Summary
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Episode 10, “A Belated Birthday Party,” now streaming onCrunchyroll.
With the season finale soon approaching,Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russianhas finally begun addressing its most pressing mysteries. The primary characters and their relations have been apparent to viewers since the very first episode, yet their family dynamics and estranged relationships have rarely been explored.
The latest episode brings in a few more faces pertaining to Alya, Masachika, and Yuki’s families. While the series is yet to explain the siblings’ past and their current family dynamics, a lot can be inferred from the current episode’s revelations. From Yuki and Masachika’s odd living situation to the reason behind their parents’ separation, viewers have been kept in the dark the entire series, though this narrative is about to change.
The Estranged Suou Family
Yuki’s Side of the Family Is Plagued By Dissent
Since the beginning of the series,Yuki and Masachika’s peculiar sibling relationshiphas remained a perplexing mystery. Initially posing as childhood friends, the two continue to deceive the entire school about their true relationship to mask a much deeper issue. While this living situation hasn’t explicitly been addressed byAlya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, the show has indirectly hinted at the cause behind their estranged familial ties.
After their parents’ separation, Yuki leaves with her mother to live with her grandfather, the Suou Family patriarch. As a stern man, he initially viewedMasachika’s decision to leave Yukias an act of apathy towards his own sister. Moreover, Masachika’s indifference to inheriting the Suou Family’s name led to his grandfather disowning him altogether. As odd as this situation may seem, the actual mystery lies in their mother’s melancholic expression. Whether it was her initial introduction or this episode’s parent-teacher meeting, her expressions showcased nothing but misery and gloom. It’s unclear what lies behind the facade of this prestigious family, but it’s clear that their grandfather has played a major role in breaking apart the family.
Masachika’s Eccentric Grandpa
Masachika’s Grandfather Adds a Playful Touch to the Show
Another family member introduced to the narrative is Masachika’s fraternal grandfather, an eccentric old man with a strong admiration for Russia. It’s clear that Masachika acquired his knowledge of Russian from his grandfather, with the two sharing a somewhat rather close bond. While his role in theoverall family’s dynamicis yet to be revealed, it’s clear that he has been cut off from Yuki and the Suou family side.
What do you think? Would you like to marry my Masachika?
The episode may have concluded without revealing much about his character, but the final interaction between him and Yuki’s mother indicates a relationship of respect. After her divorce, she is no longer related to her children’s fraternal grandfather, yet she still addressed him as “father,” showcasing a clear sign of respect and adoration. This points to the fact that she was against the divorce, though she was forced into this possibly due to her own father.
He might also drive forwardMasachika and Alya’s relationship, as his straightforward attitude can make Masachika’s covert sentiments a bit more apparent to Alya. He bluntly asked Alya to be his granddaughter and marry Masachika, and that too, in front of her mother. Masachika’s grandfather’s character is definitely in line with romcom tradition, as he not only adds a touch of comedy, but also plays a role in furthering the show’s romance.
Alya’s Loving Mother
Akemi Kujou Is the First Family Member of the Russian Sisters to be Revealed
This episode has finally revealed the Kujou sisters' family,with Alya’s mother, Akemi Kujou, making an appearance at the parent-teacher meeting. While her role isn’t exactly that central to the premise, she can still play a major role in furthering Alya and Masachika’s romance. She has already stated that Alya enjoys talking about Masachika, and she might become a driving force in bringing the two together.
Alya’s mother adds a refreshing change to a roster of characters plagued by familial drama and estranged relationships. It’s clear that Akemi is a loving parent, and she has a close relationship with her daughters. While she could merely be a one-off character, her inclusion in the episode is a much-needed break from the tense relationships of the Suou Family.
So, Alya, are yoy going to marry Kuze?
A J-Pop Classic Makes Rounds
This week’s ED is Koi no Uta by GO!GO!7188 (Go Go Nana Ichi Hachi Hachi)
This week’s ending theme features a special rendition of GO!GO!’s Koi no Uta in Alya’s very own voice. As one of the most iconic rock bands of the late 90s and early 2000s, GO!GO!7188 has shaped much of the country’s music scene.
The ending songadds an element of nostalgia for early otakus and fans of the rock band. The band may have disbanded in 2012, yet their legacy continues to live on. Koi no Uta’s cover inAlya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian’sending is proof of the impact of Go!Go! on the J-Pop landscape.
