BanG Dream! Ave Mujica [Season 1 Episode 12]

BanG Dream! Ave Mujica Episode 12: A Storm of Emotions and Unresolved Mysteries

“Fluctuat nec mergitur.”

That’s Latin for “It fluctuates and does not sink,” and it perfectly encapsulates the essence of BanG Dream! Ave Mujica’s twelfth episode. Directed by Oomori Daichi and written by Yuniko Ayana, this episode serves as a climactic yet bittersweet conclusion to the season, leaving fans both satisfied and hungry for more.

The Plot: A Battle Against Fate

The episode picks up with Sakiko, the enigmatic leader of Ave Mujica, finally confronting the toxic legacy of her family—the Togawa Group. After enduring manipulation and emotional abuse, she reclaims her agency in a powerful moment, declaring her independence from her grandfather’s schemes. Meanwhile, Hatsune (or should we say “Uika”?) reveals the truth about her identity, tying up loose ends while leaving just enough ambiguity to keep fans theorizing.

The emotional core of the episode lies in the bond between Sakiko and Hatsune. Their relationship, whether you interpret it as familial, platonic, or something more, is undeniably intense. Fans have been divided over whether Hatsune’s actions were justified or if her deception went too far. One Reddit user summed it up: “Sakiko had enough of this bullshit and forced her authority as the rightful heiress of the family, practically gaslighting her own grandpa.”

Fan Reactions: Love, Confusion, and Yuri Bait

The episode has sparked heated discussions across forums like MyAnimeList and Reddit. Here’s what fans are saying:

1. The Uika Mystery
   One of the biggest unresolved threads is the fate of the real Uika. Some fans speculated that Hatsune might have been Uika all along, while others joked about a “sister vs. sister” showdown in a future OVA. A MyAnimeList user lamented: “We never get to meet the real Uika, I was coping until the very end.”

2. Sakiko’s Growth
   Sakiko’s character arc has been divisive. Some praised her for finally taking control of her life, while others felt her development was rushed. “From how she acted in episode 10 to this… it practically feels like they skipped an episode,” one fan complained.

3. The Yuri Debate
   As expected from a Yuniko Ayana-penned story, the episode leaned heavily into emotional (and possibly romantic) tension between Sakiko and Hatsune. Fans couldn’t resist shipping them, with one commenter quipping: “Sakiko and Hatsune are aunt/niece no matter, we already know how the Japanese are hahahaha.”

4. The Ending’s Ambiguity
   The episode wrapped up some arcs but left others dangling, leading to mixed reactions. “The storyline wrapped up too quickly, and the development felt like several episodes were skipped,” noted a disappointed viewer. Others, however, found the open-endedness refreshing.

Animation and Music: A Visual and Auditory Feast

Sanzingen’s 3DCG animation continues to impress, with fluid concert scenes and expressive character movements. The episode also played with expectations by swapping the opening and ending themes—a bold move that fans loved. “The ED song becomes the OP song and the other way around. It’s so peak man,” one fan gushed.

Final Thoughts: A Flawed but Satisfying Conclusion

BanG Dream! Ave Mujica Episode 12 delivers an emotional punch, even if it stumbles in pacing. Sakiko’s journey from a pawn in her family’s games to a self-determined leader is compelling, and Hatsune’s revelations add depth to the band’s lore. While some plot threads remain unresolved (looking at you, real Uika), the episode sets the stage for future stories—whether in the game or a potential second season.

As one fan perfectly put it: “The world is healing, and Ave Mujica will cast aside its fate and forge its own destiny!”

Rating: 8.5/10 – A stormy yet rewarding finale that leaves us wanting more.

What did you think of the episode? Let’s discuss in the comments!