Idol shows are generally regarded as a niche market with a small target audience. Many people dismissed this show as a typical idol show, including myself, who would never have had the opportunity to watch this hidden gem of a show if I hadn't noticed the show's slow and steady rise in rating as the weeks passed. I definitely enjoyed the show more than I had anticipated.
Right away, the idol group TiNgS was on the verge of disbandment due to not being able to attract even 100 patrons to attend the show in the previous 9 months, and a manager named Naoki was tasked with assisting in attracting 2000 patrons for their upcoming anniversary concert in three months in order to call off the disbandment. Calling in the manager and saving an idol band sounds cliche, but there's a twist here, with Naoki wanting to be anything other than the idol group's manager. He has a reason for not wanting to be a manager, which was explained in the show, and his refusal to be their manager threw the group off. This is how the show started and the initial premise, which didn't have the it factor to attract viewers, including myself, but things only got better from there.
As the episodes progressed, we learn more about the idol group, their origins, such as how they were recruited, and the stories behind each and every character, how they were influenced and essentially the reason they wanted to become idols linking to the very same idol, named Hotaru, the similar fate they shared, and how the group they're in is basically their last stand to either achieving stardom or giving up the idol dream. Some may argue that this show incorporates tearjerker and dramatic parts to entice viewers for no apparent reason, but the drama in and of itself is necessary because it is what makes the story more engaging, teaches us more about the characters, their backgrounds, why they chose to be idols, and everything else that entices viewers to tune in for the next episode eager for more. The story is one of the more engaging idol show stories, and it is the show's hook that draws in viewers, as even non-idol fans will enjoy this series. The soft but not overly-dramatic drama effortlessly carries this series, as do the likeable characters and subtle writing, as we can't help but cheer for all of the characters as we see their chances to develop, mature, and finally shine on the big stage. The finale was well-executed, and it was a welcome relief after the group's ordeals.
As for the music, given that this is an idol anime, one would expect the show to excel in that department, which it did. I especially liked Rio Seibu's solo, which left me speechless, astounded, and made me want to cheer and root for her even more, and when combined with her personality and traits, propelled her to the top of my list as the best girl in the series.
In terms of the characters, one could argue that each character has a trope that the show used to portray them in comedic and wholesome moments, but that doesn't stop them from being likeable and relatively well-written, which the viewers experienced firsthand when we learned more about them. Their accompanied VAs did an excellent job voicing the character archetypes these idols represent, which is not surprising given that the show's selling point should be its sound.
The art department, in my opinion, is the weakest link in the show and could use some improvement. I couldn't get used to the art style they used in the show, but it is not really that big of a deal. The show did, however, deliver in the animation department, with the blending and incorporation of 2D and 3D being very smooth, as well as the dance choreography being very good and the dancing being well-animated.
Would I recommend this show? HELL YEAH! This show definitely caught me off guard. I wish the show could gain the recognition it so rightfully so deserves. 🙏 :PRAYGE:
