English Dub Season Review: Rising Impact Season Two

Overview (Spoilers Below):

Nanaumi Gawain and the Camelot Academy students arrive in the United Kingdom to compete in the Camelot Cup.  There, they face numerous teams from around the globe as they seek to win their first major golf competition.  With his unmatched skills tested, can Gawain help his new friends achieve the impossible?

Our Take:

Rising Impact is another anime adaptation I liked more than the other ones on Netflix.  As someone who hasn’t read the manga, I thought the show was an enjoyable underdog story about a young boy defying the odds with his immaculate golfing strength.  It’s enough to get me curious about its second season, which sees Gawain and his team taking their skills to the U.K., where they compete to win their first Camelot Cup.  It definitely has some actual stakes compared to the first season, mainly because Gawain’s team has not won the Camelot Cup in years.  But, more importantly, it also has Gawain facing his inner demons during his first pro tournament, which could make or break his impeccable swings.  But are they enough to make this season another ace in the hole? Of course.

The first season of Rising Impact was an entertaining and inspiring golf anime centering on Gawain’s journey of being the best golfer in the world.  While it did feature plenty of elements we’re familiar with from other shows, it had enough merits in its form to warrant a recommendation for sports fans.  That includes the authentic fundamentals of golfing balanced by its anime-influenced presentation, with Gawain learning to expand his strategy instead of using his driver to solve problems.  Its second season, which covers the Camelot Cup arc, expands on this element by focusing on Gawain’s mentality during his preparation for the tournament.

Throughout the first two episodes, we see Gawain struggling with regaining his Rising Impact, caused by seeing Quester Phoenix’s Rising Impact ability from his three-iron club.  As someone who’s played golf during high school, I appreciate these episodes for providing this relatable scenario.  Like many other sports, golf is not just about strength and skill. It’s also about the mentality and how it affects a player’s performance.  Gawain’s trauma from Quester’s performance caused him to lose confidence in himself and his Rising Impact ability.  Fortunately, it wasn’t until he realized he forgot to focus on his ball and learned to play his own game, as Lancelot advised.  Afterward, the remaining season showcased that Gawain isn’t the only character facing their inner demons during the tournament.  Lancelot also has his confidence and unique putting ability tested when pitting against one of the U.K.’s most challenging golfers, Tristen, whose Falling Star gift and self-centered attitude make him a seemingly formidable opponent with a heart-wrenching past.  

This season improved the show’s ability to explore the sport from the perspective of an inexperienced player, focusing on their skills, strategies, and mindset. The players are not only competing against their opponents but also against themselves. Although the show’s anime-like abilities may not be as authentic as real-life golf, it still deserves credit for delving into the topic of sports mentality on and off the green.  Of course, the sport isn’t without its share of drama during and outside the golf course, with the example being Platalissa’s rivalry with her sister, Sphista, who’s playing for the U.K. team.  Unfortunately, that plot element didn’t get as much attention as it should have, and its conclusion felt a bit rushed.  Then again, that would’ve made this season a bit longer than it should have if they decided to take that route.

Overall, the second season of Rising Impact provided enough solid driving power in its themes and sports action to continue the show’s streak.  It also benefited well from its delightful animation style, likable protagonist, and charming humor, which were enough to forgive some of its minor shortcomings, including the predictable twist involving Quester’s father, Arthur Phoenix.  If they were to make another season of this show, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Gawain’s journey to becoming the best golfer in the world, mainly because of how adorable he looks in his chibi form.  Considering some of its teases introduced in the season finale, I wouldn’t be surprised if they move forward with a third season.