Glass Mask: Episode 04

While it retains the same theme music, a new animation sequence filled with uber-spoilers opens for Garasu no Kamen’s latest installment. Though the inner fangirl in me loves the quick Purple Rose-Maya moment in the previous OP, I have to say I am more partial to the current version. I do wonder if the OP changes will be an ongoing thing throughout the season.

Failing to enter Ondine, Maya asks Tsukikage-sensei for assistance. Once the former actress learns her soon-to-be-protege’s desire and passion to be on stage, she recruits young girl for the newly opened acting school. Maya immediately accepts the invitation even at the risk of hurting and leaving her mother. The mother’s initial reaction to Maya’s decision to join the Tsukikage troupe was anger and immediate refusal. She storms into the studio, tries to drag her daughter out of the school, and confronts Tsukikage-sensei. Her parting shot to Maya are full of hurtful words. But once she realizes her mistake, she sends a letter of apology to Tsukikage-sensei and a package full of Maya’s clothes as a symbol of acceptance to her child’s chosen path. But school founder rips the note to shreds and orders to burn the package to cut-off Maya from the *comfortable* life.

Ah, the plot thickens. At some level, I understand Tsukikage’s reasoning but I’m afraid her cruel intervention is primarily a selfish one. She is not without kindness, though, for she is rather fond of her new pupil. Still, she acts accordingly to fulfill her plans in order to groom the potential candidate for the Kurenai Tennyou role.

Can’t wait for the next ep. Ayumi and Maya *battling* on stage should be highly entertaining.