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Reviews
Initial D: Fourth Stage: Kyoko's Confession (2004)
Character Development
Well this episode format sure is memorable as theres likely none like it. Before anything It starts with the downhill race but as its stated in the last episode, the other driver doesn't really run the downhill but hes the only one. Anyways after that, Kyoko confesses to ryosuke which he turns her down. Apparently, hes been ever since joining the red suns and has trouble splitting his focus unlike his brother. It is also possibly hinted at that he shows distain for Takumis apparent fast tracked project wth thanks to initial D. This is kinda funny since Takumi says directly that he dosent know if he's getting better with Project D. This episode also sets up a return for Wataru, the prior 86 driver that Takumi beat.
Initial D: Fourth Stage: Fate's FD Battle (2004)
A Uphill Battle Of Love!
Romance in the initial D anime is really well executed. The woman (so far) are not just 2d characters. They have their own stories, their own screen time, their own lore. They are people, and it really does feel that way despite being a peice of animated fiction. THis was exceptionally executed with Mako and Iketani. They are my favourite ship of all time. Kyoko likes keisuke because he showed him kindess, drives a nice car like hers, and is hot. (Stated) A little shallow but despite that there is some genuine love. Other than that the Keisuke lovers finally get to see a fully fleshed out Keisuke battle, which is a nice change of pace. Overall a great episode still riding the wave of good ones.
Initial D: Fourth Stage: Eight-Five's Thunderous Turbo (2004)
Another Gas Station Boys Episode
These types of episodes are my absouletly favourite, because they instill a sense of nostalgia for the earlier seasons. Not only that but Iketani and the crew are some of my favourite characters and they all interact with each other rather well. Anyways, so the episode starts out with Takumi reminsicing on the prior race at the gas station, while itsuki comes out with his new 85 fitted with a turbo. If you remember, the last time Takumi drove the 86, he beat a bunch of arrgoant drifter racers with it who disrepected the thing. Well almost as a callback or simply lazy writing, a similiar situation arises. Its a great race and very satisfying to watch, not the best race but the dialogue picks it up.
Initial D: Fourth Stage: Blind Attack (2004)
FOREVER TOGETHER! Never mess with Takumis Car
The previous epsidoe was my favourite so far, but now, currently, for this season, this is now my favourite. The first hallmark of a good episode is a good eurobeat song. Thats why the first few seasons are regarded as the best. Its because they have clasics like running in the 90s, NO ONE SLEEP IN TOKYOEDO, and many many more. But this, this song reminds me of these earlier seasons. What I dont like is this new amibgious racing finishes. Nothing is better in this series than the passing attempts, or when two racers are neck and neck. But it seems to be trendy in newer seasons to not even animate that, instead just cutting to after the race with the competitors. Its still an amazing episode though.
Initial D: Fourth Stage: The Starting Line to Victory (2004)
Best Episode So Far
So far watching this season, this has to be my most favourite episode. It has all of the features of an amazing episode. For one, we start off catching up with the gas station crew. Itsuki (Takumis Bestfriend) is said to be getting a turbo installed in his 85. We have a character shift outside of their typical character archetype. And we also have a returning character in the form of a prior todo school student calling Ryosuke to.warn him. But most important of all, we have a very thought through antaganist. So far, I feel like the the newer seasons forgot about this and just stopped trying to make likeable/fleshing out the challangers and as a result have been forgettable .This is amplified by the newer less distinct shading and coulouring.
Initial D: Fourth Stage: The Two Pieces of Advice (2004)
Takumi vs Master Todou School Braker (Civic type R)
Takumi is vs the second (Technically) of the Todou school students. And once again we see takumis paranormal level of driving. The first race is a cat and mouse race, as we've seen from prior seasons. The back wins if he passes the front, and the front wins if he gets away from the back. The opposer vies to play the mouse first, which is all apart of rysokes plan. Honestly just an average battle nothing really different to differ from other battles.
Notes: Kinda harsh that the other Todou students are scolding their driver for losing, but if I remember, they rematch with him later (Not the same driver) so when I get to that part I think it will be bitter sweet.
Initial D: Fourth Stage: The Top Gun of the Todou School (2004)
PLOT DEVELOPMENT
Notes:
A great interaction we see is when Takumi visits the gas station and sees everyone. This is the first time we've seen this with the new animationn techniques and I personally love these characters interactions .
Ryosuke mentions to one of the project d members that the D in project D has a hidden meaning. And that Project D, has a hidden objective beyond setting course records and defeating challengers. This sets up a future plot device, which I will not spoil because I do not know it either (Lol)
This episode is very plot heavy, talking about last characters building on future plots and furthering interactions with the characters we know. Not the best kind of episode but it's required for this type of series.
Overall not a memorable episode, but it lays some groundwork for next and future.
Initial D: Fourth Stage: Full Speed! Downhill Battle (2004)
Full Speed Downhill Battle
A fantastic battle from Takumi once again wowing us with his impressive driving talent. I thought it was a nice shot when it showed a sort of flashback to the future line that Takumi was invisioning, and then when Takumi won in impeccable style we get to see keisukes race, (Or a glimpse) seeing as this is his first battle of the series, you just know that the vibes the animators put into it was immucalate. What I really dident like was how stupid they portrayed takumis opponent, although it was a poetic end pushing him to fulfill his promise, I think the utter idiocy of it coulda been better. :P.
Initial D: Fourth Stage: Project D (2004)
Good Introduction To Project D
Great first episode of the season and does a good job of showing the elements we wanted an update on such as:
-Takumis relationship to natsuki
-Takumis on Project D
-Takumis relationship to his father
-Takumis job as as a truck unloader
-The gas station boy
-Buntas and gas station managers relationship
It is also introduces us to this season's general formula, first the boys on the Project D team get one day to practice the course they are challenging, then sometimes in the same episode, but but then in the next episode the race will start. As for the looks, they completely changed the style with a lot more lines, and a lot more cour this season. Looking forward to seeing more episodes.