Okay, I was stupid to think that this show would slowly introduce the main villain. I seriously thought that it would take until near the end of the series for her to really show up, like most villains do. How wrong this turned out to be: this episode was entirely about her, and she immediately gets to play Chihaya. So much for the individual matches being drawn out.
What’s more: the creators are laying a lot of parallels between her and the rest of the cast. She’s a bit weird like Chihaya, she’s calm like Taichi, and she’s incredibly good, like Arata. In fact, the creators hinted a lot that this would be like the first match that Chihaya and Arata had together, only to deviate from it again. It’s a bloody shame that the episode ended before the match was over, because this means that we have to wait a week to show how Chihaya really is going to lose. This can’t be just an ordinary cliff-hanger.
Now, this episode did introduce a bunch of one-like characters, like spectators, other participants and stuff. My one complaint was that they all seemed a bit too lumped together. But then again, this always was a show that focused on its main cast. Plus, there were some nice touches. Despite everyone wearing the same clothes, everyone here has different character designs. And while they may not look as good as the main cast, you can see how much time went into designing every single one of them. The lights guy also was pretty funny and an interesting way to break up the mood for a slight bit.
Rating: ** (Excellent)
I thought this episode was better than excellent…it was awesome!!! I love that guy Sudo…he has too much attitude that Chihaya also used his technique. I was cracking up at that part. The match with the villain is intense…aagh…we all have to wait next week!!!
Chihayafuru is the only anime that I hate to wait but have to wait each week for.
I think Villain is definitely the wrong word for Shinobu Wakamiya. She really is more a female version of Arata. I’d say that Chihaya will study her after her defeat and admire her much like she currently admires Arata. I also suspect they won’t even show the rest of the match as Chihaya is only a few cards away from losing and the point really was that she was able to break her defence and saw a way of winning in the future.
Also .. this could be the end for those Arata x Chihaya shippers :)))
Anyway, great episode
My heart was thumping through the entire episode. Now THIS is thrilling. *__* Anyway, I’m with Scruffy; I wouldn’t call Shinobu a villain either. Rival. Final goal. Something like that, maybe. (And yes, female Arata. — And her character design remind me of Seiichi Yukimura from Prince of Tennis. Yeah. >> And he is also the Final Rival in *that* series. – the first part of it at least…) I seriously loved this episode~!
I really like how they explain the different game techniques and tactical aspects, without ever slowing down. This is one of the best game series I have seen from that point of view.
As for the Queen, it would be nice if she lost, it would make her more interesting, but I guess that’s not going to happen.
I don’t think the Queen will lost but a really close win (for the Queen, I mean) or a tie… Man, that would be great!
There is one thing I don’t get: Arata was supposed to be in this match right? But he isn’t?
It was fun to see Chihaya hyped up again at the end 🙂
Arata hasn’t played Karuta for at least a year. I’m sure that there must be some form of qualifying requirement to turn up to the tournament. He only turned up the day before to cheer on Chihaya’s team.
I agree with those above, I think rival is a better term for her.
I loved the moment when Chihaya stood up in a copy of Sudo, and Sudo is in the background doing the move that Chihaya is copying!!
Also.. is that a hint that Nikuman likes Kana that I saw??!!
squueee for the match.. this show always seem too short.
Villain? Wouldn’t rival be the better word? Seeing them both get excited over characters on T-shirts makes me thing that the Queen is similar to Chihaya in more ways than one and is probably not a bad person…just a touch Karuta player.
*Tough Karuta Player*
Yep, a good episode to get the show back on track. I think the hints of comedy are what really make this series.
Haha, the rival would fit right in with the cast of Kuragehime – she’s more a karuta otaku than Chihaya 🙂
Definitely not a villain for Shinobu … “Ultimate Rival” maybe.
Actually if you read manga, she is quite crezy and yet adorable at the same time.
Hopefully, we will see her stupid moment at the end of this season 🙂
This anime can be so hilarious. It tries so hard to make karuta exciting that it’s almost eerie when they pull it off. After Hikaru no Go I never thought I’d get the same thrills from seeing sports anime trope applied to something so off-the-beaten-path. Well played, Chihayafuru.