Here we are at the start of the final act of Star☆ Twinkle PreCure. Episode forty-six is the beginning of the end, and it has quite a bombshell to drop. It is a rare case of Toei actually not spoiling a surprise (I think), though I had it spoiled for me on Twitter anyway…
Well, whatever, let’s just dive in.
The conversation at the Star Palace is interrupted by some unwelcome visitors
In this episode, Hikaru and the others meet with the Star Princesses at the Star Palace, who are prepared to start a ritual that will bring peace to the universe. However, the arrival of the Notraiders puts a stop to that, and they are accompanied by Darknest.
The armour twists their imaginations
One of the first things I want to highlight in this episode is the soundtrack. The electric guitars come out as the Notraiders lead an assault on the Star Palace, and I am all about that kind of thing.
PreCure’s enemies aren’t exactly fighting of their own will, as Darknest is twisting their imagination so they are beyond control. It results in Cure Star and her allies having a rough time holding their own.
The Cure’s react to Darknest’s reveal
There’s some use of repeated animation as the Notraiders attempt to destroy the barrier protecting the Star Palace, which perhaps could have been used for something a little more visually interesting.
On the subject of interesting, Darknest sheds the armour in this episode.
Darknest’s true appearance
Darknest reveals herself to be the thirteenth Star Princess: the Ophiuchus Princess. Back towards the beginning of this season, I did wonder if Ophiuchus would be incorporated in some way. I guess the whole snake motif should have really given that one away…
Tsundere Ayewan
The Ophiuchus Princess reveals her ultimate goal, which leads to the Notraiders attempting to turn against her. She possesses incredible power, though, so that doesn’t happen – not without some interference from PreCure, at least.
The Ophiuchus Princess takes advantage of the exhausted PreCure
PreCure may be able to live up to their proclamation of protecting the Notraiders, but that just gives the Ophiuchus Princess the opportunity she needs to move closer to her goal. Unfortunately, PreCure and their new allies are left with little choice but to take a tactical retreat.
This episode was really good. I approve of Darknest’s reveal. I presume PreCure will manage to redeem her next time, but I hope they do so through the medium of a good old brawl.
Soundtrack was superb in this episode, as I’ve already stated, and it was a joy to see Ayewan lend her aid to Cure Cosmo.
I’m expecting good things from the next episode, as we get to the final battle.
Rory Muses 
It’s really nice that Eyewon was the only of the original antagonist group that never really succumbed to Darknest’s power and always made her own choices (even if they were misguided for a time)
I also really liked how Star pointed out how pointless everything that was going on was. She really has been one of the better Cure leads.
I am always up for eyewon and cosmo interactions too ~ Those two are ❤
I hope we get something really nice in the final episode when they hopefully keep up the new tradition of offering epilogues!