Oshi no Ko returns with a new season and Episode 1 of Season 3 shows that the series remains as consistent as ever. There’s barely any difference I can point out compared to previous seasons, as the animation and direction still carry the very essence of Oshi no Ko. It had a careful blend of drama, lingering tension, and some sharp commentary on the realities of the entertainment industry.
I didn’t expect the season premiere to go all out, yet it managed to cover an impressive amount of ground. From B-Komachi’s steady rise and Ruby’s newly calculated persona, to the complicated state of Aqua and Akane’s relationship and Kana’s quiet despair, the episode wastes no time reestablishing its emotional stakes. And somehow, despite all of that, the true standout for me was MEM-cho.
I’ve called MEM-cho a “genius influencer” ever since Season 1, and seeing her open the episode by guiding us through events that happened so far since Season 2 felt like the perfect use of her character. While she may not look the part, it was nice to see her step into a “big sister” role for Aqua and Kana. She was perceptive and unexpectedly mature, owning up to her mistake of misunderstanding Aqua.
In previous seasons, MEM-cho often felt like a side character played largely for laughs. She was the idol constantly teased for being too old while still clinging to her dreams. This episode, however, changed all of that. The spotlight slowly turned towards her, and it felt like the story was finally ready to take her seriously.
Aqua also had his share of moments in this episode, particularly in his scenes with MEM-cho. His actions toward Kana, while harsh on the surface, are completely understandable in order to protect her. More than anything, he simply just doesn’t want history to repeat itself.
Sadly, these things don’t just happen in fiction. In real life, idols having boyfriends or getting married is still treated as a serious issue. Just recently, a former anime idol announced her marriage. While many fans offered their congratulations, there were also those who reacted violently, going so far as to burn her merch, take a video of it, and post on social media with a disgusting caption.
It only takes one unhinged fan for things to turn dangerous. After all, Ai herself was killed by a single obsessed “fan.” Knowing that someone like that could still exist is exactly why Aqua does everything he can to protect Kana. To him, keeping Kana safe matters more than being misunderstood.
Aside from MEM-cho and Aqua, the other standout character this episode was Ruby, as her transformation continues to unfold. While her change was already shown at the end of Season 2, this episode gave us a clearer look at this colder, more calculating side of her. She is now proactive in the scene, and now that she has tracked down Ichigo Production’s former president, the very person who helped turn Ai Hoshino into a star, things will definitely get interesting from here. Will Ruby shine even brighter, perhaps even surpassing her mother, with the help of Ichigo? Only the future episodes can tell.
Overall, Oshi no Ko Season 3 opens on a strong note. It delivers everything the series does best: interpersonal drama, unresolved tension, a bit of comedic gags, and an insightful preview into the industry. And in this episode, the spotlight shifts toward the influencer side of show business which is very timely since internet influencers are now slowly taking over the entertainment scene.
Most importantly, the episode succeeds at what a season premiere should do best. It hooks you all over again. Returning seasons always carry the challenge of recapturing momentum, but Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 1 does exactly that.
Anime Corner was given an advanced screening of Oshi no Ko Season 3 Episode 1 for review. The series is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
© Akasaka Aka x Mengo Yokoyari / Shueisha / Oshi no Ko Production Committee
Participate In Discussions