REVIEW: ‘Akane-banashi’ Episode 3 — “Senior Apprentices”

Akane-banashi Episode 3, “Senior Apprentices,” sees Akane (Anna Nagase, Jujutsu Kaisen) take her first steps into the official world of Raguko. But while her enthusiasm cannot be questioned, there are many aspects of a successful Raguko performance that she has not yet considered.

There is always more to a discipline than simply doing it. There are so many nuances to concepts like performing or creating art that aren’t apparent to those who only observe it, rather than participate in it. These smaller, less flashy elements are often what set the good apart from the great in their disciplines. Going the extra mile, attending to the minute details alongside the broad, focused core of a practice, allows those truly devoted to a craft to shine.

Akane-banashi Episode 3 begins with Akane’s formal acceptance as Master Shiguma’s (Masaki Terasoma, Shinobi no Ittoki) apprentice. However, before she can be taught, they must obtain her parents’ approval. As her father is out of town, it is up to her mother to receive the offer from Shiguma. As Akane’s mother hasn’t seen the Raguko master since that fateful night, the meeting is less than comfortable.

The way the series handles Masaki’s support for Akane is executed wonderfully. 

The evolution of this formal acceptance of Shiguma’s offer to become Akane’s master implements a natural flow to the moment. The mutual awkwardness between the two adults is handled well, as it’s clear neither harbors ill will toward the other, but that both are inexplicably linked to a painful memory that seeing the other dredges up.

While the whole affair is well handled, the star of this scene, though, is Akane’s mom, Masaki. The character’s writing is great. How she expresses her reservations about her daughter pursuing Raguko are strong, but they are easily overpowered by her knowledge that her daughter will do it regardless. So why make everyone miserable in the process?

Seeing a parent who knows their child well enough to understand when a thing is going to happen and be willing to accept and support it always hits. Akane-banashi Episode 3 depicts this lovely moment beautifully, as Masaki approves of the arrangement, and even bows her head to the ground, as she entrusts her daughter’s dream to Shiguma.

Kyoji helps with training in Akane-banashi Episode 3. 

The back half of the episode sees Akane’s first steps in her formal training play out. Before she begins her direct tutelage with Shiguma, she is entrusted to one of his other students, Kyoji (Yôhei Azakami, Sentenced to be a Hero), to help her strengthen her understanding of the art. And while Kyoji can see a strong, enthusiastic core in Akane, she has overlooked a key element of performing: her audience’s desires.

In an impromptu performance at a small venue, Akane is disappointed to see her work not get the same response she did in her prior performance. Kyoji points out that, while her routine was solid, she didn’t account for the audience she was performing for. What would they want to hear? What elements of the routine may be better emphasized to speak to this particular audience? Luckily, Kyoji has an idea to help Akane gain the awareness she needs for future performances.

The remainder of Akane-banashi Episode 3 sees the titular character spend the week working at a local bar as a member of the wait staff. This is a fantastic idea, as it gives her a lot of repetitive experience with what Kyoji is trying to teach her. A great waiter doesn’t just serve; they can anticipate. They can cater to the individual by customizing their service.

Akane’s continual growth is well earned. 

The steps Akane goes through to first recognize and then implement these concepts are well done. They play out in a way that allows the character’s growth to feel rewarding and earned. It also helps her realize that there is so much more to Raguko than simply performing the routines she has memorized.

The creativity behind the scenario also brings a lot of promise for the series as a whole. It shows that the show can step outside its core focus and integrate other locations and situations into its narrative, promising a wider variety of situations than might otherwise play out.

Akane-banashi Episode 3 delivers an enjoyable entry, establishing expectations for how much Akane has yet to learn and the creativity the series can bring to its teaching of her. It’s a great opening moment for the star’s formal training to begin on.

Akane-banashi Episode 3 is streaming now on YouTube.

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