Ah memories…

Well about two months ago back in April I should have marked my 2nd blog anniversary but things have not really been normal to say the least. Well I suppose that this post will at least mark the start of my terrible twos in which case quality will plummet as will output (Mwahahahaha). I started the year off by getting my apartment broken into and making E-5. Now that my academic career is at an end it basically fell upon me to make good on my newfound responsibilities at work, which meant having a whacked out schedule of extended hyperactivity every now in then. In July it will be a brutal month as I get to fly to Virginia twice in the same month to the same place, knowing what I know now it basically means four or more red eye flights unless the paper work goes over well. Still I do get to make the traditional after graduation road trip, and hopefully that will be a bit more interesting than the usual. While summer looks to be a hit or a miss at least there is the promise of the Macross Movie (Which will be Gorgeous Delicious DECULCHA!). So here goes the mandatory late as hell rant I am supposed to do at the end of every blog year, which is conversely an opportunity to muse aimlessly in a futile effort to put together a post.

Oh Mazinger Z how I lament that your tale is shrouded in obscurity.

While Impz might have gone from gun monkey to desk jockey in the Singaporean Corps of Conscripts, I haven’t earned the right to chain myself to a desk just yet, to be perfectly honest I am finding just how magical a time being an E-5 is. I get the headaches of an E-6, and the physical exhaustion of being an E-4, but at least I do get a little extra here and there and most importantly I am still low enough on the great totem pole to evade responsibility. I also just lost my other half (partner in crime/co-worker) so I get to have twice the work load until I finish training the E-4, but at least she’s a good learner and I don’t have to baby sit an E-3 with “issues.” All in all I am edging towards the point that I might end up as exhausted as Zeon. I suppose this comes with the territory as I suspect that most bloggers are students rather than overworked soldaten, certainly there will probably come a point where the number of posts per week simply declines.

Also now that college is over and done with I actually got back into my other hobbies, and oddly enough while I have some issues with Valkyria the anime I still love the game to pieces to the point I actually want to do my Imperial Guard in Gallain colors and find some local saint who does resin casting for female Cadians/Kasrkin because I must have a model to represent Jane “Kill ‘em All” Turner (hey if anyone knows one drop a line). It also saddens me that there is very little enthusiasm for Shin Mazinger Z, but I suppose it might be time to bring out the reserves of stuff I have been meaning to watch but haven’t, Guin Saga, Eden of the East, etc. I still need to settle for a format on doing VOTOMS since condensing it into one post per arc would make it tl;dr, not that I think too many people are interested in going back in time to see what mecha was before yaoi, cowards, harem, and idiot soapbox preaching started taking hold.

I suppose it has been good going for the last two years plus some, but it has been a long time since I actually watched a shoujo series since Skip Beat! ended, though I am hoping there will be a point where the anime starts up again. Still the manga is still running along smoothly so it partially makes up for it. I suppose I am growing old if it’s becoming more fun to reminisce about the old days. If nothing else at least when Gundam 00 aired I could placate myself with the additional activity of praising the Immortal Colasour and his marrying above him. Well so far it’s been a good run even if productivity has slackened as of late. I hope that there will be a series that I will genuinely love to pieces that I can put into words come summer. As much as I like Shin Mazinger Z it’s pretty simple and I suppose very niche these days as it lacks modern aspects of mecha. Valkyria is turning out to be a re-interpretation of the game storyline that I don’t find terribly agreeable but it was always meant to be a festival of mediocrity that only fans of the game would stick with to the bitter end. Ah well with a Gundam Unicorn Movie due out within my life time and the promise of a Macross Frontier Movie with 70% redone animation I guess there is much to look forward to. So as a extremely premature celebration of a Macross Frontier largely free of QUALITY animation IMAGE DUMP GO!

There is a correlation…

Let’s put some fear into them Mio…

Kyoko of the Dark Moon Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of Shotaro-hating people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the Shotaro propaganda machine, the elimination of Visual Kei tyranny over the oppressed peoples of the world, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and concert hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 2009! Much has happened since the Shotaro triumphs of a few months ago. The Love Me Section has inflicted upon the Shotaro great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our commercial offensive has seriously reduced his strength on the air waves and his capacity to hold concerts on the ground. Lori has given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of stardom, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory! I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

The Earth it self has been moved to pity at your sincerity!

FIGHT!

There is nothing to fear but Tsuruga himself.

In the end Impz ran away to some dude’s basement leaving me to finish what he started. Ah well this should at least answer usagijen’s calls for more Skip Beat posts though at this juncture I am just doing mop up of all the stuff I didn’t finish before now that I am in the real world facing this terrible job market. So in the end Old Mio was forced to surrender unconditionally to Kyoko after Mio the younger shocked and awed the cast and crew with Mio 2.0. Momose definitely fears Kyoko though she predicts accurately that Tsuruga was about to hit a wall. While Kyoko assumed that she was going to get chewed out for her behavior, in the end Tsugura spared her as her Mio was three kinds of win and awesome, had Kyoko failed to meet expectations he would have made Kyoko cry for two years. I applaud Kyoko’s discretion in not combating the demon lord, where Shotaro has foolish and idiot pride in his scant talents, Kyoko is humble. Speaking of the pretender Shotaro it seems that Kyoko and Tsuruga starring in the same production really eats at him, as well as it should for his legendary stupidity is about to be paid in full. Nevertheless all is not well in Tsuruga’s world as dreams of being Corn no Yousei was but a brief respite from his inability to play the role of Katsuki 2.0.

Uh oh…

At least he’s honest…

Ren’s eyes shoot lazors…

So to drown his troubles Tsuruga tries to drown it all down with booze, as Shotaro pretends to be number one… Too bad the dumb bastard will never be number one and like the little prick that he is starts throwing a hissy once he realizes the inevitability of fate, though Tsugura is working on the romantic overtone. Kyoko cosplays as Tsuruga to maximum effect and it was delightful to watch her try and act fresh. So as undercover chicken Kyoko gets Tsuruga to spill the beans on all of his problems, sadly Kyoko can’t seem to connect the points and gets in a fight instead. Surprise, surprise it seems Tsuruga has his sights set on a 16 year old high school kid, but all Kyoko cares about is that this solves the issue of Katsuki rather neatly…of course Tsuruga resists and thinks that Bo is trying to scam him into seizing Kyoko, only the truth is that she was plotting her own capture, I commend her for being ruthless and efficient.

In the end we only get a lame old cliff hanger though and it does make me pissed off but at least there is hope for some more down the line. I can’t say much about the last episode since it was right before the good part if you know what I mean…well at least now usagijen can complain a little less about the lack of Skip Beat! posts I for one blame Impz for running away although he has been more active as of late so I can’t deliver justice upon his head as he already repented I just hope it stays that way.

Who is this Corn?

Mio wants Momose for dinner…

You know what she means…

Mio will take that as a yes.

Getting fresh eh?

We are experiencing emotional difficulties…

Take her advice…she’ll love you for it.

Indeed the being a Sith is better.

Hi…

After all that trouble Kyoko went through too…

I’d be scared too…nothing is scarier than a dumbass in denial.

Oooo…shiny.

No need to thank him Moko-san it is his honor to serve you.

Kyoko has proved her superiority to Shotaro once again.

Misinterpreting signals is Kyoko’s specialty.

So it seems that Impz is still MIA for Skip Beat! I can only assume that he is deathly afraid of Mio and cowering in fear, so it falls upon me again… At any rate Kyoko was at a loss to figure out the intricacies of her character and starts to believe that Ren is bullying her by holding back the answer to old Mio Iizuka questions. As Kyoko ponders her situation, she starts finding inconsistencies in Iizuka’s interpretation as well as old memories of her past misplaced affection for Shotaro. Thankfully after a reboot of her memories Kyoko runs off upon hitting upon a sudden realization. The first to feel her wrath are a bunch of rowdy good for nothing high school Goths that certainly can spout lies, but when faced with the fury of Mio the cower and fear and shit in their pants.

Upon returning to the set Iizuka is still adamant that her old interpretation was correct however in the end her Mio was but a pale shadow of the death incarnate that is Kyoko’s. Turns out it makes more sense for Mio to use her scar a weapon against her foes and to bear it proudly like some twisted badge of honor that her loser sister failed to kill her and that Mio the Terrible endures. The director was initially fearful of this Mio but in the end Mio compelled him to fulfill her will and thus began Dark Moon. Too bad Kyoko is going to have to make amends for her rudeness to the Dark Lord Tsugura…

I think you need to bring tat up again…

Fuck bad end! BAD END!

Yeah I’d reset too after a Shotaro end…

Not much really happened this time as it was all dedicated to the birth of Mio over the objections of Iizuka. Ren did not take a big part in this one except as Kyoko most feared person, not even Yashiro could inform Kyoko of that the real situation was. Since this is supposedly going to have more episodes I wonder what sort of role Momose will play if we can get farther into the arc, after all she hasn’t ahd a single line yet… as well wait and see I suppose. One of the things that I liked about this arc was the Mio owned herself and was brandishing her scar as a reminder to her family of what a bunch of pansies they were for failing to kill her when Misao had the chance. I approve of this tactic of intimidation backed up by cutting remarks that make for decent lethality in conversation and perhaps in other areas…, as Iizuka found to her dismay. Now that Kyoko has found Mio production can continue though at this juncture Itsumi who plays Mizuki still has yet to play her hand, not sure if they plan to deviate at this point, but I doubt it since they have been following the manga closely while cutting out some minor stuff. Still now that Kyoko has it all figured out it’s some one else’s turn in the hot seat…

That which does not kill you makes you stronger.

And complaing is?

You have losers on your six!

That’s what it looks like when she is mad…

Indeed this rabble can barely make out a sentence.

Mio Mk II

More than you I am afraid…

This Mio not only grabbed his hand but ran it through with a knife…

No not really.

Heh so Iizuka thinks that she can sing…

Were Mio sisterless and had motherless died!

Mio would like to see you try…

You lose Iizuka

Had she had a heart to begin with but that blackend lump of lose will suffice.

Soon it will be real pain of heartbreak that Misao will suffer…

Yeah she’s better than you by far…

Next time you can play hackee sac with Shotaro’s head…

With Impz MIA in the Philippines or where ever he is now it has fallen upon me once again to raise the standard of Kyoko in these parts. So this will be a three episode blitz in so that Impz can pick up without delay when he comes back. So Kyoko was in dire straights because her urge to squeeze the fun and life out of Shotaro was simply OVER 9000 in power level. After playing hackey sack with what should have been Shotaro’s severed head. She calls upon her effigy of Tsugura for guidance, Tsugura himself, and Moko-san, ultimately after a good talking to by Moko-san Kyoko strikes back at Shotaro after Moko-san’s noogie of powah. Once Shotaro sees Kyoko weeping the coward is over come by sheer terror and is utterly impotent as she kills him and tosses his lifeless corpse off the balcony. Well okay it didn’t exactly happen that way, but Shotaro was impotent and messed up the whole scene. Kyoko gets to mock him for failing at life.

Moko-san hates phone tag.

Ain’t friendship grand?

Noogie of love.

So it turns out Shotaro is powerless against tears and is left feeling ronrey when Pochi visits him instead of Kyoko. Pochi wants to cry but Shotaro stops her, right in front of Kyoko who makes no secret of her disgust. Well even if Pochi got a fever she’ll always have that video of her and that no talent Shotaro, she can watch it again and again… Kyoko tells Shotaro how much of a little bitch he is was for not helping a friend in need, Kyoko then starts dreamin of corn. Until Shotaro makes a pathetic attempt to man up, like everything else though it was a patented FISSION MAILED for Shotaro. Tsugura returns Kyko’s call but when he finally connects the rude little boy who cannot sing starts mouthing off. Kyoko then beats up on Shotaro…

So the next on has an new OP I confess it looks nice, and in one case real nice. So it seems that Kyoko and Moko are BEING FRIENDLY though Tsugura’s arrival initiates a bit of terror in Kyoko. Ren is none too happy about what had happened and Kyoko lies about her desire for revenge, sadly this only make Ren more jealous and every one takes notice. Moko is also mad that she did no know about Kyoko’s vendetta against Shotaro, and pressures Kyoko for the secret. Yashiro also takes a hostage to force Ren to spill the beans. In the mean time Kyoko gets a new job and Ren gets interrogated by Lori who says his rabu rabu acting skills suck as much as Shotaro’s singing. Kyoko and Moko have a heart to heart, but Kyoko dismissed the notion that Ren has any feelings for her. Instead it was decided that Ren saw through Kyoko’s lies and she resolves to apologize…it takes her a while to get over her fear. Ren accepts Kyoko’s apology, not that she needed to apologize for wanting to kill Shotaro.

You’re the only one who thinks so…

They got the take they were looking for…

Killing him softly…

So we finally hit the beginning of the Dark Moon arc which I am sure those who are still following this have been eagerly anticipating and Kyoko is none too happy that her rich oujo character is the Witch King of Angmar. In the end Kyoko agrees to take the part of Mio as she wants to see Ren in action. Sadly the former Mio is an ill manner old hag that throws her weight around and bullies the director. In fact there are many who insult Kyoko as some clueless no talent bint who used the power of LME to get her roles. Thankfully the heretics were soon cowed by the terror that is Kyoko, indeed it is better to be average than to be a coward. Soon even the old hag will learn the true meaning of fear…

All in all I look forward to the Dark Moon arc as those who have read the manga know is just so very fun. Shotaro was put in his place for being a terrible singer, but by no means as bad as Yuki from White Album. Pochi will at least always have her video though Shotaro can rage all he wants while in the heaven that is hell as we shall not be seeing him for some time. I look forward to seeing him rage impotently when he finds out Kyoko and Ren are starring in the same show while he struggles to sell his shitty CDs. I did enjoy watching Kyoko and Moko BE FRIENDLY, though it probably wasn’t meant to be interpreted in such a way. Lori sure likes his cigars, but fortunately for him he is at no risk for cancer. Poor Ren fails at being a romantic and earns him the ridicule of Lori which should take him down a few pegs. Next time Kyoko shows up the old hag. Maybe one day Kyoko can play a rich oujo, until then may she spread terror and mayhem in her wake.

Indeed you are powerful as the Emperor has forseen.

Kyoko don’t be mean, you know Shotaro can’t read…

Shotaro the point of getting a room implies that you also close the door…

Killing him loudly…

I prefer to take this one completely out of context.

Moko-san likes to be tsun tsun…

BE FRIENDLY now…

Me likes this new OP.

whatcha talkin bout?

His gaze pierces earth, cloud, shadow, and flesh…

Well at least she isn’t a lecherous tanuki…

Moko wants to get revenge too.

Yes indeed.

How deep is your love?

Scared stiff indeed…

Okay Moko-san time to hear about your past…

Good day…

Kyoko is scared of only one thing…

Kyoko is not a jedi yet…

Stalking yes, spying no…

Oh look a new friend for Kyoko.

In the sky of despair, storm blows savagely
For whom the future exists
Collapsing is the world, storm blowing through it
The chosen ones MEN WOMEN OF DESTINY

Well it seems Impz is MIA and tossing work in my direction since my RAGE HAET for Misaki in WA needs time to simmer to perfection I might as well do a Skip Beat Post since Impz has been failing to give tribute to Kyoko, the no good trap even failed to read Chapter 135 when it came out. Also the worthless University I am going to is booting me out of a class so more time to spend doing other things like this. Not sure when Impz will be back, but until then I can blog about something I like. So it is finally time for the showdown we have been waiting for Kyoko sorties out in her first real battle against that loser Shotaro who incidentally voices the loathsome Jihad-kun who I have an intense dislike for, that traitorous Kurd…

Don’t worry man you will get your turn soon enough…

Mogami Kyoko ready for battle.

Strike fast, strike hard, but above all else strike first.

Poor Kyoko gets off to a bad start as Shotaro uses that minimal glimmer of intelligence to try and expose Kyoko. Though Pocchiri interferes Kyoko is undone by her love of Odette… Thankfully since Shotaro has the kind of arrogance that proclaims the Titanic as unsinkable. Kyoko does make the rotten bastard cower and fear though as Kyoko powers up to deliver a preemptive strike on Shotaro’s puny little legs, such was the fury of her Shock and Awe Offensive that Shotaro nearly had his shin snapped in two. The rest of the shoot goes relatively smoothly though Pocchiri causes plenty of trouble because she is jealous that she is not even 1/10 as awesome as Kyoko. Pocchiri tries desperately to be an attention whore, but Kyoko’s overwhelming displays of acting dominance leaves Pocchi too over awed to resist, thus did Kyoko force Pocchi to conform to her will. Shotaro has his own song playing that space between his ears and to be honest his song sucks, because it’s from Shotaro and truth be told I’d rather listen to Aimo O.C. remix.

When time comes to do battle Kyoko achieves rapid dominance over Shotaro on both occasions though Asami wished to disallow the user of terror and enhanced interrogation techniques in Kyoko’s War on Shotaro. Because of these bullshit rules of engagement Shotaro is spared, and slips in one cutting remark to Kyoko, still his tune will change soon enough…

You feeling lucky today, PUNK? Well DO YA?!

The enemy is close and sad they don’t know,
Kyoko is here, it’s time they must go.

The hour is now, Shotaro’s had his last chance,
With St. Michael’s wings, Kyoko’s taking back France.

Thoughts:

Well one thing the anime has going for it is that there is music in it whereas in the manga it was impossible, animation quality dipped in places for the rest of the cast but my did Kyoko-sama look dashing in her angel battle dress. Personally I would have rather had Kyoko be an archangel so she could have run through that demon Shotaro with a sword of justice. Pocchi was less annoying that I remember though I suppose that because Kyoko was no longer pulling punches that Pocchi was found wanting in courage. Still fantasizing about Moko-san was a great way to gloss over the fact that Pocchi is a mangy dog. As expected Shotaro is having second thoughts about Kyoko who at least for know is still ready to tear blondie a new asshole. Next time Kyoko plays with doll which should be mildly amusing.

Oddly enough the versus theme that they kind of had going got me all fired up and calling for the blood of Shotaro to flow. Not sure how many of you boys and girls out there are still following this but it is still good fun if you can over look some minor animation issues, because Shotaro deserves to have his animation budget cut for Kyoko.

If only they had a better song…

Pfft I recorded over your song.

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Death with a smile.

Shotaro’s beam is not match for Kyoko’s might.

FIGHT!

Kyoko Wins, Flawless Victory.

Kyoko Wins, Friendship…

Next time Moko-san next time…

Man, it was a long wait for the appearance of Skip Beat after a two-week break in Japan. We finally get to see the conclusion for the CM arc, and I must say that it is so cool just to see this animated. When we last left the duo, it seemed that their idea of using the Kyarara bottle was stolen by Erika. As Kyoko is the one who was supposed to initiate the act, what would she do?

Summary

After a tense silence, the director told them that they would be disqualified if they did not act right now. Kyoko said they would act now and asked for some Kyarara. She passed the bottled Kyarara to Moko and took a can herself. Moko was already panicking but Kyoko simply told her to follow her lead. Kyoko turned her back against Moko and suddenly turned over to splash the contents of Kyarara on Moko. The ambiance became tense, only for Kyoko to defuse the situation by smiling. Moko realized what Kyoko wanted to do, and tried to splash her bottled Kyarara on Kyoko.

However, she only managed to let the contents gush all over the floor. Shocked at the sudden gushing of liquid, she flustered. The two started laughing after that pathetic scene, and ended the act with a flourish by ending it the same way as Erika did. Needless to say, their act was more convincing and the audience could feel how glad Moko was when she said “thank you.”

When the auditions ended, the director was surprised how Kyoko managed to think of a fresh idea with so little time. He thought that they were finished for sure. They eventually decided to sign Kyoko and Moko for the CM. After informing of their result, Kyoko was called back about the decision to use Kyarara. Moko and Kyoko left the audition center to go back to the company. Moko asked whether Kyoko knew ahead of time about the different effects of shaking the bottle and can, Kyoko replied that it was common sense. Moko realized that Kyoko was much more competent than she let on. After the audition, Kyoko dragged Moko around to celebrate their new friendship. After hearing how alone Kyoko was in her school years, Moko realized that they were very similar. Moko also realized that she could no longer get angry with Kyoko, even if she wanted to.

Erika, on the other hand, was trying to hurt the two physically so that they could not participate in the CM. Her attempt to shove Moko into the fountain failed when Kyoko accidentally pushed Moko away. When Moko berated Erika’s attempts to hurt them, Moko also said that Erika would never reach her level because she never tried and struggled hard to get what she wanted. Everything for her was on a silver platter, and Moko challenged her to work hard. When Erika was able to work crazily hard to succeed, Moko would consider her as a true rival.

Moko realized that she really changed and worked hard after Kyoko’s words. On the bus, Kyoko was extremely impressed by Moko’s inspirational words to Erika. Kyoko said that it almost felt like they were great friends. Moko’s annoyances rose, as she thought that they were already good friends. Moko realized that her dreams of being an actress blossomed because of Kyoko, and gave her 100 points on her LOVE me card. During the CM, it looked like Kyoko and Moko were successful. Maria and Lory came to check on them. Ren was also at the vicinity to work.

Maria told Ren that she met Kyoko in acting classes. After work, Maria informed Kyoko about Ren viewing their CM, and Kyoko was a little disappointed she could not personally tell Ren about her job. Moko started making fun of Kyoko because she was so in love with the school uniform that she refused to take it off. Moko explained that it seemed that Kyoko always wished to go to school. Kyoko became shy, and rushed into the dressing room. However, she was glad to wear a school uniform, even just for a while.

Thoughts

Man, I was starting to wonder if Skip Beat is never going to show already! I am so glad that it is back because I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms hoping to see how the CM arc will be animated. Needless to say, I will say that they did a competent if not great job. There are some parts that I felt needed more sparkles. For example, the part where Kyoko and Moko finally knocked their drinks together was a powerful scene that felt way understated, but perhaps that is the reason that the director wanted to put through. I am not sure if that makes sense though, since I felt that it should be more prominent and strengthened. How, I have no clue but I felt that the delivery of that scene could have been better.

That said, it really made a heartwarming feel to the show for the Moko and Kyoko friendship. I could really feel the transformation of Moko’s attitude toward Kyoko in these two episodes, and the pace of the relationship progression was just right. Moko simply did not want to rely on anyone because she feared to hurt others because of her character. However, even Moko had no way to defend against the gloriously kind-hearted. Say what you want about how she transformed into some kick-ass superhero but Kyoko is still the same old Kyoko except with extreme hatred on Dicktaro. Obviously, she also grew some spine.

I am not sure if the Erika confrontation scene is in the manga, but I felt that the anime made a better impression in terms of Moko challenging Erika to do her best. I could feel that Moko never really hated Erika, but she felt that she was starved by Erika’s wealth. As a bystander, I could tell that all Erika wanted was a friend, even though her warped princess attitude prevented her to understand that. If Erika did not care for Moko, she would not deliberately go out of her way to hinder Moko so much. I just feel that Erika and Moko are really not that different in their inability to express their true self and feelings properly. It’s a pity that Erika will not be back anymore because I will want to see a reformed Erika.

Another thing is how we see the improving relationship between Moko and Kyoko at the very end of the show. I do not think Moko would have poked that much fun at Kyoko if Moko did not consider Kyoko to be a good friend. In a way, I am glad that the always alone Kyoko finally have a comrade that she can find solace in. It’s really hard to survive in the acting industry while fending all the assaults from all sources, and it is always good to have someone you can trust. Moko, like Kyoko, is probably very trustworthy to the extent of shocking, since we have so many terrible examples of prima donnas and gossipers in the Skip Beat world.

At the rate this anime is going, it feels like we will be ending the series with the Dicktaro x Kyoko cat fight. I do wonder if they will have a sequel after this considering that they still have material for at least a good 13-26 episodes, but I feel that any sequel will probably be 2-3 years from now. That is a little sad, but I think that shoujo anime is just not particularly popular among Japanese audiences. Please prove me wrong from this, since I am saying this from how I see it. It’s not driven by hard facts of audience ratings.

Anyway, the next arc will prove to be hilarious. Kyoko will be Ren’s manager. I cannot wait!

If I was Moko
I think I would understand
How it feels to hate this Erika
I swear I’ll be a better woman

I will not listen to her
Cause I know she is an ass
When you lose the thing you wanted
Cause she’s taking you for granted
And everything you had got destroyed

Summary

Ushio told Erika’s butlers to buzz off because he could not be bribed. Erika was shocked, and told them to convince him further. Moko passed by and asked if her normal powers did not work this time. Kyoko was totally freaked out by the “box of fate”, assuming that she will draw a piece of paper telling her to “go home.” Moko just grabbed the remaining piece for Kyoko, and told her that there was no such thing. Ushio the director appeared and started laughing at the silly costume. Everyone was shocked at the appearance of the “gangster.” He told them that a commercial is a piece of art. He explained that they only have ten seconds to capture the attention of the viewer.

He told the interviewees that there would be two people accepted. He then continued to explain how the audition would work. The people with the same number will pair up, while A and B are their roles. He said that he might not choose the people from the same group to go through. He then told them the scenario. A and B are close friends who fell in love with the same boy. A confessed to the guy when the guy actually likes B, and they had to re-enact a quarrel scene. He reminded them that the two of them were close friends. Erika objected to the pairing of Moko and Kyoko because they were of the same division. Kyoko said that she only managed to get Moko to talk to her yesterday. However, Moko declared boldly that they would not discuss about how to act the scene.

Kyoko was freaking out because she worried that she might sabotage the performance. The director thought that Moko made a bold decision, and noticed how Kyoko was already freaking out. The director said that only people with talent and luck could survive. When it was their turn, Moko calmed Kyoko down and told her to follow her lead. Moko kept silent initially, before slapping Kyoko. When Kyoko wanted to retaliate, Moko started crying and provoked Kyoko to apologize. It was clear Moko displayed how regretful she felt when she slapped her friend, and it was a powerful performance that did not need many words. It was a very different performance from those who simply screamed because they managed to show that the two cared about each other (one of the key conditions).

Moko was surprised how she trusted Kyoko so much. Erika came to taunt her, stating that the next act was one of reconciliation. This must be initiated by B (Kyoko). Kyoko was worried. Erika said that Kyoko probably did not have much creativity or ability at all. Moko told her to stop joking, and said that she could not predict what Kyoko would do. Moko shouted that she was worried if she was able to meet up to Kyoko, since Kyoko is a very strange person. Erika wondered if Moko is insulting or praising Kyoko. Erika was also surprised how Moko actually defended someone, since she never tried to defend herself.

Erika walked over to spy on Kyoko. She realized how weird Kyoko was, and felt that Moko overestimated Kyoko. Kyoko finally thought of a plan after seeing the Kyarara drinks. The jury were impressed with Eriko and Moko, particularly of the pink group performance. Ushio asked why they did not propose the two in the group to go in instead, and wanted to test their ability. Ushio overheard how Kyoko did not want to drink the soft drink, and told her that she would be disqualified if she hated the drink. Kyoko said she would do anything to drink it, since the drink will be part of the props.

At the waiting area, Erika had a plan by using Kyarara. Erika then taunted Moko by telling her that winning is everything, regardless of the method. Kyoko was angry that she let the director know about her props. Moko was wondering why Kyoko was worried, and thought that Kyoko thought of nothing. Moko was getting more and more annoyed because she praised her in front of Erika. Kyoko then smiled brilliantly to assure Moko. However, after seeing her idea being copied by Erika, she suddenly lost her composure.

Thoughts

I hope I am not the only one who felt that Ushio’s voice sounded very gay for someone who should be a gangster director. I am not sure because I felt that it was not masculine, or at least someone rougher that can give a better idea why every single girl in the audition was shocked at the scary vibes given by Ushio. That said, I actually like the little addition where he was found to be trying so hard to control his laughter after seeing Kyoko and Moko in their gaudy pink overalls. Now, that is what I call a good reaction, much more than the slightly minor reaction in the manga.

However, the main piece of the cake belongs to that bitch Erika. She is not only annoying but also deserves a lashing for her venomous tirade against Moko. I do wonder why being in a cloud of riches makes a person such as Erika, and I genuinely hope that she will have some redeeming part of her eventually. She deserves nothing but virile now, and I like to hear from anyone who thinks that this stupid woman should not be sent to the depths of hell to suffer a painful medicine of humility.

On the part of the acting scene, I am definitely impressed by Moko. It is perhaps logical for people to scream like they are hating each other since they are supposed to play a quarrel scene. However, they forgot that one of the key conditions in the scene is that A and B are actually very close friends that loved each other a lot. If they are that close, they would never scream their guts out against each other because they never truly want to hate the other party. That is why everyone in the audition was so impressed.

If anything, I can actually understand why they favor Erika over Kyoko. If anything, Kyoko did very little in the act. She was not doing anything except the sorry. That in itself is provoked by the powerful acting of Moko, which is why that she left little impression to the judges. I would say that Erika, for all her annoying qualities, is a competent actress without that much creativity. She definitely has the raw qualities to be an actress, but she is too consumed by the powers of money to improve herself properly. It’s sad because she is just too scared to play with Moko on an equal footing. Who would, anyway.

At the end, we see Kyoko’s idea being stolen by Erika. Before we get all judgmental over her decision to steal ideas, there is no denying that winning is almost everything in the real world. This is an audition, not a playground for someone to make friends. It’s a war, and there is nothing to hate on Erika on this situation. Do you agree?

It’s the CM arc. Die, Erika, I hope you will finally be shown your place in life!

Summary

Kyoko was allowed to stay as Bo, despite the director’s dislike of her. She was walking back to the office, when Ren appeared in the same hallway. Kyoko wanted to thank Ren for making her feel better when she was in Bo’s costume, but remembered that she did that rude hand gesture to him. However, she did not need to worry about it as a sparkled-filled Ren had his fake gentleman smile, and started chasing her. She could sense the malicious intent of Ren, but was unable to run away despite walking very fast. She tried to retreat to the female’s toilet, but she was chased down by Ren. After taunting her for not greeting a senior and also thinking that he was a vengeful person, Ren’s manager came over with a shocked face. He thought Ren was sexually harassing Kyoko.

Ren was asking why Kyoko was not wearing her unique uniform, and advised her that she should try to get attention in the media world. Kyoko was surprised that Ren was kind today, and he also gave her a car ride home. Kyoko also told Sawada that she will be going for an interview for a CM job, and told him that she wanted to try it out. The next day, she went to the audition center. While daydreaming about being friends with Moko, she was knocked down when the door leading to the audition area suddenly opened. Kyoko apologized for daydreaming at the door. A blond girl was the one who opened the door, and ignored Kyoko completely. That annoyed Kyoko because it felt like she was being provoked. Kyoko did cool down when she realized that the blond girl was mocking Moko, calling her an unknown side character her whole life.

We see this Erika acting like a spoiled princess, and she was a daughter of a billionaire. Kyoko wondered how Moko got to know such a person, and also Moko’s comments about “Erika using that power to get this job.” Kyoko looked stern, and said that she was more concerned about something else: Why is Moko not greeting her cheerfully as a friend? Moko reminded Kyoko that they were rivals. Kyoko said that they were compatriots accursed in the same fate. Erika was surprised at the remark of Moko, and Erika’s butlers were making fun of Kyoko’s poor status. Erika said that it was probably a rival of poorness. The audition was starting, and Erika continued to mock Moko by saying that it was a futile attempt for Moko. Kyoko said she was surprised Moko was running away from the confrontation and wondered if Erika was that great. Kyoko also added she could not believe Moko was relegated to side roles in her school. Moko then replied angrily whether Kyoko thought of her as one of low ability.

The director turned out to be late, but Erika stole the show using her heritage as a leverage. Everyone was trying to gain the attention of the jury, while Moko and Kyoko were totally dispirited. Kyoko remembered how they were unable to talk about happy things in their school years. Kyoko asked if Moko already gave up halfway. Moko said that she knew how it would end, and would not go for the second audition. Kyoko said that the jury liked her, but the director was not there. Moko told Kyoko that Erika would stoop to absolutely everything to bring Moko down. Erika used money to bribe votes during a play at Form 3, and did not allow Moko to join the drama club in secondary school.

Kyoko continued to ask Moko if she was to give up. Moko reiterated that money would beat talent. Kyoko slapped her, and told her that talent could never be replaced by money. Moko told her that money could buy the hearts of people, and Kyoko said there were people who are incorruptible. Kyoko persuaded Moko and told her that Moko should try to resist Erika once even after being totally crushed by her. Kyoko asked if Moko wanted to be an actress. Moko started to realize she was escaping, and asked Moko (sparklingly) how to fight back. Kyoko did not have a solution and started to panic until remembering Ren’s words to attract attention. Kyoko said she had a way to attract attention, one that only they could do. Moko finally realized what it was.

A gangster-looking man said that he was interested what these two people would do that can immediately attract attention. Ren was working in another place, and managed to steal another actress’ heart through his sweet words. Yashiro said Ren was being nice yesterday, considering how he hated Kyoko earlier. Ren was surprised his attitude became soft to Kyoko without realizing, and he told Yashiro he would remember to treat her badly. Back to the audition, it was obvious that they wore the pink overalls. Kyoko said that they would both fight hard to destroy Erika, but the audition only accepted one person.

Kyoko said it was all right because it was the better person who won. Moko said that Kyoko was really like her in terms of perserverance, and she felt like she could beat Erika. She wondered if it was because she was no longer alone. Erika continued to go on a tirade, and blamed Moko for wasting her time and life on her. Kurosaki-sensei (the director) also changed the plans to get two people for the commercial. Moko sarcastically apologized to Erika that she had ruined Erika’s life, but it would all end today.

Thoughts

Please repeat this after me: Erika should be hung, shot and be bankrupt immediately so that she can experience the life of a poor person. Wow, if you think that Ruriko is somewhat annoying, Erika is someone you wished to suffer for the rest of her life in eternal hell. She manages to get on my nerves so badly, and I must applaud the seiyuu for making her sound like a total pain in the rectum. Her haughty attitude and “I have money, so I beat all of you” is something that I really hate, and i personally never liked rich people anyway. They tend to be totally incapable to empathizing with people of lower status, and I wish that these rich sons and daughters would be bankrupt one day. Yes, I am evil.

In addition, Erika is probably the only antagonist, other than a certain someone that will not appear in the anime (too late) that can rile me up so badly because they are so badly lack of redeeming factors for a human. Even that certain idiot eventually backs off of sorts, but Erika just continues to grind on the Stuck-up-meter. Her personal random tirade on Moko at the very end of the episode just seals her fate up. Please put this OJOU-SAMA IN HER PLACE: RIGHT IN A RUBBISH BIN FILLED WITH SO MUCH FILTH AND DIRT!

Anyway, I felt that the scene of Ren x Kyoko was a little under-done in the anime version. Even though I seldom enjoy comparing the manga to the anime, I felt that Ren’s reaction was rather confusing without the notion that he is merely poking fun at Kyoko and trying to see that she would just react the same way he did when she was young. I am not sure if it is a deliberate attempt by the animation companies not to cover the history of Kyoko and Ren at all, since they will be unable to cover all the existing chapters. It will be leaving others hanging too. If so, I guess the changes do make some sense.

One of the key elements of Skip Beat is that it often presents a conflict in a simplistic way: a protaganist versus an antagonist, but carries out the plot in a way that makes the character develop around Kyoko. Rather than Kyoko evolving to someone totally different and deep by her own, the side characters are the one that shows the different sides of Kyoko through their own reactions with Kyoko. In this episode, we always know that Kyoko is tenacious, but it is through the actions of Moko that we see that. I think that is why we empathize both Moko and Kyoko. Most shoujo series often make characters too stereotypical and wafer thin.

One more major theme discussed in this episode is how Moko never fights back. I think that it is probably logical for Kyoko to wonder about why Moko gave up so easily in the face of money. From the little things we know about Moko, Moko’s love for acting is very strong, and it will probably take something drastic to change her view about things. It is really painful, but I do agree that money can shift sentiments, yet talent will never be destroyed or overcome by money that easily. It does sometimes, but not always. What do you think?

Oh, lastly, I guess the thing about Moko does make sense if you have some spoilers about her family background and her treatment of Kyoko earlier on. I will not spoil you though. So, it’s the reckoning for next week. GO LOVE ME SECTION!

Ren X Kyoko is finally here! Fine, it is not even anything close to romantic feelings, but Impz has the right to cheer because Ren actually has more funny faces in this episode than the last ten episodes combined!

Summary

Dicktaro was wondering how this “fan” knew about his name, since he told no one about it. However, his troubles continued as he was forced to play badminton, a game he completely suck at. It caused some whispering among the crowd, and he tried to make an excuse to get out of it. However, Bo passed him a racket, and the penalty for the game was to bark like a dog. Somehow, Dicktaro managed to maintain a great rally with Bo. In addition, he looked extremely cool while playing it and his fans went wild. Kyoko wanted to use her special move to finish Dicktaro off. Dicktaro remembered the move as one of Kyoko’s devised move to beat Dicktaro. However, the shuttlecock got stuck on the ceiling, and Bo lost. By then, Dicktaro was getting suspicious that Bo might be Kyoko.

Kyoko was lectured by the director of the show, and warned her that any more antics would cause her to be banned on the TV set. Kyoko was wondering how her efforts were merely making Dicktaro more popular. At the next segment of the show, Dicktaro tried to take off the head of Bo. When asked by Bridge, Dicktaro said that he was interested whether the person inside Bo was male or female. During their struggle, Bo fell on top of Dicktaro. Dicktaro touched her boobs, and said that he woman in Bo must be plain and unfeminine. Obviously, this pissed off Kyoko and she went to strangle Dicktaro. This resulted in Kyoko getting banned from appearing anymore. Kyoko tried to argue it was not her fault, but the director told her that she was causing trouble.

After the director left, Kyoko was lamenting how she was blamed even though it was clearly Dicktaro’s fault the second time round. She realized that it was the rule of showbiz, where only the most popular people are going to shine while others will languish. Kyoko could not believe she was actually admiring Dicktaro when he was in the bright stage lights. While thinking and running aimlessly, she got lost. It turned out that she somehow stumbled to find Ren looking rather serious. Ren was the last person she wanted to meet, and she wanted to sneak off. However, her Bo feet made a squeaking voice. Ren called out to Bo and asked for help because he could not turn to anyone else for help. He started sparkling brightly, and wanted to borrow a mobile phone. However, he instantly went into low morale when Kyoko said that she had no mobile phone.

Kyoko asked if Yashiro had a mobile phone, but his manager’s phone was spoiled. Kyoko asked whether Ren needed the dictionary to check out something he did not know in the script. Ren immediately sparkled and smiled. Kyoko realized that he was lying because of his words to her previously. She started to force him to a confession, only for him to show a seriously angry face. Kyoko freaked out and started apologizing profusely. She said that she was mean because she totally hated him. Ren smiled, and said that she had a strange reason to be so insistent. Moreover, it was refreshing to hear someone describing how hated he was.

Kyoko asked if he was angry. He said that he had to forgive someone who begged so sincerely. Kyoko felt that he was so mature. Ren said that he was also at fault for lying. Kyoko felt that Ren was very different from his usual side. She also realized that she was being a total mean person, because she would be very hurt if Ren was to force her to a confession that she was dumped by Dicktaro. Kyoko begged to help Ren. It turned out that he did not understand a line containing the word “Tenteko-mai” and was wondering what kind of dance it was. He asked very sincerely what kind of expression he should have when he mentioned the dance. Kyoko tried to hold in her laughter, but she burst out laughing because the phrase was obviously not a dance.

Ren was very embarrassed when he realized. As the door for Ren’s stage was open, a bright light beamed through and Kyoko fell from the bright lights. Kyoko said it was merely anemia, and Ren tried to remove her Bo’s head to give her some oxygen. Kyoko stopped him and said that she wanted to wear the suit more since she was fired from her job. Ren said that she should not be so knocked up over a job, and Kyoko said that he would not understand it. Ren said that he was fired a lot of times when he was a newbie because he refused to listen to advice.

He started counting the number of failures, and Kyoko was surprised because she expected Ren to have success served on a silver platter. Kyoko wondered why the tabloids never picked up on his failures, and asked if he was in Hollywood during that time since he did not know about Tentenko-mai (despite being an uncommon Japanese phrase). He simply did a sarcastic expression and started talking in English, pissing Kyoko off. It was clear that he was making fun of Kyoko. After he left for his job, Kyoko moved back to her belongings. Ren suddenly appeared, scaring her because she feared that she was found out. However, he came to thank her for her help. Kyoko saw another different side of Ren, and found her heart beating harder when he smiled so sweetly to her. She also wondered if she should apologize for her previous rude actions to Ren.

Thoughts

This episode is just so funny! This is everything that Skip Beat is all about: Comedy, serious drama and extremely sweet lovey-dovey moments of Ren and Kyoko. Yes, I am a total shipper of Ren X Kyoko because the two of them are just so adorable together. Where should I even start writing for this episode?

All right, let me talk about Kyoko and that arrogant singer first. I bet that even Kyoko is surprised when Dicktaro manages to play a decent game of badminton since her record against Dicktaro was a magnificent 36-0. Considering how Dicktaro considers Kyoko to be absolutely nothing to him, he does remember many things about her and gets reminded of her so much. That does not feel like someone who did not care about her. However, I guess Dicktaro is too much of a flirt, and Kyoko isn’t someone who screams sex appeal. I am rather amused when Dicktaro gropes her breasts and say that he felt very little. That was such a bloody low blow!

It’s probably this episode where Kyoko finally realizes her place in the industry. Obviously, Kyoko is not naive enough to think that she will be the top easily, but I think she overestimated herself. She finally realized how big a gulf Dicktaro and Kyoko have between them, and I believe that it is the reason why she actually admired Dicktaro for a moment when he was glimmering with the bright stage lights flashing on him. She realized that she might want to be loved by someone, or something. It’s probably a very weak need due to her inability to receive or give love, but she does feel something I think.

Ok, it’s finally time for this. Hands up all who actually Kyaa-ed at least once when Ren appeared. Yes, we can complain until the cows come home that Ren looks less handsome in the anime compared to the manga. However, they are really doing a good job with the various creative ways to make him sparkle so brightly. Darn, I am blinded by the amount of sparkles that this episode has, but my favorite sparkle must be the one when he thanked Kyoko for her help at the end. That was just so sweet and kind. I mean, for the last ten episodes, Ren adopted a somewhat antagonistic attitude toward Kyoko. This is the first time that the two are talking like normal people, and Ren’s sweet attitude is just something that can soften a typical girl’s heart.

I also laughed my head off when Ren went all emo and sad after sparkling so brightly. This episode is really a tale of two halves. While the first half is slightly more devilish and painful (due to how much suffering Kyoko went through), the second half is much more tender and sweet. The animators did a pretty good job at joining these two together while adding some individual touches in terms of effects and special add in (a girl singing the theme song of Skip Beat? LOL!). I was just a little sad Yashiro did not appear for a few seconds like in the manga. I like Yashiro a lot! I am also a tad disappointed that we did not see the gazing look of Ren after he made that American mocking. That would tell more about the darker side of Ren.

As a parting shot, I still do not know what tenteko-mai is. Does anyone have a clue?

It’s finally time for us to admire the Kyoko in action! Sweet, nice and evil Kyoko are all in display.

Summary

Moko was annoyed at Kyoko because she thought that Kyoko was simply a housewife. Moko completely underestimated her ability and considered her a rival. Maria asked Kyoko how she talked to her father (Kyoko said she had no father) and her mother (total fear). Maria thought that Kyoko’s mother was dead, but Kyoko was around. Kyoko stepped past the minefield by whispering how to chat with father. Kyoko reminded Maria that she has the human candle charm to protect her father when he comes over to see Maria. Lory asked Kyoko that she had the approval of her parents to enter LME and questioned the authencity. Lory told Kyoko that she needed her mother’s approval before allowing her for a debut. Kyoko asked Lory if she had to get her approval even if her mother did not care. Lory said it was fine.

After that incident, Lory thought to himself that he could not bear to ask Kyoko any more because it seemed like he was merely stabbing onto an open wound, and Kyoko was close to tears. On the other hand, Kyoko was praying to the stone at a staircase to make herself feel better. Sawada appeared and Kyoko replied. However, she accidentally dropped the stone down the stairs. Ren passed by and picked up the stone. Kyoko immediately rushed down the stairs frenetically for the stone. She started crying loudly since she felt that she has broken the stone given by Corn. She started screaming out for Corn. Sawada asked why she actually named a stone, but Kyoko explained that the stone was given by a boy named Corn. She said that the person was important to her, and gave a present to make her feel better.

Sawada apologized for calling her suddenly. Ren showed her the stone, and Kyoko was glad that the stone was undamaged. Kyoko smiled happily, shocking both Ren and Sawada. Kyoko thanked Ren. Ren asked whether Kyoko came from Kyoto. He explained that the stone was localized in Kyoto. She did not know this at all. Ren started laughing at her, and said that she was gullible. She would probably have her heart broken by some flirtatious guy (totally right), and wondered if it was for the guy she wanted revenge against. In her mind, she continued to simulate the evil Ren’s speech that the man was Shotaro and she was a naive dumbass that was cheated of her teenage life. She knew that she should not say anything since Ren is an asshole (to her), so she simply acted nonchalant and bid goodbye.

Her attempt to sneak away was obviously noted by Ren, and he said, “So I was right.” He warned Kyoko that she should never let anyone know in the media circle, and told her to reject any rumors strongly so that she could protect herself. However, that would only be useful if she could ever debut. That obviously pissed off Kyoko and she was keen to avoid Ren at all costs. Ren looked a little distracted, and he seemed to comment how people changed so much. However, he said that he was the one who changed much more. Kyoko was practicing annunciation, and she was ignored completely by Moko. Sawada then informed that LOVE me has a TV job. Kyoko rushed into the Love me changing room and surprised Moko who spitted out water. Kyoko apologized as she wanted to have a female friend to talk. It was all Dicktaro’s fault, and Moko tried to remove the depressing aura by asking what happened.

When they arrived, it turned out that it was a chicken mascot for a show. At the show, it turned out that Dicktaro was the special guest. Dicktaro was clearly more popular than the hosts. The host asked Dicktaro whether he watched television. He said he seldom did when he actually loved to watch the crappy television shows. He was clearly lying with strength. The show had a special segment where questions were placed in egg-like containers. Then, the host would choose an egg from the basket Bo held. Kyoko had an evil plan, and decided to place a few questions of her own.

When the host picked it out, it was a question about Dicktaro’s real name. “Taro” was a joke surname, but he managed to sneak out of it by saying that the only time that people would know his real name is the time when his artist name disappeared (aka he retired). His fangirls clearly wanted no part of it, and he managed to escape. However, Kyoko laughed evilly within and said that the worst was yet to come for him.

Impz’s thoughts

The first major sob-sob scene of the series is done in a rather low-key manner, so it did not carry the impact that much. I personally loved the scene where Lory questioned Kyoko about the authenticity of her parents’ approval. We all know that Kyoko is hot-headed and rush into things like a raging bull, but this is a reality check that Kyoko is still haunted by the past. This is a past that dominates her life during her formation years, and it is a rather dark scene where we see the fragility of Kyoko’s heart. I think that part of her would be developed more when she fears losing the love and respect of a certain person.

Ok, since it is rather clear, let me say this. I love this scene of Kyoko x Ren aka Corn. It’s obvious from the episode that Ren is Corn, so I feel how powerful this scene is. Ren clearly remembers Kyoko a lot, even though he seems to mock himself at being changed. It seems like Kyoko hardly recognized Ren at all, which meant that Ren probably changed himself quite a bit. That said, Kyoko is quite changed physically, so it is nothing surprising that Ren could not recognize the girl at first glance. I am just glad nonetheless the first seeds of “love” is planted between these two characters.

I so love MOKO! She is probably the best tsundere ever in shoujo history because she is such a competitive girl. I would be surprised as well since Kyoko has hardly exhibited any true talent in acting up to this stage for Moko. Moko, considering the appearance of Kyoko in LOVE ME, probably thinks that it is a loser section for people who cannot act to save their lives. The performance of Kyoko realizes that Kyoko is not someone who can be taken lightly, and the world of acting is not so rosy that you can be friends with anyone. It’s a competitive world out there.

Obviously, I left the most exciting stuff of the episode to the very last. Dicktaro appears once again and Kyoko has the perfect chance to torture the shit out of this asshole. Asking him about his name is just a total pain, and I am surprised that pea brain of a man could sneak out of it easily. I guess his professional skills at being an artist saves his wriggly ass this time, but I hope that he will choke when he gets the terrible questions from our Kyoko-sama.

It might sound really strange but I actually like the heart warming scenes/sob-sob scenes in Skip Beat rather than the vindictive scenes of Kyoko-sama. I think part of the reason is because all that evil scenes of Kyoko is generally caused by Dicktaro. She really needs to let go of that asshole and concentrate her life on Ren. Honestly, woman, for all your goddess-like behavior, you are still fixated at a jerk. That’s like telling all the people out there that women just cannot get enough of bad boys.

So, do you like the heart warming scenes or the evil scenes of Kyoko more?

Can a parent really hate their own child? Is Maria really hated by her own father for her only action of childish plea in her meager years? The conclusion of the training arc will reveal the truth!

Summary

Maria was worried over the difficult challenge, as Kyoko was clearly a novice at acting. Lory said that applicants for the class always required an entrance test to qualify for acting classes, so this was killing two birds in one stone. It seemed that Lory was quietly anticipating a good act from Kyoko. It is clear that Maria liked Kyoko due to her evilness, and Maria was surprised at the blatant truth from Kyoko previously. We saw a flashback how Maria overheard a conversation that Kouki (her father) blamed Maria for Lina’s death (her mother). Lory told her that it’s not Maria’s fault for requesting Lina to come home for her birthday.

Kyoko was wondering how to do this. She wondered if she had the right to be acting due to her impure motives to learn acting. Even though her motives were impure, she really wanted to do well. Moko was worried because Kyoko had to use the older sister to convince the younger sister. It was different from the plot, and was hard because the older sister hated the younger sister. To relax, Kyoko decided to make a doll. After reading the script, Kyoko found a plan. Kyoko was going to act, but she was taunted. They said that she must be lucky to have a free ride and her parents must have loved her a lot.

The aura around Kyoko immediately changed. Lory realized that all great actresses would have a different aura when they were about to act. Maria wondered why Lory is still smiling, and he simply said that he was excited for Kyoko’s performance. The act started with people convincing the younger sister that it was not her fault. Maria remembered how people were trying to appease her when they were in fact blaming her behind her back. Kyoko started laughing and apologized for her laughter with an extremely malicious look.

Kyoko told Angela that she should know the answer. Kyoko told him that father is only human, and he would unconsciously deliberately say something terrible. Kyoko reminded the girl that even parents could hate their children. Moko realized she changed the script. Kyoko then affirmed to the girl that father hated her. Maria remembered how everyone did not want to hurt a pure child anymore, and she could not trust any adult because they were lying. Even Ren, who tried to rationalize that her father did not know how to talk to her. Due to the truthful words of Kyoko, Maria was touched and started crying. Maria said that she would no longer be hurt even if she was thrown with the truth.

After pressing on with Angela, Angela suddenly blurted out “LIAR”. Kyoko smiled and knew she was on the right track. Angela tried to convince Kyoko that father loved her through the actions he did for her. Kyoko dismissed them completely, only for Maria to step in when Kyoko said that her father’s mails were repetitive and fake. Kyoko managed to improvise brilliantly, stating that it was merely an act of cutting and pasting since his father did not care. Maria said that her father always sent two emails everyday, and sent it during his midnight hours. That took effort, but Kyoko said someone else might have sent it for him Maria eventually said that her father always remembered to write “I love you”.

Maria admitted that she just did not want to confirm that she was being hated. She feared replying, because she knew she would be hated by her father if she got no reply. Kyoko smiled and said that Maria finally found the answer for herself. Maria realized that the wall was constructed by her. After the acting test, Moko was pissed off because Kyoko had it all planned, and she was surprised at Kyoko’s ability. Lory drove the group back, and Kyoko had to pay by installments. It seemed that the class felt that Maria’s interruption invalidated their bet. Kyoko asked if Maria emailed her father, and Maria said she had no clue. Lory thought about it, and was impressed by Kyoko’s perfomance.

Thoughts

You know, I have forgotten just how bratty Maria was at the start of the show. However, it really showed that fear in children after a catastrophe. Children really know nothing about the world, and it really cast a very dark cloud on Maria’s psyche. Despite all her pranks, the truth is that she really just wanted to release all the painful memories she had. She knew that her father truly loved her a lot, and she just needed someone who is unpretentious about it. Kyoko proved once again that her frankness is perhaps the easiest way to a hurt soul’s heart.

I actually feel that the anime rendition of this episode feels more powerful than the manga. Yes, it seems like blasphemy and the constant flashbacks of what Maria felt previously gave it a heavier feel to the show. It makes sympathizing for Maria much easier because it is clear that the girl really just wanted someone to save her. I also feel that the flashback with Kouki blaming Maria for calling his wife back is a very powerful scene. It’s little wonder why Maria felt that way, even if the words were not meant seriously at all.

I really wonder whether parents can truly hate their own child. To Kyoko, she seems to agree that it is actually possible. I really wonder about her mother sometimes, and feel strange that she actually gave birth to a child that she gave little love to. That feels like a really irresponsible mother, and she should never have Kyoko if that is the treatment she is going to give. She seems to be a career woman of sorts, and may I be the first to say that she’s an absolute bitch for making Kyoko have such a scarred childhood. I am honestly wondering if she is really hating on Kyoko, or simply have a misguided love for perfection. We know too little of her sadly.

Also, sI did not have the chance to scream at the trainees in the class in the manga. However, we finally finish the episode on this arc, and I have the perfect chance to do so. I will now proclaim my rage against those incompetent actresses who dared to mock my Kyoko-sama. I am so glad that they are rendered speechless by the greatness of Kyoko, even though her acting itself seems to be influenced by the taunts of the actresses themselves. I bet the remainder about how “she is so loved by her parents” triggered that painful memory to resurface and energize her acting to a higher degree of excellence.

As a parting shot, do you think parents can truly hate their child?

I could try to write a whole paragraph of Moko love to introduce the new arc of Skip Beat. However, I should just say this to describe everything I think about Moko.

MOKO, I LOVE YOU! You are so damn hot!

Summary

Kyoko cursed at the dolls of Ren and Dicktaro, psyching herself up to give them divine deliverance in the future. In LME, Kyoko was looking at the brochures for acting classes in order to improve herself but was appalled at the cost of the classes. Kyoko then bumped into Moko. Kyoko was surprised to see Moko holding a copy of acting classes, since Moko should have passed the auditions. Moko tried to explain her way out of this predicament, but the acting head of LME revealed that Moko was going to be a LOVE ME member. Kyoko was surprised why Moko failed the audition

Moko was supposed to describe about family love, and talked about it. It turned out that Moko showed extreme hatred of family love and feel that anyone who is binded by such values would be an unfortunate soul. Lory was clearly disappointed, but realized that Moko had the skills to be an actress. However, she would be placed in the LOVE me section to discover love. Kyoko comforted Moko by saying that the Love me section is a good place to be, and Moko realized that Kyoko must be part of it. Moko tried to run away from Kyoko as Kyoko started tagging herself onto Moko. However, Moko was eventually no match against Kyoko’s spirits. Kyoko’s forceful attempts forced Moko to change into the pink track suit. At the acting class, Lory saw some broken vases and he seemed to know who the culprit was.

The LOVE ME group was doing a temporary job and it was clear that Kyoko was glad to have Moko’s company. People were teasing Moko. Moko tried to explain, but Kyoko told her that Moko was accursed with the pink uniform. Moko tried to remove the jumpsuit, but she was once again stopped by Kyoko’s demons. Moko asked why she was named Moko, and Kyoko explained that it is a nickname since Moko moved a lot (Mo-Mo). Moko considered the Love me section to be a bane for her, and tried to run away. However, she was stopped for the countless time by Kyoko as Sawara gave them a job. It turned out that the section was required to take care of Maria, Lory’s niece.

They went to Lory, and they explained that Maria seemed to be traumatized by the story in the script since it reminded her of a sad past. Scene changed to Moko, who was laughed at due to her pink jumpsuit. She wanted to run away, but she was held down by Kyoko’s spirits. Eventually, her anger after being mocked to be a bottom dweller broke the spirits’ hold. Kyoko said that she was unable to help Maria. Lory said she was able to help Ruriko, and believed that she might be able to do it since even Ren was unable to solve her bind. It turned out that Maria liked Kyoko quite a bit, and it was rare for Maria since her attention was usually only to Ren.

Back to the acting class, Moko clearly showed how great an actress she was by playing both the male and female’s role easily. She continued to deny being in LOVE me, but accepted it completely when she overheard Lory’s comment that he would make it free for them for acting classes. Lory informed them that they were unable to find Maria. Kyoko took out some well made figurines of Ren and Dicktaro. Moko was surprised at the detail of the doll, and wondered if she was a stalker fan. Interestingly enough, Maria was lured over. Maria and Kyoko started discussing about the art of voodoo dolls. Moko clearly did not know what the two were talking about. It seemed that Kyoko and Maria was getting amicably.

The other students were definitely annoyed at LOVE me since they overheard Lory’s promise of free classes if they were able to tame Maria. Maria said that she was keen to use the voodoo doll to bind Ren to her. Kyoko was surprised that a voodoo doll could be used for love. Kyoko proposed to use a human-shaped candle, but Maria said it did not work. Maria hence wanted Kyoko’s power. Just then, Lory asked Maria to apologize for her pranks. Maria questioned the release of this movie script, calling the script a total joke. It made no sense that the main character was the one who caused the death of her mother, yet she was still loved by everyone. Maria did not understand why even the sister and father would be loving the lead.

Kyoko was reminded of her own parents, and clapped in agreement as she felt that the older sister was way too idealistic. The students were annoyed, and told Kyoko to role play the elder sister and make the younger sister realize that she was still loved. Kyoko was now in a pitch after being pressurized by the students to accept the challenge.

Thoughts

Moko is so awesome. Repeat after me. Moko is so awesome. I really love her tsundere behavior toward Kyoko despite it being mostly tsun tsun behavior. I mean, who can resist MOKO? If you dare comment that Moko is anything but that, I will have the rage of an evil fanboy down on you. Heh! Anyway, Moko’s appearance is definitely interesting because I love how Moko and Kyoko interact with each other. They really do act like they are a comedy duo.

If you ask me, Kyoko would never been so awesome without the support of Moko because Moko is really a very good actress with keen sense. I also don’t remember Moko’s nickname being explained in the manga. Perhaps I am getting forgetful (and I am too lazy to go back to the manga) but it is definitely a funny touch to give Moko her nickname simply because she fidgets around.

I definitely laughed my guts out when Moko was bound by the evil spirits of Kyoko so many times. It never got dry because I found herself laughing every single time when Moko tried to struggle in a futile attempt to escape. This is a more liberal attempt to use the dark spirits more effectively in the anime that makes me happy as a viewer. I like the touch about the dark spirits communicating among themselves, and there is this dark morbid humor about it. I guess it is just the fact that I like how Moko looks so startled with the spirits. It’s just too cute.

On the main plot of the story, I personally find the whole plot to be hard to believe. In what is described, the main female lead actually caused her mother to die. Yet, everyone still seemed to love her. Maybe it is a cookie-cutter plot that is attempting to portray the greatness of family love, but I ain’t buying it at all. I do not know why everyone seems to think that Kyoko and Maria are queer but there would always be some resentment even if those family members did not show it at all. That is why I feel that Maria has a reasonable doubt since everyone tries to appease her when it seems clear enough that there was some indirect blame placed on her. I sympathize with Maria a lot in this episode.

On my favorite scene, it must be how Moko transformed from a LOVE-ME hating member to one that proudly proclaims her allegiance to LOVE ME because of free training. It is just pure Moko to be so motivated over free things, or more accurately things that she can save money in. You can probably tell that Moko is a total pragmatist, and that is why she is so darn charming.

So, a parting question: Do you think that the story plot of the movie script is stupid or realistic?

A combination of extreme work done for my graduate application (just took the GRE and got a 1400!) and a serious bout of laziness meant that I did not blog for two whole weeks. Now, I have a huge backlog waiting for me. Nonetheless, being the lazy Impz I am, I am a bit disturbed to blog the sixth episode of Kuroshitsuji and Index. Hence, I will just do the episode entries for this week. Stay tuned for that. In addition, no one takes my Kyoko-sama even though I have been dead busy for the whole of this week.

That is enough rambling from me. This is Kyoko’s show, and man did she show that!

Summary

Kyoko is clearly enduring a lot of pain from her sprained ankle, but she gamely continued. Everyone was thinking that Ruriko would win this round due to her strained condition. Ren was also concerned about whether she could continue. However, when the take started, Kyoko appeared elegant, the complete epitome of serenity. The director was impressed by Kyoko’s professionalism, and Ren was impressed too. Kyoko clearly showed her skill in tea-making, surprising everyone on the set.

As the act started, Ren was able to influence Kyoko by manipulating her to act the way he wanted her to. It was clear Ren was serious about acting with Kyoko because of her determination. Ruriko could sense that his aura was almost suffocatingly powerful, and wondered if Ren chose Kyoko. Kyoko wondered if Ren was picking a fight with her, but nonetheless continued to resist. She continued her lines about the “bells in the distance that she was not allowed to go near.” Ren looked away and asked whether Kyoko would be lured by the bells. Kyoko turned to what Ren was saying, and dropped the tea cup in surprise. She was once again forced to act according to the forceful manipulation of Ren.

The director was happy at Kyoko’s appearance. Ruriko said she can act that well, but the director said that Kyoko was able to act because Ren decided to act seriously. The director added that Ren was probably impressed by Kyoko’s professionalism. As Ren continued to talk, it was clear that Kyoko was struggling. They immediately stopped the take, but Kyoko refused to stop. It turned out that Ren (the customer) was still on the set, and she refused to stop. Ruriko was reminded of how she was so determined during her debut, and lost her way. The director realized that Ren was the customer, and told Ren to leave the mat. Ren stepped off immediately, and Kyoko fainted immediately.

Impressed by Kyoko’s determination, Ruriko decided to work hard. Ruriko asked the director for another chance, and she would do anything. Kyoko also regained consciousness after wards, and Ruriko’s manager apologized for Ruriko’s antics. Kyoko said it was all right, even though it was obvious she was very pissed. Yashiro talked to Ren too, and it was clear Kyoko never had a chance to snatch the role away. Lory already appointed Ruriko as the actress, and he did not have the right to change. Hence, Kyoko was simply a tool to challenge Ruriko. However, Kyoko managed to do more than that in the process. Ruriko walked over to Kyoko, and gave Kyoko 100 points for her work. Kyoko was surprised since she tried to steal Ruriko’s job away. Kyoko wondered if Ruriko had a queer “switch” in her head.

Ruriko said that she was despicable to steal the job away from Kyoko when she was injured. However, Kyoko said she fainted during the act, which reeks of unprofessional behavior and hence did not deserve to survive. Ruriko agreed with her too, before stomping away in anger over Kyoko’s expression. At night, the director tried to appease Kyoko by taking a photo shoot, and she succeeded with the delight of Kyoko over looking pretty. The director said that it was a pity since he did not feel that Kyoko was inferior. Kyoko said that she was glad she lost because she only acted through Ren’s provocation. The director said that it was common for Ren to manipulate his co-actors to act perfectly.

Ren walked past them, and they escorted Kyoko to her room. Amusingly, Kyoko ignored Ren completely. Kyoko was depressed that all her skills revolved around Dicktaro and Dicktaro’s mother was preparing Kyoko to be Dicktaro’s bride in the future through the training. Kyoko realized that she only an empty shell that did nothing for herself. However, she hoped to be a good actress like Ren one day. Back in her room, she was forced to remove her makeup despite her insistence to keep it on. Ren’s remainder of Dicktaro persuaded her to remove it. In the end, Ren managed to piss her off by giving her -10 points. He did it because Kyoko answered bashfully that her determination was motivated by her revenge.

Thoughts

It is now time to usher in the coming of the Kyoko-sama that we manga fans have been waiting for. Yes, her awesomeness level is hardly in the league of extraordinary women for now, but it is just a few steps away from heaven. Kyoko’s determination is close to god status if you ask me, and most prima donnas in showbiz would not be able to do anything like that. In a way, Kyoko’s drive to her tasks is a clear indication of a person who might be able to find love if she is given the chance.

That said, Ren finally arrived to Skip Beat. I must admit that the first few episodes of Skip Beat just did not give Ren any justice at all. I remember him as a kick-ass character but the character design in the anime is hardly flattering for a man who is “supposed to be the hottest actor alive in LME.” He just lacks that charming factor that is omnipresent in the manga, which made a poor Impz very disappointed. However, Ren is not all about physical looks. Another of his charms is his ability to manipulate others with his sheer charisma. This is done perfectly in this episode with how he “forced” Kyoko to his bidding during the acting scene.

I do not know why but I felt that the number of chibi faces in the anime is actually a good thing. I am someone who strangely gets turned off when there are way too many chibi faces that are pretty redundant. However, none of the faces annoyed me because it is genuinely funny at the right time where they place it. I mean, the random teary eyed chibi face just softens my heart. It is not easily done to be honest because many series have abused this so badly that it’s no longer right. Yes, I am talking about this series.

I personally find that this arc is really more about acting than any of the characters. I mean we did have some glimpses of each other’s personality, but it feels more like a foundation of what acting meant to all the characters. Kyoko does not know how acting should be like and is finding her way. Ren is like the professional actor that is forceful and serious when he deems it worthy. Ruriko lost her way due to fame but finally found her way back to how she was during her debut.

My favorite scene must be when Kyoko totally ignored Ren when Yukihito and Ren escorted her to the room. I mean, it was so blatant that it is just so funny. The second scene must be how Ren decided to be an “asshole” again by reducing 10 points off Kyoko because she said that her motivation came from revenge. I kind of wonder if anyone is annoyed at Ren right now?

So, what is your favorite scene for this episode?

Ruriko is definitely going to pay for all the hideous things she did to the delicate, sweet and wonderfully awesome Kyoko-sama. This episode chronicles the rise of our Cinderella, an ordinary looking girl who will be transformed by the beauty and elegance of acting. Bring it on, KYOKO-SAMA’s first true assignment and experience at acting!

By the way, this will be my last post for this week, as I will be off to meet Kurogane and Owen S while taking some examinations in Malaysia. I am also tasked by my girlfriend to take tons of group pictures because she likes their reading a lot. Yes, it’s an ego bruising that my girlfriend does not even like my writing, and no, I won’t post it here because I am online-exposure shy.

Summary

Kyoko was struggling to rid herself of Ren while being carried by Ren to the work site. From the edge of the room, Ruriko was seething over Kyoko’s fortune to be held by her beloved Ren (her idol). Yashiro (Ren’s manager) took care of Kyoko’s wounds, and wanted to bring her to a hospital. However, due to the long distance and her persistence to complete her job, she rejected Yashiro’s kind offer. Ruriko was wondering why Ren was caring for Kyoko so much when he was the one who invited her to this job. When Ruriko finally met Ren, Ren spoke sarcastically that he was already impatient from waiting so long.

Ruriko angrily walked off from the acting area and met Kyoko in the corridor. Kyoko wondered if she did anything to antagonize. Ruriko finally revealed that she asked Kyoko to help in order to completely defeat a person like her. She admitted that she hated the “Love me section” and would make sure that Kyoko would get no points for it since she did all of that just to get points (implied: get famous). Kyoko was pissed off because she was really trying to help Ruriko. Ruriko boasted that the cast would beg her back since she was s star. A provoked Kyoko got Yashiro’s help to drag Ruriko back. Back at the set, Ruriko was surprised that no one bothered to call her back as they all looked very relaxed. Ruriko started throwing tantrums, dumping Kyoko on the ground while stating that Kyoko feigned injury to get attention from Ren. She insinuated that Kyoko’s fall on the slope was scripted too.

Kyoko’s internal devils and angels were fighting to crush Ruriko. The director told Ruriko to apologize, and Ruriko was surprised everyone took Kyoko’s side. Filming has started and Kyoko was sad Ruriko was not a dream princess. Ren came over and invited Kyoko to sit down. Kyoko was suspicious of Ren, but Ren simply said that anyone would try to take care of someone who was hurt. In the first scene, Ruriko was NG-ed a few times due to her posture and said that she did not want the job anymore. She said that since anyone could do this crap, Kyoko can be her replacement. Kyoko gleefully accepted the invitation, and said that she could definitely do something so simple. Ruriko tried to seek help from her manager, and it was clear that it was part of Lory’s plans. Ren wondered if the director’s current plan of competition would work and whether if their original plan of fixing Ruriko’s arrogant behavior would be ruined.

In the make up room, Kyoko was extremely hyped up when she realized she was going to put on make up. Kyoko appeared on the set completely dazzling, surprising everyone. Ruriko said that even a commoner could look like a beauty with make up. Kyoko happily agreed and thanked Ruriko for the chance to be a Cinderella. She considered this day to be the best day of her life, making others wonder how her life was before this. Kyoko told Ruriko that she wanted to be happier than this by beating her. Ruriko’s competitiveness appeared and said that she would not lose to Kyoko. In the same scene that Ruriko suffered a lot of NGs, Kyoko managed to be flawless in her posture. Everyone was filled with praise of her acting. Kyoko knew that she was only able to do it because of her training under Dicktaro’s mother.

As she walked, it was clear that her foot was still hurting. Ren helped to secure her ankle wound with bandages, and Ruriko realized that Kyoko was not feigning injury. Kyoko’s pinch came because the next scene was a tea ceremony and required fifteen minutes of kneeling. Ren told her that it would create a lot of stress on her foot and asked if she was confident of doing it. Kyoko exclaimed in her mind that she would break through the pain barrier by sheer perseverance. While Ruriko was learning about the tea ceremony, Kyoko avoided the training to relieve the stress on her leg. Kyoko asked if Ruriko was sensitive toward ultraviolet light, and Kyoko realized it was a total lie. Ruriko said that she never said anything to affirm that. Kyoko felt like a total idiot to protect her when Ruriko was a bag of lies. Ruriko told Kyoko that she only had herself to blame for her fall.

Ren and the director came in time to break off the fight. However, after the adrenalin, Kyoko remembered the pain on her ankle. Ren said that she was really an idiot to fight back when she was barely able to stand, and told her to give up. Obviously, our Kyoko will never give up as she burned with dark desires. Ruriko asked if Ren liked Kyoko more, but Ren simply said that he wanted to act with someone who was serious at her work.

Yashiro asked Kyoko to go to the hospital, lest her bone might break. Kyoko said she would continue acting because broken bones would heal anyway! Distracted by her thoughts, Ruriko forgot her lines and the director asked Kyoko to replace Ruriko. Ruriko started complaining, but the director said that someone who could lose concentration in a scene was clearly not serious. Ruriko tried to make excuses, but the director said that he was not interested in hearing her excuses. Kyoko smiled and told Ruriko that she would fulfill her job of not allowing Ruriko to be exposed in the sun. Kyoko promised that Ruriko would never see the light in her acting career because she would beat her now.

Thoughts

Yes, this is what I am waiting for. The first arc of the story is what Skip Beat is all about: Kyoko’s innocence, Kyoko’s devilish behavior and Kyoko’s sheer perseverance in adversity. This is actually the chapter in the manga that made me interested in reading the rest of the 100 over chapters because it manages to flesh out Kyoko much more than the rather one-dimensional character that she was. It is at this point of the story that Kyoko finally starts to acknowledge that acting is in fact a job that not many can endure.

I personally enjoy so many of those devil scenes that I probably need a dissertation to discuss them in detail. Nonetheless, let me point out my two favorite scenes of Kyoko’s evil behavior. My first one is where she starts to go totally sparkling after getting her make up done. The sparkles were something that I miss quite a bit and they went into overdrive mode for Kyoko here. However, the clincher for the scene is actually the part where she turns into malicious mode as she told Ruriko about her plans to usurp her role away from her. Now, that is pure Kyoko-sama for you. No one can stop the Kyoko-sama from a rampage if she chooses to do so.

My second favorite scene epitomizes the Kyoko that we all know. It is near the end where Kyoko-sama has a conversation with Yashiro (one of my favorite characters because he will eventually become an unofficial matchmaker) about her injury. Instead of succumbing and going to a hospital, she spoke about how she will continue to work since a broken bone can be healed. I bet Kyoko will try her best to go to work if she was sick, dizzy and hurting at the same time. She is a total workaholic like Ren, and that is just the way her mind was constructed. However, it also shows the vindictive side of Kyoko when her trust is betrayed.

In addition, I must say that the director feels a bit different compared to the manga. He seems to be much more cocky than his counterpart in the manga, and I actually enjoy it because it pisses Ruriko off so badly. Talking about pissing Ruriko off, Ren takes the cake for hitting her where it hurts on two separate occasions. If words can kill, Ren will be the Hitokiri Battōsai of the world.

It’s a pity we are still not getting into the arcs of Ren x Kyoko. We need more Ren x Kyoko! However, I guess the few scenes of interaction is a good appeasement for the shipping in Impz. I just like how Kyoko thinks of Ren as a demon when he is nice to almost everyone. The dedication of Ren to his work is amazing, and I think that next episode will touch on his professionalism, and how he will impress and disgust Kyoko at the same time.

So, until next week, see you and have fun worshiping Kyoko-sama. As an ending question, which of the screencaps (if you have not watched it) or Kyoko scenes (if you watched it) do you like the most in this episode?

I don’t care if I am going to say some major spoilers but Ruriko is a total pain in the ass. In fact, I generally wish to lynch her until the end of the arc because that stupid woman hurt my sweet Kyoko-sama’s ankle so badly. Anyway, Kyoko finally gets into LME through the Love me section, a section created by Lory for people who are missing a special quality to become a star.

It’s time for the transformation of a princess, the princess known as Kyoko-sama!

Summary

Lory met up with Kyoko, and asked if she has the desire to love others. She said she did not, but wished to get back that human quality. Lory was satisfied with her answer and explained how the “Love me” section functions. Kyoko needs to get stamps from jobs given by other employees in LME, and will be rated on her work. The more points she get, the more likely that she will be given a major debut by LME. Kyoko thanked Lory for the chance, and went to her locker space.

She was thinking that the section might be fun, but the gaudy pink jumpsuit that was her compulsory clothing was an eyesore. Kyoko eventually got her first job to clean up a dirty floor. Kyoko wanted to kill those who were laughing at her looks, but hung on to clean the floor grudgingly. We also see a cut scene of Dicktaro trying to pick a fight with Ren, but he was brushed aside easily. Back to Kyoko, she manage to cause everyone to fall from the over polishing. That caused her to get a pathetic ten points from Sawada. In her mind, she was getting annoyed at those idiots who were not careful enough to slip. However, that old lady (previous episode) had given Kyoko -10 points, and the 10 points she got means this is the time to make a fresh start.

While she was pondering about this, her back was knocked by Ruriko Matsunai. She decided to offer Kyoko a task. Back in the LME top office, Lory and the acting manager was discussing about how the current plan was done to fix Ruriko’s terrible prima donna attitude. On the day of the shoot, Ruriko was complaining about the hot sun while inside a well-covered car. Kyoko speculated that she might be sensitive to UV rays. Kyoko said that Ruriko was a poor thing since she had to act despite her poor health. Ruriko’s manager said that there were many times where the sun became inconvenient for Ruriko to travel around.

Kyoko obviously started to dream of Ruriko as a frail princess. Ruriko’s manager informed Kyoko that Ruriko wanted Kyoko to protect her from the sun. Suddenly, the car stalled and they had to cover the short walk to the site. Ruriko started to whine and complain about having to walk, despite Kyoko carrying a heavy ultraviolet-protection umbrella to give her shade. Ruriko said that the crew should pick her up but relented when she heard Ren was waiting for her. Kyoko was shocked how the name of Ren was able to persuade Ruriko.

Kyoko was reluctant to go to the site since Ren was there. After walking for five minutes, Ruriko sprawned on the floor and started whining. Kyoko was hence forced to carry Ruriko on her back while carrying the heavy umbrella. Kyoko felt like she was losing her senses but felt that she had to protect Ruriko. Ruriko eventually reached the site alone, and was very polite to her co-workers. The directors were a bit surprised at her polite behavior compared to her perceived prima donna attitude.

One of the workers wondered how Ruriko reached the site alone. It turned out that Kyoko carried her to almost the full distance before spraining her ankle. Kyoko was worried for Ruriko’s illness, but Ruriko said that she would go ahead and call someone to fetch Kyoko. Back at the site, it was clear that Ruriko hated Kyoko for getting special leeway to enter LME despite having no talent. Kyoko, on the other hand, was unable to move due to her ankle. She wondered if she was going to burn away alone, but the last person she wished to meet came over to save her. It was Ren.

Thoughts

Please allow me to waste one paragraph to flame the living lights out of that prima donna bitch known as Ruriko. First, she’s a total bitch that totally lied to our sweet and innocent Kyoko. Second, I hope that a drama will required her to be tan and make that tan irreversible for this sunlight hating woman. Third, I hope she will one day become Kyoko’s assistant and she will be forced to carry our GREAT KYOKO-SAMA UP A VERY STEEP SLOPE. In addition, I hope she will sprain her ankle and be abandoned at the roadside!

Ok, that calmed me down a little. I am not sure if the scene about her mother abandoning her was ever shown in the manga, but I felt that it was a very painful scene nonetheless. It’s perhaps the first glimpse of Kyoko’s rather depressing family life, since it was clear that her relationship with her mother was very strained at the very least. It is quite sad that she already lost all faith and hope of people due to her trauma. It is not only her inability to love, but also her inability to accept love from others too. That is something that hurts me as her fan.

Her gaudy pink jumpsuit is a sight to behold, even though I was strangely hoping for them to add some sparkles on the jumpsuit. That will be a touch too exaggerating, but I felt that it will be amazing because it is so ridiculous. I actually like many of the additional random spirit talk within Kyoko. This comment is a repeat of what I said in Episode 4 but I have never failed to be impressed or chilled by the amusing spirits (now Kyoko even has an angel!) in dialog.

We also get to see the classic scene between the “fight” between Ren and Dicktaro in the middle of the episode (I did not include the details in the summary because it felt a little out of place). I am not sure if the manga readers will agree with me, but I felt that the scene was done in a way to make Dicktaro’s personality even clearer. Moreover, Ren’s reply to him is just comeback classic and it is totally magnificent stuff. That scene is perhaps the best scene in this episode because it clearly represents the two differing personalities of our male protagonists. Dicktaro is obviously an egomaniac dick while Ren is the cool head that never shrinks from a fight.

Lastly, I would like to pose the question: Which character is more detesting to you now? Dicktaro or Ruriko?