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Cross Game appears to be closing in on its climax.  The Adachi-based anime has mostly had a slow pace similar to Touch until this point, but as we near the possible end of the series, various subplots are being kicked awake for possible development/resolution.  I’m not entirely sure when the series will be ending – I was fairly sure it was capped at 51 episodes, but apparently this isn’t really a confirmed number.  Whatever the case, 10 episodes probably isn’t enough to resolve both the aforementioned subplots along with the greater Koshien story in a satisfying way, but I’ll keep my mind open.

I haven’t written much about Cross Game, as I don’t really think i have much to add to the story – it’s something that you watch and enjoy.  Since my last post, there was one large change to the show’s dynamic, which was the introduction of the Akane character.  I have to admit, the idea behind her character (a Wakaba lookalike) seemed a little too blatant and I was quite skeptical about her role in the series.  Having reached episode 41, while I am still a huge fan of Cross Game, I have remained unsure about her characterization.  I still find myself wary about the way she is viewed so often as Wakaba version 2.  Parents make references to the Tsukashima sisters being “reunited”, Aoba tells her that she will allow only her to use Wakaba’s bed – even Wakaba’s father succumbs to this tendency at times.

I suppose that overall, I’m just a tad concerned at how she has so quickly carved herself a place in the established character dynamics due to primarily a superficial resemblance.  Her gentle personality certainly does not resemble the energetic young Wakaba, nor are her relationships with Aoba and Kou all that similar to Wakaba’s.  As a character, she appears to like the idea of fate and perhaps has accepted the role that the other characters view her as, intentionally or not.  In the midst of the rest of the drama of this show, which is, for the most part, fairly quiet and understated, the focus on this purely physical resemblance doesn’t always ring true to me.

But, for the most part, I am still undecided about it.  I generally like Akane as a character, even if she doesn’t feel as vibrant and unique as, say Minami from Touch.  The show hasn’t really suffered too much from what I mention above, either – her interactions with the characters have certainly resulted in some of the great character moments that define the series.  However, the resolution to the subplots concerning her will probably end up determining if the show will end up being one of my perfect reviews or not.

On another note, I’m also anticipating the beginning of Koshien and a return to baseball matches.  Although I think I still like Touch better overall, primarily due to its characters, Cross Game’s storytelling and pacing is more finely tuned and concise, and I’m sure the portrayal of the final climax will be very enjoyable.