Free! – Episode 11 – Rei and the Power of Teamwork

Before the big tournament, Rei clearly wants more answers from Rin.

In the beginning part of the episode, I didn’t expect the conversation between Rin and Rei to be overly dramatic. It felt like the two boys are fighting over a girlfriend. Still, the interesting part is Rei ‘s motivation to swim is just like Rin’s during his childhood. Besides being the so-called butt monkey, I like this aspect of him since he fully understands the joys of working as a team to become the best. In contrast, this is something that Rin lost in his pursuit to carry on his dream.

On the night before the tournament, Rin finally reveals the reason why he stopped swimming. It’s apparently not Haruka’s fault as first suspected, but instead his dissatisfaction and inability to achieve his dream in Australia, thus he couldn’t tell anyone. I think he lost his way because he is too focused on his dream for himself, not focusing on teamwork like Rei is doing. Because of this, it’s a good call for the coach to kick him off relay since he lacks that ability. While he may not approve that decision, he deserves it.

As a whole, it’s looks the Free is coming to a close as the boys participate in the tournament that could get them to the finals.  While I doubt that everything would get resolved in this finale, since the first volumes sold well (about 25000), this is a pretty good indication that there might be another season. Even so, it was an enjoyable show that was a breath of fresh air from the typical cute girls kind of shows Kyoto Animation was doing for a while. Hopefully they won’t disappoint in the finale. ¶