The episode titles for BanG Dream! are kind of nice. Yes, they’re a bit lazy, but they also cut straight to the chase with minimal fluff.
(Spoilers in this review)
It seems like Saaya’s mom did collapse back when Saaya was in her old band, but that’s not why Saaya quit the band. Long story made short: Saaya felt like she was being a burden to everyone by being in a band.
Her mom would overwork herself since Saaya would stay out to practice until late at night; her band members started trying to be considerate of her even though she ended up ruining their first live performance because she had to check up on her mother. Therefore, Saaya quit in order to stop making things harder for others.
But it’s implied that Saaya wants to be in a band. Her mother tells her to stop bottling up her feelings and there are many shots of her pensive face where it looks like she’s yearning for something.
Of course, Saaya can’t just join the band even though she probably wants to since that would be too easy. Her mom’s health started acting up again and Saaya fears she’ll hold back the others since she’s gotten rusty. Nevertheless, Kasumi, who had found out about Saaya’s past as a drumer because of Natsuki, tries (and fails) to work her recruitment magic on Saaya.
The episode ends with Kasumi rapidly erasing and writing something down in her notebook. The cultural festival performance is coming up and the girls are still short a drummer (and would prefer Saaya to be their drummer), but Saaya is not sure if she should delete the song that Tae sent her.
I personally thought this was the best episode of the show yet. Saaya’s character is probably the most complex out of the characters seen thus far and watching the drama unfold was heart-wrenching. There were some light and humorous moments, too, which prevented us from getting lost within the emotional devastation.
The tragic phone call.The frantic run back home.Kasumi thinks she can play both guitars and drums at the same time…Saaya apologizing to her old crew about running off to check on her mom (flashback).Saaya’s mom telling Saaya to stop bottling up her feelings.Tae drawing pandas. Supposedly.Arisa bought the kind of ice popsicle you share with a friend. Nice ship.Having encountered Natsuki, Arisa pretends to be a refined girl and greets her classmate with “Gokigenyou.“In response, Tae curtsies and responds back. But that wasn’t directed towards you, Tae!Enter Rimi’s sister’s drummer!Kasumi tries to keep up.Apparently this girl was instructed to keep her mouth shut or else she’ll ruin their band image…So energetic!What a trap!She does have a point even though she’s also yelling.Then she starts nicknaming the girls. This one works well.Uh…That’s right, she’s Benkei and Kasumi is Minamoto no Yoshitsune! Not really?Embrace it, Arisa.MAI SISTAHSavage! Rimi doesn’t pull any punches!Tae and Kasumi do kind of look like two peas in a pod, wahaha. Go help your beloved, Rimi!Saaya’s mom isn’t feeling well again.The facade of cheerfulness is sometimes the mask one must wear.Loud senpai giving music store worker girl a hug from behind!Pics of Saaya with her old band.I’m lovin’ it?I never understood the point of sleeveless hoodies, but Saaya looks good in them.Seems like Natsuki was showing them pictures she had on her phone.Saaya didn’t tell them anything at all.She just straight up quit and told them good luck.Nice contrast of lighting and all. Sana and Jun-Jun are really comfortable around Kasumi!After Saaya explains why she quit.Saaya is clearly conflicted.Kasumi still tries to recruit Saaya even though she keeps saying it’s impossible.Saaya once again is deciding things without even talking to others. That’s a problem.NO FAITAN’ ALLOWEDTurns out they followed after Kasumi and overheard everything.Still, Saaya is conflicted.Whatchoo writing there, Kasumi?You better not, Saaya.
The Lily Garden 