Following on from "Wake Up, Girls! - Seven Idols (The Movie)" this series follows the eponymous idol group as the struggle to get noticed in their native Sendai before they ultimately compete to take on 'I-1 Club'; the group one of them used to belong to. Over the course of the series we see them struggle against those who would exploit them and the pressures of rising to the top. There are some dark moments but this is essentially a feel-good series. While the series obviously focuses on 'Wake Up Girls' (WUG) we also see the very different was 'I-1 Club' works; rather than friends pulling together it is an idol factory where those who slip up or don't behave according to their management's rules are quickly dropped. We also see why WUG's star, Mayu Shimada left the 'i-1 Club' and became disenchanted with being an idol until she joined the very different WUG.
Before watching this it is advisable to watch the film as that serves to introduce most of the key characters and shows the formation of the group; in fact it can be looked on as the pilot episode. I enjoyed that and if anything enjoyed the series more; the characters develop nicely and although we can guess they will ultimately succeed there are enough bumps on the way to show that life as an aspiring pop star isn't exactly a bed of roses. The darker moments only serve to make the happier times even more fun and these will put a smile on the viewer's face. There are plenty of amusing moments and some catchy song and dance moments; these are well animated. Overall a fun series with some darker moments; well worth watching.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Before watching this it is advisable to watch the film as that serves to introduce most of the key characters and shows the formation of the group; in fact it can be looked on as the pilot episode. I enjoyed that and if anything enjoyed the series more; the characters develop nicely and although we can guess they will ultimately succeed there are enough bumps on the way to show that life as an aspiring pop star isn't exactly a bed of roses. The darker moments only serve to make the happier times even more fun and these will put a smile on the viewer's face. There are plenty of amusing moments and some catchy song and dance moments; these are well animated. Overall a fun series with some darker moments; well worth watching.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
