Oshi no Ko Season 2 - Episode 13 Review

This episode of Oshi no Ko took a sharp and unexpected turn, weaving a tangled web of irony and emotional complexity. The narrative has officially transitioned into a high-stakes game of revenge, but with Aqua and Ruby now on opposite sides of an unspoken conflict. I couldn't help but marvel at how Aqua’s decision to abandon his pursuit of vengeance, based on a misjudgment, is contrasted by Ruby unknowingly taking up that very revenge, thinking that her "sensei" is long gone—when, in fact, he's right beside her as her twin brother.

Aqua has spent so much time plotting revenge for Ai’s murder, only to let go after mistakenly believing he had achieved closure by dealing with a man who, in reality, still lives. Ruby, on the other hand, now inherits that same desire for retribution without knowing the truth about Aqua’s identity. It's an irony that makes the whole situation even more tragic—Aqua and Ruby are still connected by their shared pain, yet are completely oblivious to how their paths have diverged.

Aqua’s Blind Spot and Ruby’s Determination

What struck me the most is how Aqua, typically sharp and calculating, has become completely unaware of Ruby’s transformation. He’s abandoned his revenge, thinking his task is complete, while Ruby has grown more consumed by the very same mission. Ruby’s unknowing pursuit of vengeance is so raw and intense—it's unsettling to see her evolve into an "edgelord" of sorts, driven by her love for Ai and the pain of losing her doctor.

There’s a poignant sense of tragic irony in how both siblings are so close yet so distant emotionally. Aqua believes they’re on the same page, that Ruby is still the hopeful, determined girl she used to be, when in fact, Ruby has descended into a darker place. The emotional fallout from this misunderstanding is bound to be devastating when they eventually realize they’re no longer fighting the same battle.

Ruby's Newfound Resolve: Star Eyes and Revenge

One of the episode's standout moments is Ruby’s full awakening, with her "star eyes" signifying her deep commitment to revenge. The symbolism of the stars in Oshi no Ko has always been powerful, representing not only ambition but also obsession. While Aqua's single star reflected his wavering between fame and vengeance, Ruby's dual stars scream of an all-consuming drive to avenge both Ai and her "sensei." It’s a chilling parallel, but Ruby seems poised to go further than her brother ever did, potentially losing herself in the process.

In some ways, Ruby might become more dangerous than Aqua, as she’s blinded by her pain and anger. She’s still a teenager, full of raw emotion, whereas Aqua, with the maturity of his previous life, had more restraint. Watching Ruby step into this dark role is as fascinating as it is heartbreaking—her innocence, once her defining feature, is now lost in the pursuit of vengeance.

The Creepy MV: A Reflection of Ruby's Inner Turmoil

The music video at the end of the episode was an unexpected treat, but also a haunting reflection of Ruby’s current state of mind. Mixing the cute, pop aesthetic with eerie, unsettling visuals was a stroke of genius. The contrast between the bubbly tone of the song and the darker undertones in Ruby’s expressions and movements highlighted the dissonance between her outward appearance and the storm raging within her. It's a powerful visual metaphor for how revenge has taken root inside her, distorting everything else.

Seeing the two versions of Ruby—pre and post-revenge—within the same video only underscored how far she’s come. The subtle shifts in her expressions, the way her smile seemed almost forced, gave me chills. The shift in her character is so stark and yet so fluid, and this MV captured that beautifully.

What’s Next for the Twins?

This episode sets up a huge fallout between Aqua and Ruby that will likely come to a head in future episodes. Aqua’s obliviousness to Ruby’s path, and Ruby’s ignorance of Aqua’s choice to abandon revenge, means that their eventual collision is inevitable—and when it happens, it’s going to be explosive. Both twins are driven by their love for Ai, but now that love has taken them down vastly different roads.

It’s clear that Oshi no Ko is continuing to push boundaries, exploring complex themes of grief, vengeance, and the dark side of fame. With Aqua and Ruby heading in opposite directions, the show has managed to maintain a sense of tension and unpredictability, leaving us all wondering how this twisted family drama will resolve itself.

Final Thoughts:

This episode was a masterclass in dramatic irony, with Aqua and Ruby both seeking to protect Ai’s memory in their own ways, yet drifting further apart. The contrast between Aqua’s resignation and Ruby’s fiery determination sets up what could be one of the most emotionally charged arcs in the series. As the twin stars continue to diverge, I can’t help but feel that this tale of revenge will only grow darker from here.

Let’s just hope Aqua and Ruby can find some light before it’s too late.