Movies News Talk
Blue Box Episode 4: Love, badminton, and Uniform Mayhem!
Get ready, anime fans! Blue Box is dropping new episodes every Thursday on Netflix, with episode 4 arriving on Thursday, October 24th, 2024 at 8:30 AM PT (11:30 AM ET). This awesome sports-romance series will feature 25 episodes in its first season, following Taiki Inomata's badminton journey and his surprisingly sweet relationship with basketball star Chinatsu Kano. We don't yet have an official date for the English dub, but stay tuned!
Blue Box joins Netflix's simulcast lineup alongside titles such as Dan Da Dan and Sakamoto Days; and these simultaneous releases show Netflix's push to include Shueisha titles within their catalog. It becomes even more important as this makes Blue Box half of Netflix's Fall 2024 anime double-feature. Telecom Animation Film's adaptation of Kouji Miura's manga is a winning combination of sports, romance, comedy, and amazing artwork which blends various elements into a show everyone can enjoy.
Episode 3 had a few significant events that impacted our two protagonists. Taiki’s concerns increase as he observes Kengo Haryu (his badminton senior) with Chinatsu. He tries balancing his ambitions towards playing badminton in the nationals and his blossoming affection for Chinatsu. This included being there for Chinatsu (preventing a lockout and patiently practicing basketball to help manage stress); this effort completely shows how Taiki is serious. And those efforts paid off; and Chinatsu's subtle displays of support showcase their burgeoning compatibility!
His match against Haryu-senpai demonstrated how much further Taiki needed to go; although this revealed a surprise development for these two characters. That huge win at the ending of their match helped Taiki dramatically improve in those latter stages, after he recalled Chinatsu's lucky ribbon. He lost the match yet he shows incredible potential and growth – his self-criticism demonstrates amazing humility! The fact that Chinatsu praised Taiki’s self-criticism more than the match shows she recognizes the person within; those deeper, nuanced characterizations create surprisingly meaningful scenes which elevate that moment into one that's incredibly sweet and very wholesome, but doesn't rely too heavily on typical tropes for the genre! Haryu becoming Taiki's doubles partner for the nationals; and being shown as a mentor showcases an amazing twist and also brings unexpected opportunities. But it seems to go terribly wrong: Haryu, to Taiki's intense disappointment, also revealed he already has a girlfriend and doesn't feel romantic interests toward Chinatsu.
Episode 4 involves those issues surrounding the main relationship, creating tension surrounding that age gap and if Chinatsu really does see Taiki in that manner, and beyond mere friendship and that housemate dynamic that remains somewhat hidden. That’s mostly because it brings to life chapters 8 and 9 of the manga: Those classic roommate uniform mishaps are hilarious.
That situation continues the series' attempts at realistic humor; highlighting this particular awkward reality in a manner that makes these moments feel realistic, enjoyable and very, very relatable. Yet, there’s additional pressures surrounding that age gap (Chinatsu's graduation) further pushing Taiki to close the distance in those badminton games– attempting to impress Chinatsu. Will it pay off? That is very much dependent on both characters! Episode 4 focuses on just how far Taiki is prepared to go to match Chinatsu!
Blue Box’s consistent release showcases a smoothly running show, highlighting a creative decision by having episodes frequently launched and those carefully balanced tones and surprising mixtures of plot devices shows just why this series should not be missed. It is highly likely that the series finale would leave an equally deep impression for audiences expecting both dramatic and romantic thrills! Get ready for hilarious mishaps, romantic tension, intense sports drama; those elements blending creates an emotional rollercoaster; a perfect blend which fans should not miss.