Major: Episode 20

The MJN/F-B team has done it again. Three installments in four days, which make a total of six episodes released in a span of one month. I’m in awe. They’re my favorite subbers at the moment. Although I have to say, I can be a bit fickle at times…

I know, I know. I keep on lavishing praises for Major. But what can I say? Major is one of the few series this year that has consistently delivered a balance of entertainment and substance. Sometimes the chapters are akin to a slice-of-life type of storytelling with new encounters and finding friends. Sometimes, it deals with hard and emotional issues such as parental loss, atonement, facing one’s fear, etc. And sometimes, it is just pure baseball fun, like this one.

After an emotional rollercoaster ride from the previous episode, Major switches to tournament mode. Mifune faces a very tough team. A team filled with average players but dominated by a skillful pitcher, the ‘robotic boy’ Usami. Mifune must find a weak point in this creepy lad to pass through this challenge. But considering the excessive pressure his father exerts on Usami, an eventual breakdown is almost inevitable. And this will likely happen in this game (this is fiction after all).

Despite my complaints on Goro’s less-than-angelic-behavior, he earns my respect for his remarks to Sawamura. His encouraging words emphasizes how he values Mifune’s teamwork. He knows his latent ability but he also acknowledges the efforts made by the other players. Mifune’s strength does not only rely on him alone. To him, every single one on the team contributes to the team’s growth. And for that alone, my adoration for this kid went up a few notches high.