Reviews

If you watched S3 with shipping goggles, you were likely disappointed since that's not what S3 was about and that's a good thing. Instead, what fans got was more of the Starting Days characters and new characters to look forward to in the 2020 project. Of course, you didn't know that when you started watching but you have to have faith, ne? Haru and Makoto are very together in Tokyo, contrary to what S1&2 Director Utsumi said would happen, a big plus for Makoharu shippers, of which I am one. Rin got sassy with Sousuke, which was also a good deal of fun to watch. Reigisa didn't get enough screen time, but neither did the new Iwatobi crew, though it's good to know they have new members with Gou Matsuoka, Miss Amakata and Goro Sasabe all reprising their supportive roles. The Samezuka boys returned to keep the friendships lively and the brand new characters were intriguing and sure to return in 2020.

Personally, I enjoyed the season from start to finish. The drama brought on by the reappearance of Ikuya Kirishima and his best friend Hiyori Toono was solid, if frustrating, since it gave us a view into what a dysfunctional Makoharu would have looked like instead of the supportive relationship it is and remains. Natsuya's brief visit with Rin in Australia was a hoot as it forced the swimmer into examining his obsession with Haru and his friendship with Sosuke in the funniest of ways. The new pro coaches brought into the picture were delightfully quirky and Haru's competition on the global stage was truly phenomenal and threatens to remain so.

What stands out, as always, are the bonds of friendship between these characters, especially between the Iwatobi crew with Haru and Makoto reuniting with Asahi Shina and Kisumi Shigino, along with Ikuya, Hiyori (eventually) and Nao Serizawa; and the Samezuka crew with Rin, Sosuke, and their former schoolmates. It's broship at its best. If you want to cry "gay baiting" you can, but why not view it as a positive spin on the queer community? I don't need to see fornication in het shows to feel the love and friendship between couples so why do I need to see it between gay couples? I don't, but I know when it's there and recognize it.

As a ordinary viewer, the sports anime aspect does fail a bit as there isn't much swimming as I'd hoped to see. I love Kyoani's water animation. As a shipper, especially a Makoharu shipper, I couldn't ask for more. It's clear Haru and Makoto are already "together" or on the verge of a serious relationship. Thank goodness the "love triangle" facing off Makoharu and Rinharu was ditched with the change of directors after Eternal Summer. Rinharu shippers are still hopeful for a miracle, but they're just in denial at this point.

In summary, DttF was a wonderful S3 and I thoroughly recommend it. Those who disliked it are probably disgruntled fans who either were hoping to see hugs and kisses or a continuation of a RH vs MH online feud. Or they realize that their 12 y.o. self is going to be in their 20's by the time the next segment is out and they're not likely to care at all. Me? I came to the series late (2017) and caught up on everything in a fanbinge. I'm so in, I'm drowning. It's all good.