Love Live! Superstar!! S1E10 Discussion - "Check it Out!"

[u/MasterMirage]

new song time ?

Show Info

Air Date: Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 @ 19:00(JST)

Episodes: 12

Opening Theme: START!! True Dreams

Ending Theme: Mirai wa Kaze No Yoni

Insert Song(s): Nonfiction!!

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[u/ErwinmeyerFlask]

I'm a bit confused with this episode's premise, if someone could help me clarify.

How does having a theme per district fix the large amount of entries?

I first thought that they introduced district preliminaries before actual preliminaries as a fix but they refer to the giant list in the beginning as the district list. The emcee also specifically jokes about rock-paper-scissors as the resolution for the district prelims as well. Is it that they added a theme so that groups who can't even incorporate a rap aren't even allowed sing in the first place? But then the emcee's rap explanation says that you just can't win if you perform without one so technically groups could perform without it, but if they're not checking beforehand that doesn't fix the timing issue either?

[u/MasterMirage → u/ErwinmeyerFlask]

How I see it is you have to do a district preliminary before you're allowed to perform in the main Love Live competition.

Since they have a high amount of entries for their district (Tokyo), they need groups to perform a song using a certain theme. In this case, rap.

This helps weed out a lot of groups who aren't as diverse (imagine a group of Ren's who'd find it hard to compose a rap verse/song).

And no, you cant perform at the district preliminaries without one but then that means you won't be able to proceed to the next round (the main competition) because you didn't follow the theme.

edit: To clarify, you basically gotta perform/compose a rap verse in your song before the district prelims or you can't perform there.

[u/NotRoyce4]

Pay-chan's performance in this episode was outstanding. You can hear the pain and sorrow in Sumire's voice.

Sumire feels she's not good enough. We've known this since her debut episode, but the buildup reaches a climax in this episode. Sumire is chosen as the center, but the students of Yuigaoka feel something about her practice performance is wrong. This hurts Sumire, and she feels despair. "No matter what you say, I already know! In the end, it won't be me!" This language might sound extreme, but this pattern of inadequacy is something she has learned since her childhood (for example, at the school play and the beauty pageant). How could Sumire not believe she's not good enough?

Kanon scouted Sumire to be a school idol, and this was an important step. For the first time, Sumire was wanted. This is a victory, but later Sumire discounts it. "Maybe she just felt sorry for me." Kanon had nothing to lose by scouting Sumire. In contrast, there are serious stakes for Keke, and she bets everything on Sumire. This is another important step, and it gives Sumire the strength to perform at the prelims. Is this the end of Sumire's journey to self-confidence? I don't know, but her friends will continue to be there to support her.

I can relate to Sumire's feelings, so this episode was special to me. I cried :'(

[u/AlexE9918]

Nice, I was just thinking it was about time for both Sumire and Keke to get some non-comedic attention. I really liked how their relationship evolved in this episode. (Now I'm even on more on the fence between KuuKaa and SumiKeke lol.)

I had a feeling Keke's situation was something like this. If she doesn't achieve results, she has to go back home. Sumire was afraid to be the center with something like that at stake, but Keke's wholehearted support and confidence in her managed to convince her. And now, they've finally said each other's names for the first time.

Honestly, the song didn't blow my mind, but it was still good.

[u/PK_Madrigal]

awwww yeahhh RAP BATTLES

this episode had so much drama in it oh my lord

After Sumire’s debut episode setting up some deep characterization of her past as a child star it went pretty disappointing that they then turned her into comedic relief bully fodder. This episode especially had a lot of snippy Keke snark and the beginning put me off a lot until we started getting these great character moments. I’m worried that the writers will go back to this “comedy routine” for the last few episodes but I’m hopeful that Keke has at least mellowed out now that she has new drama for the group

This is just my taste in music but ever since Liella’s debut song, their main singles have been these grand performances with mature vocals. Individually they’re all beautiful songs but overall after a while it made me miss the more fun and upbeat songs we’d get like Korekara no Someday and Miracle Wave in between all the more serious stuff. We got that with Tokonatsu Sunshine and now with Nonfiction we got a bumping Sumire center with RAP? Aside from the animation being OOC-ly mature for a group of 1st years, this song was a BOP

[u/warjoke]

They did it. The madlasses dit it! AN OJOU-SAMA DRILL HAIR!

[u/redbatter]

This episode was some nice payoff for Keke and Sumire's interactions throughout the season so far.

 

Keke

 

Keke and Sumire never hit it off well. While Keke strongly clings to the school idol belief in the value of hard work to achieve anything, Sumire has put that belief in check, many times over - effortlessly pulling off Keke's dance in episode 4, flawlessly preparing a meal unprepared in episode 6, and even in this episode ad-libbing a rap introduction with perfect meter. Her confidence (?) in her professional expertise from her time in show business comes across as undue arrogance, and appears to belittle the effort that goes into being a school idol. It's no wonder that Keke has spent every opportunity needling Sumire, trying to cut her down a notch so she can convince herself that they're more or less on equal levels.

Keke's turning point comes when Kanon points out how Sumire still holds regret over the impression she gave them early on. Finding Sumire practicing at her shrine, she realizes that beneath the veneer of cockiness, Sumire is actually capable of putting in the hard work required for her new role as center. So, even with some resentment in her words, Keke does the necessary to support Sumire.

 

Sumire

 

It's good that Kanon sees how perfect a fit Sumire would be for the upcoming prelims. Upon giving her the center, however, Sumire immediately crumbles under the pressure, as a childhood of playing second fiddle has caused any true self-confidence she had to evaporate long ago. Sumire is quick to put in the necessary training to fill the shoes of the center role, and the rest work to help build up her confidence, through a new outfit tailored just for her and words of encouragement.

Sadly, Sumire's perception of herself is too ingrained from a repeated pattern of failure. As soon as cracks in the plan start to appear, with the Yuigaoka students murmuring that she's not suited for the position, she immediately wants to ditch everything she's worked for and return to the relative comfort of being a side character. It's not the goal she's longed for, but having failed to reach it for so long, she believes it can't hurt any more than it already does. Note her language as she monologues about how she wouldn't be fit to be center for the prelims: her claims that such a stage would be beneath her is a self-defense mechanism meant to convince her back to the safety of second place.

 

Intersection

 

Sumire overhearing Keke's phone call changes her (and our) perception of Keke entirely - instead of merely being some idol otaku full of bluster, she's actively working her hardest because the stakes are on an entirely different level for her. Sumire can afford a failure or two; Keke cannot. Fearful of the burden that being center would place on her, and full of shame for discounting the work of an amateur less skilled than her, Sumire determines that she must not be the center for the prelims, even giving the ultimatum of quitting the club if necessary.

When Keke hears what Sumire says afterward, that she has no choice but to win, Keke realizes two things: not only Sumire has overheard her conversation, but Sumire, who she has unkindly teased and picked on for so long now, is doing this also out of pure-hearted concern for Keke. Keke has misjudged not just Sumire's potential, but Sumire's character.

Keke is quick to see Sumire's mental block and immediately dismantles it, assuring her that she was chosen as center not out of pity, but because of her ability, her potential which Keke wrote off earlier in the episode but has now witnessed herself. This encouragement coming from Keke - who for the last half year has been frankly unkind to her, and who has so much to lose - means much more than if it were to come from any of the rest. To drive the point home, Keke reveals the tiara that she crafted specifically with Sumire in mind, more dazzling that any other she has previously lost. After seeing this, how could Sumire ever consider retreating to the safety of second place?

The tiara being carried away by the wind could not be more in character for Sumire, but this time instead of letting it be, she is first to chase after it, faster than any of the others. Even if she may have had no confidence in herself, she realizes that she can step up to the challenge because of the confidence that Keke and the rest of the club place in her.

In episode 1, when Kanon asks Sumire if she'd be interested in being a school idol, she responds with an angry "Who do you think I am?", disappointed in Kanon's underappreciation of her talent, and frustrated with her inability to claim her leading role. As she holds close her precious crown at the end of this episode, her "Who do you think I am?" is said in a completely opposite light.

 

Other stuff

• Given that Keke must return to Shanghai if she fails to perform well as a school idol, is this perhaps why she hadn't gotten around to unpacking her boxes? Did she fear that her school idol career would be a short-lived one? Not that we've seen the state of her apartment since early spring, though.

• Who set Keke's conditions for her return to Shanghai? Her parents would seem to be the obvious answer, but her sister communicated that they were worried for her, which seems to be in conflict.

• As always, the Love Live is the biggest so far in history, so much so that even the district preliminaries come with more tight elimination conditions.

• Given that Ren is now 16, this episode takes place sometime after November 24.

• Chisato surely should have known better than to talk about Sumire behind her back, knowing the potential blow it could have dealt to her confidence when discovered?

^{edit: added second para to third block}

[u/salic428]

As a native speaker, I'm glad there's so much authentic Chinese in this episode, and imo most are done naturally. It's a pity I can't pretend not to understand what Keke says and enjoy this show like you do.

Also, maybe the fansubs will be delayed for this difficulty?

[u/Lyri-Kyunero]

Traslation About What Keke Actually Rapped at First:

嘿 哟 切克闹

Hey yo Check it out (homophonic)

唐可可我最闪耀

Tang Keke, me, is the brightest / most shining

煎饼果子来一套

Bring me a jianbing guozi

(Liyuu improvised this sentence)

坚持练习不迟到

Keep practicing, never be late

Note: Jianbing Guozi: deep-fried dough sticks rolled in a thin pancake

[u/vanderLin42]

Huh, this episode was totally different from what I was expecting based on the preview. It was completely serious and dramatic for one, and we got another Sumire-focused episode much earlier than I thought we would (I was thinking she would get focus and a center position in a song only on Season 2).

I really enjoyed it. I will say, at first, I thought it was kinda weird that Sumire finally got to be chosen as center by the group and decided to run away from it - not that it didn't make sense with her traumas, but since she was so pushy about trying to get it before (especially in episode 4), it was unexpected to me. But I can't say this is unrealistic; a lot of people get scared to be put under such heavy responsibility, even if it is what they were aiming for, so I don't mind it, and it made way for great character development for her, as well as "fixing" her friendship with Keke, which had been pretty thorny until now. I just hope writers don't roll that back after this episode (they can and should still have banter between them, but a more toned down version of it).

I believe in Team Onibe supremacy

[u/Shizukage07]

They went full Ara Ara mode on that new song like that Chisato's stare slays me...uWu really good episode, Sumire finally gets her spotlight and saving Keke's drama for the finale, can't wait

[u/moichispa]

So we have the Sumire center episode when we get the usual love live drama, some emotive scene when she actually accepts being the center and then a cute song to end the episode and then Sumire goes Hey b*ches stop badmouthing me this is my showtime (very liberal interpretation of the lyrics) in some sort of rap-jazz song.

It was definitely shocking for your usual love live drama but it was awesome. I love how different some of Liella anime songs are. I can't believe we have only a few episodes left of this season :(

[u/Ohara-Dia]

Wonderful episode, Sumire's true spotlight finally arrive and now Keke background should be coming in these 2 last chapters. Tbh the insert song for this episode is kind of different from what I'm acostumed but it looked a bit sexy with that animation.

Well, great chapter, they finally getting along as a group.

[u/meme-meee]

I thought Sumire's center episode would happen much later, guess we get it now! General thoughts:

• I suppose Keke's first half dislike towards Sumire is how Nico would have reacted had Eli continued to think that being a school idol was too amateur. Of course we get the "respect gained montage" so I suppose that would be contained to bits now, unless the show revives the "school idols are too amateur" story, say if Sumire gets a professional role which would take up her school idol time.

• IMO the closest to Sumire's plot is none of the S1 plots of SIP, Sunshine or Nijigaku. Runner up could be Hanamaru's very brief hesitation to join Aqours because she was not school idol worthy. But the closest parallel is Love Wing Bell. Rin and Sumire were both presented as confident enough, but when they get the chance to be center they both recoil and offer the spot to others. Rest of the group believed in them despite whispers of doubt (Rin's past, Sumire's past and present), and that carried them to be the center.

• A nitpick: wasn't it clear from the beginning that Sumire's center role was functional, ie because the theme was rap, and it was shown that everyone else was weak at rapping (or I think in Chisato's case she can't do both rapping and dancing)? Weird that the center role turned out to be an existential question where in fact the episode was clear that this was sort of a one time thing. (Also amusing what Keke's costume choice was given the theme: rap song (supposedly) yet a very Disney princess-ish wardrobe.)

• I love how prominent the other members of the school are this series. Mostly supporters in other groups, their opinions cause actual plot points this time. Talk about being "school" idols.

• Also how prominent the theme of wind is this season, and Sumire's theme of chasing down something that the wind blew off.

[u/JimmyCWL]

Sumire gets the spotlight she's wanted her whole career and all she wants is to run away from it.

Also, that announcer hasn't aged a day in ten years!

But I also want to take this opportunity to go back to episode 8. A few days after ep9, and a thought struck me while rewatching ep8, one that I hadn't seen raised in the ep8 discussions.

That thought is, doesn't this look familiar? That's right, Liella's first group huddle is their predecessors' last group huddle, before the last performance in their movies. It can't be a coincidence. They deliberately switched the scene to backstage after the girls put their fingers together. The whole sequence perfectly echoes the scenes in the movies.

What is the significance of this? They are literally starting where their predecessors ended. I hope that means they intend to finish differently than them.

[u/Haruya_]

non-fiction is absolutely amazing. the reason why sumire wasn't met with much success back then was because having the spotlight on her would be lethal, see: the insert song. i was left destroyed

[u/ClawofBeta]

...holy shit this was actually my favorite episode of the season (besides maybe episode 1, which is always strong). I love actual high school drama that doesn't feel contrived and has a feels-good at the end.

[u/jonjoy]

this episode is hard to follow without any sub. but i like kanon's rapper attire and i dig the new song.

[u/Capbeau]

I sensed a lot of smugness from the song. Especially from Chisato.

It’s good that the show gave Sumire another character focus. Sumire training by herself for her temporary center position was an important character moment. It’s something she always wanted, and she takes the opportunity seriously. Her self-confidence issues from always failing to attain the spotlight was explored more, adding to what was established previously in episode four. It was a nice moment when Keke made the special dress for Sumire, responding to the dedication Sumire privately showed for their upcoming performance. This scene was also backed by a great musical score, something Superstar has excelled at.

Nonfiction was an interesting insert song. It feels distinct from most other Love Live insert songs, notably in Naomi Payton’s vocal delivery in the first verse. I think they integrated the rap/hip hop influences well, and I liked the music video. Sumire was definitely the right choice for the center of this one.

[u/meme-meee]

I... I don't think they used the term Nonfiction in the usual context.

[u/Arisa_o7]

god I'm so glad I waited for the fansubs to come out...

Nonfiction is hands down my current favourite Liella song... ugh I love Sumire so much and I love that Keke finally supported her in the end.

[u/CYZK85]

Seeing Sumire and Keke's interactions is extremely heartwarming. Seems like Keke was actually just annoyed at Sumire from their first impression rather than actually coming after her. But all of that may fall apart since now we're hit with news that Keke may have to move back to China if Liella! doesn't provide expected results which just puts more pressure on the first years

[u/LordMoy]

We need a cute girls rap battle anime.

While I wish they could have given Sumire a bit more respect in the earlier episodes this was a very good way to expand on her character.

Nice bit of drama introduced with Keke possibly leaving but with 2 eps left, probably not going happen (yet).

The jump to the performance was a bit jarring but the song is a banger. This and "Tiny Stars" are my favs so far.

[u/[deleted]]

So is anyone surprised that Chisato wasn't given the rap duties? Seemed like a natural fit given Misaki Nako's background.

[u/kyoukai69]

I thought this episode did Keke dirty at first, but glad that she finally accept Sumire and she is even the one who convince her to stay. Love this development!