As we near the end of Free`s run, tension starts to heat up,
starting with Rei. Normally it is criticized that Rei has been a new member of
the team from the start and the story shouldn`t have focused on him more than
the others. However it is difficult to argue with him after seeing how serious he
was when he confronted Rin.Rei really wanted to get to the root of things and wasen`t
afraid to analyze everything. There were in fact moments where you`d feel as if
Rin and Rei were going to punch each other.
Despite this being another episode focused on Rei, but the
tension of the first seen really makes you forget about that. Especially given
the look in Rei`s eyes as he told off Rin, telling him not to interfere. Basically
telling Rin to stay away from his friends. Showing how very passionate Rei is
about being on the swim team and how much he cares for his friends.
While this episode was yet another episode devoted to the
togetherness of the team and promoting friendship and team work, but as always
it did so by allowing us to genuinely feel the team getting closer together. Haru
and the others having fun, having very goofy moments (Nagisa why with the melon
bread ?! Are your trying to ruin our chances ?!!) and them having very intimate moments where they
tell each other about how they feel. Like how Haru shows gratitude towards Mako
and Nagisa. Trust me as a kid who grew up in the 90`s, there were worse
stories being told about friendship and togetherness that made you wanna puke. Unlike
this story.
Also in terms of togetherness, or in this case love
interests, this show has a habit of implying love interests or love triangles
without calling it out. There were
actually scenes where the usually slashed paring (Haru/Mako, Haru/Rin and
Nagisa/Rei) were teased at. And you can feel these characters actually getting
closer and possibly more intimate.
Haru/Rin fans can agree that the episode really hinted at Rin`s
relationship with Haru. While he still kept his reason for swimming in the
relay vague, it is very clear Rin wishes to swim with Haru again. Especially,
when Rei asked what Rin`s feelings were to Haru. Sure it is still vague but you
get the implicated idea while watching.
And I`d be totally blind if I didn`t mention the bedroom
scenes with Haru and Mako. Or when Nagisa was talking to Rei in his sleep.
Again hinting at love interests without calling it out !
Surprisingly there was little to no fan service, again!
However to those of you who only watched the episode once, mind taking a look
in the locker room while Mako was changing out of his swim suit. Why must couch`s
head block us. Another thing to be teased at in this episode. 
Lastly, the episode did well by having this seem perfect as
our team is ready, hyped and above all anxious about the regionals, in the last
few scenes things start to look bleak. Rin telling Rei that he better not embarrass
his team mates at the relay may lead to some doubt for our blue haired
butterfly. And if Rin thinks he can walk away unscathed, think again. As it seems a great twist has occurred with
line up relay. To Rin`s utter shock. Hopefully these issues will be expound
upon next episode and one wonders how they can be resolved given it will be the
final episode.
Who knows what will come from this. Will Rin have a nervous breakdown,
looks like. While Rei succumb to doubt and screw up ? Join me next time for the
season finally of Free.
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