Episode Overview
- Taiki embarks on an intense summer training regimen, leading to enlightening interactions with a rival.
- Hina orchestrates a romantic situation at the fireworks festival, creating potential new avenues for their relationship.
- The evolving connection between Taiki and Hina hints at deeper complications for their friendship in upcoming episodes.
|
Title |
Blue Box, Episode 11: “Uncool!” |
|
Studio |
Telecom Animation Film |
|
Air Date |
December 12, 2024 |
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Blue Box, Episode 11: “Uncool!”, now available on Netflix.
Setting the Scene for Summer
Following the events of Episode 10, “It’s Not a Good Thing,”where Chinatsu put Taiki in the friend zone, Episode 11 takes us further into the summer vacation vibes. Fans of school-themed anime know what to expect as Taiki and his friends navigate training sessions, seasonal festivals, and the usual lighthearted summer story arcs.
Taiki’s Journey Through Training
Intensive Training Ahead
As previously discussed, Taiki remains dedicated to training with the badminton club—as well as being invited to a practice session at a nearby college by Haryu. Unexpectedly, he encounters Hyodo, the player who triumphed over him and Haryu during the prefectural qualifiers.
To Taiki’s surprise, Hyodo turns out to be quite amiable, offering him invaluable tips to improve his game for upcoming competitions, such as facing Yusa next season. Hyodo expresses a fondness for rooting for underdogs, which is refreshing amidst the usual relentless competitiveness that often defines sports narratives.
Countdown to the Fireworks Festival
Hina Takes Charge
This episode builds up to a charming fireworks festival, a staple of summer anime narratives. Hina and Taiki reminisce about their past festival memories, recalling how their friendship blossomed. During a past event, Hina arrived too late for her favorite candied apples, only for Taiki to save one just for her, marking the beginning of a deep bond.
Now, faced with the prospect of attending the festival together, Hina gathers the courage to invite Taiki. Initially, Taiki assumes it will be a group outing, prompting Hina to invite their other friends, but they all have prior commitments. In a comedic twist, Kyo pretends to be ill to ensure that Hina and Taiki can enjoy some one-on-one time.
Potential Pitfalls for Hina
Hina’s approach to romance strangely parallels her determination in sports. She wants to succeed while simultaneously wishing her rival (in this case, Chinatsu) to shine too. Throughout the episode, she probes Taiki about his feelings for Chinatsu, urging him to pursue her without reservations, which could complicate her own feelings in the process.
“This isn’t like you! Not wanting to trouble your crush or mess up your relationship. I get that those things are scary and make it hard to act. But even if you’re scared, I want you to value yourself just as much as you do others. Being able to stay positive is… what makes you cool.”- Hina to Taiki about his hesitation with Chinatsu
Hina and Taiki’s Fateful Encounter
A Date to Remember
After a rigorous training session, Taiki arrives at the festival and, honoring their tradition, buys candied apples for Hina. When she appears in a stunning yukata, it marks a pivotal moment—one where Taiki begins to notice Hina’s beauty in a different light. His subtle reactions throughout the episode suggest a budding romance that complicates his feelings towards Chinatsu.
While it’s likely that Taiki’s feelings for Chinatsu won’t fade easily, the chemistry between him and Hina is expertly crafted, leaving viewers wondering about the future of their dynamic. Upcoming episodes promise to explore this relationship further as tensions rise when Chinatsu and the girls’ basketball team plan to attend the same festival. The potential confrontation raises questions—how will Chinatsu respond upon seeing Taiki and Hina together?
Episodes of Blue Box are currently available for streaming on Netflix. Mark your calendars for the release of Episode 12, scheduled for December 19, 2024, at 8:30 AM PT.
Leave a Reply