Episode 5 and we’re still on Character development. This episode focuses on fluffing out Yukiho as a character. Yukiho had nearly faded off totally into the background. But this episode focuses on Yukiho’s difficulties as an Idolmaster.

Haruka successfully deals with a drop all on her own in imber, even while Makoto is present as a backup. Yukiho however can only continue to watch back on earth.

It’s retest time. Haruka fails her theory, while Yukiho fails her practical. (duh) Over at a cafe, we see Iori, Haruka and Yukiho being “persuaded” by Yayoi to help write replies to all her fanmail. Meantime though, Yukiho can only space out as she thinks about how she failed to start Imber up.

Back in their room, even as Yayoi’s show continues to play in the background, they promise to help each other out. However, Yukiho continues to suck, and Haruka can only tell her to “do this… do that…” (literally those words) , which doesn’t quite explain things. Tsundere Iori cannot just stand by and watch, and by some “coincidence”, becomes Yukiho’s coach.

After much training, Yukiho finally looks “okay” in the simulators. On the day of the test however, she still looks abit “spaced out” while walking to school. Thus Haruka decides to bring her to the roof of an abandoned building. Haruka had heard on Yayoi’s show that a fox spirit who grants wishes resides there.

However, on the way up, they come across a gap in the stairs. Somehow though, Yukiho refuses to follow Haruka to jump over the gap.  Yukiho finally blurts out about how she lacks courage, is afraid of failing and being hated by others. She cannot fulfill her greatest wish, nor can she continue to work hard to achieve it, just like how Haruka is doing.

Haruka then explains that she actually is an orphan, and had initially withdrawn from people. But in school, people continued to encourage her to join in with activities.  Wishes can still come true with a little courage and hard work, which Yukiho has too.

 Yukiho is inspired. But in the end, surprisingly still fails, after failing to start up imber. In the end, Joseph tells Yukiho that she should be Haruka’s backup, her logistical support. Yukiho doesn’t feel too bad, and can only tell Haruka that she can still fulfill her wish, just that it’s taking another path now.

Thoughts

Where’s the action! (although it seems to be coming from the preview for the next episode)

Yukiho still seems a pretty bland character. Although she’ll probably be to Haruka what Ritsuko is to Iori. There are only so few Idols after all. One question would be what exactly her greatest wish was. Hmmmm. Mysterious.

A little disappointing this episode was. Even the insert song was non-inspiring. But still watchable and passable. If only they would highlight more of the good things. Like Yayoi for example. haha.