True Colours – ‘BanG Dream! 2nd Season’ Episode 5 Review

What’s the show? BanG Dream! 2nd Season, Episode 5.

So how’s this episode? As good as can be expected for an episode focusing on my least favourite band in the series.

This show really captures inner-city Tokyo’s aesthetic really well.

Wow, straight in there with the harsh truths, huh? That’s not to say I don’t like their songs–their songs are great, but I feel like Pastel✽Palettes (who are the focus of this episode) have the weakest vocalists, have the most ordinary aesthetic and are kind of dull characters. This episode didn’t change any of those facts, however it did at the very least endear me to them–specifically Aya and Chisato–who were front and centre with their little ‘arc’.

Right, and what is their story in this episode? So the band is practising for the big performance at ‘World Idol Festival’ and there’s a bit of nervousness in the air as they failed their first live debut show–they had to lip-sync and then the power cut-out (an idol’s biggest fear!)–hence why they’re learning to play their own instruments now. Meanwhile there’s a particular song that Aya is keen for them to practice and perform at the festival but that Chisato has doubts about (it’s a duet between her and Aya, but Chisato is a bassist and is worried about being able to plan and sing at the same time). But the two get over their concerns and go on to play at the festival (albeit on a smaller stage than they were expecting) and perform the song without a hitch. The end.

And that’s it for the episode? Yes, and compared to the ridiculous, fantastical spectacle we got last week this is practically a different show. But it’s also pretty sweet and charming and has some nice character moments and even a couple of good jokes. Is it the weakest episode so far? Undoubtedly. But is it still enjoyable, with nice characters and great music? Absolutely. So while I still consider Pastel✽Palettes to be the weakest of the 5 bands (currently) in this series, I still enjoyed this enough that I don’t lament their existence.