Oshi no Ko [Season 1]

Oshi no Ko Season 1: When Idol Dreams Meet Dark Reality

Let’s cut to the chase—Oshi no Ko Season 1 is not your average idol anime. Produced by Doga Kobo and hitting screens in April 2023, this series starts with a bang (literally) and never fully lets go of that shock factor. But whether that’s a good thing? Fans are split, and honestly, I get why.

First off, let’s talk about that opening episode. If you went in blind like most of us, you probably didn’t expect a doctor and his 12-year-old patient to get reincarnated as twins of Ai Hoshino—the biggest idol in Japan. And then, just when you’re wrapping your head around that wild premise, Ai gets murdered by a stalker. Yeah, that’s the first 90 minutes. It’s like Perfect Blue for Gen Z, but with more reincarnation and less Satoshi Kon-level subtlety. One fan on MyAnimeList called it “Perfect Blue but for zoomers,” and honestly? That’s spot-on. The animation isn’t as sleek, and the directing’s not as tight, but that initial punch? It hits hard.

But here’s where things get messy. After Ai’s death, the show swerves from murder mystery to… idol competition drama. Suddenly, we’re following Aqua and Ruby (the reincarnated twins) as they navigate showbiz—Ruby chasing her mom’s idol dream, Aqua plotting revenge. Some fans loved this shift. One commenter raved about the “fantastic job” delving into the industry’s dark side, pointing to Episode 6 as a highlight. That episode, where Akane (a fellow idol) has a mental breakdown after online harassment, felt way too real. It’s raw, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s probably the most honest portrayal of internet toxicity I’ve seen in an anime lately.

Others? Not so much. A lot of viewers were left with a “bad aftertaste” (as one fan put it) because the murder mystery took a backseat to idol auditions and reality TV subplots. “What started out as a murder mystery turned into a friendly idol competition,” another lamented. And let’s be real—how many times have we seen that “underdog group tries to make it big” storyline? If you’re here for the whodunit, you’ll probably be disappointed. Season 2? Word on the street is it’s focusing on a stage play arc, so don’t hold your breath for Aqua’s revenge anytime soon.

Then there are the characters. Aqua, with his deadpan stare and “I’m 16 but I’ve lived two lives” vibe, comes off as a personality-less edgelord to some—like “Ayanokouji 2.0,” as one critic harshly put it. Ruby’s… fine? She’s got her moments, but she feels underdeveloped compared to the side characters. Akane, though? She’s the MVP. Her arc from a nervous newbie to a confident performer is the show’s emotional core, even if her near-suicide plotline felt a bit over-the-top.

Let’s not forget the music. The opening theme, “Idol” by YOASOBI, blew up for a reason—it’s catchy, it’s upbeat, and it contrasts perfectly with the show’s darker themes. The ending, “Mephisto” by Queen Bee, is equally addictive, with its gradual build-up that hits right as the episode ends. Even if you hate the show, you can’t deny those tracks slap.

Now, the elephant in the room: the reincarnation plot. Some fans thought it was “stupid” (their words, not mine), while others rolled with it. For me? It’s a mixed bag. On one hand, it adds a unique layer—Aqua’s adult mind trapped in a teen’s body makes his revenge quest more compelling. On the other? It’s hard to take Ruby’s idol dreams seriously when she’s technically a middle-aged doctor in a 16-year-old’s body.

So, who is this show for? If you’re into idol dramas with a dark twist, or if you love dissecting the seedy underbelly of showbiz, you’ll probably dig it. If you’re here for a tight murder mystery? You might want to look elsewhere. Season 1 is a rollercoaster—some highs, some lows, and a whole lot of confusion. But hey, it’s never boring.

At the end of the day, Oshi no Ko Season 1 is a show that tries to do too much. It’s part idol anime, part revenge thriller, part family drama, and it doesn’t always balance those elements well. But when it hits? It hits. The animation’s vibrant, the music’s killer, and the industry commentary is sharp. Just don’t go in expecting closure—this is a show that’s all about the journey, even if that journey leaves you with more questions than answers.

As one fan summed it up: “It’s not perfect, but it’s entertaining enough to keep you watching.” And honestly? That’s more than enough for a first season. Now, let’s just hope Season 2 gives Aqua his moment to shine—preferably with less idol singing and more detective work.

Final Verdict: 7/10. It’s messy, it’s divisive, but it’s definitely worth a watch—if only for that explosive first episode and Akane’s iconic breakdown. Just don’t forget to lower your expectations for the mystery.

P.S. If you’re here for incest jokes? Yeah, the fandom’s got those too. But let’s be real—we’re all just waiting for Aqua to finally catch that stalker.