What's up with all the negativity about S3? Could it be that once young fans got older, the franchise lost some of its charm for them? Or was it bc a long-hoped for Rinharu romance didn't happen so they're calling "sour grapes?" Just a hypothesis. But then, S1&2 were directed by Hiromi Utsumi, who personally favored Rin's character, so its not surprising that RH shippers expected more suggestive moments or more than that though that will never happen. See, other pairings also emerged, including Makoharu, which went on to be Tumblr's top pairing in 2013 and is still one of Japan's top otps. So, was it the chicken or the egg that led to the appointment of Eisaku Kawanami as director, who stayed close to Koji Oji's original intent of Starting Days, the novel and subsequent film, where middle school friendships are highlighted, but especially that of Haruka and Makoto? Hm. Perhaps that focus left some fans less than thrilled.
That focus continued thereafter, along with Sourin, Reigisa and other "ships" with the films, and Season 3 including plenty of manservice and what some would call gay-baiting. Rinharu is still a valid ship, but Rin's actual role has been reduced to Haru's friend and rival without a single suggestive moment in S3. Meanwhile, what S3 did give us is lots of domestic Makoharu, adorable Sourin and sentimental Reigisa. And let's not forget about Kisumi and Asahi's rise as a surprise ship or Hiyori's dramatic run-in with Haruka for reasons no one understood until later (did you give him a chance or hate him outright?) Natsuya ribbing Rin about his adulterous thinking put Rin right with Sosuke while Natsuya went home to Ikuya while thinking about Nao, who helps Makoto clarify his future path as a trainer. Then there are the delightfully odd coaches, Asahi running into Rei at the college championships, Gou and Isuzu Mikoshiba gushing over muscles, the new Iwatobi swim club and dangerously fast competitors with a race whose winners are unknown(?) unless you have faith in Haruka or some twist of fate getting him to the Olympics. I do, so no matter the outcome, he'll be there.
This was an amazing season, folks! So much so that I'm at a loss as to why those who complain do so. If nothing from the above thrilled you, there was Kyoani's continued impeccable animation, OP and ED songs, underscoring, scripting, voice acting, attention to advertising and merch, partnering with US companies to make sure we got simulcasts, and continued attention to detail on a beloved franchise with what promises to be a remarkable follow up and conclusion. Did I say conclusion? ::sob:: Anyway, that's my take on things. YMMV, but if anyone out there reading this isn't sure if they should watch Season 3, DO WATCH because it's amazing and totally worthy of being a part of this historic franchise.
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