Sara Talks Anime

I am keeping my expectations for the next episode low. That is all I will say in regards to this episode before really digging deep into it.

This episode occupies more of the battle between Asahina and Soji, as well as the backstory for Emoto and the explanation of the exact circumstances that led Asahina to interacting with Sad Boy K and thus becoming a ghost account in the first place. Sounds all fine and dandy at first, as we’re getting to know more about these characters. However, with the fact that (according to my memory) every single full episode in the A-B battle since the A-B battle began included at least one backstory segment, while it may be a bit early to say now, I think it’s safe to assume that we won’t get a second season. If somehow we get a second season despite this, then I’m pinning the decision to include backstories during the A-B battle as poor writing in the source material. Seriously, I feel like there could’ve been better opportunities in the future for these backstories to be included, but nope, we’ve gotta just push them into the A-B battle.

And to be honest, the part where it seemed like Soji was going to win only for it to turn out that what he hit was a decoy is just…are you trying to pad this out for time or something?! I know we have to have one of those “it seemed like the protagonist would succeed only oops they didn’t” moments, but the A-B battle has been an arc that honestly feels like such a slog to get through for me. Probably because the backstories feel poorly timed. Again: if this was a decision the anime team made, then it’s just a fault I have with the anime. If this was how the source went, however, then for me this series is one of those where the start is strong but it just gets weaker during the second half.

Emoto’s backstory was understandable for how he acts the way he does, but I wish that more of the focus of the A-B battle was on the actual battle instead of having these backstories pop in during them. This backstory definitely wasn’t the worst timed out of all of them, and I’d believe if this was where it was, as it felt like Emoto was looking back and accepting that he’s grown past that. Wish the others felt more natural.

And as for the explanation of what was the inciting incident for Asahina wanting to talk to Sad Boy K, that was a question that had to get answered eventually, so I can’t blame this one being in here. Though I think the other backstories could’ve been delayed until later in the story. Hell, outside of my complaints, I can’t really think of anything to talk about in this post.

…well, there is one thing. Like the title suggested, Class 1-A and Class 1-B decided to team up to fight against Asahina, which I thought was nice. But, like…that’s brought up in the title, so I doubt that it’s necessary for me to really talk about it.

But with how unsatisfactory this episode felt, my expectations for the next episode are low. Like, so low that “exorcise Asahina” is the absolute bare minimum for them. If they can’t hit that, I’ll be disappointed.

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