(spoilers ahead)
The Bill comes Due
We pick right up after the last episode. Kaoru has left Diamond Visual and Toru is already at work, preparing his new muse. The newcomer Miyuki begins to take Kaoru's place, a move that is not gelling with everyone.
(Sadness)
A New Regime
Toru quickly crowns Miyuki the new star of Diamond and the lead for his satellite launch title. The seemingly too innocent and naive Miyuki is still a big enigma right now. She seems to love the attention and interesting lifestyle. Not loving the changes is the rest of Diamond. Some of the actresses are irked that Miyuki has risen so quickly and others are still dealing with the Kaoru split. One makeup artist slash director in particular.
Junko leaves Diamond. A sad event marked by a sullen Mitamura and quiet Rugby. She leaves to live with Kaoru. The two women have gotten close and it seems Junko wants to support Kaoru in her time of need. A big blow to Diamond with all this loss of talent. But a plus for newbies like Miyuki and Komu. Yes, simple Komu is Toru's new right hand man.
(Fucking Komu)
Toru's chickens come home
The departure may hurt Diamond but their debts can destroy them. Finally after episodes of mortgaging his wealth, Toru's debts are coming due. The satellite is not the money well her had hoped and Diamond is now running out of cash. The solution, aside from borrowing cash from his employees, is a flashy strip show. The strip show is a blast to watch. We get to see the actresses butt heads with the domineering dance instructor Ms. Gojo. Some quick practicing and some frantic promoting and the show is a smash hit.Toru's debts are paid for now, if not for Komu. Fucking Komu. His sweet and simple act had me fooled cold. Like something out of Game of Thrones, Komu takes all of Toru's cash and hightails it out of there. Just like that Diamond is facing it's end. By fucking Komu.
Free Toshi
On Toshi's side we finally get some light at the end of the tunnel. I really haven't liked the Yakuza plot line. They have felt like a means of hardship, only existing to punish Toshi. Like why would they care about Toshi and his cowardice. They were just brutally attacked by a rival gang and their top priority is to send a dozen guys after Toshi. Thankfully it seems the Yakuza will take a backseat for a while with some help with Kawada.
Toshi's savior is Kawada who he meets again in the best way. Kawada has gone off the deep end; meeting with BDSM escorts on the side while caring for his sex doll girlfriend. He helps Toshi in his hour of need and the two partner in the aftermath. I loved this moment of friendship between the two men. Both who were at their lowest for a time and hey no more seeing Toshi getting beat up. After a lot of darkness and drama, The Naked Director shows us that is can still be fun and hopeful.
Observations
Another shot of a Mc Donald's shake. This time for dramatic effect.
The disdain on Umino's face during the satellite channel launch is gold.
Will Junko and Kaoru join the revamped but broke Sapphire?
Tsukasa Aoi Watch
JAV star watch has officially become the Tsukasa Aoi watch. She has become a recurring member of Diamond's AV actresses. But I have to say I am a little bummed with the lack of any new faces from JAV.
