had plenty of training prior to the start of the series.



Later on, over at the training room, Koharu and Yume are discussing about an upcoming audition held by Jewel Ice Cream while Laura is doing some dance practice, and doing it in style. Koharu states that the audition's main theme is individualism, something which suits Laura just fine. In fact, the latter's so confident about making a good impression that she jumps, dives and rolls like a total pro just to show how absolutely cool she is. Laura for the win, everybody!



Afterwards, the trio head over to the Dress Make room to compose Laura's dress for the audition, but Laura decides to utilize Koharu's drawing skills in order to design a far more individualistic coord. Although the following outlines do stand out, they are...less than idealistic and border on completely ridiculous (see left).



Over at the library, Laura and co decide to pick a new song for her audition. However, despite browsing through some very interesting musical genres, none of them seem to fit her well, as mentioned by Yume. However, Laura merely brushes off her concerns due to her belief that the judges want to see particularly unique idols. Unfortunately, even she herself starts to have doubts over her own abilities and identity at this point.

One important point from the above situation to take note of: Laura's indecisiveness mirrors Yume's own indecision way back in Episode 5. Keep in mind that this time around we're viewing things from Laura's perspective; before then, Laura was the mature and supportive friend Yume could count on to give her advice and help her out. Now the tables have turned, and it's Yume's turn to do the same thing for her friend.



On the day of the audition, we get treated to some fanservice shots of Laura sporting some nice untied hair before she heads out. Everyone that's in the waiting room basically turn their attention to Laura due to her status as a Four Star Academy idol student, which doesn't help raise her self-confidence at all.

Laura's stress levels are practically on the rise due to the unwanted attention, when suddenly she accidentally knocks down some "janitor's" cleaning equipment. Said janitor is totally peachy and accepts her apology before stating that standing out and uniqueness aren't really the same thing before leaving. In other words, simple is the best.

When Laura's turn comes, she skillfully answers the interviewer's questions with her natural panache and gusto, which also provides the fanbase with plenty of new personal facts about herself. This individualistic spirit of hers impresses the judges to no end, save for one. He states that Laura is somehow forcing it, but before Laura can ask about what he meant, the interview ends due to time limits.

Predictably, Laura goes into Heroic BSOD mode while reflecting on the judge's words. Even so, she's still unable to find her true self, reflecting Hikaru's earlier statement about her needing to break her barriers. This is Laura's personal barrier; she might have all the fancy skills inherited from her lineage, but they are of no use if she can't discover what truly defines her own individuality.

The next day, Yume's psyche is on a high,  but Laura's predictably on the opposite end. Anna comes into the picture and well, makes Laura (and Yume, co's she's the main protaganist) undergo a series of rigorous exercises. Said exercises range from traditional means like laps on the track and dragging tires tied to their backs to "unique" measures like this (see left).

All of this is part of Anna's plan to drag Laura back to her senses, in order to make her realise what she really requires to break her barrier (although I can't possibly imagine how asking her a rapid-fire maths question after being forced to mediate under a waterfall is going to help her do that). Still, you gotta admire Laura's resilience.

Back in Laura's room, Yume remarks that she could go for some ice cream to cheer herself up. She then asks Laura about her favourite food. Cue instant Ran flashbacks when Laura says it's sour konbu, going as far as to fangirl all over it. I love how the writers combined Aoi's odayaka na janai personality with Ran's love for seaweed and instilled them into Laura's persona.



It's just then that Yume says the magic words: simple is the best (roll credits!). And finally, at long last Laura finally remembers what the "janitor" said earlier during this episode. As Yume rests, she sees a poster of Laura's favourite band, Metal Dolls (similar to Aoi's fascination for Guppy, remember?). A few more words from Yume regarding Laura's desire to wear a dress resembling theirs that also fits her perfectly, and the latter has finally realized what is truly important.

Like I said earlier in this review, Yume's and Laura's roles have been reversed for this episode; before, Laura was portrayed as a smug yet talented idol who knew what was required to survive in the harsh, realistic world of the idol industry. Even as Yume managed to soldier on due to Laura's advice and encouragement, it's worth noting that the latter isn't perfect by all means. Like Yume, she's still a rookie despite her musical lineage, and she also as her own insecurities to deal with, and thus this episode focuses on Laura's own perspective as well as giving her plenty more character development by shedding light on her own personalities, strengths, weaknesses and beliefs.

Oh, where was I? Well, after Laura finally hits the self-realization button, she shows up for the singing audition.

Alright, let's split the discussion of this episode's performance into two parts. The first part is regarding Laura's coord, and to be frank I really don't mind the fact that it's actually a '''rehash of Yurika's Goth' Magic Coord. The musical patterns on her dress symbolize her musical lineage and talents perfectly, and the black and white motif is representative of the "Simple is the best"''' title of this episode. No flashy or convoluted colours this time around, just pure black and white to keep it simple, get it?

Ok, now to the second part.''' This...is just sheer folly. Lunatical, even. '''Normally, one would think that after going through the events that transpired during this episode, Laura would finally perform with a cool new solo song that symbolized her uniqueness and individuality. Well, prepared to get disappointed, folks. Due to the lack in variety of songs in the 1st Collection, BNP has once again placed the fanbase in rage mode by recycling Aikatsu Step again! Apparently, BNP still haven't learnt their lesson in pairing out of place songs with totally unrelated coords. Way to ruin a momentous and significant moment for Laura, BNP. Still haven't learnt from the mistakes in Episode 5, eh?



Afterwards, Laura nervously anticipates the results along with Yume and Koharu by her side. Predictably, she's declared the winner of the Jewel Ice cream Audition. Congralulations to Laura for making it, then. Also, one of said judges just happens to be the janitor that Laura bumped into last time. Meh, you could see that coming from a mile away, it was so blatantly obvious.

Back at Hikaru's lair of evi-sorry, office, the dude's apparently quite impressed with Laura's resolve and even more impressed with Anna's methods, to the point where he describes her way's as "rock". That is a pretty surprising twist in an otherwise '''predictable and structured plot. '''But, I still do not trust that guy.

So, at the end of the episode, Laura's relishing her new role as the new representative of Jewel Ice cream, handing out free samples like a boss in dat outfit. Although, I might need not point out something obvious,''' but her outfit pretty much resembles Aoi's coord for the Pon Pon Crepe Audition. Obvious callback is obvious, and most of this episode's structure has been based around "that" '''episode as well. You people who have watched the original series know what I exactly mean.

Speaking of which, anyone still want some Laura-flavoured konbu ice cream?

Verdict:

The Good: ​The Bad: ​Score: 7/10
 * Laura's origins and characteristics are given more depth and insight.
 * Excellent rehash of an original storyline from the previous series.
 * Plenty of Aoi/Ran related fanservice to excite nostalgic fans.
 * Viewing the Aikatsu Stars! series from another character's perspective aside from Yume's for the first time is a refreshing and reinvigorating prospect.
 * Admittedly, the plot is too stale and predictable with no or very little signs of originality.
 * Recycling a song is tolerable, but when said song doesn't fit in accordingly with the episode's theme, then it's time for the fanbase to rage.

Conclusion

'''Episode 7: Simple is The Best! is a episode of two halves. On one side, it manages to offer a deeper insight into Laura herself, allowing viewers to witness more of her inner personality while also doing a great job of giving viewers a chance to experience Aikatsu Stars! from another character's perspective. On the other hand, the apparent lack of unpredictability and the recycling of a totally out if place song sours the experience. Nevertheless, as far as first-time solo episodes go, Laura's was pretty satisfying and cool.'''

Afterword:

I can't even begin to describe how much I am in love with Laura right now. This episode brought out so many new and lovable aspects of her personality and enchanced those that already existed. She's ABSOLUTELY COOL, CUTE, SMUG, STYLISH AND AWESOME TO THE MAXIMUM MAX to the point that you can't help but like her. Also, I see some of Aoi-chan's traits in her, so Laura's defintely confirmed as my favourite character of this series. Well, then, adios for now! See you next time on Koharu's solo episode!