Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – episode 10 is a beautiful episode that delivers the payoff I’ve been waiting for several episodes now. The animation and music is really great, and the episode certainly shows all five girls put their differences aside after many episodes full of turmoil.
For most of episode 10, I thought I was witnessing the conclusion to the series. The stage calls to the Ave Mujica band, and the whole arc involving Sakiko and Mutsumi feels completely resolved. However, this episode subverts my expectations in a really good way, and I have so many questions about what’s next.
Spoiler warning: there will be story spoilers ahead for episode 10, including plot points, reveals, and major character choices.
Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – Episode 10 Finally Addresses Uika and Nyamu’s Inner Demons
Ave Mujica episode 10 did open exactly as I expected, with the five girls still experiencing some friction when Sakiko attempts to reach out to “Mutsumi.” As we last saw in episode 9, it’s Mortis has now taken over after Mutsumi’s personality fell into that dark mental abyss, resulting in Mortis needed to mimic playing the guitar. Sakiko takes notice that Mutsumi isn’t really there anymore, and Mortis breaks down due to the stress of the whole situation.
At first, I thought this episode was going to retread old ground between Sakiko and Mutsumi, but it instead put the spotlight on Nyamu and Uika, who both spent some time together. They’re polar opposites, but Nyamu and Uika both have something to gain, despite Nyamu’s attitude toward everyone. Uika is desperate to earn Sakiko’s approval, while Nyamu is as eager to earn Mutsumi’s approval, and they’re the pieces that make this group really shine.
Uika is very attached to Sakiko, and that relationship brings a new dynamic to the group that I really found interesting. It’s intriguing to see Uika essentially obsess over Sakiko in a way that’s deeply contrasts with what her initial appearance suggested at the start of Ave Mujica. In a roundabout way, Uika’s plight mirrors what Nyamu has been going through, as she can’t get over how talented Mutsumi is.
Finally Back on Stage
After witnessing Uika in a less-than-desirable state, Nyamu takes her phone and sends Uika’s long message about needing Sakiko into the band’s group chat. This seems really mean at first, but Nyamu is finally being proactive about the group’s reunion, and the two finally confront Sakiko at the Togawa Estate. Nyamu finally admits that she needs Ave Mujica, and although Uika is hesitant and somewhat embarrassed, it’s obvious she feels the same way.
The situation makes Sakiko glance through her notebook once more for advice, which finally gets her to act. Ironically, Sakiko’s selfish past with Ave Mujica is what makes her reunite the band, taking the reigns and acknowledging that the lives of Umiri, Nyamu, Mutsumi, and Uika are bound to her. The episode is especially poetic when Nyamu and Uika finally admit their true feelings toward Mutsumi and Sakiko, before Ave Mujica finally goes back on stage for their latest performance.
Episode 10 Brings a Stunning Performance and An Equally Stunning Hint
Ave Mujica’s stellar performance takes up half of the episode, and in a way, it feels like a celebration of the anime up to this point. Uika’s incredible vocals shine in the two songs that were performed, and her emotions are palpable in each song. The first song was inspired by the text that Nyamu forcibly sent on Uika’s phone, and it essentially conveys those difficult feelings and the band’s yearning to finally be together.
The song was a great opening act that leads into a symphonic metal performance that I’ve been wanting for so many episodes. Uika sang her heart out for nearly ten minutes in what felt like a conclusive episode, with everything feeling like it has come full circle for Ave Mujica. The animation during the performance was brilliant, and the music was equally as special.
Just as the episode is about wrapped up, there’s still one last scene between Uika and Sakiko. Uika is in a cheery mood again, but Sakiko seems somewhat distant. Uika asks Sakiko about potentially moving back into her attic, but the two are interrupted by what appears to be Sakiko’s grandfather and leader of the Togawa Group.
Sakiko’s stoicism is broken by what her grandfather says, as he directly speaks to Uika and calls her “Hatsune.” He tells Uika to go back home, and the episode ends what is another hint into Uika’s past. I’m incredibly intrigued by what the episode will bring, especially since Ave Mujica is now back in good terms on the surface. I’m very much pleased with everything episode 10 brought, so the next episode has to meet high expectations.
Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast – is streaming right now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes premiering on Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. PST.
