Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2: Abiko Samejima takes charge of Tokyo Blade's stageplay script as Akane plans a date with Aqua

Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2, titled The Telephone Game, aired on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 11:00 pm JST. The episode focuses on the changes requested for the Tokyo Blade stageplay script by Abiko Samejima, the original creator, revealing the complications that arise from her request.

Conflicts emerge with Abiko’s demand for a complete overhaul of the script, leading to disputes between the scriptwriter Goa and Abiko. The episode highlights the complexities of adapting a manga into a theatrical play. Ultimately, Abiko decides to rewrite the script herself, placing Goa in a difficult position and showcasing the challenges scriptwriters often face.

As a result, rehearsals are postponed until the new script is completed. The episode also reveals Aqua's lack of interest in stage plays. With rehearsals postponed, they have free time, prompting Akane to take it upon herself to introduce Aqua to the world of theater.

She plans a date with Aqua, bringing him to a Stage Around play to show the impressive side of theatrical productions and change his perception.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Oshi no Ko anime.

Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2: Abiko’s demands raise complications as adaptation complexities are highlighted

Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2 opening events: Abiko demands script revision while more about her is revealed

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Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2 picks up where the previous episode ended, with Tokyo Blade’s original author, Abiko Samejima, joining the stage play rehearsals. She compliments everyone’s acting skills but then shocks everyone by requesting a complete change in the script.

The story shifts back in time to the first staff meeting for the Tokyo Blade stage play. Aqua and Kana Arima arrive together and encounter Melt Narushima, the male lead from Sweet Today.

Melt mentions it has been nine months since they worked together, informs them that he has been honing his acting skills since then, and asks them to criticize his performance if he’s not doing well. After introductions, Akane greets Aqua and offers her help if needed.

A jealous Kana watches from afar and briefly chats with Melt about Akane and Aqua’s relationship. They also talk about their previous project as Melt declares his determination to perform better this time.

Abiko in Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2 (Image by Doga Kobo)

The focus shifts to Abiko and Yoriko Kichijouji, Sweet Today’s author, chatting in a restaurant. It’s revealed that Abiko used to be Yoriko’s assistant. Abiko asks Yoriko about her experiences with her work being adapted into other media and invites her to watch Tokyo Blade’s stage play rehearsal together.

Yoriko agrees but, noting Abiko’s quirky personality and the challenges of having one’s work adapted into other mediums, hopes that everything goes well with the play.

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Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2: challenges of stageplay adaptations are highlighted as Abiko takes charge of the script

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In Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2, the focus returns to the present as Abiko insists on a complete script modification. Producer Raida explains the challenges of such a drastic change just 20 days before the play. Abiko reveals she never fully approved the script and was told she would like it after seeing rehearsals, which she finds disappointing after watching.

Scriptwriter Goa apologizes and offers to adapt the script to her wishes, but Abiko rejects it, expressing discontent with his script. She deems the deviations from her original work unacceptable. Tension rises as she prepares to criticize Goa's abilities as a creator. Yoriko intervenes and pulls Abiko away.

The narrative of Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2 explains the complexities of adaptations, highlighting the common disputes between original creators and scriptwriters stemming from differing opinions and the different needs of various media formats. It emphasizes the key role of communication in these situations.

Usually, communication between the original author and scriptwriter involves multiple intermediaries, often leading to miscommunication and misunderstandings.

Goa and Abiko in Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2 (Image by Doga Kobo)

In a meeting with Raida, Abiko and her editor discuss the situation, while Yoriko, Goa, and Aqua wait outside. Yoriko suggests that Abiko’s dissatisfaction is due to miscommunication. Abiko asserts that the current scriptwriter is unfit to handle her work, noting numerous issues in the script.

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She insists on rewriting the script herself and threatens to revoke permission for the play unless her conditions are met, regardless of the consequences. Abiko declines payment for her scriptwriting and asks Raida to credit and compensate Goa as originally planned, but insists that he must be removed from the project entirely.

Outside, Aqua remarks that Abiko is behaving childishly. Yoriko comments that mangakas are often picky and socially awkward, noting Abiko as an extreme case. Aqua asks Goa about his feelings on the situation, stating that he might be removed from the project if things continue this way.

A dejected Goa shares the challenges scriptwriters frequently encounter, describing their low status and lack of influence in decision-making. He mentions how scriptwriters can easily be replaced and receive criticism for any deviations from the original work, while credit tends to go primarily to the original creator when things go well. They often face pressure from superiors to inject their ideas while striving to produce quality work.

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Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2 closing events: Scriptwriters' struggles are showcased as Akane plans a date with Aqua

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In the closing scenes of Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 2, Raida informs Goa about the situation. Initially, Goa requests to remove his name from the credits due to pride, but Raida explains the complications since the staff has already been announced, leaving Goa disappointed.

Raida acknowledges that he found Goa's script acceptable and apologizes for the circumstances. Goa reluctantly accepts and leaves. At home, Goa reflects on his hard work and sacrifices for the project, feeling dejected despite giving his best effort.

Rehearsals are postponed until the new script is completed, prompting Akane and the others to contemplate the challenges they will face due to the delay. Akane says she wanted extended rehearsals since it's a Stage Around play. Aqua asks what it is. Akane is surprised by his disinterest in stage plays.

Aqua explains his reasons and preference for video content with strong direction. Akane acknowledges the challenges stageplays face but dismisses Aqua's viewpoint as outdated. Given that their upcoming play falls into this category, she insists that Aqua broaden his knowledge of it.

The episode concludes with Akane planning to take Aqua on a date to watch a Stage Around play, to educate him on its immersive qualities, which she believes surpass those of video content.

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Edited by Ahana Mukhopadhyay