That was Kakegurui season 1. A round of applause for all the cast members and animators.
Yumeko ended up winning all the gambles except the final one, which ended with a draw.
What’s really good about these past few episodes are the interactions between Manyuda and Itsuki. It adds a lot of stuff to those two’s personalities. Also, a toast to Manyuda for holding his own rather splendidly while being surrounded by crazy women.
Also, it’s kind of too late to notice, but the opening theme sounds like it’s sung in one long breath rather than having the usual verses like general anime openings. Non-stop gambling fun. Suits the tone perfectly.
The visuals and sound in Kakegurui is very well done. Regular gambles wouldn’t be half as entertaining if Yumeko didn’t morph into a devil halfway through or if people don’t start sweating or getting eye problems in every match. Somebody made a review that Kakegurui isn’t nearly as good as other gambling animes because the stakes are too low, but that’s not the point. The point of Kakegurui is the enjoyment and thrill of gambling (while discouraging the general public from participating in matches). And low stakes? Could you imagine some dumb gambling match you agreed to when you were like, 16, ruining the 60 or 70 years you still have in store for your future? How’s that for stakes? It’s not physical pain that’s at risk here, it’s your entire life.
The final match between Yumeko and Kirari didn’t have so much thrill as it should. It’s a given that Suzui was going to pull Judgement at the very last moment anyway. Well, for a filler episode, it was good. But as a YumekoxMary shipper, I am mildly upset by the very strong YumekoxSuzui they’ve got going. At least Suzui has some presence, though. That’s good. He’s not so bland, at least.
That’s it for Kakegurui season 1. Now onto season 2.
bonutzuu 