Review | Fanfare of Adolescence (Episode 8: The Ritto Wind)

“This episode is a fantastic start to the second part of Fanfare of Adolescence. It does a great job at introducing the new setting and characters while also giving the spotlight to Shun in a captivating way.”

Fanfare of Adolescence begins its second part with episode 8. So, does it live up to the first part of the season?

RITTO TRAINING CENTER

The episode picks up one year after episode 7. Last week’s post credits scene gave us a little tease as what to expect. And it is a significant change. Indeed, the characters are in their second year of training, which means they must do an internship at a profesionnal stable. Shun has picked the Sumeragi stables. Thus, he is training at the Ritto training center. Moreover, he is not the only one at the center. In fact, we see Yu, Amane and Eri are also training at the same center. Though, they are doing their internship at different stables. However, there are no signs of Aki, Sojiro and Kota for now.

Furthermore, this episode also introduces the audience to new characters along with this training center. The focus is given to the Sumeragi stables. Apart from Kashino’s daughter, all the newly introduced characters are adults. And the trainer Akari appears as the leading adult character. She has made a first strong impression. Akari has her own challenges to face, she is trying to lead a stable and that is not an easy job. So I am definitely looking forward to spend more time with this character and the others as well.

THE PRODIGY

Shun is the focus of this episode. And I am here for every second of it. He is my favorite character, so obviously I could not have been more happy to get a full episode about him. In fact, I think it is the perfect way to begin this second part. Indeed, after concluding Yu’s storyline about his idol past, opening this part with Shun feels like a fresh start.

Since the beginning, Shun was portrayed as someone different with a gift. This episode fully showcases his talent with the horses. He is actually a prodigy. There is no one quite like him. And this is exactly what I love about him. He is so carefree with human beings but he is different with the horses. He is able to communicate with them in a way that no one else does. In fact, he even notices the slightest change in a horse behavior. It is so impressive to see him in action. And this episode gives plenty of Shun content.

UPDATED CREDITS

A new chapter means changes and that includes the credits as well. This episode only featured an opening credits as during the end credits there was a scene instead of the usual sequence. The songs remain the same. And the opening credits are also mostly the same. Except, that they incorporate the new characters. I expected more. But at the same time, since it is still the first season, I can understand why they didn’t make entirely new credits.

VERDICT

This episode is a fantastic start to the second part of Fanfare of Adolescence. It does a great job at introducing the new setting and characters while also giving the spotlight to Shun in a captivating way.

Fanfare of Adolescence is now streaming on Crunchyroll.