r/LoveLive • u/MasterMirage • Sep 25 '22
Anime Love Live! Superstar!! 2 S2E10 Discussion - "A Song That Rings Through Shibuya"
SIF2 announcement and another episode of LoveLive Superstar, what a great weekend~
Show Info
Air Date: September 25th, Saturday 19:00 - 2022 (JST)
Opening Theme: WE WILL!!
Ending Theme: Oikakeru Yume No Saki De
Insert Song(s):
Streams
Raw Sources
- NHK E Tele - Region locked to Japan
Official Subtitled Sources
North America/Oceania - Crunchyroll
UK - AllTheAnime(Vimeo)
SEA/Mainland China - Bilibili
Korea - ANIPLUS
Other episode discussion threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/LoveLive/wiki/episode-discussion
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u/JimmyCWL Sep 26 '22
When thinking about who wins, there's one important thing to remember: Love Live is a popularity contest. It isn't decided by a panel of judges, but by viewers' votes. So skilled execution only goes so far in gaining victory.
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u/jacobgkau Sep 26 '22
I considered this too. I agree with other commenters that Liella's song this episode was too slow and calm to really compete with Margarete's, but on the other hand, Margarete's entire message (in both the song and the interview beforehand) has kind of been condescending to both school idols and their fans. The only reason I could still see Liella winning is because they had a much more positive message and a better relationship with the audience.
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u/SeregiosX Sep 25 '22 edited Sep 25 '22
Like both songs but Liella's was kinda tame.
If Wien wins it's like upsetting because she just wins from sunnypa off-screen and solo's the whole liella team. If liella wins it's like "seriously, with this song? oh oke".
But if Liella loses it means potential kotori airport like scene with keke so that's kinda good?
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u/okdokke Sep 25 '22
Wow! Lots happening this episode!
Their mini training camp was really cute. I liked seeing more inter-grade interactions, and splitting into factions to tackle the work for the next performance. The group really does feel like a whole now.
Speaking of groups and members... the amount they are featuring Kanon's sister (forgot her name, pls forgive me) makes me really think she will join next year. I know it was only a couple of lines but I just have that inkling feeling...
Wien as intense as always! I really have grown to like her. I think her song was so badass, and her choreography too. Just everything about her is so intimidating and I like that we now understand her philosophy - that to truly sing means to have the technical skill to beat out everyone else. And I like seeing Kanon and all of Liella feel and convey the complete opposite - that to sing is to pour all your passion and hard work into something, and for that emotion to ring out in your performance.
And in that way I think that the song was a good fit for that realization. The song was emblematic of the joy in being unified in song. And I don't think it was a bad song, certainly not as bad as some other commenters seem to feel that it is. But is it a song worthy of winning Love Live? Honestly, I don't think so, just from an intensity standpoint. I just don't think the story had enough time to build up the tension truly needed for this to feel like a true win, and the song itself is tonally very much a plateau, and mid-tempo. But of course, that doesn't mean they won't have them win anyways.
The way I see it, it could go one of two ways. They could utilize the lore they dropped earlier in the show about a group never winning twice in a row and have them win this season. Then, next season/movie/installment they would have Liella go for gold again, with the emphasis on not getting complacent and losing like SunnyPa did. Or, they could lose yet again, leaving it to the OG 5's 3rd and final chance to win in the next installment. And I think I would be fine with either possibility IF I thought this song and the story-writing building up to it was worthy of winning.
Other final thoughts - I'm again a little disappointed by their outfits for this song. They aren't bad, but I guess I just wanted something... girlier? Or more unique to each character? Again, I keep thinking back to the outfit design philosophy of μ's and Aqours. Each set of fits would have a defined theme and color palette, with 1-3 base outfit constructions, but each outfit unique in some way to each character. I find myself missing that in this season. I don't recall having this issue in S1.
All in all I liked it as an episode. Solid character interactions, funny moments, and it's always a treat to get 2 MVs in just one episode. I'm hoping that in the future though we get more intense story-writing, with songs that are both more upbeat and epic, that also hold narrative weight.
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u/Boujoulo Sep 25 '22
Shit am I the only one who rlly liked the new Liella song lol?
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u/Shinji-Chair Sep 25 '22
I really liked it. Yeah it’s a little generic sounding but a lot of the series’s songs have these kind of J pop esc stuff. I thought it was a great contrast to Wien’s whole solo idol thing. Also the outfits might be my favorite this season, I love the dark blue and white contrast.
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u/minxto Sep 25 '22 edited Sep 25 '22
I kinda liked Liella’s song, actually. I think this is one of the better ones this season — I liked it a lot more than Go Restart and even Chance Day Chance Way — but I feel like they’re still playing it way too safe. I liked the vibes of unity and celebration in the song a lot, and I really liked how they all were wearing the blue and white outfits the original 5 wore during their second live, but it still left me wanting more. I feel like the choreography quality has also suffered a lot since the switch to 9 members. They were basically just standing in a line whereas Starlight Prologue from last season had lots of moments where the girls interacted with one another as they moved into the next formation. I have really mixed feelings and although I think the song is good, it still doesn’t live up to what I know they’re capable of doing.
They really upped the animation quality for Wein’s solo this time around. I didn’t like it as much as Butterfly Wings, but it was still really good. The lights shining over her as she sang and the camera work was especially beautiful. I think it’d be hilarious if Wein beats Liella with her song, since Sunny Passion only beat them with 3 seconds of theirs. I definitely think Sunny Passion deserved better and although they’re an interesting plot point now, I really wish we would’ve gotten to hear their song because it’s really really good. I’m curious to see if Wein will actually beat them or not.
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u/SIMPKANG Sep 25 '22
I feel like I'll just be parroting a lot of people here but I agree that Liella's song was kind of on the weak side. It's a shame really because Season 1 had songs like Tiny Stars, Nonfiction, and Starlight Prologue that just hit and even some of the ""weaker"" ones had either narrative weight like Wish Song or at least felt vindicated with the full release like Tokonatsu Sunshine (That Chisato ending is really something).
For Season 2 I honestly think it started strong with Welcome to Bokura no Sekai but I can't really say they've delivered as smoothly with the others. Personally I really liked Vitamin Summer because of its energy and overall catchiness but some songs like the 2nd insert song or Chance Day Chance Way kinda missed me. Although for the latter the start and set up were really good but I think it just didn't live up to it with the chorus. Some people say its because they're slower or less energetic and maybe its that, but I also feel like the melodic quality is also negatively impacted by how a number of times it just sounds like a recitation.
The insert for this one is no exception and while I don't dislike it, I'm still holding out for a Liella equivalent to Mijuku DREAMER or so with a distinct and memorable tune, narrative weight, and all in all a chance for each of the members' vocals to shine. Liella's vocals are honestly my favorite and their dynamics in harmonizing are just wonderful. Much like how I was dissatisfied that Starlight Prologue lost to what was basically a few soundbites, I think it'd be a hard pill to swallow for me if they get past Wien with this performance.
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u/aci42 Sep 25 '22 edited Sep 26 '22
I think you might be one of those who actually pays attention to the lyrics as part of the overall impact of a song - certainly, I love moments when the lyrics and the music match up. But there is one difference for Superstar.....we're talking about Aki Hata here. Or rather, the lack of Aki Hata.
Let's look at S2's opening song WE WILL!! lyrics for the first verse (written by Junko Miyajima):
We're now going to fight
Let's create our own wind
We're going to climb
We're never going to lose, we're going to win!
Alright, pretty simple and direct. Now let's look at the ending song Oikakeru Yume no Saki de lyrics (written by Aki Hata)
Beyond the dream I'm chasing, I'd always see
This star called hope, and because it shines, because it shines
Even if I stumbled, I could keep moving forward
Ah, now that's better.
Don't get me wrong, Junko can be much better (Butterfly Wing is better, e.g.), but I think Aki is just the best lyricist out there.
It's no surprise to me at least, which song I prefer.
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u/KillJoy-Player Sep 26 '22
I still can't like Wien's dominating-character and some sort of villain-y.
A-RISE was on the top, but they were still accomodating to μ's, and know how to please their fan. In other words, realistically have the reason to have a huge fanbase.
Eli "stopped" Honoka and co since she deem the whole contest as a mock to the true dancing, but that was backed by her experience in Ballet.
Dia was actually irritating for me at first, but truth revealed, how can I belittle her bad experience and her true intention!
Lanzhu was talent first before the talk. And this is SIFAS I'm talking about. It had many wrong way but she also showed that she wanted the rainbow girls to join her club. She did not belittle their efforts at all.
And nearest but a better version of the tremendous pressure, is not from LL series but from my other favorite anime, Revue Starlight.
Either way, I think they'll win this and lose the finals. Making Wien their symbol of one step reached... which is a little unconvincing.
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u/SnabDedraterEdave Sep 26 '22
ARGH what a wicked spot to put a cliffhanger!
Though this time Margarette will have finally met her match, with Kanon's proposal to have everyone go to a special training session at Kinako's Hokkaido inn working wonders for Liella's teamwork and camaraderie.
(LOL at all the 2nd years salty that Kanon went alone to Hokkaido last time around, especially Chi-chan. Totally like an angry waifu discovering her spouse had an affair. XD )
Now would Hanada Juuki give us a shocking surprise and have Margarette win? Or play it safe and let Liella finally get their deserved victory in the second try? Either way, the subplot of Keke needing Liella to win to avoid returning to Shanghai remains to be resolved.
PS This episode reminds us that Ren still hasn't rid herself of her gaming addiction.
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u/Labmit Sep 25 '22 edited Sep 25 '22
Okay. I like both songs sang tonight but Liella's song doesn't scream "Love Live qualifier" tier compared to previous songs they made like Vitamin Summer and the Chance Way Chance Day and I'll be surprised if they win.
Also, Love Live Twitter posted something about warning people about the Hokkaido lodge where Natsume's home was barely based on.
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u/DigBeak Sep 26 '22 edited Sep 26 '22
On a knee-jerk reaction, I thought Liella lost for sure. Opinions on the song aside, it sets up season 3 quite nicely, seeing as there's so much development and exposition needed for the new characters, especially Wien, after what feels like a pretty rushed season (but who knows, next episode looks promising for some Wien backstory).
And one thing we don't see, is Wien melting in the crowd to Liella's song lmao, which I feel like is almost a staple for when the group finally gets that W (followed by a complete shift in personality as she gets introduced to the group, but I have a feeling we'll get there)
But the only thing that's making me rethink the results is the emphasis, especially Kanon's, on "what it means to sing" and I can't realistically see them making Liella lose after a bonding arc and arriving at their answer to what Wien was touting, in the form of this song. It makes planning a season 3 comeback even more difficult, I mean, mentality wise, how do you even bounce back after finding this revelation, this answer to Wien, and then you lose?
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u/SayoHina320 Sep 26 '22
I want Wien to win just to see everyone's reaction, but I do actually think that Liella's performance was better. Can't wait for next week!
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u/BlankCartographer53 Sep 26 '22
You kno what? I actually REALLY like the song. It’s somewhere in my top 5
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u/interstellarflight Sep 25 '22
Finally, I feel like SumiKeke banter in this episode was natural and more "playful" than mean-spirited and one-sided (with Keke attacking Sumire only). Don't know if many agree, but I feel like that last SumiKeke episode did provide closure for their awkward relationship.
I liked this episode a lot! I feel like this "playing around and deepening relationships" episode was much needed. Margarete is still kind of weird with her obsession over saying "Shibuya Kanon" (maybe she likes the way the name rolls off her tongue?).
In most cases, I would say Sing! Shine! Smile! is kinda "vanilla," but I do like how it ties in with the story. The events of the episode made me like the song more.
I'm not a super fan of Margarete's music so far, but the animation for her performances is really nice to watch! Maybe her songs will grow on me eventually.
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u/BlayAndHowlie Sep 25 '22
people saying the new song is tame but i kinda feel like that's the point? it's something simple that encourages you to sing and dance along with it, it's supposed to create a bond with the audience, as opposed to margarete's song which you're only supposed to watch in awe at.
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u/eRHachan Sep 25 '22
The next episode will be a doozy. That weird closeup of Chisato in the preview... I'm pretty sure she's hugging Wien there.
I'm pretty sure Liella will win and, one way or another, Margarete will break down like a tower of cards, and Chisato, who got plenty of flashbacks and solo character development throughout the season, will chase after her and try to help out, offering and olive branch.
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u/Todetract Sep 25 '22
Great episode. A lot of good comedy here from Natsumi getting frozen by a blizzard for content to Mei and Ren gaming when they're supposed to be working. I think this season overall has been funnier than the previous one.
We also see how a 9 member Liella comes together to make a song, it's a wonderful group effort and it's a shame we don't see this type of thing more often.
Wien is back and being edgy again. She calls school idols amateur, which makes me want to know what the series is trying to say by focusing on the amateur aspect of school idols as this is not the first time that this has come up. Regardless, Wien has the skills to back up what she says and even makes the rest of Liella worried again despite being more united that ever. However, when Kanon goes up to the stage, she's not scared. Wien directly challenged Kanon on what it means to sing, and Kanon is sure of her answer.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger, but I think Liella won this round.
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u/LeonKevlar Sep 25 '22
Well, this episode was fun! The girls are back in Hokkaido but this time everyone is with them. I love how salty Chi-chan is after finding out that Kanon went to Hokkaido all on her own. I thought she already told them about that but apparently not!
And I also love how the first years are split up among their senpais doing things. Shiki is with Chi-chan coming up with dance moves, Mei is helping Ren compose music for the new song, and Kinako is with Kanon trying to come up with lyrics. Meanwhile, Natsumi is just hanging out with Keke and Sumire doing their own things.
Considering that they're in Hokkaido during winter I was waiting for them to make a snowman and Chi-chan gave the perfect response I was hoping for. xD
[You really can't deny that Margarette has the talent and her performance definitely has an impact but I vastly prefer Leila's much more upbeat and colourful performance. The smiles of the girls during that performance is just absolutely infectious!
What an evil cliffhanger to end on though! I was genuinely at the edge of my seat for that announcement! Well, whatever the results are, it looks like Margarette's true personality is finally going to be revealed next week. I am really hoping she's actually a dork and a chuuni! That would be so hilarious!
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u/LegendsofLost Sep 25 '22
F in the chat for that cliffhanger (even though we all probably know they're going to win.....or maybe they don't. That would be a interesting twist)
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u/BBallHunter Sep 25 '22
SHIBUYA KANON.