Oshi no Ko Season 2 Finale Review

Roshidere, take notes—this is how you deliver a finale and drop a sequel announcement right after. With that out of the way, Oshi no Ko Season 2 has come to a close, and its finale ended in the most insane way possible, leaving me desperate for the next season to arrive immediately. Season 2 covered two arcs and both were amazing in their own rights.

The Tokyo Blade Arc was nothing short of a theatrical spectacle of an adaptation. It did a fantastic job of further developing already beloved characters like Akane, Kana, and Aqua, while also offering a satisfying redemption for previously ridiculed characters like Melt. The introduction of additional supporting cast members like Abiko, Taiki, Goa, and others was also a welcome addition.

Not only did they bring dramatic value to the plot, but they also shed light on the inner workings of the entertainment industry. The portrayal of each character was nothing short of incredible, and the arc seamlessly transitions into the next. Nothing could’ve prepared me better for the next arc.

Before diving into the Private Arc, I have to say first that Ruby is my favorite character in the series. From her complex personality to her beautiful and stunning character design, and especially her seiyuu, who has done an absolutely phenomenal job and doing god’s work in bringing her to life despite this being her debut role, there’s nothing I can criticize about Ruby. Sure, she has her flaws, but to me, she’s perfectly imperfect. So, get ready for a lot of glazing coming her way.

Following Tokyo Blade, the Private Arc delves into Aqua’s discovery of the mystery surrounding his “father.” It also explores the shooting of B-Komachi’s new music video in Miyazaki, Aqua and Ruby’s birthplace, which is also the place where their previous lives as Gorou and Sarina came to an end.

This arc may be short, but it’s incredibly significant, and it serves as the perfect way to close out the second season. Aqua has finally turned his life around. The days of his vengeful obsession are behind him, and for the first time, we actually get to see him behave like a normal teenager. With the belief that his father is no longer in the picture and his old body found, Aqua feels like he’s in a sort of “retirement,” ready to enjoy a more peaceful life. After all, he has everything: a cute girlfriend, a promising career, and a sweet, loving sister.

Ruby, however, is a different story. She may come across as the cheerful, happy-go-lucky idol, but her character has never been one-dimensional. Reincarnated as Ai’s daughter, Ruby’s complexity was established from the start. Sarina, in her previous life, was a girl whose only loves were her idol Ai, and the man always by her side, Gorou. Having spent most of her life secluded in a hospital, Sarina’s past was already filled with emotional depth. The trauma of witnessing Ai’s death and now finding Goro’s body, only added more layers to Ruby’s character. 

Ruby Hoshino or Sarina?

It’s fascinating to think about how Ruby might develop emotionally, given she never had the chance to mature naturally in her past life. Would her emotional growth be slower, or would she adapt more quickly than the average person? How does she cope with trauma now that she is a teenager and the truth is unfolding right in front of her? Could she become as calculating as Aqua, or perhaps even more so? Is the Ruby now, really Ruby Hoshino or is this just Sarina playing the role of a wannabe idol called Ruby?

Regardless of whether this is Sarina given a second chance at life or the real Ruby Hoshino coming into her own, it only emphasizes how layered her character truly is. The ambiguity surrounding her identity is what makes her so captivating—and one of the many reasons I love her so much.

Ruby has all the inspiration and emotional depth she needs to rise to the top. The glitz and glamour of the entertainment world are just waiting to be in her grasp. While she may not be a star yet, it feels inevitable that she’ll achieve stardom and might even surpass Aqua. 

There’s also a key difference between the dark version of twins. If we compare Ruby’s dark star eyes to Aqua’s, Aqua only has one, while Ruby has two, symbolizing the loss of two important people in her life—Ai and Goro. But it might also suggest that Ruby is going to be two steps ahead of Aqua. While she may have been a frail girl in her past life, in her current one, she holds the potential to surpass him and the others in influence and fame. Being a top celebrity carries immense power and there’s no doubt she can rise to the top. She has her mother’s looks after all.

It was only a matter of time before the series gave her the spotlight, and from here on out, I doubt she’ll remain a sideline character—just a girl who happened to be reincarnated alongside Aqua. The title Oshi no Ko, whether translated as “My Star,” “My Idol,” or “My Idol’s Child,” will always, in some way, also be about Ruby.

This is why I love this arc as the finale for Season 2—it sets the perfect stage for the perfect girl. From her energetic, wishful thinking to becoming a girl consumed by pain and a vengeful spirit, her descent into darkness was nothing short of thrilling to witness. I can’t wait to see where her story goes in Season 3.

Final Thoughts on Oshi no Ko Season 2 Finale

Overall, Oshi no Ko Season 2 was a masterclass in adaptation. The animation was superb, the pacing was impeccable, and the blend of drama and comedy was seamless, showcasing the narrative’s full potential. The sound direction was exceptional, and the entire cast, despite some being side characters, delivered phenomenal performances across the board. Despite having two delays, the episodes still managed to end on thrilling cliffhangers, which kept us on the edge of our seats and anticipating its return. The final arc also further solidified studio Doga Kobo’s commitment to excellence in this series.

Take the music video in the final episode, for example, because it was crafted with great care. Even my colleague JP described it as “better than drugs” because it truly is addictive, overflowing with attention to detail. Ruby’s character, in particular, stands out more than Kana, who is the center of the group.

Ruby’s dark starry eyes weren’t present throughout the entire video. She only slipped into that darker persona during the final days of shooting, which is why there are only a few scenes where we see her with those eyes. And this subtle thing was brilliantly executed and is clearly evident in the video.

Another thing worth noting is the change in the ending theme song sequence. It took me a while, but the whole ending sequence perfectly symbolizes Ruby’s descent into darkness right from the start of the season. They also altered it in the final episode to further emphasize her change, which felt like the perfect cherry on top of the finale. 

Some may joke that this ending sequence at first was a way to keep Ruby in mind during a season that focused heavily on Aqua, Akane, and Kana. However, it made more sense now and it felt more like a teaser for Ruby’s upcoming spotlight—a hint that the best girl is about to take center stage in the story. In a way, she was the true main character all along. Perhaps in Oshi no Ko, the world might just be a stage, where Aqua, Ai, and the others are merely players. They make their exits and entrances, while we, the audience, are here to witness Ruby Hoshino’s grand and magnificent performance.

Oshi no Ko Season 2 finale is available to stream on HIDIVE and Bilibili. A third season was announced right after the premiere of its Season 2 finale in Japan. The series also ranked third best anime this Summer 2024 season and won the Best Mystery or Suspense category.

©Aka Akasaka x Mengo Yokoyari/Shueisha, “OSHI NO KO” Partners