REVIEW: ‘Blue Box’ Episode 18 — “I Know”

Blue Box Episode 18, “I Know,” sees the day of the practice matches arrive for Taiki (Shoya Chiba). As he steps onto the court against his rival Yusa (Kenshô Ono, Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective), it feels like a major point in his development as an athlete and a person is about to unfold. Unbeknownst to him, Hina (Akari Kitô, Birdie Wing: Golf Girl’s Story) and Chinatsu (Reina Ueda) watch from the sidelines as the drama plays out.

“I Know” opens by establishing the mountain-sized challenge it presents to its protagonist. Instead of opening with Taiki, Blue Box Episode 18 follows Yusa as various students respond to his early performances at the practice matches. The incredible athlete who knocked Taiki out of the national qualifiers hasn’t rested on his laurels. Onlookers observe how much faster Yusa plays and how the young man’s skills have only grown. This does a great job of establishing the difficulty Taki faces.

As Taiki’s match with Yusa begins, Blue Box Episode 18 cuts away from the ensuing action to establish the presence of other key characters. Hina and a friend are on the balcony overlooking the gym, though Hina hesitates to watch the match. She bears concerns about the outcome, seemingly writing off Taiki’s chances of a better performance than his previous match with Yusa.

The differences between Hina and Chinatsu are clear in Blue Box Episode 18. 

This attitude from Hina is surprising. She’s seen the work that Taiki has put in and knows how hard he will fight to overcome any obstacle life sets before him. As an athlete, one would expect her to be more supportive and confident in Taiki’s work. She eventually crawls over to the balcony’s edge, looking through the barred railing as Taiki’s match progresses. This positioning of the character does a great job of visually reaffirming the doubts and worries she harbors over the unfolding match. As she looks on, she notices Chinatsu across the way, watching Taiki play.

The difference between Chinatsu’s and Hina’s mindsets concerning the match is instantly apparent. While Hina huddles on the floor, Chinatsu casually leans on the railing as she watches her roommate play his hardest. As she chats with a friend, she emphasizes how much Taiki has practiced, stating that she knows he can win.

Blue Box Episode 18 puts the perfect amount of force on Chinatsu’s convictions. She knows Taiki can win, but she doesn’t go so far as to state he will. Chinatsu is well aware of how fickle sports can be. A match between two evenly skilled opponents can come down to a single choice or random effect. No outcome is guaranteed; that’s why they play the game.

As Chinatsu watches the match progress, she delves into her memories, looking back on everything Taiki has been through and how profoundly his efforts to grow have helped spur her on as well. This sequence does a great job of reaffirming how deeply Taiki has come to impact her life, oftentimes without even trying. The pair’s mutual adoration for each other is one of the key elements that sets their story apart from many other romance series. The fact that they both chase each other’s inspiration crafts a special level of mutual support and affection, making them a stand-out couple despite not actually dating.

We see Taiki’s growth in his match with Yusa. 

Meanwhile, the match plays out on the court between Taiki and Yusa. Despite Yusa taking the first game, Taiki’s trademark resolve never falters. Driving himself harder and harder, he slowly manages to close the gap with Yusa, taking the second game. Between games, Blue Box Episode 18 delves into Yusa’s mind as he ponders what he is witnessing. Even with all the exertion, Taiki is getting faster. Not just holding his own but speeding up.

The camera work and animation bring all the tension and energy of the pivotal match to life. Up close and on-the-ground points of view pull the episode into the midst of the match, driving home the intensity between the two players. The rivers of sweat shown on their faces and limbs further reinforce how much of themselves the players are pouring into their match.

As the final rallies play out, Taiki eventually not only catches up to Yusa but defeats him. With all the self-doubt and struggles Taiki has borne on his shoulders since his defeat at the National Qualifiers, the final score feels far more triumphant than would typically be expected of a practice match. Taiki can no longer doubt that he is improving. His efforts are delivering measurable results.

Chinatsu and Taiki continue to inspire one another. 

Taiki soon finds himself outside the gym, taking a breather from his victory. Chinatsu joins him, bringing him water as the pair chat. Chinatsu tells Taiki how cool he was on the court, which Taiki appreciates but also reciprocates the praise. He acknowledges how much she inspires him, making his victory partly her’s as well.

Just like when Blue Box Episode 18 examined Chinatsu’s faith in Taiki’s abilities earlier, the writing hits a perfect spot for Taiki’s desire to share his triumph. The language he uses is careful not to diminish his efforts. He doesn’t try to say it was all her, just that she is a motivating force that empowers his efforts. This allows the moment to be sweet but not self-deprecating.

Just before the credits roll, the narrative jumps back to the gym. Here, we learn that Haryu (Yuma Uchida) is in a bad mood because he lost his match with Yusa after Taiki wrapped up. This is the perfect icing on the cake, as the implication is clear. Taiki beat Yusa, and Yusa beat Haryu. So that means that Taiki can beat Haryu, right?

Blue Box Episode 18 delivers tension, character, and a well-earned moment for Taiki. Given how frequently the series allows its protagonists to fail, seeing one succeed makes the moment all the sweeter.

Blue Box Episode 18 is streaming now on Netflix.

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