Sakamoto Desu Ga Episode 11 [Acchan’s Downfall]

If you asked me at the beginning of the season if I thought anything of merit would come from it I would’ve told you “I wish”. But as I have been watching the whole series and even midway through this very episode I must tell you with sincere frightened horror that the devil has returned and he is recruiting everyone who didn’t get a proper Sakamoto feel good ending to their story. Atsushi, the first guy to really pick a fight with Sakamoto and now seemingly the last, is lured in by Fukase after Fukase fails to beat Sakamoto at something yet again which makes him feel depressed and upset with himself.

Sakamoto only has one more TV episode left, there will be a 13th episode but only on video release (so expect that to be reviewed by me when it’s out in October), and this episode is the perfect set up for this. I figured since Fukase  had just appeared before we had the full 13, but once I realized we only had one episode left on TV I was immediately sure this episode meant very bad things. Furthermore, Sakamoto is based on a manga that ended before the anime was syndicated. This means that for all its cracks, niche jokes, and weird humor Sakamoto will be ending for good next episode. As the person covering two continuing shows and often times shows that set up second seasons it is incredibly weird and bitter for me to have this show now where I know things are going to end.

And honestly, with an episode titled like ‘Goodbye Sakamoto’ how can I not be terrified?! This episode has the most serious downfall of anyone. The thought of turning against Sakamoto actively seems to upset Atsushi but he is torn, everything he does is in attempt to chase Sakamoto and he always fails. What was admiration in the beginning now seems to be something changing the element of who he is. Sakamoto helped unify him with his class but Fukase has torn him away, comparing all the ones who admire him to stupid bugs who will never be as good as Sakamoto.

The episode ends with Atsushi approaching Sakamoto on stage at the end of year ceremony. . .with a bat. We’ll see what happens next, but it does not give me a good feeling. The tension of this episode alone is worth watching, but more than anything I’m really shocked to feel genuine fear and love for this cast. I just want to emote in fear right now, so next week- horrible things happen! Hooray!

Oki