Filthy Casual for Life

Episode 3 Recap: Victor choreographs two short programs. One for Yuri and one for Yurio. However, they are assigned the program they weren’t expecting. Yuri was assigned Eros and Yurio was assigned Agape. Completely opposite of their personalities. They both struggle to really grasp the theme of their respective program. They compete against each other in a friendly competition with Yuri edging out Yurio for the win. Yurio returns to Russia.

Episode 4: Like Yourself…And Complete the Free Program!!

It’s a new day and Yuri overslept. He runs to Ice Castle to find a waiting Victor. He is still in awe over Victor being his coach. After practice, they are soaking in the onsen. Victor proposes that they cut down the amount of quad jumps in his free program while shamelessly stretching in front of Yuri.

After they get out of the onsen, Yuri calls his old coach, Celestino. Victor asks Celestino why he never let Yuri choose his own music. Celestino recalls that Yuri brought music once, but didn’t have confidence in himself. After the call, Victor asks Yuri why he hasn’t played the music for him since he’s Yuri’s coach.

Back in Russia, Yuko texts Yurio and tells him that Yuri is producing his own free skate. The other Russian skaters notice a difference in Yurio. He used to hate practice, but he is now practicing in earnest. The Russian coach tells the other skaters that the competition with Yuri knocked him down a few pegs. Then enters the former prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Ballet. After evaluating Yurio, he tells her that he is willing to sell his soul to win. Liking what she hears, she tells him to pack his things. He’s going to live with her.

Back in Japan, Yuri is struggling with producing his own program. He calls his old rinkmate, Phichit. He asks Phichit about the conservatory student who composed the piece he proposed to Celestino. Phichit tells Yuri he’ll put out feelers to see where she is.

Back at practice, Yuri is getting scolded for not having music yet. Victor, once again, mentions a girlfriend and Yuri snaps at Victor. Yuri, once again, begins to avoid Victor. Then, one morning, Victor flings open Yuri’s bedroom door and tells him they’re going to the beach.

At the beach, Yuri opens up to Victor and tells him a little bit more about his past. Victor asks what Yuri wants Victor to be to him. A father figure? A friend? When Yuri keeps saying no, Victor goes all out.

Yuri tells Victor he just wants him to be Victor. He ignored Victor because he didn’t want Victor to see his shortcomings.

That evening, Yuri gathers his courage and emails the conservatory student that wrote his original piece. Almost immediately, she agreed to rewrite it. Yuri asks Victor to teach him all the jumps Victor knows. Showing his stamina, he asks Victor if he can keep trying.

While Victor is talking, Yuri becomes fixated on the crown of Victor’s head. Without thinking, he touches it. Victor asks Yuri if his hair is that thin…

The Grand Prix assignments come out. Yuri is assigned to the Cup of China and the Rostelecom Cup in Russia. But because Yuri did so poorly the year before, we learn that he has to win a local competition.

As Yuri finishes his free skate, Victor asks what he wants to name his music.

THOUGHTS

Victor is such a shameless flirt and I love it. He is slowly breaking Yuri’s walls down and meeting Yuri where he is at. It’s sweet to watch.

I love that Yuri is finally learning to open up to Victor. It makes me happy. Yuri is also learning to have a bit more confidence in himself.

This episode didn’t have any major events, but instead, it built the trust between Victor and Yuri. Yuri is so afraid of showing Victor his weaknesses, but Yuri is slowly learning that he isn’t weak and those around him don’t think he is weak.