Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 2 Review: Ruby is as Manipulative as Aqua

The second episode of this season shows Ruby’s descent into darkness. Let’s see how this episode unfolded.

Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 1 Recap

The episode opens by highlighting the significant progress the characters have made in their respective careers. B Komachi’s rise in the Japanese idol industry has been gradual but undeniable, fueled by their polished music videos, energetic stage presence, and, above all, Ruby’s intense and captivating stare. Last season hinted at a darker side to Ruby, and this episode reinforces that shift, with her resolve and intensity mirroring Aqua’s own temperament.

Ruby isn’t the only one evolving professionally. Akane has firmly established herself as a capable and respected actress, while Aqua’s career has taken off at an impressive pace. He does regular talk show appearances alongside acting roles. His professional success stands out the most, though career milestones are only one layer of the episode. Emotionally, things have grown far more complicated, especially with Aqua and Akane officially dating, something Kana clearly struggles to accept.

What the episode handles particularly well is the emotional tension between characters who are unable to be truthful about their feelings. In an industry where a single rumour can destroy a career, Aqua remains painfully cautious. His fear of history repeating itself, especially after what happened to his mother.

The episode also showcases that Aqua actually loves Kana.

Oshi No Ko Season 3 Episode 2 Review

The episode begins with Ruby going to meet Ichigo and talking to him about her goals. It becomes clear that she is looking for the man who was involved in her mother’s death, and she thinks that her father is connected to this whole thing. She asks Ichigo about what he knows, and he refuses to tell her more than that is good for her. Plus, he also lets her know how she is not powerful enough to fight with any of the powerful men who might have been involved with the death of Ai.

Thus, Ruby makes it her primary objective to become very famous, and to achieve that, she asks for Ichigo’s ideas and implements them one by one. First of all, she understands how reality TV works and tries to launch a personality that will fit the bill. She comes up with this clumsy persona, which is also a bit stupid, to stand out, and Aqua manages to realise that right away. Ruby also tries to utilise her assistant director, because she knows that he will become a director himself someday. To understand how the backstage work, Aqua helps her out.

However, he also understands that there is a great change within Ruby that he still does not know whether is a good or bad change. We also see Ruby getting a bit corrupted in the opportunist world of television, and it becomes apparent to her friend as well. Previously, the very things that Ruby hated became one of her greatest strengths to rise to the top. But that was not all, the episode also showcased a glimpse of the relationship between Akane and Aqua. Akane is very much aware that Aqua is in love with Kana, but she has no issues with it as long as he stays truthful to her.

Verdict

I absolutely love today’s episode because it dives deep into the changing mindset and personality of Ruby, who was too innocent at first. She’s finally learning the harsh realities of how brutal the entertainment industry can become. Aqua knows that he will not be able to shelter Ruby all her life, and the only thing that he can do to support her is let her do whatever she wants as safely as possible.

Must Read: All our Oshi No Ko Reviews