Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – Episode 11, titled “Te Ustus Amem,” has sent shockwaves through the BanG Dream! fandom with its focus on Uika Misumi and a major revelation about her past. The episode significantly reshapes the narrative and recontextualizes key relationships within the series, particularly those of Uika and Sakiko.
Uika’s Theatrical Confession: Unveiling Hatsune Misumi
Episode 11 departs from a conventional narrative structure, instead presenting Uika’s backstory through a theatrical performance. Uika reveals that the person viewers have known as Uika Misumi is, in fact, Hatsune Misumi, Uika’s older sister. The revelation is delivered as a soliloquy, with Hatsune/Uika taking center stage to recount her tragic past. This theatrical approach is in line with Ave Mujica’s dramatic essence.
The Togawa Family Secret: Hatsune’s Origins
Hatsune’s story unveils a scandalous family secret: she is the illegitimate daughter of Sakiko’s grandfather, Sadaharu Togawa, and a Togawa Group caretaker. Their affair occurred during a period of grief following the death of Sadaharu’s wife. To avoid scandal, Sadaharu sent Hatsune away to be raised on an isolated island by a foster family, who later had her younger sister, the real Uika.
From Envy to Idol Dreams: Hatsune’s Obsession with Sakiko
Growing up isolated, Hatsune became envious of Uika’s freedom and her connection with Sakiko. After learning about Tokyo and Uika’s idol ambitions, and dealing with the death of her foster father, Hatsune decided to pursue the idol life and be closer to Sakiko. This motivation drove her to adopt Uika’s persona in order to make her debut and start the idol duo “sumimi” with Mana Sumita. Since Uika and Hatsune look nearly identical, Hatsune was able to impersonate herself as Uika in order to hang out with Sakiko, even picking up on Uika’s mannerisms.
Recontextualizing Ave Mujica: New Layers of Meaning
Uika’s revelation significantly alters the understanding of Ave Mujica’s dynamics and musical themes.
Redefining Uika’s Lyrics: Beyond Romantic Love
Uika’s lyrics, which were once interpreted as cryptic love letters to Sakiko, now carry a completely different emotional weight. Instead of romantic love, they represent a deeper connection, transcending mere admiration. This twist impacts the “UiSaki” shippers, who viewed Uika and Sakiko’s bond as more than friendship.
Uika as a Catalyst: Rewriting the Narrative
Episode 11 positions Uika as a central catalyst in the events of the series. It’s suggested that Uika was the reason CRYCHIC fell apart, and if not for her, MyGO and Ave Mujica wouldn’t have existed. She has been present at every turning point in the story.
Unresolved Questions: Sakiko’s Father and the Future
The episode raises questions about Sakiko’s father. What exactly happened after his interaction with Uika that led to him being disowned by the Togawa family? Was it really just that, or is there more to the story? And why did he take full responsibility for the fraud case?
Production and Performance: A Standout Episode
Episode 11 is praised for its exceptional production values and Rico Sasaki’s outstanding performance as Hatsune/Uika.
A Showcase for Rico Sasaki: Embodying Uika’s Complexity
Rico Sasaki’s performance is considered a highlight, with her conveying Uika’s negative emotions and the tension between Uika and Hatsune. Her acting is exceptional, especially when she demonstrates the tension between Uika and Hatsune.
SANZIGEN’s Visual Storytelling: Elevating the Drama
Studio SANZIGEN’s cinematic visuals and animation elevate the episode’s intense revelations. The seamless fusion of production elements results in an emotionally resonant and visually breathtaking episode. The CGI character acting allows Hatsune to writhe on stage ingloriously or even take a moment to have two of herself animating around each other. It’s arresting.
Lingering Concerns and the Road to the Finale
With only two episodes remaining, concerns linger about how the story will wrap up. Uika has returned home, Sakiko possibly moving overseas, Umiri’s unresolved doubts, and whatever is going on between Mutsumi and Mortis—there’s still so much to address. The band members are scattered, and it’s uncertain how they will come together in the end.
The Impact on Ave Mujica’s Future: Instability and Uncertainty
The shocking revelations threaten Ave Mujica’s stability, shaking the group’s internal dynamics at the worst possible moment. Just when hope seemed within reach, this development plunges the band into further turmoil.
Hatsune’s Truth and Episode 12: Setting Her Free?
With her soliloquy finished, the closing minutes of Ave Mujica episode 11 picks up after the end of episode 10, with Hatsune being ordered to go back to the island she once left behind. Sakiko is puzzled, even more so when Sadaharu reveals that he’s sending her out of Japan, likely to keep the two of them far away. To make matters worse, the situation is sending Umiru into a panic, since both Sakiko and Hatsune are missing from their Ave Mujica practice. Hatsune coming clean with the truth may actually be the best thing possible for her and Sakiko in the next episode.
