User blog:Burbsshii/Episode 1 Review and Aikatsu on Parade Timeline?

Hello everyone! Here's what I have to say about the new main character and the first episode.

Kiseki Raki possess traits and quirks we already see from past characters like Ichigo, Yume, Aine, Wakaba and even Koharu. From the usual happy-go-lucky, hardworking personality that all Aikatsu main characters seem to have to the endearingly cute way she gets lost in her fantasies/dreams and also literally getting lost (ala Yume), we've seen it all. So far, nothing sets her apart from her predecessors (nothing that comes to mind yet) but Raki all-in-all is a very likeable and fun character. Although I wouldn't say she's unique or any different from all the idols we've had so far and that's not necessarily a bad thing but we all like to see someone different pop up once in a while, right?

I have to say though the OP song is pretty good. Not Start Line/Start Dash Sensation/Music of Dream/Shining Line tier but Your Entrance is definitely up there on the Best Aikatsu OP songs list for me. Partnered with a cute opening sequence with all our favorite past characters appearing one after another, it is an absolute treat especially to those who have been a fan of the series since OGkatsu. The ED song Idol Activity, although a new version of a fairly old aikatsu song, succeeds at taking us seasoned aikatsu fans to a feels trip. The new arrangement gives off a very nostalgic sound and I couldn't help but tear up hearing it for the first time.

The first episode was pretty decent. Not enough to dethrone Aikatsu Stars' first episode in my list but good enough to make it to second. I was kind of disappointed that they recycled Pure Palette's performance but Raki's performance made up for it (flashback to Yume's cute Star Jet performance, anyone?). And her aura! Not very flashy but still pretty, just the way I want auras to be. I love the golden yellow ribbons and winged stars, as well.

My hopes/expectations for the new series? I only have two, really. First off, I hope we don't get as much recycled performances/songs like in the case of AiFriends, and second, with Raki's sister's introduction as an Aikatsu Engineer, I hope they shine light upon the secrets and go more into detail about the Aikatsu System.

PS. I'm kind of confused about the timeline Aikatsu on Parade is on (if it's even following the canon timeline for all Aikatsu series anyway). If I'm not mistaken, the series should take place just before Pure Pallette got their Pure Shining Coords in AiFriends?? And right before or after Laura left in Aikatsu Stars?? I'm not entirely sure.

However, although it doesn't say much because we only have a preview of next week's episode and it was only a poster, let me just point out that Mahiru's Daylight Festival Coord didn't have its wings, and we don't see any of  Laura despite the main AiStars gang being present in the preview. Which leads me to suspect that they had retconned the AiStars and AiFriends Universe (which means the Star Premium Coords, Sun Dresses and PP's Pure Shining coords are all goners *sob*sob) or it has deflected from the canon events all together >..<  I hope I'm wrong though...

What do you guys think?