REVIEW: ‘Oshi No Ko’ Season 3 Episode 5 — “Casting”

Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5, “Casting,” focuses on Kana (Megumi Han, Clevatess) as she strives to reassert herself as an actor, rather than remain an idol lingering in Ruby’s  (Yurie Igoma, Chained Soldier) shadow. But the entertainment world can be harsh, and even if Kana is willing to hold to her scruples, the truth may not be what gets printed. 

Before reaching the core of Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5, the narrative continues the sequence that the last episode ended on. Following up with Akane (Manaka Iwami, Code Vein II), she grapples with her discovery about Ai’s killer. Her mind particularly lingers on what may come from her deductions if Aqua finds out. 

Given that the individual in question was 15 when Ai got pregnant and even younger when he fathered Taiki Himekawa, Akane concludes that, even if wrongdoing could be proven, nothing would be done to them because the individual was a minor at the time of the events. Leaving only one way for Aqua to seek out justice. 

Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5 presents a glaring problem with Akane’s reasoning.

There is one glaring problem with Akane’s musings in Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5. Throughout her thought process concerning the past’s events, there is one constant: that Aqua’s biological father is wholly to blame for everything and is a criminal. This tone is even extended to his fathering of Taiki, when he was barely in double digits. 

It feels strange that never once is there even the slightest indication that this underage actor may have also been a victim himself. That perhaps he wasn’t villainously responsible for Taiki’s birth, rather than assuming he bore some nefarious role in the event. 

Now, it should go without saying that if he were the mastermind behind Ai’s murder, no amount of personal trauma could excuse that. But the acknowledgement that something terrible may have been happening to this child feels like a reasonable expectation, and a cruel oversight on the part of Akane.

The handling of Aqua’s biological father raises questions.

Before Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5 switches away from her, Akane receives a phone call from Aqua. After a sweet moment of mutual affirmations of love and care, Aqua confesses his recent struggles with what he’s always sought in life, and how it clashes with the happiness they are trying to build together. Completely broken by the end, Aqua pleads with Akane to tell him which path to take. 

Despite having already decided to try to resolve the issue without his knowledge, Akane gives the most heartfelt response imaginable. Rather than tell him what to do, she reminds him that they are each their own person, neither owned by the other. And as such, they must make their own choices, but assure him that no matter what path he chooses, she won’t make him walk it alone. 

Despite the wildly dark places Aqua’s quest is likely to take them should he choose to resume it, how Akane delivers this reassurance is beautiful. Iwami breathes a gentle, determined support into Akane’s lines, showcasing why she has come to hold such a singular place in Aqua’s life. And that, no matter what messed-up choices follow, she really does love him. 

Through Kana’s path, we see favoritism in the entertainment industry explored further.

Moving past the episode’s first four minutes, Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5 turns its gaze to Kana. With Ruby’s growing popularity pushing her into the background of their group and failing to create any opportunities for the former actor to find meaningful work elsewhere, Kana is understandably frustrated with her current situation. Layer on her unrequited feelings for Aqua, and it’s easy to see why the girl is in a bad space. 

Her quest for a reinvigorated acting career leads her to a small restaurant, where a former co-star is meeting with an up-and-coming director. Invited along, Kana is uncomfortable with the situation, but sees the opportunity as too good to pass up. 

Through this semi-clandestine meeting, Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5 reiterates previously explored territory about favoritism in showbiz, and how it’s less about your skills and more about who you know. This knowledge leads Kana to make some less-than-optimal decisions, such as agreeing to return to the director’s studio with him. Alone.

Given not only the content of the opening sequence of Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5, but the general vibe of the series as a whole, one couldn’t be blamed for assuming the worst for the would-be movie star. However, despite having brought her there in hopes of getting lucky, the director respectfully acknowledges her refusal. This leaves the character firmly in the skeezy realm, but not outright evil. Furthermore, he proceeds to listen to her rant about her complicated friendship with Aqua until the wee small hours of the morning. 

Things surprisingly don’t take a turn for the worst, a moment of good still left in the world.

This moment is an unexpected breath of fresh air for the series. An unusually animated Kana rants and raves as her companion chuckles along at her antics. A rare moment of kindness and humour between an authority figure and a vulnerable individual. Perhaps there is some good left in the world after all.

A happy ending to an episode?? Sorry, wrong series. Despite emerging from her potentially catastrophic choice unscathed, Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5 can’t go out that quietly. Instead, as a refreshed Kana leaves the studio, an ill-placed paparazzo snaps some photos of her, leaving little wonder about what fate those photos will lead to.

Despite a glaring oversight in its opening, Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5 crafts some emotionally powerful moments, while also setting up another big plot beat. Hopefully, the series won’t kick Kana too hard when it returns. 

Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 5 is streaming on Crunchyroll.

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