This episode formally introduces us to Nico, who I’m now realizing is the first of a gremlin archetype in Love Live‘s school idol groups. I don’t think it’s my favorite archetype but I am a fan of some of the franchise’s succeeding gremlins such as Nijigasaki‘s Kasumi and Superstar‘s Sumire (though I don’t know if Sumire still counts if you look at Superstar!! in its entirety). I remember finding Nico entertaining but I wouldn’t say I was particularly fond of her so it’ll be interesting to see how the OG gremlin stacks up.
So after she cyberbullied μ’s, Nico decides to criticize them in person, going as far as to tell them they should disband and point out their lack of professionalism. Definitely the funniest bit of toxicity is her trying to steal their food while eavesdropping them at a burger joint. That’s both petty and cost-effective. Parallel to Nico’s vendetta, μ’s struggles to get some practice done due to some rain. Honoka eventually realizes that with six members, her group can now apply to be an official club. Eli pulls a sort of loophole and notes that there’s already an Idol Research Club in Otonokizaka but Nozomi counters that any redundancy would be a non-issue if μ’s can merge with the club. This is of course easier said than done as lo and behold, the Idol Research Club’s sole member is Nico.
While Nico is very rude to her underclassmen, there is a root to her attitude. As Nozomi explains, Nico founded her club with the intent of forming her own school idol group but that fell apart when all of her peers left due to high standards she had for the club. With that in mind, you get where Nico’s toxicity comes from. She wants to dislike μ’s because they succeeded at something she failed to do. That said, the fact Nico is bothering them at all suggests that she is invested in what they’re up to.
In true orange-haired protagonist fashion, Honoka saves the day. Recalling how she befriended Umi, Honoka uses some psychology to change Nico’s mind. Rather than simply ask for a merger, she and the others acknowledge Nico as the club’s president, accept her high standards, and invite her to join μ’s as its seventh member and coach. In other words, they prioritize what Nico wants and caters towards it. The only flaw in this plan is that the gang isn’t just appealing to Nico’s ambition and longing but also her ego. Not that it’ll necessarily happen but that could backfire on them in future. Other than that, I think this is a great plan from the show’s main protagonist. It’s a strong sign that even with Nico as the official leader, the real leader and the heart of μ’s is Honoka.
While normally pouty, Nico puts on a different persona when she operates as an idol: an affectionate and happy go lucky girl with a signature catchphrase, “Nico Nico Nii”. I love the other girls’ reactions. Some of them are shocked. Others aren’t terribly impressed. Honestly, I feel the same exact way. It’s charming but in an ironic sense. Like frankly, it’s a cheesy and stupid gimmick but the fact the sheer contrast to Nico’s actual personality and the fact that she thinks this is a great idea loops it back to being funny and cute.
There’s some foreshadowing in this episode that I want to point out. The first is μ’s lack of a dance choreographer. Umi is temporarily working in that role but judging by Maki’s comment, she’s not the best at it. Honestly, it’s funny how this show (as well as Sunshine!!) neglect having a dancer in the early days of their respective idol club. You’d think that’d be one of the first boxes to check off aside from songwriting and music composition. Another thing to note is one of Nico’s memorabilia: an autograph of a popular Akiba maid named Minalinsky. Take note of Kotori’s reaction at the item as it actually gets brought up again in a later episode.
Watch Love Live! School Idol Project on Crunchyroll
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