And so the anime verison of Skip Beat ends. I’m pretty sure most anime only fans are disappointed by the ending, and probably some of the manga fans, are upset by the ending. But I’m alright with it. I was expecting a cliffhanger anyways, even if it had been a 51 episode show, since it [...]
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Shocking!! Next week's episode will be the last episode! With the new OP and ED, I seriously thought that Skip Beat! will run longer. Sigh! Let's hope there will be another season soon.There are 2 parts I really like in this episode. One is the part where Sho shows his obvious jealousy towards the idea of Kyoko and Ren acting together on the same set. LOL Sho is really funny!! The second one is the part where Ren shares his problems with Bo (Kyoko in Chicken Mascot costume) and in the end, realizes that he is starting to fall in love with Kyoko! It's ironic that Kyoko is the one who makes him realize that. With only one episode to go, I wonder how the series will end. It'll definitely show how Ren overcome the hurdle and play his original version of Katsuki. Relationship-wise, I don't think Kyoko will be together with Ren yet. If they are planning for a Season 2, there might be a clifhanger ending. If it's a 'Ren and Kyoko live happily ever after' kind of ending, then it might means the Skip Beat! anime is ending for good.SummaryRen is facing the biggest crisis in his acting life. After completely losing the ability to play the role of Katsuki, he's asked by Ogata to take some time off so that he can find his version of Katsuki. Ren is devastated, and he starts to drink and goes into depression. Ogata feels guilty about giving Ren too much stress but he feels that giving Ren a break is the best way to help out Ren.Meanwhile, after knowing about Kyoko's new acting project with Ren, Sho seems to be indifferent about Kyoko, in front of his manager. However, when he's alone, it's a different story. He's constantly thinking about Kyoko and Ren being a lovey-dovey couple and those thoughts make him angry and frustrated.Kyoko has just finished playing Chicken Mascot (Bo) in the variety show and is on her way to return the Chicken Mascot costume. Kyoko can't help but feel worried about Ren. She can tell that Ren is troubled by something bigger than the retakes he had to do. She debates with herself on whether or not she should give him advice, and if he would even listen to her.While she's still debating with herself, she shockingly finds Ren alone, in a depressed state. She decides to put on the Chicken Mascot costume so that Ren will again share his feelings and troubles with Bo. They talk, and Kyoko finds out about Ren's lack of a love life. Apparently, his lack of love life is keeping him from playing a good Katsuki. In the end, Kyoko, without realizing it, makes Ren see that he is starting to fall in love for the first time, and it's with Kyoko!Back at the filming scene, President Takarada pays Ogata and crew a visit. He unsurprisingly finds Ren to be missing. He asks Ogata to give Ren three more days and if Ren is unable to act as Katsuki after three days, Ogata should remove Ren from the role.PicturesDepressed Ren*Alert* This is only Sho's imagination!Kyoko finds Ren alone, in the 'black hole'.Kyoko is shocked about Ren's lack of love life. Ren blushes! So cute! ^-^Why did Ren pull off Bo's crown?Because Bo (Kyoko) was stomping on an imaginary cockroach (Sho) while listening to Ren.Kyoko: 'Tsugura-kun, have you seen someone's expression or gesture, and thought that that person is pretty or cute and stared at her?'The first person Ren thinks of is Kyoko.President Takarada pays Ogata a visit.Takarada: '...slice away those who doesn't make the cut.'
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Minnie: I have a couple of tests this week but nothing too bad! I’ll be able to blog Chrome Shelled Regios and others this week just fine by this rate. ^^ In any case, I can’t wait for Spring Break! I can type a ton of chapters during that time and blog a bunch of [...]
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Spoilers lie within: Kyoko continues her conversation from the last chapter. Chiori says that it's weird for Kyoko to thank her for such a performance, and Kyoko says it's not the performance - it's what she did off stage. Chiori's actions like tearing up her Kyoko's nameplate or pushing her down the stairs helped to create Kyoko's "Natsu" character. Without Chiori's bullying, Kyoko wouldn't have
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...as my dear kouhai arrives from his business trip to Japan, so does my Hana to Yume magazine with the SIZZLING HAWT Skip Beat Furoku!! *squeals in the corner* Consider this my obligatory "My Skip Beat Kokoro no Tamago is not dead yet!" post, as I am finally In The Zone to catch up with the ongoing anime, after getting stuck at episode 4 a few months ago orz. Pressures from blogging begone! I'd rather watch and love Skip Beat and not just follow it for the sake of blogging. Lazy excuse to not blog about Skip Beat regularly, but makes for a more enjoyable and worthwhile experience for me ^__^ Related posts:Skip Beat Anime KITAAAA!!!! Pandora’s Box, UNLOCK!Holy Shi- It’s A Skip Beat Anime!On Skip Beat Episode 2, a Close Look at the True Believers and Naysayers, and a Challenge!
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Ren can't act!! To be precise, he can't act in love scenes. While, this is expected since we were told about that a long time ago. What I can't understand is why he had to watch the old 'Tsukigomori' when the filming is still going on. As expected, that unconsciously affect his acting. Well, what's done cannot be undone. Given the predictability of Skip Beat!, I guess Kyoko will come to his 'rescue' and help him to overcome this hurdle. The only question is how?SummaryThrough Kyoko's stunning performance as Mio, Ogata is reminded that he wants to create a 'Dark Moon' which is different from the 'Tsukigomori' 20 years ago. In order to achieve that, changing the title and background is not enough, he must come up with a unique take on the characters as well. To surpass the original, he needs the support from all the characters to create an impact.Kyoko is relieved that Ogata has accepted her version of Mio. However, she thinks that Ren may not think likewise and is prepared for Ren to scold her. Surprisingly, he does not intend to. Instead, he says that her Mio is better than what he had expected. This makes Kyoko very happy.Meanwhile, Sho finds out about Kyoko's involvement in 'Dark Moon', in spite of his manager trying very hard to hide it from him. Sho appears very shocked.Despite difficulties in the beginning, Kyoko has continued on to prove that she deserves the role. Even the old actress is convinced that Kyoko's version of Mio has surpassed her own version.Other than Kyoko, Ren's performance is commendable too. So far, Ren is the only one in 'Dark Moon' who hasn't had to retake a scene. However, that record comes to an end when Ren is asked to retake a scene many times. The scene requires Katsuki (Ren) to show mixed emotions towards Mizuki (Itsumi). While acting, Ren finds himself unconsciously thinking about the same scene from the old 'Tsukigomori' he watched the previous night. This causes him to freeze in the middle of the take and he finds it difficult to continue acting.PicturesOgata: “To surpass the original, we need an impact that can overwhelm it.'Ren: 'You suddenly disappeared and made me worry. If you had come back with a bland, ordinary Mio.. I would have snapped so hard that you’d have cried enough tears to last you two or three years.'Ren finishes his shower and sees 'Tsukigomori' DVD on his table. He decides to watch it.Kyoko's acting has impressed everyone, including..the old actress.Kyoko: 'Tsugura is the only one in all of Dark Moon who hasn't had to reshoot a scene for Director Ogata.'Ogata has high expectations for Ren and believes Ren can easily surpass the original.However, the opposite is true and Ren is struggling.
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Skip Beat! 23 We’re now well into the Dark Moon arc, where Tsuruga and Kyoko get to work together on their first major TV drama. It’s a remake of an extraordinarily popular drama from 20 years earlier, and there is a lot of pressure to outdo the original. Kyoko, playing the villainous Mio, has already won over the director and entire cast with her radical new interpretation of the character - even dying her own hair black and cutting it to reveal Mio’s signature facial scar, instead of hiding behind a long wig as the previous Mio did 20 years earlier. This episode introduced the beginning of some serious problems for Tsuruga, as Kyoko surpasses even him in creating her character. We learned a few episodes back that Tsuruga took the role of Dark Moon’s hero Katsuki against the company president’s advice. Now the flaw in Tsuruga’s perfect acting that the president noticed before anyone else is starting to become apparent - he cannot play a romantic lead because he doesn’t understand what it feels like to be in love. This, of course, is pure bullshit, because he’s having dreams about his childhood with Kyoko on the riverbank every 5 minutes. The next few episodes are clearly going to play out as follows: Tsuruga fails miserably at playing Katsuki, is forced to emo out and dig deep inside his own soul, in doing so realizes his major boner for Kyoko, and finally sublimates that desire into an epic characterization of Katsuki for the ages. Can’t wait.
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Given that I had a week long break, I had the intentions to write something but I ended up succumbing to ennui. Much apologies are needed for my dear ghostlightning for I had promised to complete a certain project that he had kindly invited me to take part in. Then again, my lack of activity is [...]
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Minnie: Skip Beat Episode 23 is here! Skip Beat Episode 23 is here! Skip Beat! Episode 23 is here~ I’m so happy to see my favorite current anime updated every week. In any case, I am very busy moving information from this blog to our new server so this might be my last blog entry [...]
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Misinterpreting signals is Kyoko’s specialty. So it seems that Impz is still MIA for Skip Beat! I can only assume that he is deathly afraid of Mio and cowering in fear, so it falls upon me again… At any rate Kyoko was at a loss to figure out the intricacies of her character and starts to [...]
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I'm very happy! For the first time, I'm able to predict Kyoko's thoughts!! I actually manage to predict accurately how she is going to act as Mio! I guess I'm thinking more and more like Kyoko! SummaryWhen asked to explain and carry out the essence of Mio, by the actress who played Mio 20 years ago, Kyoko was left speechless. With that, the old actress wants Kyoko out of the production. However, Ren steps in and asks the old actress to give Kyoko more time.Ren tries to put Kyoko at ease, but Kyoko is still unable get a hold of the role. Facing the adversity of getting into character, Kyoko feels demoralized. However, all of a sudden, she realizes who Mio really is and notices what is missing in her performance. She leaves the filming scene immediately to do what she deems fit.The old actress finds Kyoko's actions very unprofessional and again wants her out of the production. Ren defends her and expresses his belief in her. The Director, Ogata, also decides to believe in Kyoko.After 3 hours of absence, Kyoko returns without her wig and with her hair dyed black. Instead of hiding her scar behind the long hair, she deliberately puts her hair behind the ears to show her scar. When Ren tries to talk to her, she ignores him. It seems like Kyoko is no longer Kyoko. Kyoko is now Mio! The old actress is very angry with Kyoko's intepretation of Mio as it's very different from hers. Ogata also feels that her Mio is too intense. However, again, Ren speaks up for Kyoko and asks Ogata to see what her Mio is like before making a decision.Reluctantly, the old actress gives Kyoko an acting test. Kyoko pulls off an amazing performance and convinces Ogata to accept her Mio!PicturesRen speaks up for Kyoko!Kyoko finally figures out Mio's personality!Kyoko returns with her hair dyed black!Acting test begins!Old actress: 'She doesn’t need a test, she needs a pink slip! Why can’t he pull the trigger on her? That idiotic director!'Ogata: 'I’m okay. I just feel dizzy, my heart’s thumping, and I can’t stop shivering.'Ogata: 'She’s not the Mio from 20 years ago. This is a brand new, reborn Mio. And so, I must create a new world for her to exist in.'
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Minnie: Skip Beat Episode 22 is finally here! I’ve been waiting all day for this episode to subtitle. I don’t even know why Skip Beat is so addicting but after the conclusion of Skip Beat Episode 21, I must find out what happens next! Since today is a Sunday, I will be doing my homework [...]
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Next time you can play hackee sac with Shotaro’s head… With Impz MIA in the Philippines or where ever he is now it has fallen upon me once again to raise the standard of Kyoko in these parts. So this will be a three episode blitz in so that Impz can pick up without delay when [...]
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In this episode, we get more insight into Ren's personality. It's not surprising to hear that Ren has never really fall in love before. So who will his first true love be? Well, the answer is predictable even though I'm actually hoping for an unexpected ending.As for now, it does not seem like it will happen any time soon. Ren is very focus on his new role and so is Kyoko. They are both having their own troubles with the roles. It will be very interesting to see how they (especially Ren) overcome the problems. SummarySawara passes the original novel of the drama series 'Tsukigomori' to Kyoko. She will be playing Mio, the younger sister of a horrible girl who tries to get between the male lead, Ren, and the female lead. On her way out of LME, she hears someone crying in the hallway. When she looks, she finds a fair man in white suit crying. She then sees Ren's manager offering a drink to this man. Since they are talking about Ren, she can't help but to stay and eavesdrop. She's surprised to hear that Takarada, LME President, is against Ren's appearance in the drama. The man, who happens to be the drama's director, Ogata, laments that without Ren in the drama, there is no point in doing it as he won't be able to outdo the original drama, which was shown 20 years ago.Suddenly, Kyoko kneels down in front of them and admits that she has been eavesdropping and since this matter also concerns her, she expresses her desire to openly hear it out until the end. After a short moment, Ogata recognizes her name.Meanwhile, Ren is having a talk with Takarada. Takarada feels that Ren has not really fall in love before and thus is unsuitable for the role. Ren thinks otherwise and feels confident about outdoing what the predecessor had done. Takarada then comments that the girls Ren went out with left him because he's too cold. He tells Ren that when one falls in love, the more serious one is, the less composed one becomes. Ren leaves the room with permission (begrudgingly) from Takarada to act in the drama. Ren is determined that he will be able to outdo the original version no matter what. Still deep in thoughts, Ren hears a scream. Ren knows this voice. It's Kyoko's!Kyoko is upset to hear that she's not acting as a 'wonderful' rich girl. Instead, she's acting as a rich girl, who is filled with deep hatred and has a serious inferiority complex. Ogata is sad when Kyoko says she wants to quit. Ren interrupts the conversation when he realizes that Kyoko will be acting in the drama. Ogata explains that after watching Sho's promo video, he believes that Kyoko will be able to outdo the original Mio as Kyoko has an aura that's 'more evil than the devil and darker than the night'. Upon hearing that, Kyoko feels embarrassed and wants to walk away but Ogata begs her to stay. Ren then surprises everyone by saying that he will appear in the drama. Ogata is very happy to hear that. Kyoko decides to act too as she relishes this opportunity to watch Ren in action.The actual filming begins. Kyoko is having trouble playing Mio. Even after reading through the script thoroughly, Kyoko is not quite sure abour how to play the role. Ren gives her some good advice during the break.The filming restarts. Kyoko, who is still thinking about what Ren has said, totally messes up the first take. The worst thing is the actress who played Mio 20 years ago is present to witness everything. She's very worried that Kyoko will screw up and spoil the reputation of Mio and demands to ask Kyoko some questions to determine if she's qualified to play Mio. If Kyoko fails, she will have to step down from her role. Kyoko answers all the questions perfectly except the last one - why does Mio hate her cousin Mizuki?PicturesOgata - Director of 'Tsukigomori'Takarada: 'No one in their right mind would think your romance scenes are believable.'Kyoko: 'Sorry, it sounded like you were discussing something very serious so I was planning to leave. But now you’ve got me worried, and since I was eavesdropping already, I’d like to openly hear it out until the end.'Ogata: 'She has an aura that's more evil than the devil and darker than the night.''Tsukigomori'
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Minnie: For the next few days, I will be studying for tests. I don’t know how it happen but all my tests are on Monday/Tuesday next week. Coincidential? I hope so. Or else, the professors are scheming to get us. In any case, on a nice sunny day like this, I have to study instead. [...]
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Title: Skip Beat! Vol 17 Author:  Yoshiki Nakamura Publisher: Viz ISBN:  978142523521 May Contain Spoilers The more I read this series, the more I like Ren.  He is a complicated hero, with a dark past and intense, hidden feelings.  His emotions were so out of control when he [...]
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Picking up from where we last left off, Kyoko suggests that Chiori's character should act as her "right hand" in bullying. When the director thinks that the Kaori character would be more suitable, Kyoko says that Kaori is too important, and she'd rather use someone disposable. During filming, she uses a fallen page from Chiori's diary to blackmail her, saying that if Chiori doesn't amuse her,
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Oh boy.. Ren is so serious in this episode. He seems really affected by what Takarada says. He's so affected that he's not even paying attention when Kyoko is sincerely apologizing to him. It's interesting to see how Ren is going to brush up on his 'love' acting for his upcoming drama project. Kyoko will be acting in it too. I wonder if she will be his 'love' partner in the drama.Anyway, new OP and ED. I have originally speculated that Skip Beat! will end at around the 26th Episode. Since there are new OP and ED, I doubt that will be the case since I don't think they will make new OP and ED for just 7 episodes. This is of course, Good news!! \(^.^)/New OP and EDNew OP is 'Renaissance' by The Generous and new ED is 'Eien (永遠)' by Yuusaku Kiyama. I never really like the songs/music in Skip Beat! and after listening to the new OP and ED, I still feel the same way. However, I do like the ED slightly better than the OP.New OP!I love the Chicken vs Sho picture!!New ED!SummaryKyoko and Kotonami bump into Ren, his manager and Maria in the lobby of LME Building. Kyouko is nervous to see Ren. When she greets him, he replies with a sweet voice, so sweet that it awakens Kyoko's little devils. Kyoko can sense that he is still angry. Kyoko tries to apologize for the Fuwa Sho incident but Ren assures her that he is 'not angry' at all. He even asks her about whether her participation in Sho's promo video as part of her revenge plan is a success. Kyoko tries to explain that it's not for revenge, but that only makes Ren more angry. Even his manager can tell he's angry from his facial expression and tone. This leaves Kyoko wonders in agony why he's so angry with her.After that, Ren's manager demands Ren to tell him about Kyoko's relationship with Fuwa Sho. He threatens to break Ren's mobile phone if he doesn't. In the end, Ren reveals nothing and his mobile phone is broken.The next morning, Ren goes to Takarada's mansion to borrow a spare mobile phone from him. Takarada tells Ren that he's worried his future as an actor and warns him about his terrible 'love' acting. Ren seems to be bothered by his comments.Kyoko receive good news from Sawara about her next job: a TV drama series! And not just a normal drama but a remake of a big hit series 20 years ago. Kyoko is shocked that she's selected for such a big production. Sawara explains that the main producer of Sho's promo video has recommended her to the producer of the drama series for this role. He falls in love with Kyoko's acting in the promo video and wants her to play the role. Kyoko is very happy to hear that. Just as she is about to agree, Sawara reveals that Ren will be the lead of the series. Kyoko is shocked to hear that and she asks for some time to consider it.Meanwhile, Ren is in the car with his manager. He notices that Ren looks a little out of sorts and asks him if it's about Kyoko. The question almost kills Ren. Ren insists he doesn't care about Kyoko. Ren says that Kyouko is still in high school, and that it's not right for a 20 years old guy to date a high school girl. There is no way he can feel passion for a kid like her. But his manager says that girls mature much faster than boys. He adds that girls, especially those who are performers, then to improve very fast and start to become more and more beautiful. Ren ponders over his words.Kotonami is shocked to hear Ren talking about Kyoko's revenge plan against Fuwa Sho. She decides to ask Kyoko more about it. Kyoko is initially reluctant to say anything but after Kotonami threatens to break their friendship, Kyoko reveals everything. Kotonami feels that Ren is angry either because he's jealous or he has seen through Kyoko's lies.In the lift, Kyoko thinks about what Kotonami says and she believes that the latter must be the reason and resolves to apologize to Ren the next time she sees him. In this way, she can also enjoy her new job. At this very moment, the lift door opens, the first people she sees are Ren and his manager! She's shocked and responded by closing the lift door immediately. However, she feels that she really needs to apologize and so she gets out of the lift and waits outside the lift Ren and his manager are in. When they come out of the lift, they find Kyoko on her knees apologizing.Ren and his manager give Kyoko a ride. Kyoko tells his manager about her relationship with Sho. She also sincerely apologizes to Ren. Ren's manager is excited about her words, but Ren just smiles and says he believes her. That's enough to make Kyoko happy.When they arrive at their destination, Ren leaves with a serious face. His mind is thinking about what Takarada had said earlier.PicturesTakarada: 'You can fool the whole of Japan, but you can’t fool me, Ren. Your ‘love’ acting is terrible!'*Satan!In Ren's mind, he's thinking about what Takarada had said - 'Ren, do you understand? You aren’t fit for this role.'
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Minnie: SKIP BEAT EPISODE 20 IS HERE!!! Yes, caps lock is necessary for this. I really love Skip Beat Ep 18 and Skip Beat Ep 19. Will Skip Beat Ep 20 be as fabulous as its two predecessors? Last episode, I predicted that Ren will revert to his old self back in Episode 2 towards [...]
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Skip Beat! 19 Wow, I haven’t blogged this in forever but I’ve been watching it devotedly and I have to say, THIS is where things get good. This episode was everything I hoped this show would be from the beginning, and it’s just a pity it’s taken almost 20 episodes to develop to this point. The rising actress Kyoko costars in her childhood-friend-turned-arch-enemy Fuwa Sho’s new music video. She plays an angel who must kill her best friend’s lover, a sexy visual-kei style devil, played by Sho, to save her friend’s life. Kyoko gets deep into character by pretending her angel best friend is her first true friend in real life, Mouko. After consulting Mouko, Kyoko is overcome by grief at the thought of being despised by her best friend for killing the man she loves, but still places the life of her friend above all else. So she pulls off an inspired bit of method acting, strangling Sho to death atop a tower while crying gently (overcoming her initial impulse to go evil Kyoko on her nemesis’ ass). The weight of committing her first sin turns the angel mad (screenshot!). Extra juicy shoujo romance factors beyond the awesomeness of Kyoko really coming into her own as an acting talent include Sho’s reactions to the new and improved Kyoko. Honestly, who doesn’t love the theme of a scorned woman coming back stronger, more successful, more beautiful and with a cooler boyfriend (Tsuruga Ren!?!) to one-up the douche who scorned her. Sho is clearly starting to obsess over Kyoko in this episode. He messes up his take after seeing Kyoko cry, remembering how he could never bear watching her cry when they were children. Heartthrob Ren, shooting overseas on location, also got a little bit of screentime, proving he is defs cluelessly smitten with Kyoko because he checks messages from her and returns her calls immediately despite ignoring all other calls while he’s working. However, dickhead Sho snatches Kyoko’s mobile and hangs up on one of these calls at the end of this episode, making a snarky comment at Ren to further cement their bishounen rivalry. Pretty boy battle of the century!
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