I was wrong about episode six. This is Makoto's episode.
It's also probably my favorite episode so far, but I'm biased towards anything that shows the joys of teaching since I'm starting a credential program in the fall. Makoto is just perfect at this. He doesn't talk down to the kids or try to force them into trying anything beyond the scope of their abilities, and comes up with activities that are just as fun for the whole group as it teaches them swimming skills individually. His knack with kids (probably because of his younger siblings) as well as his considerate nature towards everyone makes him an excellent teacher for younger kids.
But the plot with Hayato takes it one step further to show that this might be Makoto's calling. Hayato is in the same place Makoto was at one point--terrified of the water and scared of drowning. The fact that Hayato could get in the pool at all is impressive to me. Anyway, Makoto knows how that feels, and he also knows a way he could overcome that fear. Other people might've pulled Hayato aside and told them that they knew how he felt because they had a similar experience, but Makoto let Hayato have that moment organically, disguised within a relay event that was fun for the other kids as well. That was a genius move, and I'm really hoping that Makoto's disappointment at being replaced means that he'll want to come back in the future. It's a perfect fit for him.
I love it when everything comes full circle
The only part of the episode that felt dispensable was Kisumi. I get that the fanbase is in love with him and he's apparently from the light novel sequel (can anyone confirm this for me?), but it felt like he was shoehorned in. The kid Makoto was teaching could've been any kid; Kisumi wasn't a necessary part of that plot except when he was providing backstory. He's a sweet character, but retconning all the new people in is putting a strain on the story--e.x.: "Oh, you know Haru, that person you were really close to in middle school! Maybe these flashbacks will help you remember!"
 |
| Pretty sure that Kisumi was Haru's "no homo" moment |
WELL THEN
I guess Kisumi's real role was to finally drop the curtain on Sousuke's secret. And just as everyone guessed, this explains everything. Well, almost everything. It's still not clear what his problem with Haru is, but knowing that he has a shoulder injury, I'm wondering if it was caused directly or indirectly by his race with Haru. Did he get mad at Haru at the beginning of the season because he thought he would push Rin too far?
And the scene with Ai at the beginning of this episode implies that Sousuke injured himself by overtraining, which would explain why he went back to Samezuka and really wanted to race with Rin. It wasn't about his future being set thanks to scouts at all. Depending on how bad his injury is, Sousuke's days of racing may be numbered. He might've felt regret at pushing himself too far and decided the he wanted to spend his last races alongside his friend... Oh man, at this rate I'm not just going to be crying over Rin this season.
And it looks like the next episode will force Haru to ask himself some hard questions. This is getting kind of intense. Well, I can't complain... I did ask for better character drama.
...Wait, what
Images from Crunchyroll.com.
