BanG Dream! Ave Mujica [Season 1 Episode 13]

BanG Dream! Ave Mujica Episode 13 Review: A Grand Finale or a Missed Opportunity?

The final episode of BanG Dream! Ave Mujica’s first season, titled Per aspera ad astra, has left fans divided. Some hail it as a spectacular conclusion, while others feel it missed the mark by focusing too much on fan service rather than resolving lingering plot threads. As a passionate follower of the BanG Dream! franchise, I dove into the discussions to see what the community had to say—and boy, were the opinions fiery.

The Good: A Musical Extravaganza

Let’s start with the undeniable highlight: the music. Episode 13 was essentially a 20-minute concert featuring both Ave Mujica and MyGO!!!!!, delivering four new songs—three from Ave Mujica and one from MyGO. Fans couldn’t stop raving about the performances, with many calling them “explosive” and “alluring.” One user on MyAnimeList described it as “a better Bandori film live for a moment,” praising the improved 3D animation and vocal performances.

Ave Mujica’s songs, in particular, stood out for their darker, more theatrical tone, perfectly aligning with the band’s gothic aesthetic. Uika’s smirk and Sakiko’s grin during their performances were repeatedly mentioned as standout moments, adding layers of personality to the characters. Meanwhile, MyGO’s return was a nostalgic treat for fans who had followed their journey in It’s MyGO!!!!!. Their second song, Tanebi, was especially well-received, with one fan noting it was a callback to their earlier work.

The Bad: Unresolved Drama and MyGO’s Dominance

However, not everyone was satisfied. A vocal segment of the audience felt that the episode leaned too heavily into fan service at the expense of storytelling. One frustrated fan ranted, “I’m SO FUCKING SICK OF MyGO. This is THE final episode, and we wasted OVER HALF THE EPISODE for MyGO? It also ENDED WITH MYGO and NOT Ave Mujica. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?”

The criticism here is valid. While the musical performances were stellar, many hoped for more closure on Ave Mujica’s darker, more complex narrative threads—like Sakiko’s abandonment issues, Uika’s mysterious past, and the unresolved tension between Mutsumi and Sakiko. Instead, the episode glossed over these in favor of a celebratory tone, leaving some fans feeling cheated.

Another point of contention was the sudden shift from intense drama to pure concert vibes. One user pointed out, “The whole late third part of the season is iffy. It felt like a segment of one of the Film Lives rather than a proper finale.” The abrupt tonal change left some viewers disoriented, especially after episodes filled with heavy themes like mental illness and familial strife.

The Ugly: Fan Service Overload?

Then there’s the elephant in the room: the ahem generous focus on Umiri’s… assets. Multiple fans jokingly (or not-so-jokingly) called out the excessive “ass shots,” with one remarking, “I’m no prude, but these SO don’t belong here. They clearly ran out of story ideas.” While fan service is nothing new in anime, its prominence in an otherwise serious finale felt jarring to many.

The Verdict: A Bittersweet Sendoff

Despite the criticisms, the episode succeeded in one crucial aspect: it left fans hungry for more. The announcement of a sequel (or possibly a movie) has reignited excitement, with many hoping it will address the unresolved arcs. As one fan put it, “This episode was a nice release after 3 months of buildup and anxiety. Truly a magical experience.”

In the end, BanG Dream! Ave Mujica Episode 13 was a mixed bag. It delivered breathtaking performances and emotional highs but stumbled in balancing its musical spectacle with narrative closure. Whether you loved it or hated it, one thing’s for sure: the BanG Dream! universe isn’t done with us yet.

Final Rating: 7.5/10 – A flawed but unforgettable finale that sets the stage for something bigger.

What did you think of the episode? Let’s keep the discussion going in the comments!