English Dub Review: The Shiunji Family Children “Surely”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Where is Minami, and what comes of the tournament finals?

Our Take:
The finals have arrived, but the school’s star player has gone missing!  However, all that worrying is for nothing, as Minami just went out for a snack run, but there’s more to it than just an “ordinary” snack break for the tennis player.  As it turns out, Minami’s inner conflicts have actually become more severe than we realized, despite her happy-go-lucky spirit masking her insecurities.  When the siblings hear that Minami got kicked out of the finals due to her exposed injury, they do whatever possible to get her back in the game and even help Minami conquer the fear she’s hiding from within.
Sports movies, in general, usually have a climax where a character begins to have doubts minutes before the big game but is later comforted by their friends and family, thus regaining their spirits to rejoin the competition.  It’s formulaic at its best, but it also never fails to send our hearts soaring.  This episode is no exception, to no one’s surprise, as Minami continues to face her doubts on the day of the inter-highs finals.  However, considering what I had gone through with the show’s concept, having this type of plot is the best course for it to take regarding its messages and sincere chemistry between the siblings.
More importantly, it highlights the character growth the series has been attempting when it’s not prone to just fan service or incest-related innuendos.  This is particularly true for Minami, whose unwavering determination and positivity play a significant role in keeping her family together.  However, the aftermath of the finals forces her to make the ultimate play in real life: opening her heart to others.  It showcases that even though it’s okay to smile past the negativity and faults the world delivers, it’s also acceptable to express doubts and concerns as well, even if it hurts to do so.
It may sound hard to believe, but “Surely” just happened to pull off an unexpected victory of the season regarding its plot and messages.  By focusing on its character moments instead of relying on its out-of-context concept, the episode effectively showcased a more authentic side to Minami that goes beyond her traditional tomboyish persona.  The animation by Doga Kobo also played a role in the episode, with its color palettes and striking visuals complementing the characters’ actions and tennis scenes.  Some of its freeze-frame shots almost ruined its momentum, but its heart and presentation were grateful enough to forgive those issues.  Regarding those elements, “Surely” stands out as the MVP of the show’s first season so far, effectively concluding Minami’s brief narrative arc. It also highlights that the series encompasses more than merely a collection of incest-themed jokes, which helps elevate its overall thematic depth.