REVIEW: ‘Blue Box’ Episode 25 — “Even So”

Blue Box Episode 25, “Even So,” sees Ayame (Kana Ichinose, Do it Yourself!!) try to lift Hina’s (Akari Kitô, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba) spirits after her disastrous attempt to set the two up. But Hina’s heart isn’t quick to mend, leaving Ayame wondering about the hearts of all the boys she’s dated. Meanwhile, Taiki (Shoya Chiba, Genshin Impact) takes a big step forward in pursuing Chinatsu (Reina Ueda, Solo Leveling).

Most of this episode’s time focuses on the aftermath of Taiki’s decision. However, rather than looking directly at Hina’s perspective, Blue Box Episode 25 explores the repercussions of the moment mainly through Ayame’s instead. As the one who tried to play matchmaker for Hina, she feels guilty about how things turned out.

Her attempts to help Hina through her emotional turmoil bring warmth to the episode, even as Ayame begins to question her own, more cavalier attitude towards relationships. As she aids her friend, Ayame cannot help but wonder if any of the boys she’s shrugged off so callously were as into her as Hina is for Taiki.

This retrospective moment introduces a theme within the episode that is later expanded upon by Kyo (Chiaki Kobayashi, Wuthering Waves). It engages with the fact that we never know everything that’s going on in someone else’s heart. Just as Ayame didn’t know what was happening in her exs’ hearts, she also doesn’t understand how Taiki could reject Hina. It’s not till Kyo wanders by with some of his low-key observations that Ayame learns elements of the situation that again change her perspective.

Blue Box Episode 25 sets the stage for bigger emotional developments. 

This angle of exploration leans into the core nature of narrative storytelling. When watching a TV show, we can always fully understand what is going through everyone’s minds. We can comprehend that Taiki is hurting over what he said, but he had to say it to remain a good person and friend to Hina. These sorts of reminders are great as they call attention to the fact that, sadly, we are not privy to the same godlike view when navigating real life. Something we should always keep in mind.

When Blue Box Episode 25 isn’t tackling the emotional turmoil Hina is wading through, it sets Taiki up for his biggest moment yet. As the final day of training comes to a close, the protagonist finds himself moved by all the effort and strength he’s seen everyone demonstrate, Hina included. When a casual comment from Haryu reminds him that he’s also gotten stronger, a wave of resolution can be felt passing through the character.

When Taiki arrives home, Chinatsu is just getting there as well. Before they enter, while they are still alone, Taiki asks Chinatsu if she would like to go shopping. She agrees, and the two have a date set for the coming Saturday.

Seeing Taiki take the next big step is the perfect way to wrap up the season. With so much of the preceding episodes revolving around Hina, pushing Taiki to move forward is a great way to close things for now. And given that the series recently revealed how Chinatsu feels towards her housemate, there is little anxiety about how the date will play out, just excitement for its outcome.

The anticipation couldn’t be greater with Blue Box Episode 25 wrapping up just as the two meet to begin their date. No camps, no tournaments, no distractions. Season two promises to start on a high note; now we just have to hope we don’t have to wait too long to witness it.

Blue Box Episode 25 is streaming now on Netflix.

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