The highly anticipated second episode of BanG Dream! Ave Mujica, titled “Exitus acta probat” (The Outcome Justifies the Deed), has premiered, diving deeper into the complex relationships and hidden struggles of the band members. Following the shocking cliffhanger of the first episode where the band was forced to unmask themselves on stage, this episode explores the immediate fallout and sets the stage for future conflicts.
Episode 2: Unmasked Realities
Episode two opens with the aftermath of the Budokan concert where Ave Mujica had their identities revealed. Anon, one of the members, expresses excitement over the reveal, while Soyo is stunned to find Sakiko among the band members. The episode quickly shifts to the school where students have discovered that some of their classmates are part of Ave Mujica. While Anon tries to keep the news from reaching Tomori, the school buzz makes it nearly impossible.
Nyamu’s Scheme Unfolds
The episode reveals that the unmasking was not a spontaneous act but a part of Nyamu’s calculated plan. The band members are caught off guard, especially Sakiko, who confronts Nyamu about her impulsive decision. Nyamu, however, smirks in triumph as her scheme throws the band into chaos. The public reveal turns the band’s private struggles into a public drama, intensifying the existing tensions within the group. Mutsumi, overwhelmed by the fallout, sinks into despair.
Internal Conflicts Rise
The episode also explores the interpersonal conflicts within the band. Taki questions Umiri‘s decision to join a band with Sakiko, highlighting the questions around Sakiko’s past actions. Meanwhile, Soyo confronts Mutsumi, asking why she joined Ave Mujica when she previously declined to join her band. The episode demonstrates the growing distrust among members, with their personal relationships and motives colliding.
Mutsumi’s Deteriorating State and Sakiko’s Living Arrangement
The stress of the unmasking and the unfolding drama leads to Mutsumi’s mental health taking a turn for the worse, resulting in an accident on stage at the end of the episode. Additionally, Uika discovers that Sakiko has been living at their office under the guise of needing to work and avoiding the commute. In a compassionate move, Uika invites Sakiko to stay at her place.
Production and Direction
The production quality of episode 2 is noteworthy, with Studio SANZIGEN delivering flawless animation and seamless CGI integration. Kōdai Kakimoto returns as director, with Yuniko Ayana handling the script. The combination of excellent direction and skilled scriptwriting makes the episode highly engaging and delivers a smoother viewing experience compared to the premiere.
Where to Watch
BanG Dream! Ave Mujica is available on multiple platforms. In Japan, it airs on TOKYO MX on Thursdays at 11:00 PM JST, followed by broadcasts on other channels such as BS NTV, Sun TV, and TV Aichi on Fridays. The series is also streamed concurrently on platforms like ABEMA, d Anime Store, and U-NEXT. For viewers in South-East Asia, it is available on Muse Asia Official YouTube Channel for free. International viewers can access the show on Crunchyroll.
Ave Mujica: A Deeper Dive
Ave Mujica is a unique addition to the BanG Dream! franchise, distinguishing itself through its dark and intense storyline, different from the typical lighthearted and bubbly music anime. The band is fronted by the ambitious Sakiko Togawa (also known as “Oblivionis”) who aims to escape the shame of her troubled home life. The other members include:
- Nyamu Yūtenji / “Amoris” (Drummer): The instigator of the unmasking incident, known for her cunning and impulsive behavior.
- Mutsumi Wakaba / “Mortis” (Guitarist): A former member of CRYCHIC alongside Sakiko, now facing a mental health crisis.
- Umiri Yahata / “Timoris” (Bassist): Her motives for joining the band are questioned, especially in regards to Sakiko.
- Uika Misumi / “Doloris” (Vocalist and Guitarist): Her connection to Sakiko and her offer to let her stay at her place suggests a potential deeper bond.
The anime series explores the inner demons and struggles of the band members, delving into their pasts and concealed motives. Ave Mujica is a band that wears masks both literally and figuratively, using them to hide their true identities and burdens. The unmasking event forces the girls to confront the truth of who they are, which has caused fractures in their relationships with each other. The series explores themes of identity, trauma, and the pressures of the music industry.
A Closer Look at The Characters:
- Sakiko Togawa / Oblivionis (Keyboard): The mastermind behind Ave Mujica, she is a former member of CRYCHIC, who lost everything, leading to her descent into a “perfect masquerade.”
- Nyamu Yutenji / Amoris (Drums): An enigmatic figure known for her cunning plans and scheming nature. Her actions have severe repercussions for the band.
- Mutsumi Wakaba / Mortis (Guitar): Struggling with the band’s reveal and her own personal demons.
- Umiri Yahata / Timoris (Bass): Her reasons for joining Ave Mujica and her loyalty to Sakiko are constantly questioned.
- Uika Misumi / Doloris (Vocals & Guitar): She is a calming presence that acts as a support system for her bandmates, especially to Sakiko.
“KiLLKiSS”: The Opening Theme
The opening theme song for the anime, “KiLLKiSS,” is performed by Ave Mujica, is set to release as a single on January 15, 2025. The song captures the dark and edgy tone of the anime series, further emphasizing the band’s unique identity within the franchise.
A Dark and Dramatic Turn
BanG Dream! Ave Mujica is unlike the other anime in the BanG Dream! universe. The series is intense, with a greater focus on the dark and troubled pasts of its characters. The narrative is driven by complex characters who struggle to balance their personal lives with their public personas. The series promises to be a dramatic ride, with the second episode further establishing the tone and the direction of the anime.
As Ave Mujica moves forward, the audience is left wondering if their masks will ever be put back on or will they be permanently removed to show the world who they really are.
