Overview
- Aqua had the potential to transcend his quest for vengeance, liberating himself from the shackles of hatred while embracing personal responsibility.
- Following the fulfillment of his revenge, Aqua’s actions, including honoring promises and progressing in life, contributed to an ending that many found satisfying.
- The narrative structure faltered, particularly in the movie arc, where reliance on shock and humor undermined the overall storytelling experience.
Last year marked the conclusion of Oshi no Ko, finalizing a gripping narrative centered around the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, the intricate web of relationships, and the personal evolution of its characters. However, many viewers found the conclusion to be unexpectedly “anti-climatic.”Aqua, after achieving his vendetta, ultimately took his life, blaming his father, Hikaru, as they both succumbed to fate’s grasp.
One interpretation suggests that Aqua may have felt unworthy of existence following his revenge; however, Ruby’s happiness frequently served as a poignant reminder that his demise would deeply impact her, despite the completion of his goals. Intended as a critique of cyclical hatred and the struggle against destined outcomes, the conclusion seemed to forfeit these themes.
Alternate Endings Explored
A fan-created alternate ending, crafted by 半吊子Bill on YouTube, envisions a different fate for Aqua. In this narrative, instead of ending his life, Aqua recognizes his intrinsic worth and steps away from the darkness of vengeance. He retains accountability for his actions, knowing he took a life, yet he walks a path towards redemption, much like in previous chapters where the rationale for his actions is explored.
He cleverly assumes his father’s identity to create a witness—thinking Hikaru is still alive, which subsequently influences how the authorities later evaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Aqua next attends B-Komachi’s final performance, supporting Ruby and honoring a promise made to Kana, evoking nostalgia from their inaugural concert together. This moment is noted by Akane, who keeps Aqua’s secrets. Though he grapples with his ghosts, Aqua gradually finds a way to move beyond his past, fulfilling commitments to Ai, allowing Ruby to find closure, ultimately leading to a fulfilling ending.
Plot Missteps
The proposed fan-ending demonstrates that not all plot elements required alteration for a different narrative trajectory. Nevertheless, one specific arc—the movie segment where Aqua and Ruby enact their parents’ history—encountered notable storytelling failures. When they share an on-screen kiss, Kana, reflecting audience sentiments, critiques the awkwardness of depicting incestuous relationships. Instead of probing this complex topic further—which could have provided critical commentary on the entertainment field where such situations tragically occur—the scene relied heavily on shock value and comedic relief.
Additionally, once Ruby discovers Aqua’s true identity, she begins to pursue him romantically. This plot point could have been further unpacked, exploring her childhood infatuation rooted in a “promise”by Goro from their previous lives. Yet, it feels underdeveloped; Aqua doesn’t adequately address this, despite having previously distanced himself from such drama.
It isn’t until a dream sequence, where Aqua reconciles his past identity as Goro and acknowledges Ruby as his sister, that any semblance of resolution emerges. Although Ruby appears to move on, this character development is never fully articulated, leaving audiences yearning for clarity. Given Aqua’s long-standing perception of Ruby as his sister and Sarina merely as a patient, character boundaries should have been established earlier. This lapse created missed opportunities for growth and deeper explorations within the entertainment industry, ultimately detracting from the story’s potential impact.
Reflecting on Previous Works
Following the conclusion of the author’s previous series, Kaguya-sama: Love is War, readers noted a similarly disjointed finale, raising concerns that Oshi no Ko might face a comparable fate. Many felt that the rapid pacing of events indicated a rushed conclusion. Given the mixed reactions to Oshi no Ko‘s ending, there is hope that the same mistakes will not recur in future projects.
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