Even the scenes where they merely changed the delivery to something cooler got the sauce

Stardom is a broader motif emphasized by Komatsu. Universal imagery of reaching hands to represent dreams, but with so much nuance to them. Mem is blinded by her pal's sudden dazzling fame, Aqua thinks he was chasing phantoms, whereas Akane... grats girl, you were the one just chasing a goal

This cynical path Ruby is taking is literalized through the visuals, and shout out to S3's amazing translation for the equally fitting choice of terms. The recurring star motif, which the episode literally opens with, wraps up this scene with Aqua feeling caught in the web of lies behind stardom

Previous episodes of the show had emphasized Ruby's deceitful nature by obscuring her expressions, but the pretense is out when she reveals her schemes to Aqua. Instead, she's framed in imposing ways (upper ground, fisheye distortions), dominating the screen versus her brother

Inside of you there are two elves. One is grandma, the other one is baby