Filthy Casual for Life

EPISODE 6: SUZUKA, RAIN

In walks a model to the set. Madoka stands shaking with his camera. There is a tense moment before he clicks the shutter. Excited, he can continue taking pictures of the model.

Back on the track, Haruka is doing well, surpassing his personal best. He ends up qualifying fourth which is his best-ever starting position. Madoka is working as part of the media in this race. He is excited that he can take pictures of the drivers and not just the cars. In Belsorriso’s tent, Satsuki thanks Toshiki for everything that he does. Toshiki reflecting on what Satsuki said during the neighborhood association foot race, Toshiki tells Satsuki that it is a matter of time, and luck before Toshiki beats Satsuki in a race.

While waiting for the race to begin, Madoka looks up the accident that killed Haruka’s dad. In the video, there was rain that contributed to the accident, As he watches the footage, sadness falls onto his face. His thoughts are interrupted by other media. It has begun to rain. Madoka runs to the tent to speak to Mr. Komaki. Madoka asks whether Haruka is going to switch to rain tires. It isn’t a clear decision. Switching to rain tires will work until the track dries out. Then, the rain tires become a hindrance. Leaving the slick tires on when it is wet will also be a hindrance. Haruka walks up and decides to stick with the slick tires. Koutaro runs up and lets the team know that Belsorriso is going to stick with slick tires as well.

Madoka is worried about Haruka’s decision to stay with slick tires. He tries to argue, but Haruka counters with the rain wasn’t a factor in his father’s death. Haruka tells Madoka that he feels like today is the day he will make the podium. Madoka kills the mood when he tells Haruka that he doesn’t want him to race. Despite their verbal battle, Haruka decides to stick with the slicks and so does Team Belsorriso.

At the start of the race, things for Team Belsorriso and Haruka look a bit dismal, but then the sun begins to shine. Haruka starts to make his move as those with wet tires try to stay on the wet parts of the track. Just when luck seems to be on Team Belsorriso and Haruka’s side, it starts to rain again.

Haruka, determined to stay out front, slides off the track and a few cars pass him. Making eye contact with Madoka, he realizes that Madoka was right. He lets off the gas and makes his way to the pit. Then, Satsuki crashes.

Setting himself up for the picture, he catches Satsuki’s eyes and ends up having a panic attack.

THOUGHTS

This was a good episode. It served as a reminder that healing comes in stages. Overconfidence can set you back. It was awesome to see Madoka doing what he loved without panic attacks. It was also awesome to see that Haruka had made some mental progress as well. However, Madoka’s concern for Haruka was well-placed. He didn’t want to see Haruka suffer like Madoka. It was very mature for Haruka to realize that he wasn’t invincible and that the conditions were not right. The crash was a stark reminder that healing comes in stages and that there can be setbacks. I wonder how Madoka is going to find a way back.

PREVIOUS EPISODES

Episode 1: The Man Who Races
Episode 2: Enthusiasm and Spirit
Episode 3: How Many Kilometers to the Winner’s Podium
Episode 4: The Past and Regrets
Episode 5: Chariots of Fire