Seriously, if you haven’t been deeply moved by Hi Score Girl, I feel sorry for your cold heart. Let’s dive into this amazing episode together. But before that, let me share some exciting news with you. Hi Score Girl has been given the green light for a second season! This means that these special episodes are far less bittersweet to cover. I had a feeling this would happen, considering the decent disc sales and the numerous merchandising tie-ins. I’m not surprised, but immensely relieved, and I can’t wait to see the series conclude in Fall 2019.

Karma is definitely at work here. Hi Score Girl fans have endured a lot, but so has Oshikiri Rensuke, the creator. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the anime adaptation was cancelled for four years. To make matters worse, the manga serialization was halted and the volumes were recalled. This fantastic series was left hanging on the edge of cancellation. However, fate finally turned in its favor. Hi Score Girl not only deserves a full and proper adaptation, but its creators and fans have been through a lot.

As someone who has been a champion of this series through good times and bad, it’s incredibly satisfying to see everything falling into place. The CGI, while not everyone’s cup of tea, is artistically defensible given the themes. The writing, direction, and casting are flawless. This also applies to “Extra Stage,” which serves as a bridge between the first and second seasons. It could have been included in either season, but the pacing would have been awkward. The 27-episode count is just about perfect. It seems like the second cour has been planned from the very beginning.

I’ve always been a strong supporter of Hidaka, as you may remember. However, I can’t help but love all three main characters (and Miyao and Haruo-mom too) equally. It’s rare to come across a romance triangle in manga or anime where it’s impossible to root against anyone. As much as I adore Koharu and Haruo together, every time Oshikiri-sensei explores the bond between Akira and Haruo, I can’t help but feel the force behind it. We’ve seen princess characters in anime before, but none quite like this. Looking at Haruo, it’s evident where his heart truly lies, even though it’s painful to witness.

That doesn’t mean I don’t feel for Koharu, especially since Haruo seems oblivious to her feelings. Her confession has definitely shaken him. Miyao-nyan, as always, proves to be an excellent wingman. Despite considering Hidaka a close friend, he advises Haruo to listen to his heart and not lead Koharu on. Hidaka doesn’t stand a chance, especially when Oono’s situation deteriorates rapidly. Her rebellious older sister, Makoto, has caused a lot of trouble for Akira, and the consequences are tightening their grip on her.

We can see what’s happening to Akira and understand her desire to escape her suffocating environment. The more her parents and her tiger-like advisor, Gouda-san, try to control her, the more she yearns to break free. However, what we see and what they see are two different things. When Gouda-sensei comes to “thank” Haruo-kun for finding and rescuing Akira, it becomes clear that her true intention is to belittle him and warn him to stay away. Thankfully, Namie-san is one of the best anime moms out there. She defends her son’s honor using the truth and acknowledges his growth as a noble person. Her willingness to let him choose his own path plays a significant role. And that umbrella scene was a satisfying parting shot at Gouda.

Watching Haruo process everything feels illogical. He is smart, strong-willed, and tireless. However, he remains an innocent who sees the world through the lens of how it should be. He just wants to be with Akira, even if it’s just as friends, and struggles to comprehend why her family is treating her this way. He tries to be her strength, as Jiiya advises, but he knows it’s not enough. She can be locked away where he can never reach her. Yet, he also knows how much she needs him. Poor Koharu doesn’t stand a chance against all of that.

To conclude, the one-to-one sequences in Hi Score Girl, whether between Haruo and Oono or Haruo and Hidaka, are incredibly charming. The dynamics between these two couples are totally different. With Oono, it’s fascinating to watch Haruo carry the weight of the conversation for both of them and become a wise-cracking knight-errant. Young romance is often portrayed in manga and anime as either excessively cute or one-sided. However, Oshikiri and anime director Yamakawa Yoshiki perfectly capture the innocence and the blissful sense of an idealized love story every time. I adore this series and I’m thrilled that it’s finally receiving the recognition it deserves.