AKB0048 - Episode 4

Party Members: +2

One would expect a "moeblob" show like AKB0048 to have hollow characters and no plot. While the latter point was already proven false in the previous episodes, Episode 4 does a good job of invalidating the former claim. The show itself is not as simple as one might think; it's not just about cute girls running around, singing and dancing, while blasting away enemies in style. There is indeed more to AKB0048 than meets the eye. The motivation for why each understudy wants to become a successor is mostly unknown, aside from the fact that most of them dislike DES and the entertainment bans or love being an idol, possibly even both. From the events that happened in this episode, I think each girl's backstory has a chance of being expanded on later on in the series.

Information on insert songs used in this episode can be found below.

In this particular episode, we are introduced to two new characters—the carefree and slightly airheaded Kishida Mimori and the spunky Shinonome Kanata, who's also Sonata's older sister. Earlier, I'd noted the possible motivation in wanting to become an AKB0058 successor for most of the girls. However, this does not apply to Kanata. Her desire to become an idol is surprisingly not to bring happiness to those who are subject to DES' entertainment ban, but to actually fight DES head on, wanting to avenge the death of her father who died while fighting as part of an pro-entertainment coalition. Furthermore, not wanting her precious little sister to have to suffer like she did, Kanata's frustration, although seemingly inappropriate at first, did make sense later on. To be honest, this revelation took me by surprise as I didn't expect this show to have any dark elements (i.e. death, conflicts) in the slightest. Nonetheless, I find that having events which differ from the norm or what is expected, especially in seemingly generic shows like this, will greatly aid the ratings, given that they actually add to the plot or end up developing characters.

With the generous amounts of AKB48 music, moe moments, and great visuals still maintained, the future for series is looking really bright as of now. It's surprisingly able to appeal to so many different audience groups—moe fanatics, AKB48 fans, visual/sound critics, and even those who like a decent story in their anime. While I think it's underrated right now, I really hope that as the episodes go by, word about how good AKB0048 is will spread throughout the anime community, causing those who dismissed it early on to give it a try. Yes, I know my reviews for this show might seem subjective (although most reviews generally are), but I really do feel AKB0048 is exceeding the expectations for many others like me. But maybe that's because I'm an avid fan of anime like K-ON! and THE iDOLM@STER. Anyways, I'm really looking forward to the next episode, like always.

Insert Songs
Kanji	Romaji	English	Links
檸檬の年頃	Lemon no toshigoro	Lemon's age	Lyrics | Video
ヘビーローテーション	HEEBI ROOTEESHON (Heavy Rotation)	Heavy Rotation	Lyrics | Video
初日	Shonichi	Opening Day	Lyrics | Video