English Dub Review: Dealing with Mikadono Sisters Is a Breeze “I Already Knew It”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Kazuki and Niko try to console Miwa, but she gets angry and runs out of the house.  Yu goes to look for her.

Our Take:
With the season drawing to a close, there’s always bound to be some family drama that’ll affect the characters’ relationships and even their reputation.  This episode is no exception, with Miwa already losing two shogi matches against Sakura, resulting in her taking her anger out on her sisters.  After Yu finds Miwa at a cat cafe, the episode delves into Miwa’s reasoning behind her passion for playing shogi, continuing the show’s attempt to humanize the prodigious sisters.  She only takes up shogi as a way to earn her father’s approval, as opposed to those who play shogi for the love of the game.  With Niko and Kazuki struggling with their inner doubts through their respective talents, Miwa’s prodigious talent was solely based on self-worth.  This suggests that Miwa internally feels less valued in her hobby compared to her sisters, whose passions drive them to pursue their respective careers.
Miwa’s dilemma also aligns with Yu’s earlier attempt to make his late mother happy through his own cooking, which inspired him to keep working hard.  These situations showcased the values of desiring praise through determination, though we’re unsure if Miwa’s father would be proud of her regardless of the outcome.  I won’t be surprised if he doesn’t, given his highly strict demeanor, but it would be a miracle if I were proven otherwise.  In addition to its continuous warmth, the episode also showcased more of Lindsay Seidel’s talents as a voice actor, conveying the sentimentality of Miwa’s vulnerability during the cat cafe scene.  Seidel certainly delivered on the comedic vibes regarding Miwa’s mocking gestures, but “I Already Knew It” proves that her vocal talents work best when her character’s humanity is revealed underneath her sharp exterior.