Wakaranai

Although it has, in its last leg, been somewhat marred by slow fansubbing, One Outs has proven to be a consistent source of entertainment throughout its 24 episode run, and it saddens me to say a poignant farewell to it. While I’m still in that fallout state you feel after finishing a satisfying series, I thought I might share my closing thoughts. I wrote about One Outs in comparison to the very similar Akagi and Kaiji a while ago, when the series was still in its earlier stages. Back then I thought it might be able to displace Akagi as the most gripping and fun of the gambling/mind-games genre with its more polished production values and more layered approach. Tokuchi Toua didn’t just have to face an opponent sitting opposite him at the Mahjong table - he had to manipulate and fight his way to victory, out of traps set for him by the nefarious team owner, dealing with the equally underhanded schemes of the other teams, and sometimes having to struggle with members of his own team. That level of complexity usually made Tokuchi’s success all the more remarkable, and it was forever satisfying to see the owner thwarted at his own game. These remained the show’s principal strengths throughout its run, even when the endless baseball without respite for character development began to get tedious.

I admit I was starting to get a little disenchanted with the series. Until the final two episodes capped it off with a fast-paced and twist-heavy climax, the final “game” was proving to be a lot more predictable and straightforward than the other ones. The cheat stadium was unimpressive and easily overcome. However, it has been fully redeemed in episodes 24 and 25, ending the show at a pinnacle - something that both Akagi and Kaiji failed hopelessly at. Akagi ended with such an abruptness it gave me whiplash, and Kaiji petered out ingloriously with a tissue box ultimatum. But One Outs ended with a barrage of twists that saw the baseball mastermind, Tokuchi have to think quick on the fly to escape the Owner’s most elaborate and dangerous stratagem yet. He didn’t have the luxury of sitting at the dugout for some contemplation - it was a kill or be killed stadium. And I think when he retaliated to the attempts to injure him out of the game with a deadball by throwing the bat threateningly at the pitcher was his coolest moment and his most menacing. He may not have the madman streak of Akagi but Toua is still not to be fucked with.

And after all these exciting obstacles were overcome, the series ended on an emotional note that bought the series full circle back to the foundational confrontation between the punk pitcher, Tokuchi and steely batter, Kojima. As the rest of the team celebrates their third consecutive win, Tokuchi promises to Kojima that he’ll see them through to win the championship. This final sentiment ingratiated Toua’s character with a proud sense of honour that sets him apart from both Kaiji and Akagi. Also, unlike the end of Kaiji, One Outs was satisfying in the sense that, through the Lycaon’s transformation from a dejected and nervous rabble to a confident and united team, it really gave the feeling that something had been achieved. While Kaiji bore a message of futility, Tokuchi’s infectious leadership and unyielding nerve gave the series a more rousing final note. While this definitely had a great end, I felt the series dragged on in some parts, and didn’t make good enough use of some of the other characters. I really liked the dynamic between Tokuchi and Kojima that started the series off, but although it was revisited at the end, Kojima’s character was largely wasted. Plus it never really had psychological games on the level of Akagi, or the grittiness to make it as memorable. I probably wouldn’t watch it again, but it was good fun and I recommend it.