English Dub Review: Ahiru no Sora: “Challenger”, “War Declaration”, “The Best Lineup”

Overview:

With a game as unrelenting as the one between Kuzuryū High and the formidable Yokohama Taiei taking place it’s only fitting the weather act accordingly. In a match that will decide their fate as a team, Sora and the team will have to pull out all the stops and show they are a force to be reckoned with. 

Our Take:  

“Challenger” should really be changed to “Adrenaline.” Because that is all I could feel throughout the entirety of this episode. As the hellish heat wave cleverly sets the stage for the match between Kuzuryū High and Yokohama Taiei, the tense backdrop helped ignite my burning anticipation while also foreshadowing at the blistering match to come. Another aspect that only helped build more excitement was the inevitable confrontation looming between Sora and Yozan. Until now, the series had not focused on any other short players that are lacking in height just as much as our titular character. Especially with one in Yozan, who seems to be very angry and insecure, which contrasts so heavily with Sora’s positive and confident outlook. Because of this, the question of how their dynamic will unfold will no doubt become more engaging as Sora displays his exceptional talents on the court. Lastly, before the match, there is a sweet scene between Madoka and Sora that acts as a nice icebreaker. Not only does it continue to fan the flames of a potential romance that has been established but also reinforces the ongoing plot thread/mystery of the promise they made to each other. 

The balancing act “War Declaration” conducts, in regards to character development, is nothing short of impressive. The Kuzuryū High team hit the ground running and gained a decent lead thanks to Sora, but a paradigm shift shakes up the game. Chucky has improved his defense overall, but still has room for improvement based on how adeptly the enemy team got around him. Chiaki gets the ball stolen from him before he even knew what hit him.  However, this and all of these shortcomings are by design and rightfully so as that huge shift mentioned earlier was all due to one player being swapped out. Whether directly responsible or creating an opportunity, it goes to show just how fearsome of team Taiei truly is and how the game can flip on its head by the drop of a dime. While it may be infuriating seeing all of Kuzu’s progress go to waste, it’s also appreciated. The series is developing their skills realistically and demonstrating the true nature of the game, especially when considering the actual amount they’ve been practicing and playing together as a team. It’ll also make a comeback, whether or not that leads to a win, that much sweeter if it happens. What was not sweet though was the continuous stagnant stills throughout all three of these episodes. While the intense and exciting score is pronounced throughout, it doesn’t make up for flat animated scenes. All one can do is hope that changes as the other half of the match continues to unfold. 

With Tobi spending all of his time training solo and, ironically, wanting to work as a unit with his team, can one truly call it “The Best Lineup”? After making a late entrance, one of Kuzu’s star players puts his training to the test. One of the best aspects of Tobi is his fierce determination to rise to the top and go to the Inter High tournament one day. And even with a self-centered playing style such as his, he proves that that particular trait of his is a constant no matter what. Even if it is in very small baby steps. Tobi relies on Momoharu to get rebounds after his shots, despite their recent troubles. Although minute, that is legitimate growth if I’ve ever seen it. It is not especially huge, he is still a ball hog and has ways to go, but it is indeed crucial nonetheless and gives great mileage from his usual conceited self. Nao Nao concludes the episode with her mistakes in regards to instructing Sora and using Mokichi appropriately, that will eventually lead to major repercussions.  I can’t help but wonder if this is perhaps a misdirect to draw attention away from other players and focus on Sora and Mokichi’s possible downfall in the game. Either way, the show is paving the way for even more momentum moving forward that I can’t wait to experience.