USC LIBERO REACTS TO HAIKYUU S2 EPISODE 23 & 24 

When you look at that final spike of Hinata's, it's intentionally made to mirror their first season 1 loss against Seijoh, and the scary part is if Hinata had not hit the block, Oikawa would have got the receive because he read where Shoyou was hitting. I had chills cause this development of Oikawas character and realized just how hard Oikawa practiced and trained

I love Oikawa's line: "Talent is something you make bloom. Instinct is something you polish." Oikawa is kinda a foil to the idea of a natural born genius. He's immature and kinda crappy but he has a really compelling storyline. The talk between him and that coach was about challenging your limitations. You're not a genius, but don't just complain about it. Do everything in your power to surpass even your own expectations

Oikawa’s growth is one of the most well-handled and well-written parts of Haikyuu. Up until Kageyama dumps the ball in episode 24, Oikawa never believes himself to be a genius. He sees people that Kageyama and Ushiwaka, players that are simply beyond human, and it shakes him to the core. In his mind, they are walls he can’t climb over alone, and that realization pushes him to be the best all-around player. He works on his sets, his communication, analytical skills, leadership, all that jazz, because in terms of pure setting skills Kagzy blows him out of the park. And while that realization helped him improve in different aspects, it also held him back, because he hides behind the idea that naturally gifted Kageyama can simply do things he never could. At least, up until Kageyama dumps the ball in his trashy k-pop face; because now Kageyama isn’t catching up anymore. He’s pulled ahead. And if Oikawa wants to fight Kageyama on the same field, he must accept that his firm belief that Kagzy is objectively better is pure BULLSHIT. And immediately after that realization hits, Oikawa does a freak quick set from across the court perfectly into Iwa-chan’s hand, non-directly communicating that it’s HIS turn to surpass Kageyama. And that’s why trashy K-pop is top tier character material.

Victoria - "I want Karasuno to win" Also Victoria - "Imma gonna paint my nails with Aoba Johsai's team color on one hand and Shiratorizawa's team color on the other"

The theme of the last rally is "a team of 6 vs a team of 6". So everyone touched the ball at least once. One of my favorite rallys of the show and I love how this writer wrote in such an epic rally with this poetic theme behind it. Suga (serve), Iwaizumi, Mad dog, Tanaka, Suga, Asahi, Maki, Oikawa (super long set), Iwaizumi, Daichi, Tanaka, Asahi, Watari, Mad Dog, Kindaichi, Kageyama, Suga (headbutt), Kageyama, Hinata, Oikawa.

Victoria: "Sorry we're watching it again!" HH: We were hoping it would get a replay anyways 😬😂

That last flashback about oikawa gave so much more insight into oikawa's character. He saw people with more talent than him as an obstacle that he absolutely needs to overcome. While this is good in terms of setting up a goal, it also made Oikawa limit himself as player. He just sees his volleyball as way to prove that he can beat talented player like Kageyama and Ushijima (the super ace from shiratorizawa). The mysterious coach in the flash back is the one who made him realize that he should not base his volleyball simply on that. It is true that there is nothing he can do about the fact that Kageyama is far more talented than him and that Ushijima is a powerful player that he can't beat. But instead of complaining about that tragic fact, Oikawa now realizes that what he needs to do as a player is to continuously polish his skills so that they may bloom on the biggest stages and even beat those geniuses. That's why i find "I know, but i won't lose" line after kageyama's dump so poetic because i always interpret the "I know" part as way Oikawa admitting that Kageyama, thanks to his innate talent, is a better player that him. Despite knowing that, he still declares to himself that he not gonna lose the match to Kageyama. That's when his limit switch is being turn off and he simply just give all he got for the point and let his instictive talent bloom, as seen by his tremendous set from outside the court. It still wasnt enough to beat Kageyama, and Oikawa already knew that this moment would eventually happen (in the first season match he said "you're gonna beat me someday, but not today"), but he sure as hell wont give up.

50:00 Its not just anime. It's a storytelling technique. It's an universal method to increase tension in a certain scene. It happens in movies, in Anime, series... There's a lot of ways where that sort of thing takes place. Sudden backstory is the reason you start cheering for Kyotani. Hell, it's one of the big reasons why Haikyuu is so good in the first place.

Vic: I’m confused by this interaction. Tanaka and Mad Dog: Literally giving each other the side eye. Tsukki: Observes and strategizes.

Vic: "I'm sorry guys, I have to watch that RALLY again." Hardcore Haikyuu Homies: *YEAH, WE'RE REALLY HOPING YOU WOULD*

35:45 - fun fact: Yahaba isn’t only a pinch server, he’s also the backup setter! He actually played setter in the very first practice match between Seijoh and Karasuno way back in season one, before Oikawa was introduced. During the convo between Yahaba and Kyoutani (Mad Dog), Yahaba mentions that Mad Dog’s able to become a starting player fairly easily despite not having been on the team for long, which comes in complete contrast to Yahaba who obviously is overshadowed by Oikawa’s advanced setter ability and thus doesn’t have many opportunities to play in official matches. Hence Yahaba tells Kyoutani not to waste his time when on the court. :)

The "new player" you spoke about regarding the flashback before the final rally was Oikawa lol. Also, it depends on the show (given that studios and directors differ), but in general anime isn't opposed to having flashbacks in critical moments. Usually they reveal or remind you of a character trait or event that amplifies the current-day scene being built up - it's a way of improving the payoff and reiterating the key themes. Anime typically cares a lot about meaning. I mean even shows that are meant for kids always felt more adult than western equivalents. I suppose in a sport anime it can feel intrusive since the action is intense and quick - you could argue most other genres support that kind of storytelling more naturally.

23:43 oikawa setting to mad dog right after he got back in the game is one of these small moments that mean soooo muuuch!! he's basically telling him he still trusts him and believes in him despite what previously happened (mad dog getting angry, uncooperative). no matter how many times i rewatch the show i'm still amazed at how great oikawa is, not only as player, but also as a leader and team captain. god i love him.

"Talent is something you make bloom, instinct is something you polish." That is my favorite quote from Haikyuu.

Finally, we've arrived. Towards the end of November when Season 4 was wrapping up, I was so hyped that for the first time I searched up reaction videos for Haikyuu. I came across your channel and was just drawn to your pure, honest, energy and insights into the game. It's been tremendously entertaining watching you react, and we're now at my favorite episode in the series. You mentioned that this rematch was the culmination of S2, and I would argue that it is in fact the culmination of everything we've watched to this point. Shoyo and Kageyama pairing up, the crows gathering together at Karasuno, the friendships & rivalries, a heartbreak loss to Aoba Johsai and the growth mindset to come back even stronger. ~50 episodes all leading to this. What a trip.

at 31:28 when shoyo says “as long as i’m here you’re the strongest”... kageyama told him the same thing in episode 10 of season one. they really are each other’s greatest partners

Can we all just take a second to appreciate Yuki Hayashi, the composer of the soundtrack of Haikyuu (and also My Hero Academia)? There are soooo many good themes in Haikyuu but especially the one during the match point against Seijoh is just absolutely amazing. It gives me chills every time I hear it.

One clarification is that the scene that you saw during the intense moment was younger Oikawa. He was most likely getting flashbacks to his coach telling him that while some people may be naturally more gifted than you (in this situation Kageyama), talent is something you make bloom and instincts is something you work hard to hone. He also mentions that it's alright to be frustrated with the game, how you played. how your team played etc. but that is only a luxury afforded to those who worked as hard as they could and put in the effort. I personally don't like his attitude but as a player he has all my respect and then some.

fun fact: oikawa says “six who are strong are stronger” and in the last rally, every member of both teams have touched the ball, proving karasuno is just a bit stronger than seijoh :)

the thing is: Oikawa actually knew where Shoyo was gonna hit. he only missed the dig because it touched the block. also in this play they focus in Shoyo's eyes because now they're open, different from the last game when he hit into the block with his eyes closed.

Victoria: "I would like to see Tsukki do a little bit more" Tsukki: YEAHHHHHHHH?

"Why am I rooting for Mad Dog?" Because this is Haikyuu, and that's the effect it has. I think the first season episode 16 "Winners and Losers" really said it best: "We also played volleyball." Every team, every player, has their own story. There are no villains, just kids who play volleyball, and you just naturally find yourself wanting to root for all of them.

Hey, after episode 25 you gotta see this OVA (and also the other OVAs that complement the stories, it's like TV Specials) here's the link to the s02 OVA ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Lao54_hFaA0.html it's only 5 minutes long, you can watch it together with episode 25 (but after it).

What I love about that Oikawa flashback is that, in my opinion, it's an accurate acknowledgement that talent is real and important , but also out of our control. "People who are naturally better than you have been different since the day you were born. No matter how hard you work, you can't change that." But the real important caveat comes right after, "You can complain after you've done everything you possibly can". Oikawa's coach is basically telling him that he isn't a genius. He's not Kageyama or Ushijima. He isn't born with perfect skills and amazing talent. But when faced with things that are out of our control, there's nothing we can do but give it our all anyways. In other words, only those who have done everything in their power(hard work, training, etc) to reach their highest potential have any right to complain about not being born better. That is what drives Oikawa to being such an acclaimed setter. He can't do the amazing, god-like sets that Kageyama does, but he can work his ass off to make sure that every set he sends is exactly to his hitter's needs. I think it's a perfect combination of like, facing the harsh reality of trying to be the best and still not falling into needless defeatism.

You wanna see Tsukki?? *laughs hysterically in season 3*

Oikawa could have joined Shiratorizawa after his junior year to get an easy path to the national. Instead, he chooses the harder route so that he can push himself to the limit. He played really well in that match, and even after the loss, he did not blame his teammate for not playing on the level that he was. Even give Iwa a pat on the back letting him know that everything is fine. No matter what, if Oikawa is on your team, you will appreciate him as a player and a friend. The drama between him and Kageyama could have been handled better but he was still a kid back then, and probably do not know how to process his feeling. If there were someone to guide him back then, his relationship with Kageyama would probably be way different. This is the reason why we love Oikawa even when he is not on our team.

Something interesting to note is that the last rally is identical to their previous match against seijoh. Kageyama and Hinata had the perfect timing to use their fast attack but was blocked last time. It's the same attack this time, but Hinata has his eyes open now that he's improved (Also Kageyama's floating toss) so he got that wipe

53:03 The translation definitely did Oikawa's best quote dirty (IMO), the quote is supposed to be: "If you don't believe that you have talent, then you probably will never have it"-definitely easier to understand that the mess Vic had to see lol

That last rally where Oikawa points to Iwaizumi and serves it diving out of bounds is one of the best moments in the show for me.

Vic: Okay, Tsukki. Do not serve the Libero. Tsukki: Don't tell me what to do. *serves towards him anyway*

I love Fukurodani, every last one of them playing along to put Bokuto on a pedestal just so he can play at 100% just makes them super entertaining. And of course Bokuto himself is charismatic as hell, that along with his back and forth with Akaashi just really appeals to me xd

Btw, Tsukki is the best at trashtalking blockers, like that's in the whole series, he can find that smallest things and irk the opposing blocker, and he can do friendly fires too.

I love how every time the first episode ends she is disappointed and then almost instantly realizes that she gets to watch the second one XD

That cross-court set for Oikawa is one of my favorite moments in the entire show. His fall into the table, slipping as he runs back to the court, they really did a great job at showing his desperation and determination in that moment.

There’s a lot of really cool growth shown in the final shot as it parallels the last shot of both of the matches between Karasuno and Aoba Johsai. The last shot we see Hinata get past the triple block that stopped him in their last match against Aoba Johsai, but we also see Oikawa respond to it. In their practice match Oikawa was so taken aback by the freak quick it flew right past him, but now, despite Hinata and Kageyama having an improved version, Oikawa was able to react to it and might have even dug it up if the ball if it hadn’t changed trajectory off the block.

This Oikawa flashback actually has a lot of meaning of why he somewhat dislikes Kageyama and Wakatoshi Ushijima

The team that I honestly cannot handle it emotionally, mentally or physically if they ever lost, is Fukurodani (Bokuto's Team). They can do no wrong. If I ever have to see Bokuto's owl hair deflate and Akaashi comforting him with smol "hey hey hey"s, I'm gonna lose it.

49:43 I think Victoria doesn't realize that it's young Oikawa right there and not just a random new character in the show, this bit is actually important for his character development!!!

Also this is the only game in the whole anime where I feel bad that Karasuno won. Wished that Oikawa went to the nationals (his dream). He worked so hard and gave it his all and it still wasn’t enough...

49:46 Victoria: why are we getting a flash back about a player we never met Oikawa: What do you mean? how am I a new player? you knew me since season 1.

50:30 this is what happened. Oikawa is someone that's kinda insecure when it comes to really talented players (Kageyama, Ushiwaka). In the flashback he goes to this guy (we don't know him yet but it's probably a mentor of Oikawa) for advice. Oikawa probably said something like: "I feel like I'm working so hard but these born talented players always beat me, is there a point?" and the mistery man says something like: "are you gonna talk like that when you still didn't do everything you could? You're still a teenager, you can still grow, keep trying" And we go to the present with Oikawa asking himself: "maybe your talent will BLOOM he next month, the next year, maybe when you're 30 ... but if you think that it won't, it probably won't" And then you see that perfect set from outside the court. Oikawa is a person that believes that hard work is not pointless at all. "Talent is something you make bloom, instinct is something you polish"

The amount by which my respect and admiration for Oikawa grew just from one singular inner monologue is unprecedented.

53:28 , Victoria says while watching Haikyuu you need watch and think, but this is especially true cos you're watching on Netflix. Netflix subtitles for non-english shows are notoriously bad like they are usually direct, so more awkward translations.

I really really love that line from Oikawa that goes "Talent is something you make bloom, instinct is something you polish" incredibly beautiful how despite knowing he's not as talented as Kageyama or Ushijima when it comes to raw talent he still won't give up and work his hardest. Definitely my favourite character of all time.

I feel like Aoba Jhosai is Karasuno's arch-nemesis because of how much they forced them to grow. Yes, we clearly see the rivalry between Kageyama en Oikawa because of the narrative but we cannot forget that even Nishinoya grew after watching Seijo's Libero (after he set from the backline), Hinata felt the need to open his eyes after he got blocked and Suga began to show game sense to match that of the Seijo squad. Our characters grew so much since the end of season one, up until this game. Haikyuu is great at making the characters grow and adapt like the crows they are.

I still like to believe how it played out Oikawa didn't whiff in the end. He read Hinata's attack and was ready for it but missed due to deflection from the block. This episode really sold me on Oikawa's character. Oikawa's character is not meant to be a prodigy or a genius, unlike how Hinata and Kagzy are portrayed. For me he's the most relatable figure on how by not giving up you can still be the best. Oikawa is not a genius and is aware of his shortcomings and still tries to surpass his limits. His immaturity and carefree attitude are to divert his mind from these facts. For me he is the best written character in the series someone people strive to be. Love to see what he becomes capable of towards the end.

the last rally is insane, idk how many times I've watched it and it still has me in the edge of my seat every single time. besides karasuno, I really like aoba johsai and nekoma and, as much as I want karasuno to win, I wouldn't mind it at all if these teams won over them. actually when I first watched this game I started it rooting for karasuno and ended up getting so sad when seijoh lost (I'm lowkey still a bit salty that Iwa didn't manage to get the point after that crazy long toss lmao)

"Talent is something you make bloom. Instinct is something you polish." We all get goosebumps when we hear K-pop think this, don't we? :)

Please after you watch episode 25 you need to see the OVA(mini episode) of Aoba Johsai

Haikyu is a volleyball show, with incredibly intense rallies and jaw-dropping plays. It's a wonderful portrayal of volleyball and sportsmanship, but at the end of the day, as simplistic as it sounds, it is also a show that tells a **story**. The flashbacks and snippets and vignettes are inserted in relevant moments for viewers and readers to learn more about them to flesh out the story and build the world of Haikyu, not necessarily about the volleyball itself. The various characters in Haikyu are so varied and we FEEL that, and this is part of the reason why Haikyu has become so popular - there's so many different types of well-developed characters that we're bound to see ourselves or want to be one of them, to emulate them. And to tie them to the context of volleyball helps inspire viewers to want to try volleyball, which is what the author wanted - to inspire and invigorate a new generation of volleyball players.

regarding the convo between the coach and K-Pop (Oikawa), I know you kind of realized by the end of it, but the theme of talent vs work is one that runs throughout the entire show. it's hinted upon a bit in season 1 and 2 through scenes with Oikawa like the one in this episode, but it takes a bigger stage in seasons 3 and 4. Basically the coach was saying that yes, there are going to be people that are seemingly better than you no matter what you do, but you don't get to complain about it until you have become that ABSOLUTE best that you can possibly be. until then, keep moving forward and you never know what barrier you will break through when it comes. A season 4 episode titled (I believe) "Monster Ball" has one of the most important monologues in the entire show about this topic and really shines a light on how it is handled in this show. I think you will really enjoy it when you get there.

This might be history since I'm commenting multiple times in one video but yeah, flashbacks for me are important for a multitude of reasons. It's a breather from the heavy pace and gives you a chance to formulate your own thoughts, it fleshes out otherwise insignificant side characters and then throws you back into the middle of it but now you have a bond with the antagonist or the opposition. It's makes the win or loss that much more impactful. Ps. The amount of quotes by Oikawa this episode is unrivalled. Mans a goat in my books.

For the next episode there is an after credit scene AND a 6 min clip from a recap movie (You dont need to watch the whole movie just the 6 min bonus clip) here is the clip: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Lao54_hFaA0.html

The interesting thing about Mad Dog is that if he went to Karasuno instead of Seijoh, he likely wouldn't have been able to play volleyball. Remember how Daichi kicked Hinata and Kageyama out until they could work as a team. Daichi likely would have done the same to Mad Dog, and the kid's disrespect for his seniors would have made him not want to come back. Oikawa was able to not only use Mad Dog's talents, but encourage both him and the rest of the team to look past their grievances and play together anyway.

best haikyuu match, ever. I don't know how are you gonna be able to wait for each episode but hope it doesn't get too hard haha. I seriously recommend that you finish on ep 25 and wait to start a new vid with eps 1 and 2 of the third season, it'd be better that way.

“Talent is something you make bloom, instinct is something you polish”

I’m so ready to see Victoria react to the next few matches coming up! There’s one big moment I’m really excited to see her reaction to next season. As usual, team Suga-mom!

"Talent is something you make bloom, instinct is something you polish!" -Oikawa Toru To this day-.... My favorite quote in all of Haikyuu, I have NOTHING, but respect for the hard work and effort Oikawa put in, not just this game, EVERYTHING! Oikawa needs to work twice or three times as hard as someone like Kageyama, and I applaud it! What a character❤️

Their arch-nemesis is definitely Nekoma but I feel like the very concept of "arch nemesis" in this case depends on whose perspective at the moment. It's fair for Karasuno to consider Seijo their arch nemesis at the moment in time because they've gatekeeping them from the finals back-to-back. In Seijo's(more specifically Kpop's) perspective, however, they'd probably consider Shiratorizawa their arch nemesis. Just different context and perspective.

The last flashback that you didn't understand was not about a new character but about oikawa himself It helped understand his way of approaching the notion of talent This flashback makes an echo with the sentence he says during the long outside of the court set "Talent is something you make bloom, instinct is something you polish"

To be honest, I really am with Karasuno, but i really wanted Oikawa and Iwa to have their moment of glory against their arch rival, Ushijima. I really wanted Seijo to have that scene where they prove that their infertile soil can give a plentiful harvest. That and I respect the shit out of Oikawa. There are other people, but that's a spoiler so I'll comment it when that happens.

To answer your question about flashbacks-- yes flashbacks happen all the time in anime, especially during intense moments to sell the emotional impact of whatever is happening in real time. BUT the flashback at the end of the episode that made you ask us that isn't a brand new character like you were thinking! That flashback was a volleyball coach that Oikawa admired speaking to a younger Oikawa lol! So the point of that flashback wasn't to give backstory on a side character-- it was to complete the picture on Oikawa's character development: he is a character who works super hard to overcome the talent of people naturally more gifted than him. Hope that clears stuff up!

51:02 I REALLY LOVE THAT YOU MADE THAT COMMENT. When we watch this show we see in oikawa’s example that people believe that good players are born with talent and that no matter how hard you work you still won’t be better than them. And than that mindset that the show has been building it up just changes with one character’s comment in season 4. Can’t wait to see you react to it and give your opinion to it💕

The flashing animation around 1:00:50 was to show that even though Hinata was reading the block to find the soft spot, Oikawa was also reading Hinata and knew where Hinata was going to try to hit. If the spike wasn't deflected, Oikawa would have been able to receive the ball and continue the rally

There’s a 6 minute OVA episode that provides insight to Oikawa’s team that’s on youtube. It’s a nice little bonus scene that can end off the season really well. Here’s the link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Lao54_hFaA0.html

Victoria is gonna hate us when she gets to the season 4 final and realizes the cliff hanger we are all currently enduring :’) (Aka the battle we’ve all been waiting for)

I've always rooted for Aoba Johsai ever since the first practice match with them back in season one. Oikawa very much stood out to me and as the seasons pass my liking for him grew. I just want my boy to be happy sigh

About the new guy flashback it was about Oikawa and how he thinks that he is not a genius and has to work out to go against them.

Vic: I’m surprised they’d put in a pinch server and let him set Sugamama: owo

The last rally is so powerful. Everyone touches it. The 6 who are strongest together. And just wating the detail. Kpop falling in the background, slipping on the towel. And the comparison from this last rally and the last time they played Aoba Johsai. Chills.

Can’t wait for you to listen to season 3’s opening 😆😆

7:30 "Tsukki, really? A standing float, right at the libero? In the third set?" So harsh! Haha. I kinda felt like I had to sit up straight myself after that comment.

I relate a lot to Oikawa and I love the quote he said during the final rally, "talent is something you make bloom and instinct is something you polish, so I was routing for Seijou a little bit. thank you for the correction

There is an extra scene that is plays near the end of S2 Ep25. And there is an extra scene over that called “Seijoh After-match”, which presents Seijoh’s side of what happened after their loss with Karasuno, this extra scene further fleshes out the relationship between the players in Seijoh and also the relationship between Iwaizumi and Oikawa.

The reason that they constantly introduce new characters is because Haikyu isn't just about volleyball action. It challenges the different concepts and ideologies of people approaching the sport. It visualizes the insights of growth and potential. The new character talking to Oikawa, even without regarding his later role, is there to tell Oikawa, as well as the audience, that just because someone has more talent or were born better for the sport doesn't mean you can fall into a state of defeat. Every character has a relatable message to tell, so make sure you also listen to the talking closely as well. The dialogue is what makes me like Haikyu so much.

Disclaimer* it’s all happening in the same year, Vic! The previous tournament and this one currently happening is the same year!

One of the reasons I love Haikyuu! is Furudate-sensei's use of interiority (a literary device that gives us a glimpse into the psychological sense of a character). Whenever we get flashbacks, we are receiving a beautiful literary gift that turns a character from strictly a two-dimensional drawing on a page or scene of animation to a multi-dimensional being that transcends the page/frame. As a former volleyball player, I appreciate Haikyuu! as an anime about volleyball; as a literary scholar, I appreciate Furudate-sensei's profound use of literary devices (interiority being one of many). Both aspects are the reason this show is popular. :)

Seijoh. Always. I just love Oikawa and his character so much. Iwa is great. I just like the intricacies of their team and want Oikawa to reach the level he wants

My favorite team is Date Tech. I absolutely love them. The last point from the game in season 1 breaks my heart. Because you see Futakuchi ( at the time #6 and my fave ) reaching to save that ball and the pained expression on his face when he realizes he won’t make it.

50:10 That flashback in episode 24 was Oikawa, not some player we've never met before lmao

"Talent is something you make bloom. Instinct is something you polish!" So good.

"I would love to see tsuki getting more point and block" Season 3 is waving

About the flashbacks, or interrupting intense moments in any other way. Basically, the point is that the creators feed you information when you absolutely need to now it, when it has the greatest impact on the story and on you emotionally. The point where Oikawa has the flashback about the limit of his abilities is actually one of the most important moments about his character. You know he works hard, you know he compares himself with players who are seen as geniuses, but actually seeing his tipping point, the moment where he understood that his volleyball still had ways to go, even if he felt stuck, is monumental. And then you get back to the game and you see that absolutely insane toss he makes. His perseverance is something I admire. "Talent is something you make bloom, instinct is something you polish"

This is just my insight into the reason why flashback in critical moments gets used a lot in anime, and specifically Haikyuu. Haikyuu is essentially about the players of the sport. We are here to learn about their strength, their weaknesses, their bonds, and their growth. While volleyball is a central theme, it is not the main focus. In the end, it is always the character that is more important. When you get a flashback in the middle of the game, you understand more why that moment in the game is so pivotal to the character and their growth, or should I say the psychological impact. For example, Mad Dog's psychology changes constantly throughout the game but in the end, he comes to terms with the fact that he is playing with the team. If the flashback happens after the match instead of during the moment it matters, there would be a disconnect for viewers, especially considering that a match can drag out for many episodes. From an outsider's perfective looking in, if all you see is the match going on, you won't understand why a certain character is motivated to win, why their mood change and how that can help them to do well in the next point, why the loss of a single point can put pressure onto a player, etc. All you'll see is where and when the point is racking up, where players may be making changes to their approach to the game, but you won't be getting that emotional impact of what a single point can mean to a player and the team. Though, I definitely understand that as a volleyball player yourself, you definitely want to prioritize seeing and analyzing the match. So to summarize all that, the flashback mid-game is really to build a connection, understanding, and emotional impact between the characters who play volleyball and the viewers because the theme of the sport itself is actually a vehicle for the emphasis on the individuals playing the sport.

It has been such a pleasure going on this Haikyuu journey with you! I loved seeing you become more and more engrossed into this volleyball anime (the whole part where you tried to go back to the dubbed version and couldn't cracked me up) and I absolutely love your insights into the sport, your own personal playing experience, and you advocating for mental health (growth mindset!) I know we still have one more episode, but I can't wait for season 3!!!!

*Victoria! Season three awaits you with so much excitement and tension!!! I can't wait to see you dig in to it!! Once again, thank you for your reactions!!♡*

People say Oikawa is not as talented as Ushiwaka or Kageyama, and in fact, he lost all matches against Ushiwaka. But he couldn't give up. He trusted himself that he maybe has a talent and one day it would bloom after the long hard work. This day, although he lost, he could catch the moment at the last point of the game. I love how his story teaches us the importance of continuing effort.

I’ve always rooted for Date Tech. Aone is one of my favorite characters and I love the intensity of their blocking!

Haikyuu makes you feel like a parent every match, as much as you dont wanna say you have a favorite kid (Karasuno), you still do. But the other team always feels like your second kid that you still want to see win and succeed, just not as much as Karasuno. Its one of the reasons i love the show so much. They really make you forget that the opposing team is going against your favorite team.

OMG YOU ALMOST FINISH THE SECOND SEASON! I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE THIRD ONE

Remember that scene where MadDog and Tanaka were scowling at each other and it quickly panned to Tsukki watching them? THAT is where the observation occurred that lead to the Tsukki-Tanaka switched block of MadDog later in the episode.

having flashbacks in tense scenes is a VERY common thing in more action-y animes; in a lot of shounen animes (animes marketed towards young boys that usually have a lot of fighting or sports) you might have a whole childhood flashback episode in the middle of the biggest climax in the whole series!!! usually it does a lot to add to the emotional aspect of the scenes and turns the tension up to 11 (like it does in haikyuu). for haikyuu specifically, i think the reason there are so many flashbacks in important games just due to the nature of the anime itself and its content! all non-game episodes are usually dedicated solely to karasuno, so there's not really any space for characterization to develop outside of the core team. and then when there are games, in-universe they happen over like an hour, so there's no space for a non-karasuno character to give big speeches more than, like, one person once or twice a set. so if there's gonna be deep characterisation added to a character, it has to be both during a game (as thats the only time non-karasuno characters get screen time) and within a flashback (both because we don't get to see how their path outside of the game led them to where they are, and there's not enough time in-game for them to have any big moments) i completely agree that it can be INCREDIBLY frustrating when you're at set point in the biggest game so far!!! but as annoying as it is in the moment, i don't think haikyuu would be anywhere near as good without it.

It is pretty common in anime to have backstory for a new character or more backstory for a familiar character in the middle of high-stress scenes. It builds tension and makes the following scene more impactful.

12:18 That’s what the earlier scene you were confused at was about. Tsuki noticing that Tanaka was tilting Kyotani.

Holy that flashback with Oikawa always gives me chills!!! The issue of having such a persistent inferiority complex is so relatable on so many levels, that scene really portrays that comparison is a trap, and instead you only have yourself to work on. Oikawa is the best written character in the anime period.

I was literally saying how I wanted to watch one more episode with Victoria’s comments and look at that, I refreshed and it popped up. The haikyuu gods heard me!!

God vic I just love your energy and how unapologeticly vic you are. It's so inspiring. You're such a cool and fun person

Wow I just finished reading Max's article, and just wow. I finally got that unexpected backstory that I didn't know I needed. I want to say this adds a lot more depth to his character, but the truth is Max is a real person and he's always had this depth because he isn't a 2D character. I've only seen a small bit of Max when he appears in your vlogs every now and then since I'm a new subscriber. But wow, it's just another reminder than everyone is much more than meets the eye.

The thing about the upperclassmen is that they have to leave the club as soon as they drop out of this tournament. They are going to graduate and won't be allowed to compete anymore. Only the team that wins this tournament can move on to the national tournament. This was Oikawas final match with Aoba Jousai

- Victoria talks about the unnecessary backstory for the "random player" for 2 whole minutes. - The random player is actually Oikawa