REVIEW: ‘Eternal Boys,’ Episodes 5-6 — “MV” and “Makoto Kakizaki Special”

Last week’s batch of episodes saw one entry focused on the group, while its second episode focused on one of the individual Eternal Boys. This week’s pair of episodes follow a similar pattern as we first get a peek into the group’s preparations to shoot their first music video, followed by a long look at one of their members in Eternal Boys Episodes 5-6.

The first episode for this week touches on a lot of topics that surround the performing arts and being popular. From the regimen that performers have to go through to keep their bodies in what the public deems “desirable” to the unique challenges of being a child star, this episode grazes over a lot of topics. While it doesn’t have time to explore any of them too deeply, the way the show simply acknowledges them helps to put some perspective on the pursuit of being an idol, and just how much it entails and demands. It manages to touch upon all of these topics while still delivering some light chuckles as the guys struggle to adapt to all the challenges they have taken on.

The highlight of Eternal Boys Episodes 5-6 comes in the second episode when the series turns the spotlight on Kakizaki. As a character who has already been shown to be nothing but kind and supportive of his new bandmates, Kakizaki’s history dives into the character’s past to explore how he became who he is and the lesson he is trying to teach himself through the idol group. How the show presents, Kakizaki’s goal is excellently handled. It would be extremely easy to show the character’s goal as being selfish. Rather than that, Kakizaki feels like he is looking for something he needs to take care of himself. He had things in the past that made him feel complete, and now he is searching for something new that he needs. The journey for self-care and self-fulfillment that he goes on in this episode brings a wonderful message about looking after your needs rather than letting your smiles become hollow.

While both of these episodes have their strengths and good moments, Eternal Boys Episodes 5-6  do little to help these moments shine through the visual presentation. While always adequate, the series never manages to elevate the energy of its best moments through any of its technical elements. While it may fail to elevate the emotion, it does deliver some fun style for the burgeoning idol group. The new outfits the group receives for their first video are fun, and how each character has elements unique to them makes each outfit feel complementary to the character’s personality.

Eternal Boys Episodes 5-6 deliver its strongest outing yet. While it doesn’t fully capitalize on its strengths, it never gets in its way, allowing for a solid bit of storytelling.

Eternal Boys Episodes 5-6 are streaming now on HIDIVE.