Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Episode 21 Review – The Reunion We’ve All Been Waiting For

If you’re a die-hard Uma Musume fan, Episode 21 of Cinderella Gray is the kind of episode that makes you want to jump out of your seat and cheer. It’s packed with everything we love about the series: heartwarming character moments, jaw-dropping race animation, and the perfect amount of hype for the upcoming Arima Kinen. Let’s dive into why this episode is a total bop for anyone under 20 (and honestly, everyone else too).

First off, let’s talk about the star of the show (well, one of them): Toni Bianca. This Italian champion—fresh off her win at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe—lands in Japan and immediately steals the spotlight. Her entrance scene is chef’s kiss: she steps off the plane in a sleek red racing outfit, sunglasses perched on her nose, and gives the press a smirk that says, “I’m here to win.” Fans are already losing it over her on TikTok and Instagram—her confidence is contagious, and we can’t wait to see her go head-to-head with Oguri Cap.

But the real highlight of the episode? The long-awaited reunion between Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross. It’s been months since they last saw each other (since the Fall Tenno Sho), and their meeting at the training ground is pure nostalgia. Picture this: the sun is setting over the turf, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Oguri Cap is doing her final sprint of the day when she spots Tamamo Cross leaning against a fence. For a second, neither of them says anything—they just stare, and then Tamamo Cross grins and waves. The hug that follows? It’s so heartfelt, I almost cried. They laugh about the time Tamamo Cross tripped over a hurdle during practice, and Oguri Cap admits she’s been nervous about the Arima Kinen. It’s the kind of moment that reminds you why we love these characters so much—their friendships feel real.

And let’s not forget Jou Kitahara, Oguri Cap’s trainer. He’s been with her every step of the way, and this episode shows just how much he cares. When he notices Oguri Cap is stressed about Toni Bianca’s arrival, he takes her to a quiet spot and says, “You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be you.” It’s a simple line, but it hits hard. Jou’s not just a trainer—he’s a friend, and their bond is the backbone of this series.

The race scenes in this episode are next-level. Even though the Arima Kinen hasn’t started yet, the preview clips of the girls practicing are insane. The animation team at Cygames really outdid themselves: the way the horse girls’ legs move, the wind in their hair, the sound of their hooves hitting the turf—it all feels so alive. You can almost taste the dust and hear the crowd cheering. Uma Musume’s race scenes are always top-tier, but this episode takes it to a whole new level.

Fans are buzzing about this episode everywhere. On Reddit’s r/UmaMusume, a user named u/HorseGirlFan123 wrote, “The Tamamo Cross reunion was everything I wanted and more. I’ve been waiting for this since the Fall Tenno Sho!” Another user commented, “Toni Bianca is such a vibe—her confidence is so cool, but I hope Oguri Cap beats her.” Over on Twitter, the hashtag #UmaMusumeE21 is trending, with fans sharing their favorite moments and fan art of Toni Bianca.

What makes this episode so special is how it balances the excitement of the upcoming race with the slice-of-life moments that make Uma Musume unique. We get to see the girls hanging out in the dorm, eating ramen and talking about their fears. Oguri Cap admits she’s scared of losing to Toni Bianca, but her friends reassure her that she’s got this. These small moments make the characters feel like real people, not just anime tropes.

If you’re new to Uma Musume, this episode is a great way to get hooked. It gives you a taste of the action, the heart, and the humor that the series is known for. And if you’re already a fan, this episode will make you fall in love with the characters all over again.

Overall, Episode 21 of Cinderella Gray is a 10/10. It’s the kind of episode that leaves you wanting more, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one. Whether you’re here for the races, the friendships, or the fantasy elements, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your snacks, sit back, and enjoy the ride—you won’t regret it!