First, it was bullying and suicide. Second, it was a take on abusive trainer-trainee relationship. Do you think the social-issue-of-the-week format continues in episode 3 of Wonder Egg Priority? Definitely yes, and this time, it is about idol obsession. But before we go to that topic, let us talk about some new things in this episode.
Just from the intro, our new character Rika Kawai made her entrance with an enlarged cutter as her weapon saving a Wonder Egg from its trauma, which in this case, pedophilia, as inferred from the dialogue. Her dream map looks beautiful as well - a flower-field near the beach with auroras in the sky.
Just like Ai, Rika has a statue to save as well and unexpectedly, has some sort of dislike towards it. Well, it is too early to judge just from the few frames alone.
Ai & Rika met for the first time while buying Wonder Egg. Just from her introduction, I think, I might get annoyed later on but we will see.
The fact that I am seeing a coin now definitely means, Acca and Ura-Acca are money-making indeed. Unfortunately in this episode, we are still not getting any background information from them aside from the fact, that they have active customers. But seriously, why all girls though?
Moving on, this Rika, not just borrowed money, but also tailed Ohto to her house. Well, I guess it is not a bad thing for Ai especially, she could be a new comrade as well along with Aonuma, Neiru from previous episode. Having the same goals, Ohto introduced Kawai to Neiru, and is pretty much suspicious to the new character. Kawai seems interested in Aonuma just by the looks alone, then explained she was an ex- junior idol.
Now, her "hand-shake-event" introduction earlier made sense.
"If you snatch food from me, I would definitely glare too."
From the hospital, the stalking continues again back in Ohto's home. Her mom seems very much hospitable and would definitely welcome all that would seem friends with Ohto.
"Self-proclaim continues"
Rika made her way to Ai's room and talked about their current situation and background.
Unlike Ai, Rika denied that she is saving, Chiemi - the statue from the first scene, as a friend. It turned out to be her fan, and according to her, Chiemi is also her personal wallet. Damn, that is quite harsh and just further proves, Rika has this spoiled personality. But of course, there could be more than that. She has her own belief when it comes to beauty. There must be something about her that needs to be explored for these traits to make sense especially she has some cuts on her arms and not on wrists. I think, being suicidal is out of this issue but who knows.
For this week's Koito flashbacks, it turned out that their teacher or the school counselor is involved. I am not sure if 1) Koito and the teacher has a relationship or 2) Koito is just sharing her problems and the teacher just consoled her without any malice. Ai's reaction was understandable to be honest. I would probably just silently walk away without disrupting them. Let us wait for more flashbacks then, until things will start to connect.
Now into this week's saving of Wonder Eggs, aside from a new dream map, it was possible as well for two characters to have a Co-op mission. As Acca mentioned, it was a synchronization with Rika's presence more dominant than Ai's, hence, they are in Rika's dream. Another new thing is, we got to see more than two eggs being used here. For convenience purposes, both are actually fans of the same idol coincidentally. Now, what brought them here? Their idol singer committed suicide and their fanatical nature influenced their next action to follow their idol. I will add further thoughts on this later on. And oh, their hair color reminds me of Billie Eilish.
As expected, Seeno Evils attacked them and Rika's showing her adept battle experience. Her weapon is a dual-wield and at the same time, works as boomerangs. Ai's weapon might be less flexible than Rika's but they still did the job done, at least for Seeno Evils. One thing I noticed in their action sequences is the change of animation. I have a feeling that, the production team is trying to best to squeeze in these action frames
but for some reason, it felt off because the artstyle really changes in these frames. Or could be, it is intentional, because they are in a dream after all, and an abstract way to animate these scenes would seem fitting. Anyway, these are just negligible for me considering all other scenes looked great so I do not mind them for now.
For the episode's boss, it turned out to be a serial stalker of the same idol in reality. That monster design is very reminiscent of the painting "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt , but in different color. I appreciate the effort of the people behind the designs of their monsters - abstract yet still has the traditional villain look and this one's seems better than the previous.
Another new thing as well in this episode is, there has no resolution yet and left a cliffhanger on what will happen to Rika. I admit, this definitely reminded me of Madoka Magica if you know what I mean but for a change, I am fine with this cliffhanger.
Overall, this was a great episode of Wonder Egg Priority. Aside from interesting new things added on this episode, production are still on their top-notch quality, though with negligible inconsistency in their action animation but could be on purpose. And of course, the format continues, and, the theme was idol obsession. The episode sent a brief message on how idol culture could be dangerous at some point. Suicides among idols and maybe, among fans as well are not uncommon anymore. Stalking, and other crimes to sustain the idol needs of the fans are also part of the dark truth behind this industry. The different characters in this episode showcased their own experiences and it is not even done yet. I know, the series is not putting emphasis on these issues, but again, shedding light on these sensitive topics will make me appreciate the series more, even on a subtle ways. They did that without straying away from the main plotline. Other than that, the OST aside from the OP and ED are really growing on me. Man, I need to find their OST playlist soon.
What do you think of this episode?
Do you think the series will take a far darker turn from now on?
Did the animation style change bothered you?
Please share your thoughts as well.
Thanks for the visit and keep safe!
P.S.
Apologies for being inconsistent in using their names in this post. I have to adapt again first name basis since the characters are using this as well.
Also, I like the floating chat screens in this episode.
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