Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus Ep.02 - Jealousy! I understand you Ouka!

Episode 2 of Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus is another solid installment, exploring more of Ouka's past and relationships. When the group found themselves stranded after failing to pay for the venue where they planned to perform, Ouka took the lead to find them a new place to perform.

This leads them to a rural school where Ouka apparently studied, allowing the circus girls to interact with many different people. It was a good experience, even if it doesn't help much with the circus’s disastrous financial situation. I understand that they are betting everything on Mizuka, but...

Just look at what an angry face she does when she noticed that her wife is being stolen. Ouka truly is the yuri heroine of the season.

The culprit that Ouka would've never expected to declare her animosity so directly. I know, I know...but she can't help it!

Kasumi’s passion for the circus is the key to this episode; it is clear how much she idolizes Mizuka and wants to take the stage herself. This creates some conflict between her and Ouka, as Ouka is not being honest but still doesn't want others around Mizuka, even a child.

In the end, the two strike a "deal," with Kasumi allowing Ouka to be Mizuka's partner until she is ready to take the stage herself. Yes, Kasumi is a child, but her directness was key to making Ouka realize her own wish to perform with Mizuka. Plus, it was hilarious to see the two fawning over Mizuka to the point where their words matched perfectly on several occasions.

This also leads to Ouka's decision to reject the proposal to move to another, more successful circus, which has been the subtext of these episodes through a few telephone calls between her and a mysterious individual. Ouka is staying and wants to be Mizuka's partner.

However, Mizuka's reluctance has not really been resolved. She played along due to the circumstances, but she still truly doesn't want to perform. She is clearly hiding her feelings about the circus; you don't maintain that level of skill without consistent training. What will it take to make her admit that?

Still impressed by the amazing animation for Mizuka during the scenes, honestly it's way better than most action scenes we get nowadays.

Ouka definitely stole all the attention for me. I really liked how she decided to stay here because Mizuka is here. Hopefully it pays out for her

Now that Ouka's main dilemma is out of the way, I feel the next episode will shift the focus to another member of the troupe. There are plenty to choose from, and there isn't much time to give them each at least one episode to shine.