Because of Yukina’s comment, Poppin’Party grow doubtful about doing their own live show. I was concerned about Kasumi’s reaction in particular. As shown during her arc in Season 1, she can take criticism the hardest out of anyone in the band. Fortunately, while Yukina’s words do weigh in her mind, she’s handling it better than she did with Owner’s input last season. I think what helps is that she’s discussing the matter with her bandmates and not bottling all her feelings upside and trying to course correct on her own.
Yukina seems to be second guessing herself in her own way as well. Shortly after Roselia’s live show, she checks up on PoPiPa before the latter band goes home. During school the next day, she gets lost in thought about her choice of words. It seems that Yukina only intended to give some honest advice about where PoPiPa stand in hosting their own show and she realizes that her comment might have not worked as she intended. Even if Yukina is a rival this season, I don’t think her being completely cold would work, not when she’s been friendly enough to PoPiPa the few times we’ve seen her interact with them. Better to have her be aware of how she comes across to her peers. Also neat that you do see some of the other members in Roselia acknowledge that Yukina could’ve phrased things better, with both Rinko and Lisa admitting that she did sound harsher than intended. I wasn’t expecting them to call Yukina out or something but it would’ve been weird if they didn’t feel one way or another about her choice of words. I somewhat question Lisa assuring Yukina that her feelings came through to PoPiPa, however. Like, I understand that she’s cheering Yukina up but if PoPiPa did understand Yukina’s intent from the get go, we wouldn’t be spending this whole episode where they wrap their heads around her input.
By chance, Kasumi meets Rokka after school and the two end up hanging out at the latter’s place. Kasumi then gets a call from the others and invites Rokka over to Arisa’s place to hang out with PoPiPa during their practice session. There have been a couple of scenes beforehand where Rokka is fangirling over PoPiPa but it’s this moment where you learn the exact affinity Rokka has for them. During the hangout, Rokka reveals to everyone that she once left her home in Gifu to see Space’s final live show. After seeing PoPiPa’s performance that day, she became inspired to form a new band. She convinced her parents to let her move to her relatives’ place in Tokyo by getting in Haneoka’s scholarship program. What I like how about this reveal is how unprecedented it is for PoPiPa. I imagine the band was content with simply putting on a good concert for their audience, nothing less but nothing more as well. With Rokka however, they finally meet someone where their music actually left a deep impression.
Touched by Rokka’s story, PoPiPa put on an impromptu performance for her. The insert song is the full version of Season 1’s ED. While it would’ve been neat to have a new song, I kind of get the decision to reuse it. The song’s potentially nostalgic for the viewer and that’s an appropriate tone as the scene cuts between the present and a montage of Rokka’s memories. Following the performance, PoPiPa decide to go through with the live show again. It’s not explicitly stated but I like to think the band’s newfound bond with Rokka and seeing how their music affects her plays a big part in their decision. If there’s another person out there where their music can leave an impact on, than the live show is worth doing. Admittedly, all that the band has achieved this episode is simply decide again to host the show. As Arisa points out, they’re still at square one and there’s a lot of planning that’ll need to be done. Oh well, baby steps. I’m sure PoPiPa will sort it all out in due time.
Elsewhere, we see Yukina approached by the pink-haired girl, Chiyu Tamade (Risa Tsumugi), who is revealed to be an up and coming music producer operating under the stage name CHU² (apparently pronounced Chu-chu). Chiyu asks Yukina to make her Roselia’s producer, having been impressed by the band’s live show. Yukina refuses however, adamant that her band creates their own music (I’m curious if there’s a particular reason as to why). Infuriated, Chiyu now aims to “destroy” Roselia (but not before she cleans up the trash can she kicks down; at least she still cares about the environment!). I’m curious how antagonistic this character will actually be. Like, whatever she does down the line, it can’t possibly be as bad as what happens in the later series…right?
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