English Dub Review: Ahiru no Sora: “Fuse”, “Break”, and “Certain Proof”

Overview:

As Kuzu High battles Yokohama Taiei in the match that will decide the former’s fate as a basketball team moving forward, some exciting revelations come to light. Also a comeback seems to be afoot for one of the teams. 

Our Take:

With the most important match of Kuzu’s basketball career underway, the cracks begin to show. “Fuse” sees the team struggle as Nao Nao deduced earlier due to Sora and Mokichi but most importantly because of her lack of foresight. One concept the series has hammered home throughout is how one player’s role can change the tide of a game. One can only imagine how much a coach’s role impacts the game. The show brutally teaches Nao and the team that part lesson and the magnitude of error in judgement. Ahiru no Sora has most notably emphasized the players and their many shortcomings. But where the series has not as strongly is on Nao, albeit from a few moments here and there. The variety in hurdles they must overcome is welcome and keeps the series from feeling like it’s running in circles. Ironically, the feeling of deja vu was present as Sora’s problems came into focus towards the end of the episode. Sora’s inability to follow through with shots feels incredibly familiar. It was an issue that was previously tackled and concluded, seemingly. It feels repetitive for the show to go back to it once again. It would be one thing if the problem had still been persisting but the fact that it had a proper resolution makes it a little odd, especially with no reason given.  

“Break” offers both teams a short intermission as they use this time to recharge their batteries. The revelation of Yuka Kurumatani’s role in Yozan’s life is a pleasant addition to his story (albeit not incredibly surprising considering the opening teased it). It would have been nice had the scene between him and Sora been longer to gain greater insight. However, Yuka’s impact on him is felt as Yozan immediately becomes that much more interested to play against Sora. That subtly is noticed and appreciated going into the last few episodes. Hopefully it’ll be more impactful than one brief scene. With that heavy of a subplot, it deserves its time in the sun. Especially if the audience is to feel a real impact and not be left wanting more. It has the potential to serve as a great conclusion to the legacy of Yuka Kurumatani, outside of what has been established with Sora. Although with only four episodes left (after “Certain Proof”), the window is shortening. Also Sora mastering the pull-up jumper and throwing off the enemy defense is a chef’s kiss. Because of his height and knucklehead team, it’s common for him to always be the underdog and on an uphill battle. The little victories he gets himself (no pun intended) build upon his already amazing perseverance and undoubtedly his already established skill. 

Finally, “Certain Proof” has the Kuzu High team finally build momentum as they start to make a comeback and rack up points. It’s safe to say that throughout the series, Tobi is an angry fella. When something goes wrong during a game, he tends to blow up more so than most. To finally channel that rage effectively but more importantly to his team’s advantage is key not only to his character but his talent as a player. All the isolated training he undertook this arc, his doubts in himself and his team, and his aspirations to be a better person for his little sister all culminate to make his exceptional change earned.  But as great as Tobi’s progress is, this episode belongs to the whole team. From Momoharu acting like a real team captain, getting dunks and rebounds to Yasuhara helping him and working together, everyone gets some time in the limelight. This episode delegates time between various players well as besides them Chiaki and Sora also have a great moment in the midst of their teammates’ hard work. Like Tobi, all this in turn, further cements their own time and dedication to the sport satisfyingly well to say the least. What is not satisfying hoever is the animation. Yet again, like most of the series, there is nothing particularly exciting in these episodes’ motions. Other than brief movements, there is no life or fluidity to anything here. One would have hoped the staff would put some more effort into the last game. It’s not over yet, however, and with any luck the last four episodes will rectify that. Although, I’m not holding my breath.