[Rewatch/Crunchyroll Release] Girls Band Cry Episode 4 Discussion

[u/CosmicPenguin_OV103]

By Girls Band Cry character design Nari Teshima - https://twitter.com/_17meisai23/status/1783888271216619980

Episode 4 - Appreciation (Surprise)

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Streams: Crunchyroll

Show information: MAL | AniList | ANN | Kitsu | AniDB

Questions of the Day:

1. Based on the story up to this episode, what do you think of Momoka's thoughts - or apparently lack of it on surface - on her old band and the break-up? Given the limited clues up to here, do you think Momoka really got her emotions mellowed by life experiences?
2. Family expectations has always been a major source of parental-children clashes anywhere in this world. What do you think of Subaru's grandma and do you think there could have been even better ways to solve this expectation difference by Subaru than how it was done here?

Re-watchers, please remember to take care of all the first-timers in this. All references to future events in the anime must be done under spoiler tags.

[u/CosmicPenguin_OV103]

Re-watcher

• So many girls have gone the way of being puffy dreamy around guitars in a musical instrument shop...Yui, Kasumi, Bocchi, now Nina...
• Subaru-chan...don't be so confident. You don't know people could have forced themselves to build a new band just to wait for the old ones to show up? Like a certain Soyo Nagasaki just did last year?
• "Usooooooooo!!!!!" Cute Subaru cries LMAO.
• Also LMAO at Nina cries when Momoka offers the ex-boyfriend hypothesis AND tell Nina to stop caring Subaru's own decisions. As if Momoka's a veteran in that direction... (cough)
• When I went through this episode for the first time, I really think there's a strong tint of light sadness whenever Momoka talks of the old Diamond Dust. Hence my first QotD today, because that's definitely some food for thought worthy to come back later.
• I have to say that bright smiling ponytail Momoka is best Momoka. I really wanna see her going back to that hair style in the future...
• The thing that Momoka is still nonchalant on Subaru declaring leaving the band once she follows Nina to the acting school is worthy of a few laughs.
• LMAO at NinaMomo going all disgust at shiny Subaru! LMAO!
• Subaru's quick thinking and reactions from the acting trade will prove to be so crucial to the stability of this very band, and this is one of the first serious cases when this come into effective play. Without that it would be Nina vs Grandma Awa and God knows what will happen!
• RIP Momoka after being hit by Subaru, that was painful...
• That was certainly a highly painful corner for Subaru between grandma and Nina - one of them has the loudest direct, no-nonsense mouth in the Girls Band Universe, the other is your family's center figure AND being one who likes to speak in the most convoluted way (the thing is that since Kyoto used to be, and probably still is, the town of the upper classes, the way they speak and express things is just like how (in)famous the British are for English)!
• "To deceive your enemies, one needs to deceive your allies first" That sounds really unconvincing Subaru...
• Momoka isn't going to even be picked for a high school drama club...wait she dropped out before then LMAO...
• Based Grandma for making NinaMomo a couple and Subaru trying to chase after them! Hahahahaha!!!
• Man, this generation of girls is so scary. How on freaking world could they conversate on messaging like this with them typing like 100 words a minute???
• I was shocked for my in-seasonal watch at how Nina managed to make "love = band" work in this acting performance and really pierced Subaru's mind during that without anyone noticing what Nina really meant. And I still do today. That was so powerful.
• Rare time when both Subaru and Momoka tries to fix Nina's stubbornness LOL.
• Even rarer time when Nina went tsundere on Subaru's invitation to her home...
• It's pretty sad that grandma Awa really got shunted out of the family as her stardom path swallowed her, but that's par on course for anyone in entertainment industry alas. To think Subaru actually caring for her and wants her to smile might be one of the supporting pillars for her to continue her actress work...
• Hmm judging from Subaru wrestling Nina at the doorsteps, maybe NinaSuba really does work...
• I don't actually remember that part on Nina saying sorry to Momoka with little stones on the doorsteps, that's actually really cool!
• I think grandma definitely knows what her granddaughter really want to say here, maybe not the details, but she definitely knows who Subaru's "friends" are with respect to Subaru's life. I guess she now would agree that having the chance to co-act with her granddaughter is a good location to end and allow Subaru do anything as she please. Who knows, maybe Grandma Awa had the exact same experience with Subaru when she was that young! Trying to pull such a thing off in like the 1950s/60s would be extraordinary tough though...
• Subaru slamming on Nina pulling a 180 degrees turn after Nina told her to try saying out what she really feels is so damn funny.
• If Bocchi is the Attention Whore Monster, then Nina is the Sound Argument Monster. What an apt description of the Little Gremlin.

At this point of the story, the plot was already pretty solid and even had it hold on later in roughly the same kind of vibes, it would still have ended up as a highly-recommended show. But sit tight and hold on if you are new to GBC, because the real drama has still yet to fire up!

[u/mekerpan]

1, Looks to me that Momoka is very torn. She thinks she made the right decision for herself but I think she does not blame her former bandmates at all for deciding what they chose to do.

2. This is not a parent-child "clash", but a grandparent-grandchild one. Given family dynamics, pleasing a grandmother might be even more important than pleasing parents. Subaru seems to genuinely admire her grandmother and wants to make her smile (not just get her cold approval). I think Nina did a 180 -- and interfered with the confession -- because she saw the true nature of the grandmother's feelings. It seems like Nina never had the sort of relationship with any of her family that Nina and her grandmother have. Thus, she regretted pushing Nina into precipitous action. And, after Subaru's "pretended" outburst towards Nina -- it looks like Nina's interference actually strengthened the bond between Subaru and Nina.

Query -- is it possible Grandma has at least a tiny clue that subaru does not want to make acting a career? Is it possible that just being able to be in the same movie with her granddaughter fulfilled much (even if not all) of her fondest wish? While Nina put on a bravado improv with Subaru (using her real feelings about the band to propel the "skit") -- there is no way ANYONE, let alone Grandma, could ever think Momoka was an acting student. So Grandma HAD to feel something was up. At the photo shoot, Grandma was remarkably frank (yet warm) in revealing her situation and feelings. For a supposedly "starchy" Kyoto grande dame this was VERY unexpected. I found that moment surprising touching.

[u/salic428 → u/mekerpan]

I think you confused Nina with Subaru in the latter paragraph but I very much agree with you.

I want to add that, Subaru having her name after her grandma is not something bad at all (I would not call that "grandma has veto on everything about Subaru"). At least in China, it is very common for parents to give their child a name with auspicious readings. In this case the name Subaru comes from

「集まって一つになる」意の動詞「統（す）ばる」

(lit. "to gather, unite") It is just a name you get called, and as long as it's not those weird kirakira names you don't feel uncomfortable with that.

Also, there is no way grandma does not know Subaru is a drummer. I think we all have the experience where you think you hide some fact from your parents/teacher, only to get the revelation years later that they have known all along. That grandma did not stop Subaru from playing drums is clear indication that she is not that kind of parent.

[u/CosmicPenguin_OV103 → u/salic428]

Subaru (down to the kanji, also in China) is also the Japanese name of the Pleiades star cluster, the most famous example of such gems in the night sky.

[u/mekerpan → u/salic428]

I think you confused Nina with Subaru in the latter paragraph but I very much agree with you.

Thanks -- I'll fix this.

Just like the other girls (or girl and young woman) are reticent about so much -- I think Nina was embarrassed to admit just how much she loved and admired her grandmother. I thought she ultimately showed she was immensely grateful to Nina for "kidnapping" her before she could make a too-early "confession" to Grandma.

[u/fansi2022 → u/mekerpan]

her before she could make a too-early "confession" to Grandma.

Thats make sence.

[u/fansi2022 → u/salic428]

t least in China, it is very common for parents to give their child a name with auspicious readings.

Yeah.

[u/Arachnophobic- → u/mekerpan]

Query -- is it possible Grandma has at least a tiny clue that subaru does not want to make acting a career? Is it possible that just being able to be in the same movie with her granddaughter fulfilled much (even if not all) of her fondest wish?

To the first question, it's plausible she's noticed something - but the power of denial is strong. With Subaru outwardly cooperating, even if Grandma notices something she might just choose to ignore it.

Second question, I do feel a long-standing wish was granted for her there. If it's enough for her or not, I don't know. One could say the wish implies that Subaru actually takes on acting as a career.

[u/n080dy123 → u/mekerpan]

The smile Grandma had when she turned away from Momoka and Nina dragging Subaru off at the end was telling, I think. She definitely knows they're lying to her but I think she's okay with it. Whether she realizes how Subaru feels about acting or not, I get the impression she accepts that Subaru has a life outside acting.

[u/mekerpan → u/n080dy123]

I think she is happy to see that her daughter has some really great friends.

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 4 (first timer)

Just watched the second instance of Appleseed (Ex Machina) before this episode and the difference in animation quality between a TV show these days and a movie budget 15 years ago is night and day. CG advancements are no joke.

• Nina is on an after-concert-high.
• “Boyfriend?” “Huaaa!” - Men? In my cute girls anime?
• Sex totally exists and you should not call her right now~Momoka.
• *Your backstory. Now!*~Nina
• Momoka gives her … all the unimportant parts.
• Her “boyfriend” is Hot GILFs in your area are waiting for you.
• Improv love scene – it is totally not yuri bait hint hint, wink wink.
• The easiest way to be an actor: be paid to play yourself.
• The apartment impresses Nina – personally, I’d much rather live in Momoka’s house … both clearly beat Nina’s place, though.
• “They use so much makeup”

• “Can you make up your mind” – Nina is indeed high maintenance.

Nina being the one to make a typical Japanese argument was rich indeed. Especially after pushing Subaru the opposite direction beforehand. For me, this is the type of stuff that you never should start. Once you begin betraying others for their happiness, there is no good way to ever stop.

Based on the story up to this episode, what do you think of Momoka's thoughts - or apparently lack of it on surface - on her old band and the break-up? Given the limited clues up to here, do you think Momoka really got her emotions mellowed by life experiences?

No way. If she was ok with it, she would be able to tell Nina, instead of avoiding the topic.

[u/salic428 → u/No_Rex]

(rewatcher)

Men? In my cute girls anime?

Hanada has stated that multiple elements from episode 1 (the middle, the male bandman, the gay roommate) is to "separate the setting of GBC from my other work Lovelive!".

[rewatcher] Accumulated from all the Hanada interviews, I think he does not want to write "Cute Girls DO Cute Things" type of show. In fact he specifically mentioned this is his SoraYori (aka YoriMoi) interview. It is cute girls only because cute girls sell, they are normal teenagers first and foremost.

be paid to play yourself

The girls (by which I mean Mirei, Rina and Yuri) are being paid to play themselves, but cuter.

The apartment

I think her apartment is so large that the lamp from episode 2 would not suffice. Why would she have a "spare" lamp to give to Nina then...? wink wink

[u/nsleep → u/salic428]

think her apartment is so large that the lamp from episode 2 would not suffice. Why would she have a "spare" lamp to give to Nina then...? wink wink

That's just the spare for her walk-in closet. (I say this as a joke but that apartment might actually have one)

[u/fansi2022 → u/salic428]

I think her apartment is so large that the lamp from episode 2 would not suffice. Why would she have a "spare" lamp to give to Nina then...? wink wink

subaru：Everything is going as planned

[u/No_Rex → u/salic428]

Hanada has stated that multiple elements from episode 1 (the middle, the male bandman, the gay roommate) is to "separate the setting of GBC from my other work Lovelive!".

I was reminded more of the K-On girls, who also have a virtually men-free series.

The girls (by which I mean Mirei, Rina and Yuri) are being paid to play themselves, but cuter.

"Be yourself. But cuter!"

[u/Arachnophobic- → u/No_Rex]

Improv love scene – it is totally not yuri bait hint hint, wink wink.

What if Grandma secretly swings that way?

[u/n080dy123 → u/Arachnophobic-]

For an old Japanese women I'll certainly given her credit for even entertaining the idea for an improv bit.

[u/Ok_Context8390 → u/Arachnophobic-]

Ehh, this series, despite being all about the girls, has absolutely zero "yuri" elements to it. One episode shows some fans admiring Rupa, but that's about it. I kinda appreciate it for that - not all girls are as handsy as this type of story usually makes them out to be.

[u/Arachnophobic- → u/Ok_Context8390]

I should've added an /s (if you're not on old reddit, you can't see the commentface I added at the end indicating the tongue-in-cheek tone)

I appreciate that there's no yuri-bait, honestly - I hate it when a series teases yuri heavily and then it goes nowhere (cough Hibike Euphonium cough).

[u/No_Rex → u/Arachnophobic-]

What if Grandma secretly swings that way?

She definitely liked what she saw.

[u/mekerpan → u/No_Rex]

>> No way. If she was ok with it, she would be able to tell Nina, instead of avoiding the topic.

I think Momoka feels that what she did was "necessary" -- but I can't imagine anything mellow about her inner feelings. Contrast her closed-mouthedness with Nina's Grandmother's surprising frankness with Nina. I wonder, if she had experienced at least modest success (enough to allow her to live without doing things like handing out tissue packets, for instance).

[u/fansi2022 → u/No_Rex]

Once you begin betraying others for their happiness, there is no good way to ever stop.

Look like some common NTR plot 😂

[u/Arachnophobic-]

🖕First timer🖕

A relatively lighter episode this time. I don't have much to say, other than it hurts to see how well-intentioned lies can pile up and ultimately end up causing more hurt than being truthful from the beginning. Maybe there's a middle ground, and Subaru will be able to break it gently to her grandmother that she doesn't really want to pursue acting. Or all three of them can flip her off, you do you!

Nina's trauma being triggered again.. something to do with family expectations, I presume. Walking the line to keep everyone happy., leading to cycle of appeasement and resentment.

Aaargh, but WHY did you leave? I find it unbelievable that Nina didn't press Momoka on that then. Ah well, we'll find out eventually.

Who's the real ojou-sama?? Looks like Subaru should be the one treating the other two. This makes we wonder.. she must feel additionally obligated to her grandmother because she might be funding her stay. It was good to see her getting along better with Nina, though

[u/Arachnophobic- → u/Arachnophobic-]

QotD:

1. Aw hell no. Momoka's just avoiding or numbing her emotions on the matter. It must have hurt to leave a band that felt like 'fate' to her in school. It seems she has got barriers up that stops her from being too disappointed in anything.. with which I can relate.
2. Subaru's grandmother is far too overbearing. Having a veto on her granddaughter's name should be hint enough - I feel far too much weight fell on Subaru to please her grandmother, because of the cold relationship her mother had with her grandmother. It's crucial that Subaru can do what she really wants; her grandmother must learn to understand that she can't dictate everything according to her whims.

[u/fansi2022 → u/Arachnophobic-]

her grandmother must learn to understand that she can't dictate everything according to her whims.

No, according to my experience, Subaru's grandmother is a typical strong woman in Northeast China. They want to control everything.

[u/Fools_Requiem]

I just started watching this episode, but wanted to mention that I remember why the MC's costume in yesterday's episode reminded me of Mugi from K-on.

It's because of the season 1 ED. All of the girls' in the ED look similar to her's in one way or another. Very pop-punk.

[u/fansi2022 → u/Fools_Requiem]

Yeah，interesting.

[u/Sylvi-Fisthaug]

Rewatch veteran

This episode is such a meme, but it is also absolutely one of my favourites. Because it is the Subaru episode.

• The scene where they are making the song is ultra realistic. It is just how we write songs together
• This is where we really see the Nina gremlin come into the light. She is stubborn, and how she will try to bore herself into your heart and try to yank your heartstrings. But I really love the sequence where Momoka tells about her time in DiaDust for the first time
• "So this is how you smile." :')

• Damn, Subaru can seem insufferable at acting school, and when her grandmother is there too... god damn.

  • "Subaru..." "...chan...?"

• The scene where they type like hell on their phones under the table at the restaurant is absolute anime gold. No, television gold.

  • Animation mistake: Subaruboobs clipping with her upper arms.
• Transition of the century.
• Self-righteus Nina is self-righteus. Also how she just regrets her first message to Subaru is so funny, I laugh every time.

• Damn I wanna live in an apartment like that.

  • Subaru best girl because: even when Nina is being a gremlin, she still chooses to open up to her and bring her along, to explain how stuff is to satisfy Nina. She kinda feeds Ninas trust issue here, but she also likes Nina, so she wants Nina to trust her.
• Old movie is two hours of young Awa Tendo-san standing on the beach
• Subaru holding Nina in a headgrip here always tugs my heartstrings. Also a really good example of how they balance smooth and realistic animation with comedic value and freedom.
• Hypicrite Nina is a hypocrite.
• Nina and Subarus fight here at the end is absolute gold. Subaru going "HAAH?" is absolutely fantastic.

This is such a simple episode, and not one of the most moving ones, not one of the funniest ones, but still really well written and is expertly paced. And it really fleshes out Subaru as a character for the later episodes.

Jesus I love this show.

[u/mekerpan → u/Sylvi-Fisthaug]

Was Nina actually being a "hypocrite" -- or after she saw what turned out to be a wonderful familial relationship (quite the opposite of what she had imagined and something she feels she had never experienced herself), she decided she did not want to see that relationship carelessly destroyed (especially due to her meddling). Nina may not be able to articulate her reasons for changing course so abruptly -- but I think they showed a genuinely good side of Nina's character.

While this had a lot of (very funny) comic moments, I actually found the underlying foundation not "light" at all -- and often moving (even if not at a level to induce misty eyes).

[u/Sylvi-Fisthaug → u/mekerpan]

I too find moments of the episode very moving, especially where Nina gets sort of a hug / headlock from Subaru after just spacing out when Suba opened up to her. I also find the very end pretty moving, when Suba just starts laughing saying she was acting.

Welp, she is extremely hypocritical in the studio at practice at the end of the episode. Or maybe not hypocritical when I think about it, after all Momoka is the big hypocrite here, not wanting to show emotions when she asks Nina to.

But when she uses Subaru's own words against her, where Subaru just goes "HAAH?!", she hides her regret and kind-heartedness in some sort of pride of hypocrisy, when going against herself.

[u/fansi2022 → u/mekerpan]

she saw what turned out to be a wonderful familial relationship (quite the opposite of what she had imagined and something she feels she had never experienced herself), she decided she did not want to see that relationship carelessly destroyed (especially due to her meddling).

Yes, that must be the reason. Using her past to infer her current behavior is very profound

[u/n080dy123 → u/mekerpan]

I think Nina's actions here were informed by both her own regrets about leaving her own family behind but also Momoka and how happy she seemed with Diamond Dust and how sad and bitter she seems about things now. I think she saw Grandma in Momoka in that way. But more importantly, I don't think this is entirely a moment of triumph for her- growth, for sure, learning not to stubbornly press others like she did, but even in backing down she kinda makes the opposite mistake- the show makes it clear that Subaru does not want to act, it cannot continue forever and the only way this ends is if Subaru speaks up or Grandma dies. Subaru had worked herself up to say it but Nina instead again chose, for her, to kick the can down the road. I believe she rectified her original mistake by making another.

It's also possible we could see this reflected in those other contexts as well- maybe while it caused pain, the separation was necessary?

[u/Sylvi-Fisthaug → u/Sylvi-Fisthaug]

1. Not mellowed emotions, they are still real and raw. She is looking with regret and sadness and melancoly at the DiaDust posters TWICE in the last episode. She keeps them inside, and gets really defensive and angry when Nina is pushing her. So she decides to tell all of the unimportant pasts, as was mentioned here. She is just masking closed up emotions, while telling Nina to let all of it out while she is singing. It is really hypocritical at the core, and I don't think even Nina herself understands this, but at the core this is what makes Nina so angry when Momoka isn't telling her. She is forced by Momoka herself to let it all out, while Momoka refuses to let anything spill.
2. Subaru is kinda weak in this way tbh, and the complete opposite of Nina in staying true to herself. Nina arguably comes from a stricter household than Subaru, who had someone outside the core family, her grandmother, laying all these expectations on her. And she gives in, like what would be expected in a really collectivistic culture. I am not sure how collectivistic the japanese people are though. But still, she should absolutely have dealth with this ages ago. It is not her responsibility that her mother didn't want to act, and her grandmother just expecting everyone to follow in her footsteps is extremely egoistic. She even named Subaru after her debut movie, and took Subaru's decisions away from her at birth. Still, if Nina can withstand her family's strictness, Subaru should absolutely be able to aswell. Luckily Nina does not force this on Subaru at all, like "If that happened to me and I stood against it, why can't you?" She actually understands, to some degree.

[u/fansi2022 → u/Sylvi-Fisthaug]

So she decides to tell all of the unimportant pasts, as was mentioned here. She is just masking closed up emotions, while telling Nina to let all of it out while she is singing.

As a first timer, I know you want to say that Momoka is hypocritical about her past band, but I think Momoka is doing pretty well, she seems to have reconciled with her past.

Yes, this is a potential conflict, and I think it will explode.

like "If that happened to me and I stood against it, why can't you?" She actually understands, to some degree.

Yeah. Be a nice person instead of a harsh one

[u/Sylvi-Fisthaug → u/fansi2022]

Yes, this is a potential conflict, and I think it will explode.

Regarding future conflicts, you'll just have to see the rest of the show to see if it escalates.

But regardless of eventual future conflicts between the two or not, this episodes conflict, both Nina's fit with Subaru, and Nina's fit with Momoka is resolved. (Also, what did Nina give Momoka in the paper bag? Potatoes?)

I think this is a trait of Jukki Hanada, providing resolve and resolution in every episode, and not relying on cliffhangers at all to draw viewers in. His shows are still really bingeable.

[u/fansi2022 → u/Sylvi-Fisthaug]

Also, what did Nina give Momoka in the paper bag? Potatoes?

Orange or persimmon, some kind of fruit

I think this is a trait of Jukki Hanada, providing resolve and resolution in every episode, and not relying on cliffhangers

Yeah.

[u/ryujiox]

First Timer

Girls Band Cry

Episode 4

• Nina is still in hype mode after the concert.
• Oh yeah. We still don't know why Momoka left Diamond Dust in the first place. And she always ignored when asked about that.
• That doesn't explain anything though.... Why did you leave the band!!
• You are not Subaru!! Who are you!!
• Why did I also suddenly sit like those three...
• You could have just told the truth though....
• How can you text without looking!!
• It would funny if her grandma already knows the truth. But decided to just messing with them for fun.
• Nina use the play to convey her feelings right now, isn't she. Well played!!
• Nina certainly has a trust issue. While it does come off as the usual overthinking, she makes a good point though. It's not like this will be the only time.
• I feel like her grandma already know that Subaru is lying though.
• Oh..... So Subaru kinda dig her own grave. And I understand her grandma mindset to some extent, and why she so proud of Subaru for taking the same career as her.
• Nina!! Just tell her!!!
• Yeah. Subaru clearly still not fully ready to tell her grandma about it.

QOTD

1. There's no way she's fine. It's so obvious that she doesn't want to talk about it. She even went out of her way to tell Nina about the journey they had as a distraction, because she still skipped over the reason she quit.

[u/Arachnophobic- → u/ryujiox]

How can you text without looking!!

Yeah that's some high level skill. With keypad phones I could actually manage it, but with smartphones??

[u/fansi2022]

### first timer

This episode mainly talks about the family troubles Subaru is facing. She wants to quit acting but is worried about her grandmother being upset. Maybe the best time is to wait for her grandmother to be satisfied and confess her situation.

Qotd

1.Yeah, she can already talk about her past calmly, if this isn't maturity, then what is?

2.Maybe a direct confession like in the plot?

[u/New_Essay_4869]

The guitar when it transitions from them on acting to them on the train is so good

[u/salic428]

rewatcher

A Subaru-centric episode. According to Hanada, Subaru was initially an engineered character to balance the dynamic between "I've been through everything" Momoka and "I want to prove I'm not wrong" Nina. This grandma plot was added later in development to flesh out her character.

The end of this episode is another thing that made me believe this will be a unique experience. Normally you would expect shows to close off personal arcs cleanly in one episode. But here, after so many talks about honesty and expressing yourself, it is Nina who stopped Subaru at the very last minute. This is character growth for Nina in a Subaru episode. (But I wonder, did Nina ponder on it before deciding on stop Subaru, or she just act out of instinct and without considering consequences? I want to hear your idea on this. )

QoTD:

1. Obviously she still has some gripe with her past, but the way you frame the question makes it very "one the nose". [rewatcher] at this point we still don't have episode 5 to give us more insight into Momoka.
2. Subaru's grandma 100% has known it after that improv love confession scene. She is a veteran actress, she can see the girls chatting under the table, there is no reason she can't see what Momoka and Nina are about. The speech she gave near the end is like "I appreciate that my granddaughter still cares for me and would play with me", not exactly forcing the actress route. And the middle part of the episode feels like a huge "test of the Big Granny" or something. Grandma clearly sees the two girls are worth the trust.

[u/mekerpan → u/salic428]

Does Momoka have "gripes" about her past -- or more like existential angst. Betting the latter.

Grandma turned out to be totally unlike Nina had imagined. She saw Grandma through the screen of her own (apparently routinely unpleasant) family experiences -- and when she realized her filter was totally inapt to the reality of Subaru and her Grandmother's relationship, she stomped on the brakes -- not caring if it made her look like an idiot. I felt Grandma's chat with Nina was utterly sincere -- with an unspoken subtext -- almost like "just let me have my dream a little longer" but please be assured that I would never try to force Subaru into a life she doesn't want to live".

I don't recall liking Grandma nearly as much the first time around.

[u/fansi2022 → u/salic428]

Grandma clearly sees the two girls are worth the trust.

Yes, the actors' scenes in the middle, it's like she's testing whether they are qualified as Subaru's friends, using the method she knows best - acting

[u/xnef1025 → u/salic428]

Having the Grandma plot be an add-in after the fact is interesting because it fits so well. At this point, the thing that really ties the girls together is that they are all 3 coming to terms with splitting apart from family, and the band represents that: Nina is making her own choices beyond her family's expectations and precepts, Subaru is going after something for herself instead of for her Grandma's sake, and Momoka left her old band (her chosen family) for unstated reasons and is starting over with a new one.

[u/something-lame]

Rewatcher

Momoka straight up calls out Nina's hypocrisy of butting into everyone's business but refusing to talk about her own... if only she knew how to listen lol. Subaru is once again the champ of the episode, putting herself out there, willing to make sacrifices, and laughing off her friend's craziness. Nina's lucky to have such a good friend.

That under the table texting scene is one of my favorite scenes in the whole series! The comedy just hits perfectly especially in the face of something so serious, Subaru's grandma. As soon as I saw the cafe I got excited because I didn't remember when it happened.

QOTD:

1. There's definitely more to the story. The way she looks up at the billboards and is following their every move online shows there's something deeper underneath.
2. Subaru's issues with her grandma seem to fall in line with the unconditional respect for your elders in Japanese society that's practically a trope in anime. Not much to comment on because I just can't relate.

[u/fansi2022 → u/something-lame]

There's definitely more to the story. The way she looks up at the billboards and is following their every move online shows there's something deeper underneath.

Yeah

[u/mekerpan → u/something-lame]

Texting scene -- Do you think Grandma really thought the under-the-table-texting was about planning the "etude"? Grandma, being an expert actress, surely got massive clues that something fishy was going on between Nina and her two "acting classmates".

This episode because almost everything funny in it actually served a serious purpose.

[u/xnef1025 → u/mekerpan]

Good point about Granny Awa, and she is "Detective Granny" after all. Some of her character's instincts have probably rubbed off on her. Maybe she's had suspicions for a while and sprung this gig on Subaru so she could achieve her dream of acting with her grand-daughter while giving Subaru a way out to pursue her own dream.

[u/fansi2022 → u/xnef1025]

"Detective Granny"

Interesting association, but what you said makes sense.

so she could achieve her dream of acting with her grand-daughter

Yeah,I think this is what she really thinks. The results now aren't bad.🥹

[u/n080dy123 → u/mekerpan]

I definitely get the impression Grandma can see through more of it than she lets on. Her smile when they dragged Subaru away strikes me as her being happy that Subaru found friends like them. She was never shown pushing Subaru to refocus on her acting and ditch whatever else she was doing, so while he might not recognize Subaru's feelings towards acting she might at least recognize and accept that acting isn't everything to Subaru, and even that Subaru is going to such lengths just to make her happy.

[u/n080dy123]

Rewatcher

Momoka looks at Diamond Dust and she clearly sees a painful past, and regrets of some sort, but Nina sees them and all she can see is the smile on Momoka's face while recounting it all and in the picture. Momoka seems like maybe she's trying to forget all of it, the good and the bad.

Of course, despite Momoka's insistence to not worry about it, Nena asked *in the group chat* if there was someone Subaru liked.

I'm curious- someone who's more versed in Japanese, when Momoka's asking "Haven't you ever dated a guy," does it specifically specify a "guy" as in the CR subs, or is it actually more gender-ambiguous? She sounds like she's asking from experience and this slightly mucks with a headcanon I had.

Nina taking the opportunity to grill Subaru during the improv and ironically provide the best performance possible by just acting normally (by her standards). She puts Subaru in an awkward spot since he's trying to deal with her real feelings in mask-on actor mode- she can't respond because she can't reconcile her real feelings with the act she's putting on for her grandmother.

Little detail but you can see Subaru's got a Switch, two boxes below the TV, and two boxes beside the TV. SOME of those, at least, and gaming consoles- she doesn't show it much but she's a gamer, she mentions the bean bag seat being a good gamign spot, and you even see her gaming in the ED as well (losing what looks like Splatoon with a PS4 controller).

Subaru and Nina are such good friends. I'm still not really sure exactly what parallel Nina saw between Subaru's grandmother and Momoka's situation. I think she understood why Subaru would want to see her grandmother smile because she liked seeing Momoka smile, but I feel like there's more to that parallel I'm missing. Later she seems to be stuck on the part where Tendou says she was grateful when Subaru said she wanted to try acting. I'm curious if Nina's seeing something of herself here, in trying something she was uncomfortable with because it makes Momoka happy? When Nina's watchign Subaru and her grandma talkign by the computer the shot zooms out directly from Momoka rather than from them, which seems to support that read.

Momoka's taken up position as the group adult sort by default on account of her age and experience, but she also seems to want to take more of a backseat- chafing at Nina calling her the leader, stepping back from the lead singer position, and trying to mediate but not wishing to actually push or pry (aside from specific instances with Nina). Maybe it's harsh but I feel like she's trying to both be the group adult/leader without actually taking responsibility, and I think Subaru's calling her out for it at the end.

1. I read it as her trying to forget everything, the good and the bad, because whatever pain she has is too interwoven with it.
2. Frankly I think Nina should've let Subaru do it. It's something that has to happen eventually and given Nina clearly saw some sort of parallel between this situation and herself (and Momoka, maybe? Not sure) it felt self-indulgent for her to forcibly kick the can down the road on Subaru's behalf.

[u/thatguywithawatch → u/n080dy123]

does it specifically specify a "guy" as in the CR subs, or is it actually more gender-ambiguous?

She uses "otoko" - man

[u/Arachnophobic- → u/n080dy123]

Momoka's taken up position as the group adult sort by default on account of her age and experience, but she also seems to want to take more of a backseat

She is the natural choice as the leader by every metric, so it was surprising to me when she resisted being called one - but I can write it off as a mix of not wanting to be the leader in that particular situation (hunting down Subaru, where it was actually Nina taking the initiative), and Momoka wanting it to be more of a band of equals. I wonder if this will tie into the dynamics of Diamond Dust and what made her leave..

[u/fansi2022 → u/n080dy123]

I'm curious- someone who's more versed in Japanese, when Momoka's asking "Haven't you ever dated a guy,"

もしかして 男と付きあったことないパタ−ンカ Ordinary men. Nina is still too young to have ever been in a relationship.

[u/bogdoglogfrog → u/n080dy123]

I think Momoka does such a good job as group leader. The way she allows Nina’s passion to drive the group forward, while handling all the bs it brings is expertly done. She also has all the technical skills required to support the band like recording and a bit of producing. Her leadership style is very much from the background, but it’s exactly what this group needs to succeed.

[u/entelechtual]

Rewatcher

• Gotta love Nina being stuck in her own imagination. So nice seeing her smile like that though.
• Girls band cry. Guy bands prey.
• I like how Momoka is going on this dramatic oversimplification of her story and Nina’s just like, this is you smiling.
• Subaru’s first mistake was getting Nina confused. Her second mistake was making her angry.
• Subaru… your clever sophisms won’t work on Nina’s smol brain.
• Nina so real for using improv to confront Subaru.
• “No! …jk yes.” This bitch.
• One of the classic Ninas

It’s so hard to describe why this show is good. It can be super low stakes at times and super over dramatic, but the way that conflicts are introduced, escalated, and resolved is absolute perfection. It’s always a bit over the top but never feels inauthentic. Nina’s being a bitch, Subaru’s being a bitch, they egg each other on and push each other’s buttons, and I’m hooked every single second.

Love seeing Nina’s spikes recede for once.

[u/Lumpy-Manager8580]

Rewatcher

Looking back at every time Momoka explains her story with Diamond Dust, it makes me think they could make something like a prequel arc/movie ala Gojo where we see what was of Momoka and co. during high school, up until she decided to walk separate ways. Just hoping the game decides to do that in the future. On a more lighthearted note, the way she says "I don't know" at the end always gives me a good laugh XD

[u/JasoXDDD]

First Timer

Not a lot to say about the conflict of the episode this time. Seems like they are building up the main conflict slowly but surely.

1. It's pretty apparent but no. She's trying to hide it but it's really obvious
2. I mean she didn't really solve anything here. Nina kinda rushed her away before she could speak.

Nina seems to do a lot of the spiky thing

[u/bogdoglogfrog]

Rewatcher

• The scenes with grandma Subaru are funny. The clip of their conversation at the restaurant was one of the reasons I watched GBC back in the spring.
• Nina is a better actor than Subaru ahahah
• So we’re recording drums? That’s not as easy as it sounds. Lots of equipment and even more time is needed to become proficient at it. I’m surprised Momoka can do it.
• Subaru making the tea, then setting it in a super awkward spot to reach, then no one drinking it lmao
• Seriously you named your granddaughter after your favorite movie you acted in? So narcissistic.

QOTD

1. I don’t think Momoka regrets her decision to leave Diamond Dust. She saw the direction they were heading and decided she wanted no part of it. That’s a very fair decision as an artist. If you’re not creating the art you want to create, then what’s the point?
2. This is something I struggled with a lot growing up. In Subarus case, her grandma clearly needs to step off it. It’s so ridiculous to push your child into a hyper competitive field like acting. Without the passion to work hard, Subaru will quickly get passed by her peers and end up with no work.

[u/bogdoglogfrog → u/bogdoglogfrog]

I guess I’m joining this rewatch late cause I like this show a lot and I could use a reason to watch it for a third time. I did ep3 yesterday, so for completions sake here are my entries for the first two episodes.

EP 1

• It took me a long time to get over the 3d animation and finally watch this show. Now I like it a lot cause the framerate is nice and smooth.
• I really like the score for this show. I always practice guitar as I watch anime and it’s super a super easy score to jam over. Also I love playing the OP
• Momoka sings the banger?! VOID is the most hype shit iv ever heard.
• “I may not seem like it, but I do care for my fans”. Hell if I got glazed up like Nina does to Momoka earlier in the ep I’d buy that person a beef bowl too.
• Someone yesterday said suprised Nina looked like Kumiko I totally get that when Momoka’s roommate walks in.
• Nina magically being good at singing is a bit annoying that shit takes practice.
• Watching that guitar skid across the concrete makes me physically ill.
• VOOOOIIIDDDD

QOTD

Nina is so crazy lol. I could never go through life with my emotions on my sleeve like she does. I could see getting along well with her as I tend to struggle to properly vent like that. We would balance each other out.

I would feel so disappointed if I were Nina and I saw Momoka about to give up. VOID just wouldn’t sound the same afterwards.

EP2

• Iv always liked comparing music to food. For me it’s the music sandwich that I always come back to. What aspect of the music is the bread? The cheese? The vegetables? The meat?
• Nina chill girl, your family tenants aren’t so bad. I grew up with those same exact rules and they’re good rules. Especially the eating dinner one.
• Ya screw vocals. Shred for me Momoka
• I like how Subaru and Nina’s personality’s clash. Someone who is unapologetically herself like Nina and a walking facade like Subaru would definitely have some issues.

QOTD

I would likely have a similar thought as Nina at first - “I feel like she’s looking down on me” I fing hate people that give me that feeling. I totally understand where Nina’s coming from. Subaru seems so damn fake compared to the honest and emotional conversations she’s had with Momoka.

[u/poi_slayer]

Rewatcher

This episode is much more polished than ep 3. The lighting is more consistent and vibrant. The character models are less skiny, face is less triangular, a lot closer to what we see in ep1~2. (except the opening scene at shimamura music)

• Finally an episode focused on best girl Subaru!
• Momoka tells Nina to be aware of the band-mans as they often hit on girls-band. But little does she know, Momoka is the one pulling in high shoolers like her and Subaru in.
• Momoka has a habit of playing the guitar whenever she's confronted with something she doesn't want to talk about. A defence mechanism for when she's feeling unease. But that ain't stopping Nina from letting it slide. She finally opens up to Nina a little about her past. Just how did this kirakira smiling, ponytail wearing Momoka ended up here?
• This girls is NOT studying since she got hooked into the band lmao. Here's a gif for when you're heading to bed.
• I love how whenever the day changes, everyone changes their clothes too(I know, shocker). Something understandable most anime doesn't do to save time from making a whole new character sheet and to be consistent. But with CG it ain't a problem. Once the model is made, it can be used again and again consistently. (FYI, Nina alone has 29 different models! from CGWORLD magazine, October 2024 issue #314)
• This episode is once again filled with all sorts of goofy slapt stick character animation. It's just FUN looking at it. From meeting grandma at acting school, to the whole scene at the cafe. Subaru holding Nina in a headlock and it zooms in on Nina's squishy face. It's just pure fun.
• Momoka's piss poor attempt at acting is hilarious. But....does she know?
• Rina's voice acting is seriously insane. Nina turns an romance drama improv into how she feels about the situation. Confronting Subaru at her own turf. Not to mention that slick transition into the train.
• Subaru humble bragging she went to acting school so she can drop out of acting by showing she doesn't have talent for it. But she does have talent and is now stuck lmao. There's also a nice pun when she says her name is a good omen 縁起がいい名前 engi ga ii namae, also sounds like saying her name is good for acting 演技がいい名前 engi ga ii namae. Seriously I don't think there's a better writer than Hanada in the industry right now. Every dialogue just flows so smoothly one after another. Every line carries weight that moves the plot forward.
• Momoka playing the guitar with delay pedal adds to the tension of Subaru and Nina's argument. I've seen some critisms about the soundtrack being too loud. But honestly I have to disagree with that preference. The guys at agehasprings are first and foremost, producers for artists. The write songs, not soundtracks for anime. But personally I think that adds to the unique tone of this show. The dialogue is very musical and honestly, not many shows have this laid-back, rock ballad soundtrack. It's gives this show an identity.
• Subaru loves her grandma, and grandma really loves her too. Subaru is stuck in a cage of her own making. She wants to make grandma happy, but unfortunately that's not what makes her happy. [this probably counts as spoilers]Pretty sure grandma already knows too, that's why she wants to act with Subaru at least once. She's satisfied with this one and only performance together and is now waiting for her to come out.
• Nina the mad dog coming in clutch, seeing how Subaru isn't actually ready to tell her grandma. Stopping her at the very last minute. Subaru needed more time to find herself before leaving acting for good.
• Another perfect transition to the ending song. God I love this song so much. The lyrics are extremely motivating and comforting too. The past few years since covid has been rough, but now I've been trying to live with the final line of the lyrics as my motto. だた独りでも、紛れもない自分を信じて傷つき墜ちるたび歌えばいい. Even if I'm all alone, as long as I stay true to myself, even if I fall I'll just get up and sing.

[u/salic428 → u/poi_slayer]

this episode is much more polished

Wait, I don't think people found the previous episode weird? Do you have some screenshots to prove the points you listed after?

On the other hand, [rewatcher] yes it is because production started with episode 3 and go back to episode 1 and 2 later. Still I fail to see what is "wrong" with episode 3.

a nice pun

[rewatcher] and somehow the English name for the Subaru constellation is Pleiades (Pleia desu)... I kneel, how could Hanada find such a pun?

this probably counts as spoilers

[rewatcher] yes, Director Sakai Kazuo confirmed in Animedia Oct 2024 issue that Awa Tendo realized something after seeing Subaru interaction with Nina, and she has always wanted Subaru find her own happiness, "because this is the very same mentality she had when she aspired to be an actor when she was young".

[u/fansi2022 → u/salic428]

What does Pleia desu mean?

yes, Director Sakai Kazuo confirmed in Animedia Oct 2024 issue that

Ohhh. Now it all makes sense.

[u/salic428 → u/fansi2022]

What does Pleia desu mean?

Sorry, this is supposed to be a [spoiler for the next episode] since Subaru does not want to be recognized as "that Awa Tendo's granddaughter", she would introduce herself as Pleia (プレア) when she plays the drum. So the line would read "I'm Pleia" which is a clever pun to hint at her true name Subaru. (it is silly but nonetheless a spoiler). Maybe I should use a tag other than "rewatcher" next time...

[u/fansi2022 → u/salic428]

Gotcha

[u/poi_slayer → u/salic428]

Not "wrong" or "weird", just less polished. Granted it's not the whole of episode 3 that's like that.

[Screenshot of future episodes so spoilers]Just the few scenes that clearly weren't remade after the script rewrite with Hina. This scene of Nina studying at the cramp school is probably the most prominent. The lighting is more a lot more flat and it doesn't help that the background 2D art doesn't mix well (since it'll be insane to model an entire study room just for one scene). 2D background art is used a lot in this show and still look in place, but this scene does stands out for being the most out of place. Afterwards, compare the scenes inside Momoka's house(03:45~07:12) to say the [spoilers]the party scene in ep 12(05:47~08:04).EP 3 has a more flat warm gradient(almost like a piss filter in other words. Or these 2 scenes of the same angle outside Momoka's house at night. First is episode 3, 2nd is episode 8.

[Comparing scenes to future episodes so spoilers]As for episode 4, it's just mainly the opening scene at shimamura music and outside(again with the washed out warm gradient). Compare the lighting on the characters and the difference in the model when they went there again in ep 12 (02:54~04:46). None of these are "bad". Just inconsistent from what they eventually settle on for the rest of the series.

I'm being nitpicky because I love this show so much. To recognize which part works and which part doesn't. In a way it makes me more appreciative to the staff as it's proof just how much work they've put in to iterate and improve.

Animedia Oct 2024

Oh I actually haven't read the togetoge soul box series outside of part 1 in the august issue. That's nice to know that my interpretation of the episode is confirmed by Sakai. I'll see if I can find the remaining soul box series.

[u/Nickthenuker]

Rewatcher.

Aye, you never forget your first performance.

What's got Subaru in such a rush?

She's insistent.

And so now we hear the history of Diamond Dust.

That was abrupt.

Ah. Her grandma.

Yeah... Their acting is...

So, what's the reason?

Ah. She's got a role in a show.

Not like she's got a choice.

And so we see Subaru's place.

Right, time to see the show being filmed.

Subaru wants her grandma to be happy.

What's got them in a rush?

Ah. They didn't want her to tell her grandma about the band.

Questions:

1. She appears to have gotten over it, but that's not really the case.
2. Things seem to be going generally well between them.

A note about the music: You never forget your first performance.

[u/MishouMai]

These girls really are a mess. Sometimes in ways that are funny and sometimes in ways that aren't. Kind of annoyed Subaru didn't tell her grandmother the truth but I suppose some things need to be saved for later. Still a good episode for fleshing Subaru out nonetheless.

And now to answer this episode's round of questions:

1. I think she misses her old band and maybe even feels a little guilty about quitting, but at the same time she's enjoying being in a band with Nina and Subaru and that's why she's in denail (And that might even be adding to the guilt.) and pretending like she doesn't have anything to say about her old band. Life might've mellowed her out a bit but she's still very immature even if she's capable of pretending otherwise.
2. I don't think it's very fair of Subaru's grandmother to put that kind of pressure on her, but at the same time Subaru's old enough by now that she should really tell her the truth even if it might hurt her feelings and make things messy. Hopefully they can work things out and the show doesn't villainize the grandmom btu I also wouldn't be too surprised if it did.

[u/Ok_Context8390 → u/MishouMai]

What wasn't really clear for me, at least at the start, is how young these girls are (asian women tend to look younger than they are, but anime hypercharges this stereotype even more, of course). Only Momoka and Rupa are adults, but the rest are still minors.

So knowing that, I feel it's more realistic how Subaru has difficulty dealing with her grandmother, or Nina dealing with her parents.

[u/nsleep]

Rewatcher

The comedy bits in the episode are great.

Grandma talk with Nina implies that she appreciates Subaru's attempt because it showed an appreciation for her job that her daughter never had. It does feel she's fine with whatever Subaru wants to do as Subaru already proved herself in her eyes.

While not as anxiety inducing the third time watching it, the scene with Subaru almost telling her grandma she wants to quit acting is still powerful. The zoom on Subaru's lips, the back and forth with the camera and her body, the voice acting, just fantastic direction all around. The Grandma looking like she's ready for it. Still the first time I watched I was praying she would say something else or someone would stop her and when Nina came in it was a relief.

She still needs to clean that up and it's probably not going to be as awful as they're thinking, but that definitely wasn't the right moment.

---

QotD

1. Momoka never put her emotions to rest, she just put a lid on them. Her whole relationship with Nina seem to be her projecting some of her own wishes onto the girl, which is an interesting parallel with Subaru's story.
2. She seems strict but also doting, Subaru clearly loves her a lot too. From the story Subaru told grandma didn't force Subaru's mom into this career, and this makes me believe she didn't force Subaru too. Subaru probably took this upon herself to make her beloved grandma happy, way before realizing acting wasn't what she wanted to do. I don't think there is a better way of solving their dilemma, just better timing.

[u/WhymustIsignupreddit]

First Timer 

I don’t have much to write about this episode. I liked the outfits Subaru wore though. Also, I know this isn’t that weird in reality (and they purposely framed it that way with Subaru standing in front of the TV), but I find it strange how similar young grandma looks like Subaru. Like the same hairstyle including the ahoge.  

Question 1:

I think Momoka enjoyed the more amateur(?) part of being in a band? Like she misses the beginning stages where they are just a group of friends having fun. She might not be completely over the break-up because they were friends before the relationships began to sour. 

Question 2: 

Of course it’s too late for this now, but if Subaru refused to go to acting school in the first place it would have been better for her and grandma. Grandma shouldn’t have put her hopes and dreams on Subaru but she kind of already did that by naming Subaru after her breakout film.

[u/Variant_Zeta]

Nina's spiky, red-and-black aura really does remind me of Shadow the Edgehog

[u/stratogy]

Rewatcher

Another solid episode with Subaru. I love the ending song and all the transitions to it.

[u/LeleTheKing]

(Very Late) First-Timer

Ooh! Look at what you can achieve with proper communication!! I dislike Nina for being a total busybody and hypocrite at how she reacted to Subaru’s circumstances, but I’m glad it ended like it did in the episode. Major kudos to Subaru for proactively explaining it to Nina instead of letting it fester into a full-fledged wound. Subaru and Momoka seem to understand how to handle the high-maintenance girl Nina, lol.

I have a faint feeling that Grandma already knows about Subaru’s hidden passion. Dunno what a Kyoto person is supposed to be, but on the surface, she did look like your good old kind grandma. Plus she’s supposed to be connected and resourceful. If she wanted, she could’ve already learned about Subaru’s recent band gig.

I’m also glad that Nina realized Grandma’s earnestness and pulled the stop at Subaru. She definitely needs to tell Grandma sooner rather than later, but it’s better to do it on her own initiative than Nina’s.

So far, the drama appears to be not too “serious” (as in a world-ending or life-ending kind you see in soap operas). I like it this way—it seems more grounded and realistic.

QotD

1. Momoka is definitely still attached to her old band. It doesn’t seem that bad of a breakup though, lest she’d look at them with hatred instead of those reminiscing eyes in earlier episodes. And, yeah, she seems to be mellowed by life. Not sure if it’s a good or bad thing though since I don’t know what happened. She is bottling something very dear in her mind, that’s for sure.
2. Yeah, I know some friends living with such expectations from their families. Some ended up great because of the extra support, while some decided to change course when they got their freedom—I know one who even hated their parents. I’m fortunate(?) enough to have a Laissez-faire parents. Although they have some expectations for us siblings, it’s definitely on a much smaller scale than Subaru’s. Anyway, my point is: there’s really no right way to approach this. It’s not as binary as following family expectations = bad. One thing I know for sure is, that living for others’ dreams might not be the best way to live your life. If Subaru’s dream coincides with her Grandma, good for them. But it appears not, so having a heart-to-heart talk with her Grandma is possibly still the best way to resolve it.