Days - Episode 5 (Review)

By: Alan VMiss my review of episode 4? Check it out here![yasr_multiset setid=11] In episode five of Days Tsukushi is put in a difficult position. He has been helping an upperclassman, Kasahara, train relentlessly with the goal of making the squad for the upcoming Interhigh tournament. This other player has been doing some serious work, in the weight room, film room and on the field, because this will be his last opportunity to play for the team before quitting.The team gathers around to hear the coach call out the 17 players who will be brought along. Unfortunately, Kasahara’s name is not called out by their coach. Whose name is called out? Tsukushi’s. His name is the last called, and it’s a gut punch for him. He desperately wanted Kasahara to have that last game, but it’s not going to happen. Tsukushi now has to get prepared for his first competitive tournament.As expected Tsukushi is riding the pine for the first game, but that doesn’t last for long. As the game wears on the coach and the players in the stands recognize that the team is sluggish and lacking energy. The perfect remedy? Throwing Tsukushi out as the first substitute of the game to reinvigorate his teammates with his “idiot” ways.It was the perfect move by the coach. As soon as he comes in the demeanor of the team changes. The pressure of the game doesn’t seem to be weighing them down anymore, and they are able to play in a more fluid fashion. Tsukushi makes the usual mistakes, but ultimately it doesn’t cost the team.As usual Tsukushi can only see the negatives of his performance, and doesn’t realize how his spirit goes a long way to making the team tick. It’s not until Chikako yells at him and shows him some of the video recorded at the game that it finally begins to settle in how much he means to his teammates.Episode five of Days is a big improvement over episode four, and restores confidence in where the series is headed. The animation was much improved in showing the fluidity of soccer that made it far more enjoyable. Some of the angles could use some work, but things are starting to look up on that front.Days can be viewed on Crunchyroll, new episodes debut Saturday at 3:30PM EDT.