REVIEW: ‘Eternal Boys,’ Episodes 13-14 – “Retirement” and “Mid-Term Hiring Exam”

With Kakizaki’s announcement that he intends to retire from performing the group now faces new challenges if they are going to keep moving forward. But Kakizaki hasn’t left his friends completely high and dry as he has set up a replacement to fill his role in Eternal Boys Episodes 13-14. Now they just need to bring it back together after this dramatic change.

The first of this week’s pair of episodes focuses on Kakizaki’s reasons for leaving the stage and the immediate reactions of the rest of the group. These moments are handled well, as they explore the different feelings each member harbors towards the decision and how they each act to rectify the moment in a way that suits them. While this is a huge moment narratively for the show, Eternal Boys Episodes 13-14 doesn’t let any particular reaction come with too much weight. The tone and energy of the various interactions in this story get each character’s feelings about the matter across, while still keeping the relatively light air that the series has always pursued.

The best part about this first story is how varied the responses are. While most of the characters are opposed to Kakizaki’s leaving, how each reacts to the news and approaches him with their desire for him to stay does a great job of showing just how diversely people can approach a situation, even when their goals are the same. The animation manages to portray each of these unique moments with a sense of balance and restraint as it brings each character’s feelings to life.

The second part of Eternal Boys Episodes 13-14 sees the band moving past the recent setback thanks to Kakizaki’s thoughtfulness in setting up a replacement for him. While this quick 15-ish minute episode glosses over much of the struggle that would be involved with integrating a new personality into a group like this, it does manage to take a moment to highlight the difference between replacing someone in a performative role and succeeding them.

Nothing ever feels as artificial in show business as when someone is clearly trying to ape someone else’s personality. Even though you are stepping into their place, you can never be them. And trying to be that person will quickly fall sour with fans who will see through it and never like it as much as when the original did it. Rather a person has to find a way to bring a personality that is unique to their space, while still conforming with what their production has always been. It is a tricky thing, but one well worth exploring.

Eternal Boys Episodes 13-14 continue to deliver this idol group’s journey with a pleasant mix of fun and feeling. Even when the road shifts unexpectedly, the boys continue to see their dreams get that much closer. It is an enjoyable road for them that starkly contradicts how some other anime this season depict idol life.

Eternal Boys Episodes 13-14 are streaming now on HIDIVE.