Now I know for sure: Kaiji is one of these anime that has a lot of things to like, but also quite a few points to dislike. The looks it gives at human nature are astounding. Ishida was amazing in this episode. Same with Sahara: the two of them were absolutely amazing to watch. The amazing intensity of the past few episodes is unbelievable and Tonegawa’s commentary was as fascinating as ever.
But still, don’t tell me that you didn’t see this episode coming. At one point, everyone falls off the beams at once, apart from the special Sahara, Kaiji and Ishida. When the series started, I remember noting how Kaiji was in no way special from the others. He was just another loser who wasted away his life, and I loved that part. Still, I can’t say that about this series anymore. Another problem with this series is the soap-opera-like cliff-hangers. They just don’t fit the series at all, and all they make me think is “god, not another week”, though that may be because this series is better watched as a marathon, rather than once every week.
Another small point of critique is that I didn’t quite buy the sense of balance of the characters, and how Kaiji kept his balance at all times, despite everything that happened. This is just a small detail, though. Overall, this was a very good episode, but really, the creators need to gear up the pacing very soon now. Slow pacing is just something that doesn’t fit this anime.
Kaji, is somewhat different than everyone else. He survived the ship and he even almost understand how human nature works. So I think he was a stronger will to survive than everyone else. He has greater “chi”, if that makes any sense.
Of course this entire setup was completely predictable. I’m sure we all saw it coming a mile away. Yet for some reason it still worked. I don’t know how Fukumoto does it, but somehow he makes to make even standing on a beam seem dramatic and gripping.
Ultimately, I think the setting that Fukumoto uses is really not an end in and of itself, it’s more like a canvas on which he paints his thematic, conceptual ideas. That’s how all of his manga are, but Kaiji especially so.
Any rate, as much as I’ve enjoyed this arc, I will be glad when Kaiji finally gets across that damn beam and gets on with the story. 😛
Anyway, you want to talk about slow pacing? Try reading the Akagi manga. Akagi’s still in the Washizu mansion, and has been for like 4 years now. Pretty much all of Fukumoto’s works are very slow in pace, really, so while Kaiji will pick back up a bit, don’t expect anything amazing.