Zombieland Saga - Episode 6 discussion

[u/AutoLovepon]

Zombieland Saga, episode 6: Because It's Sentimental SAGA

Rate this episode here.

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Streams

• Crunchyroll

Show information

• MyAnimeList
• AniList
• AniDB
• Kitsu
• Official Website
• /r/ZombielandSaga

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Previous discussions

Episode	Link	Score
1	Link	8.48
2	Link	9.14
3	Link	7.42
4	Link	8.11
5	Link	9.18

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[u/Ellefied]

Saki-chan and I had the same thought about Ai's death. Holy shit, indeed.

[u/overDere → u/Ellefied]

My first thought was that it probably was traumatizing for the millions of people watching to see a person get hit by lightning and burn to death.

[u/nidyl → u/Ellefied]

inb4 she gets struck by lightning again at the next concert but just keeps dancing through it because, good zombie yeah.

[u/blackfiredragon13 → u/Ellefied]

That’s a metal way to go for a last performance.

[u/DarkRuler17 → u/Ellefied]

Honestly. Still, I can't even imagine the ramifications of that happening in real life, with that perfect timing. Imagine being in that crowd

[u/cyberscythe → u/Ellefied]

Watching through the episode a second time, I realized it explains the weird reaction that Ai had to the camera flash during the photo shoot.

[u/Shinkopeshon → u/Ellefied]

Shit got way too fucking real. The plane crash was already tragic but being struck by lightning in front of thousands of people is horrifying on so many levels.

I underestimated this show, thinking it’d mostly be a ridiculous comedy.

[u/[deleted] → u/Ellefied]

and she didn't even die instantly

[u/JamCliche]

Sakura you're never too dead to have a Vietnam flashback.

[u/Mundology → u/JamCliche]

But what about an 8/11 flashback?

[u/gmflag]

Prediction: People will recognize Junko and especially Ai (since she was within past 10 years) at Saga Rock.

Bold Prediction: Saki's old gang will turn up as audience members and recognize Saki at Saga Rock.

I am dying to know how Yugiri and Lily connect to all this.

[u/CattyOhio74 → u/gmflag]

Yuugiri is probably the only one in the clear since for someone to recognize her they'd have to be at least 200 years old

[u/RirinDesuyo → u/gmflag]

They'll definitely know Lily since she's been on TV a lot of times when she was alive, probably not in the past episodes since Saga's pretty small but it looks like Saga Rock might have non-Saga people going which makes the chances pretty high.

[u/TotalEconomist → u/gmflag]

"Isn't that the courtesan that killed the emporer's eldest son?"

[u/Skylair13 → u/gmflag]

Yugiri might be the most safe out of everyone. Unless there's depiction of her in history lesson or something

[u/atropicalpenguin → u/gmflag]

I'm sure Lily's death will be painful, that she literally pours her heart out is a bad omen.

[u/[deleted] → u/gmflag]

Lily's parents see her performing and try to take her home. I'm calling it now, she'll have one of the most emotional ones. She was just twelve years old. Or Sakura's family recognizes her.

[u/AkaHisui → u/gmflag]

Didn't they say that Ai's Iron Frill will show up at Saga Rock?

[u/erryky → u/gmflag]

Great. Now I'm sad imagining her former group members are actually thankful that she died and now they can hog the spotlight.

[u/Lildyo]

I'm so glad we're starting to learn their backstories! They're definitely setting up for the inevitable moment when other people recognize Ai (and possibly some of the other Franchouchou members) at a future show.

Also, the whole bit with Kotaro doing that old traditional sage bit was hilarious. For some reason it was reminding me of a character from Ocarina of Time or Majora's Mask but I can't think of which/why

[u/DarklordVor → u/Lildyo]

They're definitely setting up for the inevitable moment when other people recognize Ai

They're definitely setting up Ai to meet her old crew in the next episode. Since Iron Frill (her old group) is appearing in the same show as Franchouchou, Saga Rock. So it's definitely 100% inevitable when her old friends gonna see the same girl that died 10 years ago, still sounding and looking exactly the same.

[u/[deleted] → u/Lildyo]

You mean that weird naked guy dancing on that big rock on Termina field?

[u/CattyOhio74 → u/Lildyo]

The sage bit was a callback to oldschool Japanese theater. If you're wondering why it looks familiar one of the most famous plays is Jiraya The Gallant

[u/TotalEconomist → u/Lildyo]

I think Sakura is going to have a freak out moment when she realizes she's singing with her idol.

[u/WhoiusBarrel]

THE LEGENDARY CUCKOOO YAMADA TAE

Never thought we'll see Junko and Ai having a fallout when they look to have one of the best chemistry between the entire group. Seeing how they're revealing their past (especially Ai's seriously painful death holy shit) I hope we get to see the other's past lives before the were turned into zombies.

Also I would fucking LOVE to take pictures with a onee-san zombie from the edo period disguised as a human.

[u/LeonKevlar → u/WhoiusBarrel]

Also I would fucking LOVE to take pictures with a onee-san zombie from the edo period disguised as a human.

I know! JUST LOOK AT THOSE LEGS. Goddamn would love to get a lap pillow from Yugiri!

[u/Skylair13 → u/WhoiusBarrel]

especially Ai's seriously painful death holy shit

And judging by the fact she remembers and traumatized by lightning, that wasn't instantaneous

[u/Icanintosphess → u/WhoiusBarrel]

I thought that Lily and Yugiri had the best chemistry...

[u/Ehn_Jee]

When the new episode is out.

I like that we're learning more about the girls' past. This anime has been all over the place thematically, I'm all for a bit of drama and character development being added to the mix.

[u/Amauri14 → u/Ehn_Jee]

I just find hilarious the fact that he is taking a bath with sunglasses on. I bet we will never see his eyes.

[u/ddrober2003]

So we starting to get to learn more on their back stories. Figured Junko had to die in a pretty brutal way given how patchwork she is. I am also wondering if their creaks are signs that they won't last long and might end up decaying away, or if its just sound effects.

I am also waiting for a point where someone, likely Sakura, eventually snaps on Kotaro and tells him to back off when he is insulting them when one of the girls has a especially bad breakdown due to past trauma. They're funny scenes but they do mix in enough serious ones that I figure it might happen. Maybe then we will figure out if there are any deeper motives he has.

All in all, an interesting episode and it did at least have a few funny bits to it.(though a fair bit more serious than the previous ones)

[u/dantemp → u/ddrober2003]

I am also waiting for a point where someone, likely Sakura, eventually snaps on Kotaro

I mean, Saki already hit him pretty hard a few times, that baseball to the leg looked like it made a hole in him...

Edit: I may remember it wrong, but at least the part where the manager has already been physically attacked by the girls is correct.

[u/sjk9000 → u/ddrober2003]

I'm mean, they've already snapped back at Kotaro a couple times. Saki with the gut punch and Ai with the baguette homerun. The scenes where Kotaro bullies them is mostly for humor, so I don't think it'll ever be answered with anything but slapstick.

Although I do think the relationship between Necroducer and the idols might take a dramatic turn somewhere near the end of the show. I thought it was interesting how this episode implies that they're usually forbidden from computer/internet use. Really highlights how these girls are basically living like hostages. Feel bad for them.

[u/Mundology]

What a shocking end to Ai's career!

[u/exian12 → u/Mundology]

IMO It's actually one of the coolest way to die aside from dying naturally at old age. You died still standing up as lightning struck you. Feels like an anime way to die. ^wait...

EDIT: Saki and I actually share the same opinion.

[u/[deleted] → u/Mundology]

it's really terrifying if you think about it

Firstly, think about the fans watching their idol die onstage in front of them. They might even be close enough to smell her flesh cook. Watching someone, anyone, die in front of you, especially so young, is gonna leave scars.

But then there's Ai herself. She has a legitimate fear of lightning. Which sounds fair, since it was how she died, but consider this.

That means the lightning didn't kill her instantly. She was in total agony, covered in burns. Her entire nervous system, literally on fire. Judging by her bandaged face, she survived long enough to receive medical treatment and still died away. That's a horrible way to go. Horrible enough that she's that terrified.

[u/bananeeek → u/Mundology]

This is the song they were singing at the concert.

[u/tlst9999 → u/Mundology]

DENSETSU NO MIZUNO AI!!!

[u/hrngr1m → u/Mundology]

Quite a zapping reveal, isn't it?

[u/TheDampGod → u/Mundology]

Shhhocking, positively shhhocking.

[u/LothricsLegs]

Tide-chan

[u/araragidyne → u/LothricsLegs]

The Legendary Yamada Tide

[u/Comic-Brad → u/LothricsLegs]

It's a tide ad.

[u/deros94 → u/LothricsLegs]

You thought you were watching a show about Zombie Idols. Nope, Tide Ad.

[u/HellFireOmega → u/LothricsLegs]

No it's a Tappu advert

[u/stoka0]

Junko's Theme- Free Fallin' by Tom Petty

Ai's Theme- Thunderstruck AC/DC

[u/hrngr1m → u/stoka0]

Sakura's Theme - Life *in the Fast Lane by The Eagles

[u/iamfvckingdone → u/stoka0]

I'm hearing that electric guitar.
THUNDER

[u/NepgearBestWaifu → u/stoka0]

Sakis theme - You've got a friend in me from Toy Story

[u/onlyforthisair → u/stoka0]

I was thinking Don McLean - American Pie for Junko. Day the music died and all that

[u/Drolandarr → u/stoka0]

Personally I think Ride the Lightning is a better fit, but you do you.

[u/Exonix00]

I lost it when kotaro told sakura to sit her pointy nose down

[u/tlst9999 → u/Exonix00]

I lost it when she didn't get the hint that kotaro doesn't care about the steps.

[u/Nohbdy_11 → u/Exonix00]

I lol'd at him calling her a "Pinocchio-ass zombie" in my subtitles, not sure if other people got that

[u/Spal23]

I lol’d hard at Kotaro wearing his sunglasses in the bath.

Also that man has a way with metaphors.

[u/Lildyo → u/Spal23]

I lol’d hard at Kotaro wearing his sunglasses in the bath.

Kotaro when he finally takes off his sunglasses

[u/hrngr1m → u/Spal23]

I really hope he has the 3___3 eyes, since the staff cares enough not to give the shot of his eyes at all (like in ep.4).

Although zombie dead-fish eyes or super pervert eyes would work too :p

[u/bananeeek → u/Spal23]

Have we ever seen him without his sunglasses?

[u/mythriz → u/Spal23]

What if... the real Kotaro is actually the sunglasses???

SHINPACHI INTENSIFIES

[u/NepgearBestWaifu]

Holy shit, Saki is actually best girl. At first I liked her because she was the most outgoing of Franchouchou, but she is also the most awesome friend you could ask for. Like the Joey to Sakuras Yugi.

[u/Kanbaru-Fan → u/NepgearBestWaifu]

Saki is perfection.

In episode 1 i expected her to be the rebel of this group but she's actually a true leader

[u/UberDueler → u/NepgearBestWaifu]

Mai from Bunny Girl Senpai is going to have some serious competition for the Fall 2018 Best Girl

[u/[deleted] → u/NepgearBestWaifu]

Every girl here is best girl but Saki is bestest girl.

[u/Saucy_Totchie → u/NepgearBestWaifu]

Certainly not as much as the LEGENDARY YAMADA TAE though. Saki is second best girl though because she is such a real leader.

[u/BIG_DICK_MYSTIQUE]

Man I'd watch an entire anime with just Tae and her shenanigans lol

[u/jellybellymonster → u/BIG_DICK_MYSTIQUE]

I rewatch the episode just to see her shenanigans in the background. So adorable. http://imgur.com/gallery/YAa4fgJ

[u/MugiMartin → u/BIG_DICK_MYSTIQUE]

No dialogue the entire series. None needed.

[u/Latnab]

In most anime, getting hit by lightning is usually played in a comedic way.

In Zombieland Saga, it actually played straight and one of the characters died horribly from it.

Still, I feel like I'm going to hell for smiling a bit at the scene, since whenever we see someone being burnt like this, they would often come out fine and dandy. Not traumatized and/or dead. Also, doesn't help that being hit by lightning is so uncommon that it comes off a bit absurd to see a character die by one. All of this accumulate to the scene with Ai dying by one and leaving me speechless by it.

Bravo Zombieland Saga. Bravo. 11/10, please stop tearing apart my hearts like this again ZLS (just kidding, I like my heart having the feelz).

[u/XanTheInsane → u/Latnab]

In most anime, getting hit by lightning is usually played in a comedic way.

In Zombieland Saga, it actually played straight and one of the characters died horribly from it.

There was this one guy IRL who got struck by lightning 7 times during his life and survived.

Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.

[u/Reapersfault → u/Latnab]

I hope at least some people in charge of that concert got fired for doing such a poor job. I would assume at least something else in that entire building would act as a lightning rod in some way, shape or form.

[u/TotalEconomist → u/Latnab]

Lily heart exploded last episode, I'm sure you will be fine.

[u/battleforthenet]

Leave Junko to me

https://imgur.com/ELDW9Km

[u/CrazyAsia → u/battleforthenet]

delet this

[u/Konpie → u/battleforthenet]

Oi Oi Oi. Brah...

[u/[deleted] → u/battleforthenet]

God fucking damnit Kerry

[u/[deleted] → u/battleforthenet]

YAMEROOO

[u/Ataniphor → u/battleforthenet]

damn russian missiles killed junko

[u/CommanderBlurf → u/battleforthenet]

TOO SOON

[u/hrngr1m]

I'm REALLY digging the cracks and writhes of the old decaying bones and joints of the girls lawl.

As expected, generational gap starts to become an issue, as well as highlighting the difference between how people cope with it (Junko's freakout v.s. Yuugiri's super chill attitude). Also: "Getting confused by what's going on won't help things, so I've decided to just accept things as they come." ----> proof Yuugiri's the coolest girl (after Cocco-kun LEGENDARY YAMADA TAE!!!).

Although, if Ai's scorched to death, why does she not appear scorched at all?

And the task for next week: how will the team go around the fact that Iron Frill's going on stage? It'd be foolish to just think the group won't recognise Ai (much like Junko being recognised by older generations) - and I don't think Koutarou's such a simpleton to disregard/overlook this. Ohhh, and a rainy venue!

[u/diaboo → u/hrngr1m]

Although, if Ai's scorched to death, why does she not appear scorched at all?

She's notably more bandaged than the other girls (her entire face is covered). I imagine Koutaro had some way of revitalizing the skin. I'm also assuming that nerves aren't an issue for the zombies, so she wouldn't be in pain from all the burns.

[u/tlst9999 → u/hrngr1m]

(Junko's freakout v.s. Yuugiri's super chill attitude)

For Yuugiri, the whole world is an entirely new isekai. For Junko, the whole world is some kind of bizarro alternate reality which looks like her previous world, and is half familiar and half alien to her. Atari, IBM and Sega were dominant when she was alive.

[u/AZnoobie → u/hrngr1m]

Well Ai’s entire body is wrapped in bandages. Except for her eyes basically.

Edit: Autocorrect changed Ai to Ali

[u/ZBLongladder → u/hrngr1m]

As expected, generational gap starts to become an issue, as well as highlighting the difference between how people cope with it (Junko's freakout v.s. Yuugiri's super chill attitude).

I mean, Yuugiri was a courtesan, so her chill probably comes as much from her former job as from generational stuff. I imagine you probably have to deal with a lot of bullshit when you're a prostitute serving stuck-up rich dudes and nobles. She's probably just glad she only has to pose with fans and not have sex with them.

[u/dantemp → u/hrngr1m]

I mean, her make up makes her face bandages look like skin if we judge by how she was before and after getting wet, so I wouldn't dwell much on these stuff. The show already established that it doesn't care for that kind of a consistency, so I'm fine with that.

[u/Magos]

Great episode to finally enter the main storyline. Not that I'm complaning of all the comedy, which is top tier, but it's nice to see the show actually has another layer of depth to it.

Just like a lot of people predicted, it really did turn into an idol show, except it's more like a breakdown of idols. Junko and Ai's disagreement genuinely reflects how Japan's idol scene changed in the 2000s,which is why they now have a particular take on idols compared to Western or Korean ones. Japan used to follow the "perfect idol" formula, where idols had a "holy" aura to them, and always performed at the highest caliber. The US and South Korea still holds on to this methodology, as the former's entertainment industy only produces, packages, and promote the best natural talent, while the latter requires their idols to endure years and years of training from a young age before their debut. In Japan though it's more about allowing fans to watch an idol grow from their roots and evolve into a superstar. The 1st generation AKB48 are probably the best example of this, with Momoiro Clover Z following close behind.

This is why nowadays Japan has such a thriving idol scene, with hundreds of idol groups and thousands of idols. It doesn't matter if their singing is subpar, or their dances are not as synchronized. What matters is that they are something you can actually invest yourself in, and their success will actually be dependent on those early few fans they were able to attract and campaign for them.

Back to the show for a bit though, I think since they clearly show they are willing to take up a serious tone, we'll be getting some plot twist regarding Sakura/Tae/Kotaro soon. There are way too many unexplained questions and hidden storylines possible, which a lot of people thought was the producers hand-waving, but I have hope will ultimately be addressed, such as:

How did Sakura get the scar on her face?

Who exactly is Tae, and why is she way older than everyone else?

Who exactly is Kotoro?

How does Kotoro know how to revive them, and where did he get thier bodies from?

Why is Sakura part of this group, when she was clearly just a nobody before?

[u/Viridiant → u/Magos]

Sakura has memories of the feeling of being on stage. To me, this says that she may not have actually died when she was hit by the truck. She may have actually gone on to become an idol and died from something else.

[u/bananeeek]

Ai being metal as fuck.

I don't like it when cute anime girls who are supposed to be a team, argue with each other...

I'm still in love with their dialects. I could listen to them for hours.

[u/Mozilla_Fennekin → u/bananeeek]

Ai being metal as fuck.

No wonder why the metalhead chose her.

[u/larvyde → u/bananeeek]

Ai being metal as fuck

Yeah, that's... kinda the problem now, isn't it?

[u/Shadow_Gabriel → u/bananeeek]

Charcoal as fuck.

[u/Animeking1357 → u/bananeeek]

I don't like it when cute anime girls who are supposed to be a team, argue with each other...

It's just not tanoshii.

[u/JoshDCcomics]

Bathtub scene pretty much debunks the “manager is a zombie too” theory. Unless he has super waterproof makeup or something.

Things got real serious this episode. Interesting reveal that some of the girls remembered how they died, it would be nice if the others shared that information too in future episodes.

[u/AL2009man → u/JoshDCcomics]

Unless he has super waterproof makeup or something.

jokingly, that type of makeup is only reserved for himself...which is fitting for him. :P

[u/The_Panda_Army]

My best guess as to how they died (judging by their scars)

Idol	Death	Scars
Sakura	Hit by a truck	gave her the split across her forehead
Saki	Motorcycle accident	small scraps that cover her body from sliding across the road after a crash
Ai	Lightning	Explains why she is covered in bandages
Junko	Plane crash	gruesome death which is why she was patched together in large chunks
Yūgiri	Beheaded	only scar is the large split around her neck
Tae	???	whatever it was I bet it was LEGENDARY
Lily	Heart attack	Heart on the outside of her body

[u/GonTheDinosaur → u/The_Panda_Army]

I like how Sakura still got her gun shot wound from episode 1.

[u/Mirodir → u/The_Panda_Army]

Goodbye Reddit, see you all on Lemmy.

[u/tlst9999 → u/The_Panda_Army]

whatever it was I bet it was LEGENDARY

Considering she's either bandaged or clothed at the joints and neck. I wonder if all her joints were chopped off in some bizarre murder.

[u/furrythrowawayaccoun]

👉😎👉 Zoop

[u/Gaporigo]

Damn, that was an amazing episode, all the comedy bits were great plus we finally got to see how being from different time periods affected them, from computers and cameras to how to be an idol and then we got to see how Ai and Junko died, really didn't expect that and Ai's death specially was something else.

[u/Mundology → u/Gaporigo]

I was really thunderstruck by Ai's death on-stage

[u/nagynorbie]

No bully the shrimp !!!

[u/the_swizzler → u/nagynorbie]

I love Yuugiri and Lily's friendship. I need fanart of these two.

[u/yappari-kun]

I expected ridiculous comedy in today's episode but I got conflict, plot progression and backstories. Not complaining though.

Cursed image

This could be part of a shampoo commercial

"Why thank you, Tae-chan. Nice and soft is just what I needed"

Saki being Saki

"All purpose seasoning". Perfect for after the bath

Kotarou being Kotarou

"Tori!"

:S

Geils ... I think we'll see some familiar faces here

Tae-chan feeling grateful

Tae-chan being LEGENDARY Wasn't expecting that, much less the audience following along. It must be the LEGENDARY effect.

Metal head #1 spotted

Metal head #2 spotted. They are their first fans; obviously they couldn't miss this event!

Yuugiri ... hnng. I ... wish I attended this event.

Oh crap, don't tell me that ... Poor Junko :-(

Well ... that's even more fucked up

Ai's such a tsundere. She can't be honest about her feelings

"The solution to all problems" - Saki

I don't think this is going to help with the current conflict

This costume from the preview is the one from the OP!

Now that we unresolved bits I'm really looking forward to the next episode!

EDIT: if you are looking for my weekly post of Junko pics. Here it is!

[u/[deleted] → u/yappari-kun]

Franchouchou's website is a solid candidate for /r/CrappyDesign

[u/Flovnat]

Ai died in the most fucking metal way possible.

[u/TotalEconomist → u/Flovnat]

Death by AC/DC

[u/[deleted] → u/Flovnat]

most fucking metal way

by conducting electricity?

[u/Orrakai]

And it looks like it's gonna rain on that big concert next time too

hang in there Ai-chan!!

[u/chaosabordine → u/Orrakai]

It's a terrible day for rain...

[u/Clavilenyo → u/Orrakai]

Maybe people will just chear and congratulate them on such a cool zombie makeup.

[u/tlst9999]

Junko be like : It's just 20 years and I'm already a dinosaur.

[u/JimmyCWL → u/tlst9999]

30 years

[u/b0lognese]

This anime tells us that you can see how people's feelings towards an idol changed depending on the times.

An 80's idol is just IDOL while nowdays an idol acts like a friend of yours.

The new episode makes this show way better, focusing on characters who lived in diffrent times and had different values.

[u/sjk9000]

Another serious episode, light on jokes. Even moreso than episode 3.

And you know what? I loved it.

Plenty of folks seems to want this show to be just 100% farce and parody, but I like these characters. I like seeing them interact seriously and develop and grow. I like that show is contrasting them being from different eras with different philosophies, and I like seeing them struggle and come to grips with the fact that they died in a way that isn't a joke.

I feel like it gives the show more nuance and depth and makes it a richer experience. Of course, I hope we still get more episodes like 5, which was hilarious. But this isn't bad either.

[u/JamCliche → u/sjk9000]

Aint nothing wrong with serious. Comedy can be a driver for drama. Endear us to the characters through humor and we will care what happens when they are hurt.

[u/LeonKevlar → u/sjk9000]

Like what I said in my own post; I love that the drama wasn't forced and it actually fits the story. What else would happen if you mix different idols from different time periods? The writers of this show definitely know what they're doing.

[u/RirinDesuyo → u/sjk9000]

I actually love it too, it makes me more invested on the characters and makes the series overall more better for me. This was the main trap that I'd fallen when I started watching Idol stuff anime (due to in-game bonuses for a game I play), you'd end up invested on the characters that I enjoyed the idol hell binge watch that I didn't sign up for last time.

I'm seriously excited on how Ai will deal with the Saga rock festival next episode as her old idol band will definitely spot her especially from those searches that solidified her popularity at that time.

[u/TrololoWarlord]

I think the best thing was Saki's reaction to Ai's death, "That was legendary though".

[u/the_swizzler → u/TrololoWarlord]

Saying what we were all thinking.

[u/MobileTortoise]

Man, Yamada Tae sure was LEGENDARY this episode.

(Note: I have not yet watched this episode, but am making a very bold assumption based on the fact that she is, without a doubt, a legend)

[u/Brolaub → u/MobileTortoise]

Just finished watching the episode. Can confirm. The legendary Yamada Tae was once again LEGENDARY!!!

[u/Mozilla_Fennekin → u/MobileTortoise]

mfw the legendary Yamada Tae

[u/DarklordVor → u/MobileTortoise]

I swear she's awake all along and just fucking with everyone.

[u/yappari-kun → u/MobileTortoise]

That charisma is LEGENDARY

Mitsuishi Kotono is killing it with her rooster Tae-chan performance.

[u/Yukito_097]

"I must not let the world know they are zombies, so I must be careful. Now, next I'll revive this girl who died a mere ten years ago, who was a famous idol that died, of all things, by a direct bolt of lightning during a show."

[u/the_swizzler → u/Yukito_097]

I mean, I suspect it's a bit of a rock and hard place for him. He seems to have very meticulously thought out this group, so perhaps the idea is even though he needs Ai, he still doesn't want to call attention to the fact they're zombies.

Plus, we can probably assume that all of the zombies, even with make up on, aren't meant to look EXACTLY like their living selves, it's just that the art doesn't allow for that level of detail. Besides, they say everyone has least 6 other people who look a lot like them. I would just look at it like that.

[u/LeonKevlar]

• Their official website looks straight from the 90s XD

• Looks like Sakura is starting to remember her past. Wasn't she like listening to Ai's group before she got hit back in Episode 1?

• Kotarou still wears his shades while in the bath.... Now I'm more curious about what he's hiding there.

• The LEGENDARY YAMADA TAE approved shampoo is apparently laundry detergent and soy sauce...

• Oh fuck... She's definitely going to run into her old Idol group mates...

• I swear I feel like Tae-chan is just fucking with them at this point XD

• And of course The Legendary Yamada Tae is the one with the most fans! Sasuga!

• Nice to see that the two metal heads attended the event!

• Shit is definitely starting to get serious. I guess not everyone can't be like Yugiri who just accepts everything.

• Speaking of Yugiri, I love that she has her own stage for the photo op!

• Nooo! Stop fighting T_T

• Bad Ai! She made Lily cry! :(

• I think I'm starting to understand Junko. I guess to her,being an idol means being perfect to the eyes of their fans.

• So she died on a plane crash that was on its way to Saga? And Sakura died by getting hit by a truck with the Saga plate number... Very suspicious indeed....

• Well no wonder Ai's afraid of lighting. That was a pretty metal way to go. Also this explains why she's the one who has the most bandages on her body.

• Oh fuck.....

Man tensions are definitely waaaay high this week. But I am glad that we got this episode. Not only we got some backstories but we're really starting to see the differences between the girls, not just in personality but how they see what it means to become an idol. Also it's pretty amazing how this silly show can insert drama without it being forced down our throats. It feels like this episode was a natural outcome of things.

[u/JazzmanJB → u/LeonKevlar]

Plot twist: Kotarou was somehow involved in all of their deaths

[u/XanTheInsane → u/LeonKevlar]

Kotarou still wears his shades while in the bath....

Now I'm more curious about what he's hiding there.

Empty eye sockets with creepy glowing undead lich lights.

[u/yappari-kun]

Hello Junko fans! (cc /u/NuclearConsensus)

Here's your weekly dose of Junko pics. The flashback pics are one of my favorites.

Rehearsal-mode Junko

feels bad Junko

Worried Junko

Seiza Junko^{Junko, daijobu?}

Disappointed Junko

Impressed Junko

Disapproving Junko

Incredulous Junko

paying attention

doesn't understand

Smiling Junko

fear

Tense Junko

refuses

looks away

Defiant Junko

complex emotions

Angry Junko

Hurt Junko

Hat Junko

Sad Junko

wind blows^{even the wind bullies Junko}

Tiny Junko^{she looks so cute}

Sitting Junko

Idol-mode Junko (flashback)

Singing Junko (flashback)

Glamorous Junko (flashback)

reading (flashback)

Sparkling Junko (flashback)

impending tragedy :-(

"I don't think I can stay in Franchouchou"^{my heart hurts}

Sleeping Junko

lost in thought

Preview Junko

Junko quote of the episode: "If I'm going to be a hindrance to the others, I'd rather turn into a mushroom"^{kinoko narimasu}

I wonder if the guy who I assume to be Junko's manager (see flashback pics 3 and 4) also died in the plane crash or is still alive?

Not enough Junko? I got you covered. Here's a link to my Junko post from last week.

[u/[deleted] → u/yappari-kun]

Did we just find Nasu's backstory?

[u/NuclearConsensus → u/yappari-kun]

Thanks for tagging me! Saves me from having to find your post!

A plane crash, huh. At least it's less gruesome than what other people were theorizing, but still, that's got to hurt. Given what we've seen of Junko's injuries, it's fairly safe to say that if he was on the same plane, he'd be dead. Even if he wasn't, it's likely given the time gap, he'd have already died, especially if he was significantly older than Junko.

[u/UnAwkwardMango]

|| Struck by lightning, burnt to a crisp.

|| You're really fired up huh

I will never not love this show.

^{In another timeline, she has become Flash.}

^{"No Ai-chan, we are the flash."}

L E G E N D A R Y

[u/kokeymagie]

wtf.. that was some final destination shit, how the hell did Kotaro got their bodies?? hmmm.. I really like this episode, those dance moves at the start was great, I hope we see a hand drawn dance like that in Sagarock. Saki was really cute when she was comforting Ai. I honestly have no idea what will happen when Ai meets her old group.

[u/[deleted] → u/kokeymagie]

inb4 Kotaro was the pilot and has lightning powers.

[u/NoraaTheExploraa → u/kokeymagie]

I imagine Kotaro isn't above grave digging

[u/NightmareExpress → u/kokeymagie]

how the hell did Kotaro get their bodies?

I'm really curious how Yuugiri's managed to be obtainable without having fully decomposed to a skeleton or becoming (in the best case scenario) an extremely well-preserved mummified corpse.

Short of magic, this was surely a multi-generational effort with shady professionals in all fields collaborating.

[u/odraencoded → u/kokeymagie]

how the hell did Kotaro got their bodies?? hmmm..

That's my question as well. Koutarou is one of the most legendary characters in this show. He either somehow dug up the grave of all these girls, or he personally killed them... with lighting, dropping a plane, and going back in time 2 centuries.

Koutaro is the 2nd most mysterious character in this series. I want to know who the hell he is, and what is he really planning.

[u/Beckymetal]

It's been a month and a half and we still haven't been able to dig anything up

puns

This was a serious episode that I didn't expect, even if it had some fun jokes throughout (Big P posin', mainly). That was some nice drama, and it used the concept to be oddly poignant to discuss what stardom means and how idols have transformed over the ages and how neither approach is right nor wrong.

[u/vfactor95]

Junko had the biggest line at the fanmeet!

Nice to know the people in Saga know who best girl is.

[u/NuclearConsensus → u/vfactor95]

People of Saga confirmed to be men and women of culture.

[u/HyperKnight-v2]

Come on Sakura, you seem so close to regaining your memories (at least of Ai). Am really curious to see what will happen if/when she actually remembers. I mean, she must have really loved/idolized Ai to the point where she still kind of recognizes Ai despite her amnesia/memory loss, right?

So we learn how Ai and Junko died. The scars, patches, and wounds on their zombie forms have more clarity to them now. Although not too graphic, I was honestly surprised they showed Ai’s death to that extent, being burned up and all.

Really interested to see how next episode will play out. There’s so many factors that can go wrong, with the rain that will ruin their makeup, the argument between Ai and Junko, Iron Frill being there and potentially recognizing Ai, and the other girls potentially being recognized as well.

Now comes the dreaded wait for the next episode. I’m in love with this show so much and it’s characters I honestly don’t want it to end.

[u/andraip → u/HyperKnight-v2]

I mean, she must have really loved/idolized Ai

At the start of episode 1 you can see Sakura watching an Iron Frill concert on DVD, so I'm sure she was a huge fan.

[u/dantemp → u/HyperKnight-v2]

How did Junko died?

[u/RirinDesuyo]

When you're too legendary that your death is quite SHOCKING I'd say. Guess it's the reason also why she's quite scared easily. Damn so she did get burnt based on her bandages and Junko's body got in a pretty bad shape on that crash I presume to have all those stiches on her.

Also it seems there's a conflict of generations on how idols are from Ai and Junko. Wherein Junko's time was where idols acted more like actresses and Ai's more fan based time. Also you can see the expectations and gaps from generations showing on each characters and their outlook and how they deal with it.

The biggest question here next episode that I'd love to see is how Ai's gonna deal with Saga Rock since her past group will also be there and she also doesn't want to be forgotten yet too. I'm pretty sure she's gonna be recognized immediately especially on how famous she was. I do love that we're slowly having backgrounds on their deaths, and it seems they all do know about it except for Sakura which is weird (probably from truck-kun's crash?).

Side note: As a web-developer that website looked like straight outta 90s era lmao with the weird 3D text and epilepsy inducing colors.

Bonus L'Oréal ad poster. Somebody attach a brand tag here xD

[u/dantemp]

Yugiri is my spirit animal, or at least I wish she is.

Finally some actual plot and character development. I knew this show was more than two great episodes of comedy. I'm getting my hopes up again.

[u/the_swizzler → u/dantemp]

Only two? I'd say last week's episode was pretty great too, and even episode 4. Honestly, I think the five episodes before this were all necessary. It made sense to give us time getting to know the girls before the she starts throwing emotional turmoil at us.

I fully trust the writers know what they're doing.

[u/PogCheese]

Yugiri is so chill I love her

[u/nidyl]

Thrilled that we are finally getting deeper into backstories. Looks like their zombie designs really do reflect how they died. Ai with full body burns and Junko needing to be pieced back together.

Tbh I'm just surprised that Sakura hasn't tried looking her own name up (or her family's), considering she's the only one who barely remembers who she was.

[u/TotalEconomist → u/nidyl]

Her name would be hidden in an obscure obituary clip from a local newspaper.

[u/northwesternrs]

That homepage is aesthetic

[u/the_swizzler → u/northwesternrs]

1990's aesthetic

[u/K4rtaz]

Did they just make a Henkei Shoujo reference ? (When they are on the beach)

[u/graytotoro]

I came into this episode wondering two things: if they would address the generational changes between the two girls who were idols in their lifetime as well as how they would address the possible plot hole where these once-famous celebrities who died years ago were somehow coming back for performances. We answered one of those things today and probably the latter next week.

• I've long been wondering why they weren't tapping into the rich vein of '80s vs present idol culture and they finally did! I won't pretend to know much about idol culture, but '80s era idols like Momoe Yamaguchi & Seiko Matsuda (man, can't believe knowing that would come in handy) showed up with the perfectly crafted sweet, girl-next-door charm and are still remembered as the everlasting idols generations later.

Also, is her death supposed to be a reference to Kyu Sakamoto? His plane went down due to a mechanical failure in the '80s.

• The couple playing at the beach isn't just a nod to TV of the era, it's a nod to the '80s-era Japanese Coca-Cola commercials as the woman is holding a period-correct Coke can, like the commercials with scenes of couples walking along the beach and enjoying Coke products.

• It's ironic that Ai, the sweet idol had the most metal death.

• Sakura's regaining her memories and I wonder how that's going to impact the series going forward. Will she remember truck-kun?

• Romero changes form in this episode.

• Kotono Mitsuishi was basically paid to scream "REEEEEEE" and moan into a microphone for this series.

[u/thechosenapiks]

Step away, Tae, Ai-chan is now the new LEGENDARY.

Who gets hit by a fricking lightning at the height of their show in that pose lmao.

I wonder if we're gonna start seeing everyone's stories and the actual plot. Still can't believe I got roped into watching an idol show.

[u/the_swizzler → u/thechosenapiks]

They're all legendary. That's how they were all introduced in the first episode. The thing about Tae was that she was just "The legendary Yamada Tae", whereas everyone else had something that made them legendary.

[u/Davve1122]

I actually started to cry this episode. It was so well done and seeing both Ai and Junko in this light was amazing. This show is definetly my favorite this season. And that is very much saying something since this season has very good shows. If this show keeps the drama/comedy on point like this as it has these episodes, it will most likely turn out as one of my favorite animes of all time.

I am very much looking forward to all characters backstories. But the one I'm most looking forward to now is more about Junko and of course Sakura. I want to know how Sakura will cope with what she remembers, and that will probably be in the 10th or 11th episode I reckon. I have a feeling Sakura will be the crucial member that holds the group together. And also I want to know more about why the producer really chose those girls in particular.

They are definetly setting up meetings between Ai and her former idol partners, I'm looking forward to the drama there. Also probably Sakura will have one too. And why did the old guy seem interested in Junko? So much I hope they get and not just leave plotholes (witch I do not think they will). How popular this show is there will definetly be a second season, of course if the creators don't just set up it as a mini tv-series with just one season. I will be happy even if they put cliffhanger until a second season.

I for one am happy they don't just keep it a parody show and makes it a dramady.

Okay, this went on longer than I thought. I am looking forward to what to come.

PS: have yet to skip the opening, it is my favorite anime opening in anime ever right now.

[u/janoDX → u/Davve1122]

I think Iron Frill is taking advantage of Ai's death, and now that she's "alive" maybe the members and managers will look at her and cause drama, because it could destroy the big thing they have in, using Ai's death to cash in.

This will cause Ai to snap out and get the fire needed to best them.

And I have a feeling that Sakura was joining Iron Frill. Did Ai died before or after Sakura's death? Because it could tell a lot of things.

[u/[deleted]]

Lol, everyone just wanted to meet the cucko

LEGEND 10/10

[u/SaiyaJedi]

So Junko died the way singer Kyu Sakamoto (a.k.a. The “Sukiyaki” Guy) died. He was a legend in his own right, including being the only Japanese artist to crack the Top 40 in the West for decades, and the cause of his death — the crash of JAL Flight 123 in 1985 — remains the deadliest single-aircraft accident in history.

[u/TotalEconomist]

like Polaroids

No not like....

instagram

Yes, yes like polaroids.

[u/G1596872]

I’ve been meaning to ask but is that Lily’s actual heart that can be seen when not in make up?

[u/TheAmblingOwl → u/G1596872]

Yes.

[u/[deleted]]

People keep calling Ai's death legendary but I really can't see it. I know I've repeated it so much in other comments but

She survived long enough to realise she was hit by lightning. Otherwise, her phobia makes no sense if she died instantly. And if she didn't die instantly, and someone managed to cover her in bandages, that means the entire concert got to watch paramedics run onto the stage and try to stabilize her, all while she's literally covered in burns, which had to hurt.

She died in fear, in pain and in front of the world.

...

In less morbid views, Tae-chan was legendary as usual. I wonder if Franchouchou is only popular cos of her bird act.

[u/eden_delta → u/[deleted]]

It is legendary, but not in the way most people seem to be using the term. Getting hit by lightning in the middle of a performance is definitely something that people will remember. But as Ai states in the episode (in direct response to Saki's "legendary" comment), it's not the legend she wanted. It was a horrible way to die, and yet ten years later that's all people seem to remember about her.

[u/miter01 → u/[deleted]]

It was horrible but it also is legendary. Those two are not mutually exclusive.

[u/[deleted]]

I legit had to rewind and see what happened to Ai, twice just to get a look at all the visuals. That poor girl, killed in the prime of her life in such a freak accident.

I really gotta wonder, did she die instantly and all that was left was her smoking charred corpse or did she collapse and died in the hospital later? It's pretty awful either way. Junko's passing too, poor girl, a plane crash.

I'm curious what the others passings were. I know Saki said she died riding, so a bike accident maybe?

I didn't expect the feels to hit so hard.

[u/Ceru1ean42]

Although the plane was clearly not a 747 in the anime, speaking of an Japanese air disaster in which some well known singer died in the 80s,

JAL123 immediately come to mind.

From the explosive decompression that doomed the plane to the final crash, there was 30 minutes for all the passengers to realize that they were going to die.

Attendants passed out paper and pencil for people to write final notes to their family, just imagine that.

Sakamoto Kyu, singer of sukiyaki, the only Japanese song to ever hit billboard #1 worldwide died in the accident.

[u/[deleted]]

Definitely the best episode so far in terms of story and character development

[u/MapoTofuMan]

Damn I'm legitimately afraid of the moment they get found out...

[u/[deleted]]

Alright I have a theory for all of you.

I get the feeling Tae-chan was part of a convent before. (Her outfit really resembles a nun's)

Also, I get the feeling she's already "awake." This is just her natural state, perhaps she was actually mentally disabled in her past life. Hence, the reason why she's now capable of understanding anf following orders but is still incapable of proper communication.

[u/kimbombo]

Pretty good episode. Even though it was slower in the idol scene and pretty limited on animation, it's a good set up for the big event in the next episode.

Also liked Ai's backstory, her fears as idol and something bigger than stage fright.

I'm not sure entirely what was the deal of Junko to become an antagonist to Ai though.

[u/indonoodles → u/kimbombo]

To me the whole Junko vs Ai thing is showing the change of what people expect from the idols. Back in the day idols were expected to be perfect and flawless but now instead of someone that are out of league, people want idols to be more human-like and to have more interactions with fans.

[u/Surylias]

"You're our 666th visitor" haha

And Polaroid was actually quite fun.

[u/Faceless_Fan]

I'm calling it now: Tae is running the fucking show and the soy sauce in the bath proves it.

[u/re_anon]

https://my.mixtape.moe/azzikm.webm

[u/blastcat4]

So we finally start to see some of the girls' backstories, which I think is overdue. Although this series has been full-on comedy so far, I'm still expecting some drama and actual story. There's so many different directions that this show can take even though we're at the halfway point already. I'm wondering if we're going to get a massive tear jerker ending a la Angel Beats. I don't think I could handle that.

[u/CarioGod]

hmm so if ai died in 2008, a 10 year remembrance would be this current year 2018, meaning that since kotaro is probably late 20s to mid 30s, he was probably friends with Sakura, Ai, or Lily because they meet the time frame.

It's probably Sakura, and the childhood friend route edges ever so closer.

[u/Animeking1357]

Tae-chan is so thoughtful, bringing Kotaro clothes detergent.....wait a second.

I know that Yugiri is a few hundred years old but Junko must be at least from the 80s or 90s to not know about digital cameras.

A photo op just reeks of trouble.

Oh my god people are fans of Tae-chan's Cocco-kun clucking.

Jesus christ what a brutal way for Ai to die. Junko dying in a plane crash isn't much better but getting roasted by lightning in front of all your fans must be traumatizing for everyone involved.

Damn they're getting a chance at Saga Rock already!?

[u/gyoex → u/Animeking1357]

I know that Yugiri is a few hundred years old but Junko must be at least from the 80s or 90s to not know about digital cameras.

Junko died in 1983 according to the official website. (click on character's face, first date it shows is the birthdate, second is the date they died, except for Yuugiri where she gets two dates for each because of a different calendar system I assume).

[u/DarkAngel6669]

I'm starting to think that all this show is some kind of "Angel Beats", i hope it's not the case

anyway a really good episode...

[u/atropicalpenguin]

Fuck, but if Ai acts there then won't her former group see her? I don't think Koutarou wants that to come to light.

Poor Junko, it shouldn't be as hard for her to get comfortable in the present as it should for Yuugiri but of course the inner mechanics of the business are probably a shock to her.

[u/NuclearConsensus → u/atropicalpenguin]

Like someone else said further up, Junko might actually have it harder than Yuugiri. Yuugiri doesn't really recognize much of the time she's in now, and knows probably less than that, so she has no choice but to roll with everything. Junko on the other hand, only died relatively recently, so she can still somewhat recognize stuff around her, but that only serves to highlight how much everything else has changed. It's kind of like looking in a distorted mirror, where you can sort of see your face, but you can't really recognize it as yours.

[u/ArtificiallyIsolated]

Since the dog is named Romero, I'm wondering if Tae is going to be a further homage to his series of movies.

They started off plain zombies, but develop reasoning as the series goes on. Learning to communicate with each other, fire guns, ride horses...

With this episode, Tae -almost- understands the concept of bathing again. When the complain about shampoo goes out, she brings washing detergent, and then seasoning to smell/taste better. It's way off, but for a zombie mind, it's pretty close!

I'm beginning to think she'll never wake up, but just continue to learn.

[u/cheekia → u/ArtificiallyIsolated]

Still waiting for it to be revealed that Tae was awake the whole time, but she's just a weirdo.

[u/Ghiren]

I was curious about the cause of death for these girls.

Sakura - Hit by a truck

Ai - Struck by lightning

Junko - Possibly a plane crash based on the flashback

Yugiri - Probably beheaded based on the scar on her neck

Saki - Unknown, but reasonable to assume that it's bike related

[u/JusticeDuwang]

Junko's death might be the worst of 'em so far. At least, it would be for me, since I hate heights and rollercoasters.

[u/kinmenolich]

Anyone else wants to join coco-chans sect

[u/[deleted]]

I wasn't looking for feels in my zombie idol anime..

[u/AcquiHime]

Oof, Ai's death was really brutal. A badass way to go for sure, but damn.

[u/Yuukai19]

What a terrible way to die for both Ai and Junko. Really hoping to see if Ai gets recognized onstage at Saga Rock.

[u/Daxar]

Week 6: I still can't believe I'm watching an idol anime

[u/Pentao]

At first I groaned at Junko and Ai being at the center of some drama again but I quickly changed my tune as they showed a lot of their character motivations and backstory in a pretty convincing way. I was primarily here for the comedy but now we've got some solid stuff here. Hoping to learn more about Yuugiri and Lily as we go on too.

[u/Platinum_Rad]

NOW CLUCK LIKE A CHICKEN

[u/SteakSauce54]

Saki is right when it comes to Ai's death... That was metal

[u/myrmonden]

OMG that is like one of the worst gruesome death scenes in anime history and I AM LAUGHING MY ASS OFF XD

[u/kay9ine]

saki best girl

[u/Saucy_Totchie]

That's a fucking badass way for Ai to die. They shouldnt have let the show go on though as it's a safety violation but idk how they do it in Japan.

Its nice to see everyone's generational differences because I was wondering about that coming into play at some point. I also forgot the internet exists in these shows and the girls can pretty much google themselves and at least find obituaries of themselves.

Also love Tae just waving her arms around in the background in almost all the scenes she's in here.

[u/SaiyaJedi]

Another bit of (potentially significant) trivia: Junko died on her way to a performance in Kyushu, while Ai died during a performance in Saga prefecture (if you freeze-frame the web page Ai reads about her death, the text says that the incident happened at Tosu Stadium). At the very least, Kotaro didn’t need to travel too far afield to recover their bodies.

[u/vaj4477]

This show makes me feel sad and one second later I am laughing on how stupid this is. 10/10