UniteUp!

I was a bit surprised that these people didn't seem to expect the first performance. It made me wonder if in this universe, the setlist wasn't being announced or if it was simply omitted for the surprise. Either way, it worked: I was pretty surprised myself and didn't expect them to perform again. Though in hindsight, I suppose it only made sense given the theme. Such a cool detail, really. Anyway, thank God they all performed different songs instead of what they had already previously performed. Goes to show how much love and effort the production of this anime was given. I really vibe with Anela's instrumental, while LEGIT's songs were too hard pop for my taste, but I enjoyed the rhythm a lot. Given my taste in music, I think JAXX/JAXX came a tad closer, second to Anela. It's definitely right up to what I really vibe with, so I had fun listening to it. Protostar surprised me, though. Lowkey had a Love Live flashback at the first notes, ahahha, then they went with Nico's pose, as well, so that totally takes the cake. That aside, I LOVE their new song, especially the instrumentals. It's quite giving the hopeful tune. And lastly, the " Unite with You " theme song number. Definitely the highlight of the episode's entire performance. They really went all out in this. Even the CGI looked oddly better in this episode, regardless of group. It really grew on me. Top tier episode, indeed.

All that damned misunderstanding T_T seriously Daiki, what a tsundere. Either way, my dude, stop blaming yourself. It's fun to see Daiki interact with Akira, though. It's probably what he needed as well, so I'm glad Akira was there for him, even if by accident. They were lowkey like each other's light in some way, at some point. Didn't really expect this development, but I'm happy it went this way anyway. Seeing Gakuto suddenly made me laugh lol, What the heck, bro. But with his sudden addition, Daiki was even more 'pressed' in a good way during the game.

Now the anime's name starts to make sense. I was wondering since why they were named Protostar, lol. That aside, I'm really drawn to Gakuto's voice even when he's not performing. It sounds so freaking good. We also got bits of a glimpse of the song they're singing, technically to where it leads, which many of you would have guessed by now if you watched the ep XD Either way, it's good to see Akira's growth show in this ep. It's subtle, but he's grown really well compared to how he was in the first ep. He, too, has come a long way. That interviewer was freaking suspicious, though. Seriously, what the heck. Crazy tension just when things were going great T_T

I didn't expect this episode to tap on Jaxx/Jaxx' backstory. They sure came a long way to reach where they are now. Anela sure planted the seeds of dreams and aspirations in these people, but the were the ones, in the end, wo had made it bloomed to what they are now. It's inspiring. It's endearing. Gakuto lowkey carrying this episode, becoming the band's guiding light. Man, that's so cool and touching. He did get lured by food, though, mostly ahahha. What a mood.

I didn't expect to be somewhat correct with the meaning of their agency name, lol. Although it was partly because I associate anything related to smiles with Nico, I definitely appreciate knowing the real meaning and origin of its name. It's a good phrase, quite befitting their agency, really. Anyway, this is mostly just a chill ep for the first half. The second half was a tad interesting, though. Lol, I can't believe they forgot about Banri T_T What the heck ahahahaha Really, though, poor Banri. I'm glad it got sorted out in the end, but holy heck. Those foreigners are a lifesaver.

Lowkey sad for Chihiro, but honestly, seeing a more in-depth backstory and screentime for him for us to understand his character better— I could not ask for more. I did think it may be just a misunderstanding of some sort. Maybe a lack of communication because his father seemed to really love him a lot. Anyway, it's important to bring tissues cause the latter half of this episode will make you cry. A little! XD

Argh, I missed Kacchan T_T He's such a dearie with Akira, best friend indeed. Anyway, it's fun to see more on Chihiro and Banri's side. The freaking typhoon was such a bummer though, but I'm glad they were still able to do something about it T_T Either way, I was really looking forward to this unveiling, so I'm really thrilled to see it come true one way or another. Everyone helped out, too, which was very admirable.

We're finally getting a well-deserved backstory and focus screentime for Anela. I've been so curious about them ever since the first ep, lol. I didn't expect their reason for retiring, though, but well, it was pretty satisfactory in my opinion. If anything, I think they seemed even happier and more satisfied after they started their agency and trained new idols. Even Maoto seemed to be having more fun since. Meanwhile, Lin's such a fun menace even till now, lol. Even though Lin's accident devastated him a lot, his love for performing, for being an idol, and for making their fans smile was brimming. Spilling, even. His passion and love for it remind me so much of Nico Yazawa. Peak episode.

It's likely the budget or constraints on other aspects, but it really looked better when it was the normal animation being used instead of CGI T_T Imagine how great it would have been That aside, this is a very interesting episode. All of them were working really hard, especially Akira. It wasn't some full-blown talent this blooming out of nowhere, but effort and hard work stacking up one after another. Akira's worries were really spilling until it eventually let loose. But at least we now understand why he was the way he was. I'm really glad Banri and Chihiro were there for him. Not to cheer him up but to walk alongside him and give him the push and encouragement he needed, not some lip service.

Funny little twists right off the bat, lol. Akira's mom is my fave XD That aside, we get to see the classic behind-the-scenes for idols: the struggles, the arguments, even the differences of how they are on and off stage. LEGIT is lowkey starting to feel problematic, though. A perfectionist leader that cannot seem to properly communicate, a logical member who also can't communicate well to a leader he's likely been working with, and another member that's seemingly too laid-back and doesn't add much to the argument, letting the other two be. It's stressful... I wanna skip it XD But Akira and the others having to witness it firsthand may be for good anyway. It'd check a few reality checks once again as they slowly grow themselves and as a group.

Fun start! Of course, there were still Akira's doubts playing quite a role around, but that was essential in further building and pushing the plot. It'd be weird if he was overly positive about it, which was pretty usual for protagonists in this genre. Really appreciate that aspect here. Akira's first groupmates were pretty—uh literally, and also eccentric, lol. But I like them. No one's prickly so far, thank god, except for that one LEGIT member. It's a bit slow for an episode, but I think it's great pace given it's only the second one. They spent the better half here getting to know each other, as well as establish certain aspects in their character and motivations for being an idol.

Let's see... Let's start with the plot in this ep. It started pretty normally, right after that some sort of performance thingy. It's actually pretty casual, almost domesticated if I'm being honest. I almost got fooled into thinking it'd be a boring episode, so you just kinda need to get through the first few minutes. We even got a bit of a lecture from Kacchan, but I guess Akira needed that reality check, too. But he did kinda overstep, too, for not asking for Akira's consent before he uploaded those audios. Even so, it was necessary, and I like how this episode did that part really well. It wasn't just some random crisis of sorts. Kacchan had a very grounded reason for doing it, and Akira eventually realized it. So there it was— episode 1 setting the stage for the series' plot and future developments. Not much of a fan of the CGI, though, I think? I mean the movements were pretty well done on that studio practice scene, but the very first scene of the ep, the performance thingy—it wasn't exactly that good for me. Objectively, it is. Subjectively, not so much. And that's only because there were some parts that seemed a tad too stiff or unnaturally exaggerated. It's not that I'm complaining, but if I make an objective comparison of it against Maebashi Witches and even Love Live! School Idol Project, which was even behind in this aspect considering the year it was released... I'd still prefer to watch their animated PVs and performances. And that doesn't include yet the ones used after years of Final Live. But yeah; in terms of well-done, UniteUp! really did a pretty great job here. As for the soundtracks, it's not my type of genre (first performance in the ep) nor Akira's singing of Crossfire. But the one Akira listened to after Kacchan's request really hit different. It was great. So I really have high hopes for the next eps.

Penutup yang cukup memuaskan untuk perjalanan Season 1. Episode ini menampilkan perkembangan yang sudah dibangun sepanjang musim dengan cara yang tetap ringan. Secara keseluruhan, penutupnya cocok untuk melengkapi perjalanan para karakter tanpa membuat cerita nya terasa berlebihan

Suasana yang lebih emosional dibandingkan beberapa episode sebelumnya. Perasaan dan usaha para karakter terasa lebih kuat. Ceritanya tetap disampaikan dengan sederhana sehingga mudah dipahami.

Terasa semakin menarik karena perkembangan karakter mulai terlihat lebih jelas. Usaha dan pengalaman mereka selama perjalanan sebelumnya terasa memberikan pengaruh. Unsur musik dan hubungan antarkarakter tetap menjadi daya tarik utama.

Membawa perkembangan cerita yang terasa lebih serius. Para karakter mulai menghadapi keadaan yang menguji kemampuan dan hubungan mereka. Alurnya tetap mudah dipahami dan tidak terlalu rumit.

Memberikan fokus pada perkembangan para karakter dalam menjalani aktivitas mereka. Kerja sama dan komunikasi menjadi bagian yang cukup penting. Memiliki beberapa momen yang terasa hangat dan menghibur.

Menonjolkan hubungan dan dinamika antarkarakter. Ada beberapa momen yang memperlihatkan sisi berbeda dari mereka. Perpaduan antara cerita sehari-hari dan unsur musik membuat terasa cukup menyenangkan.

suasana yang lebih serius dibandingkan beberapa episode sebelumnya. Karakter harus menghadapi situasi yang membutuhkan usaha dan kerja sama. Meski begitu, ceritanya tetap ringan dan tidak sulit untuk diikuti oleh penonton

Menghadirkan suasana yang cukup seimbang antara cerita karakter dan aktivitas sebagai seorang performer. Interaksi antarkarakter menjadi salah satu bagian yang menarik. Perkembangan mereka terasa perlahan tetapi tetap mudah dipahami.