Major: World Series

*We've finally reached home base*
(Written last December 11, 2022)

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Fitting entry to be a concluding one, Major: World Series celebrates the end of Goro's story as the integral character of the franchise with a bang in the air, with character conclusions here and there, one most notable besides the protagonist is Toshi's as he channels his accumulated trauma into the OP godlike version of his character, giving two grand slams as a parting gift for his husband (real); and as he ties loose ends with his mother (I almost teared up here, Toshi finally faced his trauma and has fully healed), with different fates of characters ... even slightly related intertwining into a single occasion that is the tiebreaking game between Indiana Hornets and the Texas Raiders, all in two 30-minute episodes.

I love how we're passing through so much time, 8 years to be precise. It shows not only the reality of the true length in which goals could be attained, it not only paved way for interesting developments such as Toshi and Mayumura being in the majors and in opposition, but also that, it really feels like the end of a long journey literally from the childhood.

I'd like to talk about the momentous scenes along with some overall thoughts of each important character.
1: Momoko. I cannot fail to give recognition to her as she's literally saved Goro from what could have been a dreary path at the tender age of six. She is such a wonderful soul. She was a teacher and a mother, two of the most important figures of one's personal life. And she gave Goro the love he needed despite him turning out stubborn and arrogant at first. Momoko cares so much for her step-son, despite being a surrogate. And it shows an important message: family could be anyone, even those not related in blood.

2: Kaoru. Harboring love for a dense someone for more than a decade is already hard in and of itself, so I do not blame her doubtful thoughts, need for attention and quality time, and her lack of self-confidence when it comes to being in a relationship with Goro because, Goro's Goro. He's the epitome of a baseball idiot, and no one would be surprised with his density in romance. Plus, he's in America. Long-distance relationships hurt, and we rarely see him contact Kaoru by himself. But he pulls through when he counts, and that's something Kaoru needs to have faith to, which she did, being able to sustain a relationship with a professional major leaguer for more than 8 years. She is someone Goro really needs, one to understand the sensibilities under his rough exterior, as a woman for a man. Her having a family with Goro, and with children at that, fulfills the theme of family as it all goes full circle. She is truly Goro's catcher for life (sorry Toshi). And how highly coincidental it was that Izumi was born on the same day Goro grabbed the World Championship too. Very coincidental.

3: Toshi. I already expressed some of my thoughts on his conclusion as Goro's longest partner-in-crime and in-love. Toshi was rough and unstable for much of early Major, and we have his family issues to thank for that. He was abandoned by his own family, but because of baseball--the gift Goro gave him as a child--he was able to pull through. Due to Goro's invitation, Toshiya's life changed literally. Goro welcomed him to his own abode, the world of baseball. In it, Toshi found his home, a passion he dedicates his time and efforts to, and it became the instrument almost a decade and a half later for him to truly come back to his familial field. Those home runs were profound. Goro could never receive a better set of thank you's for that. In the end, he was able to accept his mother and literally faced her, and that was monumental.

4: Joe Gibson Jr. To my surprise, the true match off was between the Juniors. It resembles the change of generations, as the next pair of beacons in baseball. The whole Gibson Sr. thing was finished in S5, as Gibson accepts his injuries and is told by Goro words of reassurance. Junior had more-than-iffy relationships with his father. In contrast to Goro following Shigeharu's footsteps with radiance, Jr. followed his dad's out of spite and revenge. A fitting contrast of motivations, which makes the protagonist-antagonist framework flexible, as there really isn't a true opposition--there are many interlockings. Junior was an interesting addition to the main cast. At first I absolutely abhorred him and his personality. But overtime, his character proved to be significant for the narrative as the close-aged rival of our protagonist with own aspirations for himself. It was great how we see him accepting his father once again. In the all-too-familiar Major style of father parenting, that of show-don't-tell-like-literally-don't, he still found understanding after a lengthy period. Unrelated but Toshi is a better slugger idc idc, and he's more handsome too.

5: Joe Gibson the Dad(dy): Oh boy, and he turned up to be the coach of the Raiders. The old man just can't keep away from baseball, and goddamn does that do wonders on me. He is the ultimate figurehead alongside Shigeharu, almost equal in importance. I've already expressed much of my thoughts of him since previous seasons, but this time I'll talk more about his character conclusion. I was deceived that he'd do more in S6, and be the final enemy in the World Series, but time bided its time, until he grew old enough to retire and hand over the baton to his son. And because of that, it didn't sit well with me for some days until I finished this. However, it doesn't matter as much (but it still bugs me), because everything he does is an influence to Goro. That's the beauty of Gibson, of The Second Father. He started this story with regret, and although he was on the road of regret due to injury in S5, he was granted comfort by his very own victim. The concept of harm (injury and death) is prevalent in Major. It highlights perseverance and dedication, which are two important qualities for an athlete. But we add to the formula duty and responsibility, the heaviest crosses Gibson bore for like half of his baseball career for the sake of the deceased Honda's family. Gibson resembles all of those qualities, especially endurance. Whether it be of old age or lonesomeness, he continues his duty. And to be absolved of regret like that is such a great moment for him. He doesn't stop being likeable there, as he once again did his fatherly thing, pulling the two juniors outside their slumps. I just, really like how he loves baseball, and the childlike adoration is still present within this old figure. Gibson is the greatest. Gibson is the GOAT. He is a guardian of the mound like Goro, a protector of home base, a real father despite lapses.

6: Goro, Honda & Shigeno. Goro the child and Goro the adult. The son of the Yokohama Blue Oceans' pitcher, and the son of the Yokohama Blue Oceans' pitcher and a professional major leaguer. The world champion. All the same, he is simply Goro, one who was raised in a warm household and understood the value of family connection from his early losses. Baseball was the medium communicating the love and connection he has with his father. As such, he gave the object to people, hoping they'd enjoy it like him. And they all did, thankfully. They all realized the importance of baseball, of this single specimen called Goro Honda/Shigeno indirectly inspiring them to stop dilly-dallying and start pursuing their dreams. Honestly, much of my beef with the series was him being injured and injured all the time, especially in S3 and S4. I still have not resolved my conflicts fully, because I have my own values, but I've already expressed my understanding. From then on, the better writing in part, injuries became a tool to appreciate Goro more, for the same reasons as Gibson as well. His growth, however, made it more heartfelt. I can only imagine how conflicting it is for his nature to balance out between work and rest. But he became successful. He made others successful. He was a star through and through traveling lightyears forwards than a measly 100 mph. It is of no little amount and intensity the obstacles Goro went through in his life, but being equipped by the loving care of Momoko, Chiaki, and Shigeharu early on, he's inevitably capable for everything. In every hurdle, he imparted a gift for the spectators, and that is hope. And from that hope, a sense of home. He doesn't say goodbye, for he lives on everyone, that attainment heightened by being a professional athlete seen by all. Him gaining the world championship title crystallizes all stories into one satisfying conclusion. He now has the world, for him and for all.

Major was a tough ride, I admit. I've confirmed my current state of media due to this, and that is the fact that my taste and outlook has changed. But not for the worse, I don't think. My ratings are not of much importance anymore. The crown is handed to my thoughts--these thoughts, these plentiful thoughts I give even to a 4, a 6, a 7/10. Major is a 7/10 overall. It had abysmal lows and not-too-heavenly highs. But does that overwhelm the many positives I've stated, those which one can trust that I faithfully feel? Are my words for show? Aren't numbers and a handful of words more hurtful? I just pray my praises aren't treated as insults, and that my criticisms not as insults as well. For in the end, I strive to be faithful to the series and to its author. The journey of me biding my time contemplating on the content, taking my time to convey what I feel inside as much as I can, starts with Major. And for that, it shall remain an important franchise for the next stage of my growth.

Disclaimer: My rating for this is limited to this season alone. The ending did not move me much more than this. The effusive lush of excitement from the exchange of sweat and balls was absent in the entirety of the series. I find it unfortunate, but what matters is that I like it and I've received important messages from this. Nonetheless, my score for Major overall is higher.

I've always been a baseball fan and an anime fan but Major was what got me started on baseball anime which is a genre I really enjoy. I loved Major and its one of my favorite animes mainly because of the characters and the exciting and at times very dramatic and touching story. World Series is the perfect ending to a great anime, wrapping everything up in the best way possible. There is nothing more in the story to be explored, and nothing more for major to accomplish. this ends it so satisfyingly I would be disappointed if they attempted to continue major any further, ... it has been finished perfectly and let it stay that way.

Before I even start, I should probably disclose that I’m not exactly a fan of Major. Hell, I’m not exactly a fan of sports anime in general. So if you are, take my distaste with a grain of salt.
With that out of the way, welcome to another part of “Is this actually that good or is it rated that high just because it’s part of popular franchise?”.

I imagine that to long-time fans that have some emotional attachment to the characters, this might have been enjoyable bonus. It’s basically two extra episodes. It does not stand on its own and it was not meant to be. ... It’s kinda a “grand finale” to the Goro’s whole journey (let’s ignore Message for a moment). The actual content? Not that great. Summarized, Goro’s at important match while his wife’s pregnant. As the plot wills it, the labour comes at the same time as the match. Also as the plot wills, Goro is currently after injury, but insists on taking part in the match nonetheless. After a bit of shouting, he gets his way. Labour and match gets done and as an epilogue we get some sprinkle of drama from protagonist’s background, in case the match alone wasn’t enough for you. Well, the match was quite boring (like baseball matches tend to be), with the drama being so-so. Overall, it’s a very basic plot of sports anime and it doesn’t stand out in any way. To give credit, it also doesn’t have any outstandingly bad part. A perfectly average anime.

As hinted above, if you’re a Major fan, you’ll likely enjoy this. If you aren’t, you likely won’t be watching this at all.