REVIEW: ‘Oshi No Ko’ Episode 21 — “Liberation”

In the previous episode, Aqua (Takeo Otsuka) revealed that a paternity test had shown he and Ruby share a father with his fellow Tokyo Blade actor Taiki Himekawa (Kôki Uchiyama, My Hero Academia). Now, he stands on the precipice of learning about the man he suspects of causing his mother’s death. But will the revelations that Oshi No Ko Episode 21 “Liberation” delivers bring closure to Aqua’s search? Meanwhile, Ruby feels time slipping away as she struggles to become an idol equal to Ai’s legacy.

Having been shown the positive test, Himekawa willingly accepts that Aqua is his half-brother and suggests they retire to his place to talk privately. Once there, Himekawa reveals that their father is dead. Part of a double suicide along with Himekawa’s mom, making Aqua’s quest for revenge pointless. While the two converse for a little longer, Aqua is largely checked out of the conversation as he processes what this means for his future.

While it is entirely likely that future episodes may retcon the facts brought to light at this moment, as it stands now, Oshi No Ko Episode 21‘s closing of Aqua’s search feels horribly unsatisfying. That it’s just over with no closure or personal growth for the protagonist makes the journey’s existence feel like a waste of time. And the fact that the episode is titled “Liberation” would seem to imply that this is real.

While it serves as an unfulfilling narrative beat, there is a silver lining to the moment. Once Aqua returns home, he runs into Ruby as she prepares breakfast. As Aqua throws open the curtains in the room, warm sunlight spills over him. At this moment, we see the star in his right eye shatter.

There is peace in Aqua’s motions and expression throughout the rest of the episode. The viewer feels conflicted and perhaps even selfish for feeling disappointed in the previous sequence. We didn’t get a satisfying ending (maybe), but Aqua looks happy for the first time since his mother died before his eyes.

Leaving Aqua with his newfound peace of mind, Oshi No Ko Episode 21 shifts gears to focus on Ruby (Yurie Igoma) after largely neglecting the character thus far this season. We catch up with Ruby and the rest of B Komachi as Mem-Cho (Rumi Okubo, Engage Kiss) informs them that their YouTube channel now sports 20,000 followers. While Ruby and Kana (Megumi Han, Vampire in the Garden) brush this number aside, dreaming of one million subs, Mem-Cho quickly brings the duo back down to earth.

The depth that Mem-Cho goes to in describing what it means to hit 20,000 or a million subscribers on social media is interesting and engaging. The energy that Mem-Cho exudes as she talks turns what would otherwise be dull exposition into information that the viewer can enjoy. The visuals also do their part to keep the sequence lively, illustrating what Mem-Cho says in bright, vibrant ways.

Armed with their new understanding of what they have accomplished thus far, the trio decided their next step should be debuting an original song. Having only performed the original B Komachi songs, the girls figure that something new will propel them to new heights. When they ask Miyako Saitou (Lynn, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation) about it, she reveals that she has already requested a song written by a popular writer, but the song is late in coming.

Initially, Miyako instructs the girls to be patient with how long the song takes. The writer is undoubtedly busy, and they should be thankful he’s making time for them. Ruby rejects this out of hand. While it looks like she is simply a spoiled brat at first, we soon learn that her impatience is born out of a sense of urgency rather than entitlement.

She asks Miyako not to view the time being spent from an adult’s point of view, reminding her that Ruby and the others only have so long to be idols before growing out of the job. Her adopted daughter’s final arguments move Miyako, and she agrees to call the writer.

Ruby’s impassioned speech is the highlight of the episode’s voice work. Igoma delivers a lot of sincerity in the monologue as she pleads Ruby’s case. Thanks to the actress’ performance, Miyako would have to have a heart of ice not to be moved.

Oshi No Ko Episode 21 takes a brief aside to introduce the songwriter. Despite being known for his great skill, the writer is generally struggling. Having written hundreds of songs, he lacks a focus on where to take the requested song. However, a brief video message from Ruby expressing her excitement about performing the upcoming song sparks the inspiration the writer needs.

With the song ready, the trio can go on location to shoot a video for their channel. The night before, we see Ruby lying awake in bed as she remembers her past. These thoughts are brought on by a small side project the girls undertake, doing walk-through videos of their rooms.

Ruby’s room is adorned with pictures of her and Aqua with Ai. Up until now, she planned to never tell anyone who her mother was, but she begins to wonder if that is the right course of action. These thoughts lead her back to her previous life and the doctor she wishes she could talk to about it.

Like the opening to Oshi No Ko Episode 21, this moment feels better or worse depending on whether you look at it at the moment or consider its future ramifications. Ruby remembers the kindness she experienced while she was sick and how much those actions impacted her. However, we also know that the doctor she remembers so wistfully is Aqua, which reminds us of the extremely awkward direction the show may choose to go in when/if Ruby and Aqua learn about who each other was in their previous lives.

Oshi No Ko Episode 21 delivers a mixed bag. The strength of many of this entry’s elements cannot be properly gauged until the narrative moves further into the story. For now, the episode manages to largely land on its feet as it delivers the emotion and deep looks into entertainment that are its strongest elements.

Oshi No Ko Episode 21 is streaming now on HiDive.