APolygons2-25753

It's a mixture of so many seemingly random genres and ideas, that by the synopsis alone one could not be blamed for thinking it's a complete mess. Coming from the author of love is war, Aka Akasaka, you would also not be blamed for thinking the show isn't that funny in comparison.

There are some good jokes here and there, but it's nothing like the masterfully structured comedy progression of love is war that some people may expect. Actually, on a writing level or even style, these two stories feel completely different. The only real point of comparison, are the more depressing and serious parts of both stories, so unless you are specifically looking at things like Ishigami's backstory and Akane getting cancelled, you will not have a single reason to think these 2 stories are from the same author.

So, if Oshi no ko is nothing like love is war, then what IS it like?

Well.....

Stories have different goals. Some are there to send a philosophical message, some are there to make you laugh, and some are there to make you cry. One of those possible goals, is to show case something real or "social commentary".

And in oshi no ko's case, that thing is, the entertainment industry.

It goes out of it's way to dive deep into each part of it, show you the behind the scenes, and scummy acts or people that go into each part of it. Like the power dynamics, or the affect online harassment and attacks can have on one's mental health. But it also doesn't show you an overly negative image, you will also see what there is to love about the industry, and why for the right people dealing with the problems is nothing but a set-back to be overcome for reaching greatness.

The show is not biased and that's a great thing. But the story is not about that.

It's actually about these 2 characters who got reborn as their favourite idol's kid after they died while keeping their memories....

but the story is not about that. It's a murder mystery, where the primary goal is catching the killer, and every other event is a stepping stone for reachi.....

but the story isn't about that.

It's actually about these flawed characters and how they each deal with set backs that life throws at them in different ways.

But.... it's not that either....

It's all of these.

To me the greatest strength of the show is how all these seemingly unrelated elements come together to create a cohesive story. The reincarnation premise serves as a wacky initial hook to keep you going. Then the small bit of comedy makes you care more about the cast. The showcase of the entertainment industry, becomes the main setting of the story. The backstories and character progressions are what give the characters depth, and now that you care about the story and characters, the depressing plot points are what create the most impactful moments.

And to make it fully work, the murder mystery serves as that 1 plot point that the show is constantly moving towards. The final piece that gives the story a sense of progression.

And that cohesiveness created from a jumble of ideas, is what makes this series a one of a kind. And why I fully recommend it to anyone who may be interested.

After this and fish and out of water being both more highly rated than they deserve despite being really solid episodes, I have realized that the Bojack horseman fandom, loves, and I mean LOVES gimmicks.

Now neither of these are pointless gimmicks, but seeing this have the same score as "times' arrow" is really weird.

It's a stand out, and one of the best episodes of the show, but a 9.8?

Really?

I genuinely believe the only reason it's THIS high is the fact that it's portrayed in an abnormal way. Which in this case adds to it, but if this format was used more often, the ratings would have been a lot lower.

There is also the fact that I don't believe it fully earned it's run time. There were some masterfully written and thought provoking stuff here, but there was a good amount of fluff that could have been cut out as well.

You can tell they were stretching what they wanted to say a little, just so the entire episode can be bojack talking. Which again, does work, it adds a certain realness to it that you wouldn't be able to achieve without doing this.

I wish it went a little less in the comedy direction, the music guy while at times pretty funny, i don't think did enough to justify it's existence. It kind of messed with the tone a little.

I don't think the episode is perfect, I split my 10/10 episodes into three categories of greatness, and this is on the lower side of that.

It's ambitious which I for one adore, but it's not the best thing ever like the score would make you believe.

But I will say is that due to how different it is, it's great in a way that I can't remember ever seeing before it, and to some, that alone may justify it being this high. And they wouldn't be wrong for thinking that.

I am really glad this episode exists for a lot of different reasons, but I wouldn't call it my favorite.

Wow, this is arguably the best sci-fi of 2020s. With the potential to go down in history and be something truly special. With clunky yet still clean visuals, great music, and top notch writing.

Easily one of my favorite western animations, and one that I truly looked forward to and was waiting to one day call it a masterpiece.

But they had to go ahead and kill it.

And I don't just mean "not make more"

they actually killed the series. They are not only NOT releasing the already finished. I repeat, ALREADY FINISHED, season 2, they also removed season 1 from their streaming platform to not have to pay the creators going forward.

That is absolutely horrible and an insult to everyone involved. Hope this show gets bought by a company that deserves it.