Just for Kicks

[acehoneycomb]

This was a strange episode since I both liked and hated it. On one hand, Ace was acting like a jerk and Starlight was totally oblivious to it, also she joined the soccer team ONLY because she wanted Ace to like her. On the other hand, It gave us some more Ace/Melody and introduced the Ace/Starlight thing that is so popular amongst fans (although a few don't put them together), and we got just a little bit of precious character development for Starlight (who, basically, besides being a leader and a teacher's pet who helps out at an ice cream shop, doesn't have much character development or depth to her). It had a very strange appeal to it as well. So, basically, this episode is a very odd guilty pleasure to me. Opinions, anyone?

[Notes]

I feel the same way as you. Ace was being himself (a total brat) but Starlight wasn't. She would see the relationship was toxic in any other episode and, even if she didn't want to, try to eradicate herself of her feelings for Ace. Miss Hackney wasn't very wise at all like she normally is, and overall I would have to be a sadist to want to see her in pain.

That said, she didn't get very much in the show. None of them got enough, except for proportionally Bon Bon, Teddy, and Patch. Tales should have had a second season where the aforementioned trio didn't get much in favor of the others. But that was obvious.