Area no Kishi - Episode 6, 7, 8

As you can probably tell from the screenshots used, I have resorted to watching HorribleSubsRips' release for Area no Kishi. It is unfortunate that Oyatsu has decided to drop the series since I felt their subs were much easier to read and follow than HS's. Nonetheless, with no other competent group subbing the show, I'll continue Area no Kishi with CruncyRoll's subs. Also, given that this is a three-episode review, it may be less detailed than usual.

---

Episode 6

Oh, Ryūichi-sama, teach me how to unrealistically lose that much weight in two weeks.

Well, this felt like a typical shōnen episode. Having the match drag on for at least two episodes didn't sit too well with me and I found many of the scenes unnecessary. Virtually all the plays in between the goals could have been cut out since it was obvious that the message trying to be conveyed was: "The SC is the superior team." Additionally, the whole "my brother's heart is inside me" has been blown way out of proportion. After the first few times, I think the audience gets the fact that Kakeru is conscious about wanting to do well for his brother's sake. Over exaggerating this fact is not only pointless, but also makes it lose its impact every time it's mentioned. Ryūichi's appearance at the end made me facepalm slightly. First off, his glamorous entrance makes it seem like he's got unmatched skills. However, what's more questionable is how he lost all that weight in such a short period of time. I don't think even the most rigorous of workout regimes would be able to yield that kind of body transformation given that the time frame between this and the last episode was at most two weeks. Putting all that aside for now, the episode itself was interesting, at least. I seriously hope that the next episode won't be just Ryūichi showing off his "skills".

---

Episode 7

Please tell me this will end the game...

So... let me get this straight. It'll take three episodes just to complete one soccer game? Really? The content of this episode was more or less the same as the last's - short clips of random plays, Araki and Kakeru scoring goals, game dialogue between players - which was a bit boring, this time around. Also, the whole outcome was too predictable; there was no doubt in my mind that the FC would come back to tie the game since their "King" is now on the field. I wouldn't be surprised if the climatic (and also predictable) bicycle kick that was performed by Kakeru ends up as a goal, ultimately giving the FC an upset victory. Honestly, seeing as it takes this long for just a regular game, I wonder how long the finals at the international level (assuming they get there) will take. Thinking about that really discourages me from continuing but, for the sake of completion, I'll probably end up sitting through it all. The next episode better have some plot development.

---

Episode 8

恋をはじめます？

A surprising twist now turns the former opponents into teammates. But with the players to positions ratio now larger, the members of the "soccer club" (not SC or FC) will need to work twice as hard to prove their worth. I felt this decision will be beneficial for the group in the long run as the combined skill of the talented players on both sides will make for a fearsome team. However, I actually liked the small group of eleven the FC had as they seemed to be very close to one another; almost like an inseparable family. As for Nana, her decision to join Nadeshiko Japan felt too rushed; everything happened in the span of a few days. More specifically, accepting the offer just because Kakeru told her to wasn't that convincing. I mean, she should be the one making the decision, not him. Nonetheless, it'll be interesting to see her skill level when it comes to soccer. Speaking of Kakeru and Nana, whenever they're practising or talking alone, I can't help but smile at how sweet their relationship is. Nana-centered episode next week?

---