There was a lot of uncertainty regarding the band at the end of Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – episode 4, with the core of its issues stemming from Mutsumi. Despite her best efforts, it was clear that Mutsumi couldn’t do enough, as a false sense of security only delayed the inevitable. In episode 5 of Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast –, the events of the past four episodes built up to what is possibly the worst case scenario for Sakiko.
Spoiler warning: there will be story spoilers ahead for episode 5, including plot points, reveals, and major character choices.
If episode 4 was the epitome of thrilling, episode 5 would be the complete opposite, for a very good reason. Sakiko’s fears became very real, as Ave Mujica was disbanded on stage, and her dreams are seemingly dashed. The episode begins at what feels like a bad ending, as Mutsumi is at her wits end, with everyone packing their bags to call it quits.
Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – Episode 5 Feels like a Bad Ending
Sakiko, Mutsumi, Uika, Umiri, and Nyamu all head their separate ways, and despite being in proximity to each other at school or work, it’s clear that there’s some hesitance and resentment in the air. The Ave Mujica dream is now dead and the buzz of the disbandment has taken over. Sakiko has a poker face for a majority of the episode as she returns back to her normal life as a student, while her deadbeat father drinks away in sorrow and regret. Ave Mujica episode 5 paints the picture of the reality that Sakiko ran away from, and the fact that she’s back in it is very poetic.
Roughly 10 to 11 minutes of episode 5 has no background music, and and its absence really enforces the mundane reality of Ave Mujica’s members heading down their own paths. Out of everyone, Uika seems to be the one taking the disbandment in the most reasonable way, since she’s concerned about Sakiko’s safety, and the feeling of not being in contact with everyone else weighs down on her. Although Sumimi, comprised of Uika and Mana Sumida, is back in action, there’s a hole in Uika’s heart now that was once filled by Ave Mujica. Uika worries often about Sakiko, but she doesn’t get any reassurance in this episode.
Is There Hope in CRYCHIC’s Remnants and MyGO!!!?
Despite how bleak the situation seems to be, there is a faint glimmer of hope when Tomori and Anon catch onto Sakiko. Their involvement brings a unique perspective as they’re both linked to Sakiko through CRYCHIC and MyGO!!!, and it’s clear that Sakiko’s involvement with Ave Mujica caused some rifts between them and her. Tomori reminisces about her friendship with Sakiko, and despite causing Sakiko some frustration with a locker note, it’s clear that she still cares about her. Back home, Sakiko makes it devastatingly clear that she feels like a failure to her deceased mother.
After much anticipation from BanG Dream MyGO!!!, Ave Mujica episode 5 gives some much needed developments between Sakiko, Tomori, and Anon, with the three girls heading to the Togawa Estate after school. Sakiko is still emotionless, causing Tomori to have a sort of outburst near the end of the episode to set up what’s to come next. So far, it seems like Tomori could be the key that gets Sakiko back in the right mindset to bring Ave Mujica back together, but that’s only my guess.
Mutsumi’s Shadow Still Lingers in this Great Episode
Ave Mujica episode 5 brought Sakiko back to the bottom, but she can absolutely go up from here. I think this episode drove home that these girls may feel okay not being in Ave Mujica for now, but the time away from the limelight will show that each of them brought something great to band. I’m very curious to see what Uika will do next, and I think Tomori could be a very important character going forward as Ave Mujica’s members navigate their way through this rut.
Lastly but certainly not least is Mutsumi, who is completely broken down at the end of the episode. Although she was only in this episode for a few moments, Mutsumi and Soyo had a very memorable scene that reminds me of Ave Mujica’s dark narrative once more. Mutsumi is clearly in trouble with her split personality, and with Soyo being terrified by her behavior, I’m eager to see how Soyo could help her former bandmate.
Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – is streaming right now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes premiering on Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. PST.
