When watching any type of media it’s easy for a viewer form expectations based on the past. This often leads to feeling disappointed when a show doesn’t meet those expectations. However, this isn’t the case with Cross Game, a shounen which shows that a stunning story can be found in a simple tale of baseball and love.
The main characters of the show are each memorable from the four street sisters to Ko’s best pal Daiki. The small ensemble makes the show unique. They are able to add a sense personality and atmosphere to each scene. Their characterisation also enables them to handle the themes of love and death effortlessly and give them a more profound feeling than you’d expect from a simple shonen.
What makes Cross Game really stand out is the fact that it knows where to place its focus. The characters are well-developed, but there aren’t many dramas or twists in each episode. This allows the viewer to really enjoy the growth of the relationships without being overpowered by the need to add more emotional tension or a plot that is constantly trying to surprise the viewer with new twists and unexpected cliffhangers. The fact that it doesn’t fall into these pitfalls is the reason why Cross Game so wonderful, and something that the genre could use more of.
