Chris Beveridge
03-14-2011, 08:31 AM
http://cdn-www.mania.com/content_pics/000006/60/64/2c4e93da06f2bfd3_thumb.jpgReview by Chris Beveridge (http://www.mania.com/cross-game-episode-49_article_128952.html)
Mania Grade: B+
In Summary:
While episodes that focus entirely on the game can be a little problematic sometimes, this one isn't one of them since it's such a critical moment to the series as the two teams battle it out. There's some nice minor strategy that comes out during it, but mostly it's a battle of wills as each of them plays hard, finding that the other is very well matched for them, which causes it to go to several extra innings. With the small character moments mixed in to the overall slow build of tension over the score and position, Cross Game keeps things just right throughout. Every time you think you're going to get a little lull, it swoops right back in and ratchets it up a bit more. Ko definitely takes the center stage here but everyone gets their time in and makes an impression in their own way. With just one more episode to go, Cross Game is definitely giving off a very bittersweet feeling now.
Mania Grade: B+
In Summary:
While episodes that focus entirely on the game can be a little problematic sometimes, this one isn't one of them since it's such a critical moment to the series as the two teams battle it out. There's some nice minor strategy that comes out during it, but mostly it's a battle of wills as each of them plays hard, finding that the other is very well matched for them, which causes it to go to several extra innings. With the small character moments mixed in to the overall slow build of tension over the score and position, Cross Game keeps things just right throughout. Every time you think you're going to get a little lull, it swoops right back in and ratchets it up a bit more. Ko definitely takes the center stage here but everyone gets their time in and makes an impression in their own way. With just one more episode to go, Cross Game is definitely giving off a very bittersweet feeling now.