Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 review: Yuki and Masachika share the spotlight in Doga Kobo's excellent production

Under the production of Doga Kobo, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 came out on September 11, 2024. The episode, titled Unexpected Curtain-Raiser, saw the esteemed studio focus on Yuki and Masachika's dynamic, with Alya acting as the plot device to highlight their characters.

The narrative has already established how gifted Yuki and Masachika are, in respect to their strategic skills. However, until the latest episode, Doga Kobo didn't explicitly reveal their competitive dynamic. Yet, the penultimate episode witnessed why Yuki and Masachika share the same blood, with competitiveness running through their veins.

Yuki Suou played a cunning game to plummet Alya's confidence in the elections, but Masachika assured the girl and vowed to challenge his sister. Undoubtedly, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 has set the perfect stage for the grand finale, where Masachika will reveal her trump card.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 review: Doga Kobo expertly showcases Yuki Suou's cunning plan against Masachika and Alya

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The narrative for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 was a major shift from the previous installments, showing Yuki Suou in a new light. With Masachika down with fever and cold, it was the perfect chance for his sister to play her cards and gain ascendency in the election proceedings.

She knew Alya would be vulnerable without Masachika's help, and that's why it was the grand opportunity to rattle her before the closing ceremony. Yuki informed Alya about Masachika Kuze's illness and told her to give him his usual medicines. Following Yuki's instructions, Alya went to Kuze's home, made some porridge and borscht, and ensured he took his medicines.

Interestingly, Yuki sent Ayano as well to Kuze's home to look after him. The Suou family's maid, who knew about Yuki's plan, followed her orders and gave him the same medicines. Interestingly, the medicines made Masachika oversleep.

Masachika Kuze, as seen in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

He checked the package and found that the medicines had drowsiness as a side effect. As a result, Masachika Kuze overslept and couldn't go to school early. So, what was Yuki's plan?

According to Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11, Yuki Suou wanted to invite Alya to a PA broadcast show in school and rattle her confidence. After instigating Alya to join the show, she narrated a sob story to confuse the girl.

Yuki's ploy worked, as Alya was lost in thoughts and couldn't answer why she wanted to become the student council president. Suou perfectly knew that Masachika wouldn't have allowed Alya to participate, or perhaps, prepared Alya better to tackle her psychological strategies.

Hence, she conveniently chose Masachika's illness as the time to hold the broadcast. It was too late for Masachika because by the time he reached the school, the broadcast was over.

Doga Kobo faithfully adapted the events from SunSunSun's light novels in Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11, showcasing Yuki's competitive side and cunning strategy.

Alya, as seen in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

Aside from some cute moments featuring Masachika and Alya, the episode was more centered on drama, with Yuki and Masachika sharing the same spotlight. The boy knew what Yuki was capable of, but he didn't anticipate she would make her move then.

On the other side, Alya is a hardworking and earnest girl, who doesn't have the political brain of Yuki. She failed to see through her ploy, and thus, she ended up being dazed.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 review: Doga Kobo shows a different side of Masachika

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Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 was the perfect penultimate installment to the season as it focused not only on Yuki but also on Masachika Kuze. After learning about the whole situation from Alya, Masachika felt goosebumps and smirked the same way his sister did.

The boy's expressions and change of tone intrigued Alya as if she were witnessing a completely different person. The scene further proved why Masachika and Yuki were truly siblings.

Meanwhile, Masachika could understand Alya's distress, so he assured her that everything would be fine. He instilled hope in Alya and reminded her why she would be deserving as the student council president.

Masachika Kuze assures Alya in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

Doga Kobo captured Alya and Masachika's scene straight from the light novel, highlighting their chemistry further. Following that, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 saw Taniyama and Nonoa enter the classroom to apologize to Alya.

Masachika Kuze realized Taniyama wanted to repay Alya's kindness, so he thought of a plan. However, Doga Kobo didn't reveal Kuze's plan in the episode, perhaps to save it for the grand finale. Yet, the studio showcased the competitive side of Masachika, as he vowed to take on his sister on her game.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 review: Masachika and his mother

Masachika Kuze and his mother (Image via Doga Kobo)

Aside from Yuki and Masachika's dynamics, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 teased the boy's relationship with his mother. In the previous episode, Masachika's mother turned her face away from her boy after seeing him in the school's hallway.

Masachika too gritted his teeth, evidently displeased to see his mother. Doga Kobo adapted the epilogue (A Past Best Forgotten) from volume 4 of light novels in Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 to highlight their relationship.

Masachika's mother turns her face away from the boy (Image via Doga Kobo)

It was implied that Masachika wanted his mother to acknowledge his efforts. However, the boy's unexpected talents and growth in everything he touched, scared her mother. Eventually, one day, when Masachika tried to impress his mother with a piano piece, she snapped at him.

His mother's words and cold behavior left a traumatic imprint on the boy's mind. Doga Kobo has portrayed Masachika's trauma in the latest episode. While the studio couldn't completely cover the epilogue, it nonetheless gave fans enough clues to figure out Masachika and his mother's relationship.

Conclusion

Alya takes care of Masachika (Image via Doga Kobo)

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 11 was embedded with different flavors. However, the episode's major highlight was Yuki and Masachika's dynamic, which Doga Kobo has expertly showcased.

Besides that, the episode saw Alya's insecurities, Ayano's unbelievable commitment to Yuki's orders, and Masachika's relationship with his mother. In other words, the episode had multiple elements fused to create a fascinating narrative.