Review | Salaryman's Club (Episode 12: Skyrocket)

“The finale of Salaryman’s Club is a powerful and intense episode with high stakes. This is a beautiful conclusion for this amazing series that also leaves the door open for more.”

This is it. This is the final episode of Salaryman’s Club. Twelve weeks have gone by so fast. So, is this finale a satisfying conclusion?

THE BIG MATCH

Last week’s episode ended during the final match of the S/J league with Mikoto hitting a pole. That was quite the cliffhanger. Obviously, it was not easy to wait a whole week to see the rest of this match. But it sure felt great to finally watch this episode. The season finale picks up where we left off. And this match becomes even more intense. Indeed, with a wounded Mikoto the situation is dire. Nevertheless, our favorite team does not give up that easily. The stakes are high, they cannot afford to loose. If they loose Tatsuru has to leave the badminton team. And that is not an option for Mikoto who has become so fond of him. They are more than just a doubles team.

Throughout the episode I was on the edge of my seat. Until the very end, you are never sure who is going to win. You can feel through the visuals, through the characters expressions how important this match is. The team behind this series knows how to make us care for the story and its characters.

Not only Mikoto is wounded, but this match is against the champion of badminton. Thus, this is an even bigger challenge. But Mikoto and Tatsuru’s resilience is truly inspiring. The way they keep fighting and don’t give up is so beautiful. It’s an intense episode but also heart-warming.

THE ADVERSARIES

Moreover, Izumo and Kirishima are not simply adversaries in this episode. They are given a personality and motivations. We get a flashback that explores Kirishima’s motivations. And despite, being the champion he is not all perfect. He is a broken character desperately trying to find recognition. While Izumo is doing everything to be one of the best but on the way, maybe he lost himself. It makes this match even more meaningful by showing what both sides are fighting for.

WHAT NOW?

This episode was the season finale … or series finale. As of now, nothing indicates the show will be back for another season. And I think it is a shame. Because this is an amazing series that quickly ranked in my top 3 of sports anime. That being said, even if it ends now, I am grateful for this journey. The team behind this series has put so much heart and effort into making this series. I love the characters and the story they have given us. And I will forever cherish this series.

VERDICT

The finale of Salaryman’s Club is a powerful and intense episode with high stakes. This is a beautiful conclusion for this amazing series that also leaves the door open for more.