Season three of Bandori excelled at continuing many of the best aspects of season two while also innovating in many areas. One area where they innovated is shifting the focus from PoPiPa to RAS and Roselia as they became more crucial aspects of the story. Likewise delving into the interpersonal relationships of the other bands fleshed out the characters while also giving them greater importance in the story. Additionally the more subtle aspects of season two remained a prevalent point in season three such as characters having responsibilities and each band having their own goals values and backgrounds. In fact the values of each band and what defines a band and its members are specifically explored. Although the hook of season three is the bands competing against each other to perform at Budokan that is ultimately the destination as the bands interpersonal relationships and the characters discovering their passions are the storys focus. Unlike in the previous seasons with PoPiPa being the primary focus RAS and Roselia held more significant importance to the story for season three. The antagonist of the story RAS is the focal point which is a strong aspect of the story. It not only added an element of relatability to the characters but it was also easier to sympathize with them specifically CHU or Chiyu as PoPiPa was no longer the main band of the series. Additionally RAS and Roselia having a more crucial role in the story gave them a lot more depth beyond their music and initial tropes specifically as they dealt with adversity. Apart from PoPiPa conflict was not something meaningfully explored for the other bands in the previous seasons. Likewise from a plot and narrative pointofview it made sense for PoPiPa to get less attention. They have already overcome their internal conflicts in the previous seasons and have grown tighter bonds. That does not mean PoPiPa was not an important part of the story though as they were still an integral aspect. However instead of being on the receiving end PoPiPa in many instances was the one to help push the other characters and bands forward. Highlighting how much they have grown. Additionally there were still moments of growth for PoPiPa such as Arisa and Rimi stepping up when it mattered which was great to see considering they were a bit neglected compared to Kasumi Tae and Saaya last season. Since RAS had more significant importance to the story it is also notable to point out Chiyu as the antagonist considering RAS being the antagonist is more so an extension of Chiyu. Along with being the initial catalyst for the drama Chiyu was also a pretty insufferable character last season. Despite that she ended up being a relatively wellwritten character without completely changing who she is. After all she retained the same bratty and immature characteristics of the prior season. Yet it was easier to sympathize with her as the story progressedeven if it does not necessarily justify her actions. In fact she is extremely relatable in some areas such as placing high standards on herself because of her parents success. However it is because of that inferiority complex her extreme passion for music being spoiled and her age that causes her to have an unhealthy desire to create the perfect bandcausing her not only to accept being hated by others but even treat her bandmates poorly. Essentially treating them as a means to an end for her to reach her goal. Honestly it is fair to say she saw them more as instruments of her band rather than as her bandmates let alone friends. The other members specifically Rokka Masuki and Rei also received more attention and grew as characters especially when they began spending time with the other bands. However PAERO is by far the most notable character of RAS. The stark contrast between her exceptionally colorful and expressive personality as PAERO and her more proper personality as Reona made her character stand out. Additionally Reona referring to PAREO as if it were a separate persona or personality gave her character a lot of potential. So its a shame they did not explore her character more in the story as the juxtaposition created between these separate personas made her such an interesting character for RAS and the entire series. Although RAS and Roselia had a greater spotlight the bands not involved with the tournament received significantly less attention than the previous season. Ultimately not having every band participate in the tournament is a positive as it emphasizes how each band has unique dreams and values. After all the tournament should not align with each bands reason for playing together. Likewise competing in a tournament is a major commitment and as established in season two everyone has responsibilities unrelated to their bands. So it ends up being a bit of a doubleedged sword as while it does help create a more believable and alive world it is a bit disappointing that a large portion of the cast were neglected. Seeing more of the other bands specifically when not interacting with the three main bands could have aided the story in creating an even more realistic world. Ultimately this is a byproduct of the story being pushed forward by the tournament which considering the other aspects does outweigh this issue albeit not necessarily relieving it. Similarly the music took a bit of a backseat despite the BanG Dream tournament being the hook of season three as the focus was on the interpersonal relationships between the involved bands. However doing so allowed there to be a greater emphasis on the characters as many of them chased that special feeling and passion the other bands radiated. Episode five accentuated this point perfectly with the juxtaposition between RAS and PoPiPas music videos as they embody passion differently. While RASs music video was undeniably of higher quality due to the overall polish it did not capture the bands passion but rather Chiyus vision of perfectionism. PoPiPas music video on the other hand was not of the same quality or professionally produced. Despite that their passion was perfectly conveyed illustrating the bond between them and their friends. Both music videos perfectly expressed the band dynamic between both groups. PoPiPa is a tightlyknit group with Kasumi as the glue of the band and with them only getting closer by overcoming adversities the past two seasons. Meanwhile RAS was Chiyus band with the other members simply playing in it not necessarily being true bandmates. Because of that on the surface neither video is necessarily superior over the other but the issue with RASs work is that it did not capture the entirely of the bands feelings. It was the vision of one person and this became more prominent further into the story as the other members craved the missing aspect the other bands had. In fact passion and finding ones identity as a band were major themes explored throughout the season. Particularly RAS and Roselia were used to progress this narrative as they faced most of the conflict this season. This makes sense considering PoPiPa and bands like HaroHapi had clearly already found their passion. Additionally while the other members of RAS did loosely follow the same goal as Chiyu it was not to the same extent as hers. Masuki Rokka and Rei spending time and building relationships with the other bands is when they realize they are missing something special that unites them. There could have been a bit more spice and drama for the ending. More consequences for some of the characters at the end would have definitely elevated the story especially considering that the drama and interpersonal relationships are the best parts of Bandori. Because of that the ending does feel like a bit of a copout. However its not like it does not necessarily work either as it does coincide with the overall theme of season three making it a pretty fitting finale. Regardless the past two seasons have greatly improved upon the first season and even remedied many of its issues mostly stemming from the writing and lack of execution of the drama. The drama is specifically essential to point out as it did have an impact on the story and the characters as well as felt natural for the past two seasons. Additionally because the drama was better executed it allowed for the more wonky and surreal moments to add a bit of color to the story such as with HaroHapi. What specifically sets season three apart though is the story being more cohesive and having a clear narrative. While season two was great it did lose its focus at times. Additionally shifting the focus from PoPiPa to RAS and Roselia made the series more interesting and even separates itself from other band and idol shows. It also simply benefitted the story by giving the bands more depth. However that is not to say season three is without its issues. As pointed out issues and nitpicks can definitely be made. The lack of attention for the other bands is disappointing especially when they all received a considerable amount of attention last season. Additionally some topics felt unresolved such as PAEROs separate personalities and Rimis fear of the future as they did not fully take the time to explore them. These issues also coincide with the last few episodes faltering a bit such as with a lack of consequences from the drama. Despite that there are plenty of things season three did great such as the overall wellwritten and coherent story character growth for many of the characters the alive and believable world and ultimately the fun cast of characters. Although the music was not as prominent as it was in season two there were still some great songs. Likewise the CGI was on par of the previous seasons and so was dynamic camera shots that made the live performances enjoyable. However more importantly having a clear theme greatly aided the story as the bands interpersonal relationships were explored and them finding their passion. Ultimately while there are some stumbles and minor issues the many great aspects of season three makes it a fantastic finale.