Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus Ep.11 - Together we're stronger! Right Mizuka?

Episode 11 of Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus sets everything up for next week's climax by giving Ouka and Mizuka some time together outside of the circus. Yes, it's sort of a "date" episode, and it was really nice to see them walking around and having fun together.

Even though their circus performance is improving, they're still far from being able to surpass Nanami. They were starting to feel the pressure, working overtime to try to devise a routine that could defeat her. This caused them to become exhausted and make mistakes that could injure themselves or others.

I know that feeling of being so sleepy it's hard to even stay awake. Girls, go and sleep together. It'll help you for sure!

The yuri energy of these two is amazing, the 'date' scene was great to see them just a bit relaxed outside of the circus.

That's why they went on a date together: to relax their minds and recover their composure. As they walked through the streets, took on street challenges, and stopped by a shop for a drink together, at some point I was hoping, "Are we going to get a kiss or not?!" Of course not.

It sort of worked, though. They decided that, instead of focusing on individual technical skills, they would unite the entire group into a single performance to impress the audience. It's the exact opposite of Nanami's troupe, where everything seems to be centered around precision and individual routines.

Will it be enough? I'm not sure, but I don't think winning is the main point here. It's more about convincing Nanami that the troupe has a reason to exist and preventing its closure. A happy ending is guaranteed, but how we get there is the real question, especially considering the latest development on Maria's side.

As we all know, she has an illness, and to cure it, she has to undergo surgery in the US. This trip, of course, happens right on the day the final show takes place. The girls will have to perform knowing that Maria won't be in the audience and is instead traveling toward an uncertain future.

The first moment that Maria brought her eyes on Ouka, She was basically identical to how she is right now.

Was this angle necessary to show her dedication? Like I understand what they're doing here...

Sure, they say there's a low chance of success for the surgery, but we all know Maria is going to come back healed by the end of the show. This is simply not the type of series that serves up genuine tragedy. Of course, the girls don't know that, so it effectively creates tension within the group.