Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 1 Review: Loss Of Innocence for Everyone

The first episode of this season establishes the current standing of the characters who are more serious about themselves than anyone else. Let’s see how this episode unfolded.

Oshi No Ko Season 2 Episode 13 Recap

The finale arrives with more uncertainty than closure. Ruby is horrified when she comes across the decomposed remains of Dr. Amamiya, leaving her emotionally numb and overwhelmed. The realisation that everyone she cared for in her previous life is now gone shatters her completely. Aqua, in contrast, appears almost at peace, relieved that his long-lost body has finally been discovered.

Aqua sincerely apologises to Akane for dragging her into such a painful ordeal, but she firmly reprimands him for constantly blaming himself. Her reassurance helps Aqua begin to let go of some of his bitterness and consider his own happiness for once. This shift leads him to make a choice that settles the long-standing romantic tension, bringing the ship war to an end as Aqua finally chooses who he wants to be with.

Ruby’s change is far darker and more intense than expected. Her emotional suffering reaches a breaking point, especially after encountering the enigmatic white-haired girl. Whether this figure is a spirit or merely a manifestation remains unclear, but what cannot be denied is her unsettling knowledge. She reveals the truth behind the doctor’s death on the day of Ai’s delivery, along with the presence of two suspicious individuals linked to the incident.

Crushed by grief and betrayal, Ruby undergoes a drastic transformation, losing her innocence and optimism and beginning to resemble the Aqua of the past.

Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 1 Review

The episode begins with an update on how much the characters have grown in their careers. B Komachi is slowly but steadily gaining more and more popularity in the Japanese idol scene. They are getting more traction thanks to their music video, lively performances, and most specifically, the piercing gaze of Ruby. In the previous season, it became clear that Ruby also has a dark side to her, which is very reminiscent of Aqua’s personality.

But it is not just her; Akane also managed to establish herself as a seasoned actress. Other than that, Aqua became a regular on a talk show along with dramas, making his career growth the most admirable. Their professional progress is only part of the story, as deep emotional shifts have taken place as well. Aqua has genuinely started dating Akane, something that Kana absolutely detests.

This episode very masterfully draws out the complexities within the characters who cannot afford to be honest about their feelings. They are now in a professional field where one rumour or a scandal can lead to character assassination, and Aqua is the one who is most aware of it. He does not want a repetition of what happened with his mother, which is why his actions towards others are so conflicting.

Another really interesting fact that we see in this episode is a clear indication of who Aqua actually likes. Other than that, I loved that Ruby has grown exponentially, not just as an entertainer but also as a human. Previously, there was an air of innocence in her, but now she seems more mature and ruthless. It is apparent she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

Verdict

This episode does an excellent job of setting our expectations for the season ahead. Until now, Aqua has largely driven the story forward, but it seems likely that Ruby will step into a more active role as well. It is possible she might join the pursuit of revenge. Beyond that, the ongoing relationship conflicts continue to add another engaging layer.

Must Read: All our Oshi No Ko Reviews.