Julz`s Free! Eternal Summer Ep.1 Review

by Julz Chan aka Julius Cantara 

Like an old friend that has been gone for so long, Free! returns to us with a big,wet, joyful, hilarious hug that feels long overdue. All the while episode presents a new element or two that will emphasize the slice of life aspect of the show even further.

The episode titled, "Stormy-Dive Dash," is a good follow up to the previous season by showing that the overflowing atmosphere is brimming with friendship and with a smile on everyone`s faces. Half the episode is cute moments and fun shenanigans. Everyone is still very lively as expect with both school`s swim teams hanging out and swimming. The Iwatobi Swim Club is still as awkwardly adorable as ever.

 The other half of the episode provides set up for what the season will focusing on and possibly the theme. That as much as they wish for all these happy times to be "eternal," this is Rin, Mako and Haru`s last year of high school. The way they express their uncertainty of their futures is well done by having them freeze up a bit, as it is something every high school student thinks about and is a serious issue. This will most likely create some interesting story telling opportunities. 

The animation is as fluid as ever, never wasting any time to impress. As per usual there is fan service however as before it is timed well as it fits into the moment and is very light. 

The ending sequence, titled "Future Fish" works better than the previous one "Splash Free."

Where season one`s ending music video was telling a story however it had little to do with the show. Eternal Summer`s ending sequence works in correspondence with the possible focus of this season. The boys being are unsure of their future is complimented by them dreaming about future careers. 

The only problems with the episode was that while the new character,Sousuke Yamazaki, was meant to be set-up but not particularly the strong kind as viewers will know nothing about him. While Rin was introduced at the end of the first episode of the previous season he at least  shown in flash backs to see who he was. This however is a minor quibble as seen in the previews Sousuke may present a challenge for the team`s friendship. 

The art is as radiant, well framed and detailed, other times the details can go too far, especially with some of the team`s anatomy, but again a small complaint as the art is still visually appealing.

Overall the episode is like a return to this series of friendship, fun, silliness and hot swimmer guys that set up interesting themes . Free! Eternal Summer, "Stormy Dive-Dash" receives a 4.8/5 !