REVIEW: ‘Blue Box’ Episode 4 – “If He Wins”

The aspiring badminton player has prepared for the upcoming matches with upper-classman Haryu (Yuma Uchida, Jujutsu Kaisen) running Taiki (Shoya Chiba) ragged. With the doubles qualifiers tomorrow, it’s almost time to learn how much Taiki’s hard work has yielded. However, the nervous young man may need some help settling into his mental state in Blue Box Episode 4, “If He Wins.”

This week’s episode begins with a monologue from Taiki reflecting on how he has adapted to Chunatsu’s  (Reina Ueda) presence in his home. He’s becoming more comfortable with his crush sharing his living space, increasing his morning motivation. It’s good to see Taiki adjusting to Chinatsu’s presence so early in the series. High school romances often like to drag the awkward period of getting to know each other too long. There will undoubtedly be plenty of misunderstanding and tongue-tied moments, but it’s good that the general vibe between the two is relaxing.

After briskly leaving for school, Blue Box Episode 4 sees Taiki face an embarrassing dilemma. He discovers that he’s accidentally taken Chinatsu’s sports uniform with him. He soon needs to connect with Chintasy before her gym class so she won’t have to wear his. Something that would be sure to cause quite a stir.

A brief run-in with Hina (Akari Kitô, Birdie Wing: Golf Girl’s Story) forces Taiki to devise an embracing lie to keep his and Chinatsu’s secret. The young man catches up with Chinatsu on the school’s roof to pass along the misplaced uniform. Once the handoff happens, Chinatsu starts changing, much to Taiki’s shock.

Between Taiki’s run-in with Hina and Chinatsu’s prompt disrobing, Blue Box Episode 4 delivers some fun laughs at its protagonist’s expense. His flustered state as he offers to watch the stairs so no one accidentally walks in on his changing friend further solidifies the playful nature of the sequence. As Taiki hears his friend changing, his mind goes to where anyone would in such a situation. This only deepens his embarrassment.

Telecom Animation Film also does a commendable job of relaying Taiki’s thoughts at this moment. While they make it perfectly clear where his mind wanders, it never takes the imagery too far. The shots that see Chinatsu’s shirt begin to rise or her gym pants come up under her skirt don’t even qualify as fan service while still being effective.

With the clothing situation sorted out, Blue Box Episode 4 focuses on Taki’s upcoming qualifiers and, most importantly, his growing nerves concerning his first high school matches. Despite his initial claims that he is ready and comfortable, little hints begin to show that he is anything but. Things like forgetting his racket and struggling to sleep begin to highlight his anxiousness.

The night before the doubles tournament, Taiki is seen practicing his swing in the backyard late at night when Chinatsu visits him. She encourages him to let the practices go, reminding him he’s already done the work. Rest will be better for him at this point. Further trying to ease his mind, she reminds him that even if things go wrong this year, there’s always next year or the year after. This comment doesn’t have the desired effect, as it instantly sours Taiki’s mood, and he then excuses himself.

The interaction brings another superbly crafted moment to the series. What Chinatsu means is abundantly clear, but thanks to his internal monologue, Taiki’s reaction makes sense. How the comment causes a completely unintended consequence is a relatable moment for all. Words can trigger many different responses depending on the receiver and even the momentary state of mind they find themselves in when the words are said.

Blue Box Episode 4 passes over the doubles tournament itself quickly. Thanks to Haryu, the pair can advance easily, giving Taiki another goal to prepare for. On their way out, the duo runs into an old acquaintance of Haryu’s, Shoichiro Kishi (Kengo Kawanishi, Kaiju No. 8). A former teammate of Haryu’s, Kishi has a bone to pick with the upperclassman. It seems he believes Karyu owes him Chinatasu’s number.

To settle the situation, Haryu tells him if he can beat Taiki at the singles qualifiers in two weeks, he’ll ask Chinatsu if he can give him her number. Seeing as Taiki would just assume Chinatsu’s number doesn’t end up in the hands of a potential rival, the qualifiers become about even more than making it to the next tournament.

The final scene shows Taiki and Kishi squaring off on the badminton court. As the two begin their match, Chinatsu and some other basketball players arrive and decide to watch the game. When Kyo (Chiaki Kobayashi, A Condition Called Love) notices Chinatsu by herself, he approaches her to fill her in on the special circumstances of the match, making sure to mention they weren’t Taiki’s idea.

Knowing how much pressure Taiki is under and what it would mean to him, Kyo asks Chinatasu to reward him if he should win the match. After all, he’s partly playing for her, so it’s only fair he receives something. Chinatsu agrees, ending the episode with the statement that if he wins, she’ll go to the aquarium.

Blue Box Episode 4 delivers an entry that delivers a great blend of humor and warmth. Its attention to detail in its social interactions and its respect for its cast from a visual standpoint makes the series even better than it otherwise would be.

Blue Box Episode 4 is streaming now on Netflix.