UlasanAnime.com – The question of whether there are too many idols in IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls is a complex one, and the answer lies not in the sheer number, but in the quality of their portrayal once production overhead is managed.
A critique from Evirus, found at karmaburn.com, suggests that the anime has become overcrowded with Cinderella Girls. Initially, during the first cour, the show seemed to focus on the 14 main idols, a strategy that worked for its predecessor. However, the current season appears to be introducing an ever-increasing number of the game’s vast roster of idols, likely in an attempt to satisfy fans of lesser-known characters with brief appearances.
This approach, according to the critique, dilutes the overall effectiveness of the show, leading to a somewhat underwhelming second half of the Cinderella Girls anime. The critic expresses a desire for more screen time dedicated to the ostensible lead trio, New Generations, rather than brief cameos for niche characters.
While the request for more focus on the main characters is understandable, it might not align with the core philosophy of THE iDOLM@STER franchise. The first season, like the second, couldn’t possibly dedicate extensive time to all 14 main idols. Instead, idols were grouped, integrated into interpersonal relationships, and featured in group-centric episodes when their turn came.
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For instance, the Miria episode in season 1, where she merely tags along with Rika, pales in comparison to her potential for development in season 2. The sentiment expressed by Evirus can be interpreted as a common desire for deeper development of the main characters, which is a valid point. However, this is not necessarily “the IM@S way.”
Furthermore, the New Generations unit itself is considered somewhat unremarkable. There are valid reasons why characters like Yorita or Momoka have dedicated fans. Even in episode 17, the presence of these minor characters, intended as fanservice, arguably detracted from what could have been a great episode. A look at the regular elections in the game reveals that the New Gen girls were only moderately popular before the anime adaptation. Despite being spotlighted as “lead” characters, they struggle to carry the show single-handedly, a reality that is both a cynical observation and true to the overarching theme of IDOLM@STER.
[It is heartwarming to see Mio gain a fanbase now.]
Hints of the TriPri unit have also been dropped, suggesting a potentially complex narrative development ahead. When the Cinderella Project was first announced, there was some apprehension, with doubts about Uzuki and Mio’s ability to carry the show.
To directly address the question posed in the title: one idol is too many if it’s the wrong one. The anime, limited by time and resources, can only showcase a certain number of characters with adequate attention. The formula adopted by the Deremas anime, based on the original Animas, necessitates complex character development through intercharacter exploration, which further restricts the number of idols that can be meaningfully featured. There will inevitably be instances where idols who might not be of primary interest to the audience take center stage.
It’s possible the critique stems from a knee-jerk reaction to episodes that showcase a wider array of idols, especially given that the first four episodes of season 2 all shared a similar focus on extra idols. However, thus far, these instances have been integrated within the narrative context of the week. This is the most that can reasonably be expected from the show.
The fundamental concept of Cinderella Girls is to ensure that viewers find at least one idol they care about, rather than trying to promote a select few. This inherently means encountering many idols the viewer may not connect with to reach the ones they do.
If the production team can consistently create episodes with the craft seen in episode #17, the specific idol featured becomes less critical, as quality takes precedence. That episode demonstrates that minor characters can be effectively showcased while delivering an excellent viewing experience. Quantity, in this context, is merely an obstacle that requires skillful management.
The proposed compromise is that the writing must thoughtfully account for this aspect. If the “Big Sisters” moment in a particular episode didn’t resonate, the entire episode might feel somewhat dry. While it’s impossible to please everyone, this is a challenge faced by all prior episodes. Ultimately, the success hinges on the quality of the execution.
PS. The linked article discusses someone who, in the author’s opinion, doesn’t appreciate the right idol within the show.
