MeinMMO-Demon Cortyn has experienced the zenith of all anime. Because last week aired the best episode – ever. At least that’s what Cortyn claims.
I have basically been watching anime forever. I started, like many, with Sailor Moon in the afternoon program, then devoured Pokémon, Monster Rancher, and other series, and watched Son-Goku scream at rocks for hours in the evenings.
Then there were harder series like Elfen Lied, endless anime like Bleach, and plenty of niche series that you would be ashamed to show your parents.
I love anime and I really watch a lot of it. It’s one of my biggest and most passionate hobbies. I watch good series, but sometimes I also struggle through bad ones. Therefore, I believe I know a fairly broad range of anime.
But I have never seen an anime episode as good as the one last week.
It’s about Oshi no Ko, Season 3, Episode 7 titled “Failing.” For me, this is the pinnacle of what an anime can achieve – but the series just keeps getting better.
Spoiler alert: If you haven’t seen the episode yet or want to see it, you shouldn’t read on, as we go into detail about the episode.
The episode that cements fate
Of course, the episode does not stand alone – it builds on the previous story. Simply watching the mentioned episode will only result in confusion and won’t feel nearly as intense.
I can hardly help but describe my feelings during this episode. From the first to the last minute, it was thrilling and full of revelations. There were both beautiful and disturbing moments.
The episode begins with the idol group B-Komachi facing the release of a upcoming article. Their member Kana was photographed disappearing with a director into his private apartment – the perfect, spicy story, even if nothing happens.
Aqua wants to help Kana avoid this disgrace. But before that, he asks his sister Ruby if she could “handle suffering a little herself to avert suffering from Kana” – and she agrees.
Aqua has a plan to prevent the article: He sells the magazine a much better story, namely his own origin. He is the secret twin of the murdered superstar Ai. The story explodes and overshadows all other stories while simultaneously plunging Ruby into traumatic experiences.
Akane (Aqua’s girlfriend) has meanwhile long figured out who Aqua’s father and thus Ai’s murderer is. She plans to confront him herself.
I can hardly describe what this scene triggered in me. Just seeing that Akane has a white bouquet in her hand, the melancholic music starts, and you hear her thoughts creates an oppressive feeling. In series, it is usually a big “red flag” when a character talks about what they would like to experience and do in the future. This is usually done before immediate death to give it more weight.
And so it seems to happen – Akane is shoved down a staircase, and the whole staging skillfully suggests that she has just become a victim and is dying … until Aqua catches her.
But instead of a heroic rescue, the scene becomes even more emotional. Because Aqua reveals how he knew where Akane was – he has been bugging and listening to her for months. He has tracked her every step and thus knows who the murderer is. The couple separates. Although Akane has every reason to end the relationship, it is rather Aqua who makes the decision in order to fully engage in his revenge plan.
All cards are thus on the table. The fate and path of all characters are sealed.
The best thing I’ve seen in 25 years of anime
Maybe you think while reading this: This doesn’t sound that great. But believe me: It was. It was by far the best single anime episode I have seen in well over 25 years. No other episode has had such perfect pacing, such a wealth of revelations, and emotional moments that harmonize so perfectly with the music. I clenched my fists multiple times during the episode, held back tears, and then had to smile mischievously when the light madness of the characters came to the fore.
That I seem to not be completely wrong with this opinion can also be seen in the ratings on the internet. On the review platform IMDb, the episode has a rating of 9.6 / 10 points – with over 1,000 ratings. That’s quite telling and puts most other anime episodes of all other series to shame. Just to quote a few reviews:
What else is there to say about this masterpiece of a medium? Every scene is unbelievably impressive and every second of this episode is a flawless example of what modern anime should be.
-Connor-656Episode 7 of Season 3 is an absolute masterpiece that not only delivers breathtaking animations, powerful emotions, and brilliant character development. Every scene feels significant, with perfect pacing and beautiful images that elevate this story. The tension and depth are incredible. A flawless 10/10 experience that exceeds all expectations.
– L3-199
If you haven’t given Oshi no Ko a chance for any reason yet – catch up. What at first glance seems like an absurd idol show with reincarnation turns out to be a highly dramatic series with a lot of tension and characters you really root for and empathize with. No other series in recent years has made me feel so emotional.
I just can’t get enough of it. And I’m already dreading the moment when Oshi no Ko will come to an end. Because for me, it is one of the great series that we will look back on in a few years and think: “Man, that was a groundbreaking great story.”
Oshi no Ko will definitely go down as one of the best anime stories of all time, and I will surely recommend it to you in many lists. But if you prefer a bit crazier stuff, then check out these 5 anime featuring women who would go (and do) over dead bodies for their love.
