Skating with Noa forces Maeshima to think about what it means to skate for oneself rather than just being pulled along by a teammate's style. Critical Reviews & Reception ⭐
Maeshima must pass the skate-leading badge test to be officially eligible for competitions.
Watch these breakdowns to see how Episode 4 compares to the rest of the season: Skate-Leadingв†Stars (Dub) Epizoda 4
Critics from Angry Anime Bitches found the first half of the episode "boring" but appreciated the introduction of Noa, as he adds a "flashy aspect" and clear motivation to the sport.
A common point of criticism is the protagonist, Maeshima. Some viewers find him "loud and aggressive" and feel he doesn't face enough consequences for his lack of teamwork. Skating with Noa forces Maeshima to think about
During the test, Maeshima encounters Noa, a TV personality and skater who also sees himself as a rival to Shinozaki Reo.
Public sentiment on Anime-Planet highlights that while the animation of the skating is decent, the show frequently uses "shortcuts" like stills or cut-aways during complex performances, which continues in this episode. A common point of criticism is the protagonist, Maeshima
After the ace Himekawa Izumi abruptly transfers to Kogahara High, Maeshima Kensei and the other club members travel to meet him and understand his choice.