After the surprise ending of Episode 3, it’s a bit jarring then to see Episode 4 act like everything’s good now. Mortis proves to be a hit with the fans and Nyamu, Uika, and Umiri get over their shock pretty quickly, instead being happy with the new “Mutsumi”. I thought I missed a scene but no, that really is how Episode 4 starts. In a way though, it’s fitting. I figured none of the fans would notice anything strange about Mutsumi. They’ve proven to be quite gullible at this point. The other band members letting it be would be more surprising but they did dismiss Mutsumi’s panic attack as improv so that checks out.
I’m really amused that Soyo is one of the first people disturbed by Mutsumi’s personality change. Keep in mind, Soyo hates Mutsumi so the fact that she’s become concerned for her says a lot. I kind of am hoping that Soyo will play a part in Mutsumi’s eventual recovery. It’d be a great direction to take with Soyo and I would prefer her relationship with Mutsumi to end on a more positive note. Sakiko also grows bothered by Mortis. Aside from the new personality making her feel uncomfortable, she’s getting frustrated how Mortis’ presence is affecting the band. You definitely get where Sakiko is coming from with how lax everyone is acting and how they’re not playing the part of their characters (which is best demonstrated in a photoshoot scene). Considering that Mujica is Sakiko’s creation, I understand her feeling that she’s losing control of it. Admittedly, it can be argued that Sakiko is too obsessed with controlling the band but that’s maybe besides the point.
At one point, Mortis tells Uika that she now leaves her in charge of looking after Sakiko. Considering Mutsumi’s loyalty to Sakiko and how much that troubled her, I can see why Mortis doesn’t intend on doing the same. Making Uika Sakiko’s babysitter is also a sound idea since Uika is Sakiko’s other longtime friend. Knowing this era of Bandori however, I’m betting that this decision might actually backfire down the line. I can see Uika focusing too much on Sakiko and Mortis or Mutsumi arguing with her over what’s best for Sakiko. And yeah, Uika hasn’t shown any signs of going insane but I wouldn’t put it past this show from going in that direction.
As Mujica rehearses for a concert in Fukuoda, Mortis reveals that she can’t actually play the guitar like Mutsumi can. I’m enamored with the irony here. Mortis has the personality Mutsumi wishes she has but she lacks the one key thing that Mutsumi is actually required to do for the band. Sakiko personally confronts “Mutsumi” if she’s pulling her leg, only to finally realize that she’s not actually talking to her friend. The direction in this scene is a little cheesy but I dig it. The intense yet whimsical music. The tower in the background casting a red light over Mortis. Mortis’s devilish smile as she explains what’s happened and warns Sakiko that Mutsumi won’t resurface if the latter doesn’t change her attitude. Even though Sakiko kind of has this coming, you really feel her fear in this moment.
Sakiko regroups with the others and tells them about Mortis. As if the episode isn’t done presenting Mortis as a horror villain, there’s a terrifically tense moment where the girl knocks on the door and everyone is hesitant to let her in. I’m starting to think this show might actually end with Mortis killing everyone one by one. Since the band technically lacks a lead guitar, they discuss on what to do next, with the conversation gradually shifting to disbanding altogether. Mortis tries to keep the band together by insisting that she can learn to play the guitar but the others aren’t so convinced. Sakiko is reluctant to perform without the real Mutsumi, leading Nyamu to once again complain about the band. I’m getting so tired of Nyamu. Like with before, I get where she’s coming from. She feels overshadowed by everyone else and she’s looking for the fans (which I do think is respectable). I just wish she’d be aware that she’s just as much of a problem for the band as everyone else. As for Sakiko, she’s within her right to be upset that Mutsumi isn’t here anymore but by rejecting Mortis, she effectively rejects Mutsumi again and she continues to cut people off as soon as they’re not cooperating with her.
With the band back to their dysfunctional ways, they decide to announce their disbandment during the concert. I’m half-joking here but being a fan of Mujica in-universe must be a really confusing experience. Like, imagine following this band, see them end a concert early when one of their members collapses, go back and forth over whether or not they’re breaking up, and finally cut the cord shortly after. Of course, the actual takeaway is Mortis’ reaction. Suffice to say, she doesn’t take the disbandment very well. I’m curious what’s next for Mortis because part of why Mutsumi let her take over is so that she’d have a better handle on the band. In the end though, Mortis fails her purpose and she snaps just as much as Mutsumi did. So what’s next? Does Mutsumi return now that the band is no longer a concern or is Mortis still left in control so that she can try to pick the pieces back up?
Watch Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – on Crunchyroll
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