REVIEW: ‘Blue Box’ Episode 7 – “Can I Have One?”

Blue Box Episode 7, “Can I Have One?” sees the athletes continue to prepare for the upcoming national qualifiers. With big goals ahead for Taiki (Shoya Chiba) and Chinatsu (Reina Ueda), the two competitors have much to overcome to reach their goals. Luckily, they do not want support and inspiration. While their goals on the court remain clear, other elements in their lives remain less clear.

As this episode opens, Taiki again practices with the upperclassman Haryu (Yuma Uchida, Jujutsu Kaisen). He continues to lose to the more seasoned player, but Taiki’s determination is unwavering. To an extent, that could be detrimental, as Haryu points out. Being beaten too many times by the same person could cause Taiki to expect the outcome, hampering his performance later. Despite being allies in doubles, they may face off in the singles side of upcoming tournaments. That Haryu doesn’t want Taiki to fall into this trap, even though it could benefit him, speaks to his character.

Once practice wraps, the pair runs into several members of the girls’ basketball team on their way out. We learn that the girls have an upcoming tournament and that the badminton team also has one coming. The latter piece of information is especially important because Chinatsu brought it up. Her awareness of the team’s schedule leaves Taiki wondering whether she knows it by happenstance or if she is keeping up with his schedule, just as he keeps up with hers.

How much of Chinatsu’s mind is revealed to the viewer is a delicate balancing act that Blue Box Episode 7 continues to maintain. Even though the show provides glimpses into her mind in private moments, it is extremely selective about what we see. This elusiveness keeps the viewer unsure of exactly where Chinatsu stands regarding her feelings for Taiki, even though it is clear some measure of mutual admiration and affection exists between the two.

Once practice is done, Taiki finds himself heading home, only to once again run into Chinatsu. When he offers to carry a heavy-looking bag for her, Chinatsu questions his offer, pointing out that Taiki said walking home with her was embarrassing. This leads to a humorous play-acting moment where Taiki puts on a charade that he happens to walk home in the same direction as her. Chinatsu joins in, and the moment becomes one of mutual enjoyment as the two linger in the ridiculousness of the scene.

The humor of the sequence smoothly transitions to something more somber as Taiki, emboldened by their shared moment, takes Chinatsu on a detour to a nearby shrine. Taiki explains that he often comes here to pray for success and invites Chinatsu to join him. As the two silently share a prayer, we hear Taiki’s earnest wish for both of their success.

This quiet scene once again reinforces how much Chinatsu means to Taiki. Not only does he share a private ritual with her, but the deep sincerity of his prayer for them both is heartfelt and strong. Chiba delivers the earnestness in Taiki’s voice wonderfully, ensuring the viewer fully appreciates that his desire for Chinatsu’s victory is just as strong as his wish for his own. The visuals provide the final little extra emphasis as they show Taiki sneaking a peek at Chinatsu while he prays. It is a small act that feels full of charm and affection.

Blue Box Episode 7 follows Chinatsu as she helps her team gain their first win at the previously mentioned tournament. Even as the girls celebrate their victory, Chinatsu and one of her teammates overhear some players from a rival school criticizing Chinatsu’s play. While her teammate wants to confront the other players, Chinattsu waves her off, stating that they would show them how wrong they are when they play.

This moment imbues Chinatsu with a calm confidence born of her strong sense of dedication and tireless effort. She knows what matters is what happens on the court and is happy to make her arguments in her defense there. However, there are other conclusions the audience is likely to take from this moment that are quickly dispelled.

When the girls return to school, Taiki overhears some players discussing the incident. When he’s caught eavesdropping by Chinatsu, Taiki tries to reassure her, telling her that what others say doesn’t matter. She quickly stomps on this statement, declaring that it does matter. And that the words said anger her. But she will use that anger as fuel to show them how wrong they are about her. At this declaration, Taiki once again finds himself overwhelmed by how cool he thinks Chinatsu is.

The sharp edge in Chinatsu’s voice here gives credence to her words. Ueda’s voice work makes her anger clear, and how well she maintains her usual facade despite these feelings once more speaks volumes of the girl’s discipline. That she manages to use a difficult emotion like anger, one that can easily sweep people away and make them do regrettable things, only enhances how impressive the character is, particularly given her young age.

From here, Blue Box Episode 7 sees Taiki again practicing with Haryu, but something is different this time. Taiki manages to take a game against the upperclassman. While the full match is cut short due to the gym’s closing, the visible proof that Taiki is improving clearly affects the young man. The awe in him as he rests his hand on the small scoreboard, testifying his accomplishment, is subtly moving.

Later, as Taiki walks home with Kyo (Chiaki Kobayashi, A Condition Called Love), they run into a couple of their fellow students and one of their teachers. It seems the teacher offered to treat their friends to some free food from a nearby convenience store and is quickly roped into expanding the nice gesture to Taiki and Kyo.

When the duo emerges from the store, they find a small crowd has gathered, including Chinatsu and Hina (Akari Kitô, Birdie Wing: Golf Girl’s Story). When Hina sees Taiki’s chicken bites, she quickly snags one for herself. This leads to a playful exchange between the two over Hina helping herself to Taiki’s food.

Once Hina has moved on, Chinatsu asks Taiki if she can have one too. After receiving her treat, thanks to Taiki’s eagerness to share, Chinatsu comments that seeing Hina get one made her jealous. As the young woman leaves to catch up with some of her teammates, Taiki is left wondering exactly what Chinatsu is jealous about. Was it the chicken or Hina’s interaction with him?

This lingering question wonderfully wraps up Blue Box Episode 7. While it feels certain it wasn’t the chicken, hearing Taiki’s hope that it was true creates a warmth that will leave viewers smiling as the credits begin to roll.

Blue Box Episode 7 brings more of the series’ greatest strengths to the forefront as it follows its protagonists through another story. How it naturally unveils the personalities of its cast while fluidly moving between the themes of sports and romance allows the series to deliver on all its sides without forcing one aspect of its narrative to comprise the others.

Blue Box Episode 7 is streaming now on Netflix.