One of the nice things about sports is that you don't always have to win. Obviously, a resounding or significant victory is always the aim, but occasionally the currents of fate and athletic talent align with an opportunity for the underdog to, if not win, at least play spoiler to their opponent. Yeah, I was disappointed when UNC lost the NCAA title last year, but that paled in comparison to beating Duke and retiring Coach K in the semi-finals. Sometimes fate conspires to make you the mathematically eliminated Detroit Lions, with a chance to upset the Packers in Week 18, keeping Aaron Rodgers out of the playoffs in what may be his final game at Lambeau Field. This week, it's geeky, timid Sanae going up against Megumi, the opposing team's dominating Ace, and being the greatest pain in the ass.While a good underdog victory is always satisfying, there's something special about witnessing someone pull their stronger opponent so deep into the mud that they burn up their engine attempting to get back on firm ground. Sanae's match is difficult, but that's the goal. I don't know much about real-life judo, but I've seen enough MMA battles to know that this is the type of fight that most fighters despise. It's a tactic that brings the fight to the ground and makes even simple motions or acts difficult, increasing the opponent's frustration and tiredness to the point when 10 seconds feel like ten hours.Sanae may have lost, but anybody watching understands that it was ultimately a victory for her judo journey and her team. It completely dominates.
Himeno's fight is less visceral, but seeing her play subtle mind tricks throughout the contest is no less entertaining. She has by far the most experience at West Aoba and understands how to fight both smarter and harder. We haven't delved too far into the complexities of competitive judo, but it's great to watch the cast integrate things like floor spacing. Even though she is physically outmatched, Himeno uses Megumi's exhaustion following Sanae's battle to her advantage, carefully biding her time before attacking at precisely the right time.Aside from being an emotional triumph for both her and Sanae, it's a different approach than her younger peers, which helps her stand out as a contender.
The opposing squad receives no backstory this week, which is OK because they are designed to be a physical barrier rather than a narrative one. I enjoy how Megumi has such a hefty, wide-set figure, yet there isn't a single joke about it, which is unusual for an anime. There are no jokes about her weight or tricks about how much she eats.She's basically a huge gal, and her stature aids her dominance in the ring. Every reference of her stature highlights her physical strength, making her both imposing and impressive. It's a little element in the larger scheme of the episode, but it's yet another delightful manner that "Ippon" deviates from the sports anime standard that I enjoy.
We're coming down to the wire, and with the females facing a powerhouse in their next match, a rematch with Amane's group is looking less and less possible - at least not without a second season. Regardless of where we wind up, if the show can maintain this level of riveting sports activity while remaining amusing, I'm eager to see where it goes.
Additionally, I don't know where else to put this, but I adore how Nagumo is wearing Sanae's spectacles while the latter is dating. It is an absolutely beautiful detail. There are no notes.