Well, and so ends the first match of this series. Looking back, I do have to say that I like this series better when it’s just slice of life and building up, but that in no way means that this was a disappointing episode; the slice of life from this show is just simply that good. What makes the matches of a typical Adachi-series is that for nine out of ten matches, it doesn’t matter whether the team wins or loses: life goes on. Whereas for most shows, there usually is some sort of fate of the world that depends on the lead characters or so.
Kou lost in quite an amusing way. He finally managed to get a strike-out from Azuma, and it seems that that was pretty much his motivation to keep pitching so well. So, obviously he becomes way too relaxed after that out and completely screws up with the batter after Azuma. And the two of the teams were on equal scores at that point.
But this episode really was about the third graders, who prety much only had this chance left to play some good baseball, and since there is no way that those guys can become professionals, it mught be one of the last times that they get to play in a real baseball match. And I must say that they closed it off pretty nicely.
Rating: * (Good)
It doesn’t stand out, but a nice conclusion to the match nonetheless.
I thought it ended pretty well. I’m a baseball fan but it’s not too easy to watch 2-3 episodes of it in anime. That said, the inner meaning and character growth is interesting. You can tell the game itself is not the primary effort of the story.
Anyway, who is the old guy in the stands? Can’t be the sick principle since everyone would know his identity. An ex scout maybe?
Looks like next episode introduces a rival.
No, it isn’t principal, he is in hospital, but this guy is important too 🙂
I really wonder who was that baseball girl from preview, because if I remember correctly it is anime-original character.
I really enjoyed this episode. Kou lost but still accomplished something significant in the end. Yet he still has stuff to learn. I think this series does a good job of making Kou talented but not perfect.
Although I don’t read the manga for this I’ve been hearing that the girl challenging Aoba next week is an anime only character. That’s a little disappointing.
The new rival is probably being introduced to help move the relationships further. I can’t see Kou and Aoba really moving too quickly romantically unless they add a third wheel. Both haven’t gotten over Wakaba yet, IMO.
Since I’m not familiar with Adachi, his writing might be more subtle. Unfortunately, anime interpretations tend to really speed up the plot elements. Too much at times.