User blog:Staraptor Kwan/Aikatsu Stars! Episode 10 Review: A Brilliant Start Line

To say that Episode 10 is a excellent episode is putting it very mildly. Even considering it to be good is just simply mocking it. You wanna know why? Simple. Because Episode 10, from start to finish, is a shining and brilliant example of how to make an perfect episode.

Thunder, rain and shadows, perfect for a atmosphere surrounding a evil antagonist, and the episode starts off strongly with said elements, thus highlighting the darker turn that the series has already taken. Hikaru's on the phone with a unknown female idol, and he's holding a picture of Yume while lightning flashes on it for dramatic effect. If there was any way to start off a plot-centric episode, this is a great example, as it gives off a aura of mystery and reinforces Hikaru's evil personality.



The scene then shifts to Yume and co, fawning over Hime's solo live when Anna shows up and tells Yume that Hikaru wants to meet her. Keep in mind that this being their first ever physical interaction, things are bound to get very interesting. And it does not disappoint at all; unlike Orihime, Hikaru doesn't bother with any pleasantries much less engage in small talk with Yume; he immediately informs her that Hime's concert has been cancelled (but not before mentioning it to see Yume's gleeful expression before it gets totally crushed). The shocker? Yume will be the one to take her place, which means that it's her first solo live. Cue the usual "EHHHH???" from Yume herself, and the relevation that Hikaru purposely cancelled Hime's solo live so as to observe Yume's mysterious rainbow aura comes to light.

The plot only starts to get even better from there; Anna informs basically everyone about Yume's substitution for Hime, and the reactions to said announcement are mixed: Laura is proud of her friend's acheivement, while other students feel skeptical. Nonetheless, Yume assures everyone that her first solo live will be a success, and Anna offers to help her train for it.

Over at the cafeteria, Yume goes into hyper delusion mode once again. Fortunately, Laura's there to call her out for it, although she ultimately decides to support Yume alongside with Koharu. The next scene shifts to the Dress Make Room, where once again we are treated to delightful chibi-style tutorials courtesy of Yuri Ashida regarding the use of Grade-Up Glitter to create Rare Dresses.