Buzzer Beat Ep.2

After watching episode 2 of  Buzzer Beat, I’m actually finding myself edging for episode 3.The story seems to get more interesting from here and I hope the tension will build-up for the better after this. Screen shot spoilers ahead (credits to RMB)

This was a nice start to episode 2- with Naoki and Riko sitting casually, looking very relaxed and comfortable talking to each other although they’ve only met each other quite recent (and sharing the onigiri that Naoki made). I love how Mai appeared into this scene, wondering who is this stranger Riko is sharing her troubles to? Some might find Mai annoying, but I am really liking her character – noisy and rather silly at times. I find that endearing.

Maybe it’s got to do with JE’s rules or something, but what was that?!! That kiss looks very FLAT. This is suppose to be the girl he proposed earlier on, so the very least Yamapi could do with this scene is make the audience believe that he truly cares and feels for his gf. That kiss was like *blah* for me. It’s not even what I can call a peck. More like, placing each others lips on the surface and stay that way (like two stiffed corpse) for as long as the director asked you to. I think a kiss on the forehead would have been better. Well, anything would have been better than this! But then again, like I said earlier on, maybe Yamapi is just following some guidelines set by his management or some sort.

Now this kiss looks better. You see, you don’t have to make it super passionate or spicy to make it look convincing. This was sweet…and how Kawasaki – stole this kiss from Riko was also sweet, including his confession how he really likes Riko. Made me go *sigh*

It’s no wonder Riko gets all-giddy after that as well…

Locker scene. Just wanted to show Kaneko Nobuaki’s pic here – (loved his flying kick moves in Crows Zero 2).

Another one of my favorite scene from episode 2. Riko shouting at Naoki “baka jyanai o!”, after getting frustrated at how sluggish his game was, missing the shot over and over again. Feeling embarrassed after realising what she did (shouting and interfering in the middle of the ball game), she left mid-way through the game.

Riko looking for Naoki at the open basketball court outside her apartment (where Naoki always practises his 500 shots per day)

This was where Riko apologizes to Naoki for shouting at him during the game. Naoki wondered where did she go after that and Riko explained that she left early because she was embarrassed when everyone was staring at her. And in response to that, Naoki said to her “I was embarrassed too (for getting shouted a baka). The least you could do was watched the game until the end. I really did my best and even got a buzzer beat score” (well, he said something like that). And he later said to Riko to please continue watching their matches because somehow he will feel stronger if she is there. The next time he under performs again, she can scream at him and call him baka! And I think, this is where their story will get more entangled and interesting. (P/S: I like that billboard – gives me a reminiscent of Long Vacation and Love Generation)

Ah,what’s a summer without some hanabi ne? They finally introduce each properly this time around.

The Naoki-Riko bye-bye salute (*giggles*)

Since Riko is offcially dating Kawasaki-san already (nay, let’s refer him as Tomoya frm now onwards), and Naoki is in a relationship with Natsuki, I’m interested to know how will the story unfolds from here. It’s obvious that Naoki and Riko have got some good chemistry going on between them. I’m actually liking Tomoya’s character as well, how can I not. So far what I’ve seen of him is that he is a good coach and a gentleman. And I sort of like seeing him and Riko together. Maa, looking forward on how the screenwriter, producer and director will tackle the audience interest from now onwards. Well, I must admit, I’m already baited!