Buzzer Beat – Episode 10

“I love you” isn’t enough when you lack trust in your own relationship.

That pretty much wraps up Buzzer Beat episode 10 in a nutshell. As Natsuki creeps closer and closer in between Naoki and Riko’s growing relationship, a feeling of distrust and unworthiness sets upon Riko to the point that she admits to Kawasaki that she feels as if Naoki doesn’t look at her or acknowledge her for who she is.

Don't you wish you had friends like that?

Despite all of this, Riko doesn’t leave Naoki but instead sticks it out. She returns the engagement ring back to Kawasaki and he in return “gives” Riko to Naoki even though he knows that Naoki pretty much fails in making the girl happy. When they spend time together, its pure and innocent love, but once separated Riko begins to second-guess their relationship – with this underlying fear of Naoki leaving her for Natsuki.

Eventually, Riko’s star finally is able to shine and she gets first chair in a small orchestra. With this came with an opportunity to move to Karuizawa and pursue her professional violinist career while on the other side, Naoki’s star is slowly dimming away as his injury has now crippled him on the court. This crossroad basically puts and end to their relationship as Naoki simply lets Riko go in a tearful breakup so she can pursue her dream in Karuizawa leaving him behind.

The lights of South Park dramatically shut down as the two walk away leaving the question: Will they ever truly be together?

Buzzer Beat episode 10 just reminded me of the one thing that represents everything that is wrong with this drama: Riko and Naoki are naïve, stupid, thickheaded and simply weak individuals who never try to go beyond what’s presented to them. They are the type of character that if you told them the sky is purple and the grass is blue, they would not contradict you but rather take it for fact.

Love so pure... d'aaaaaw

Riko’s constant tears and second thoughts about her relationship with Naoki gets old by the time you hit the mid way mark in the show. Stepping aside for Natsuki, allowing her to question Naoki’s loyalty to her, and accepting anything thrown her way without much of a fight or desire to question it drives me mad. If she has an issue with Naoki and his seemingly “questionable” relationship with Natsuki, she should at least make the attempt to talk it over with him.

Also, Naoki is weak in the regard of not noticing the unhappiness that Riko is having. He treats her as if she is a big secret, not to be seen by the world. Even if he tells her that he loves her, that he sees no one but her, that she is the guidance he needs to attain his dreams; it still doesn’t convey to Riko as love. Not being able to see through Natsuki’s malicious ways of pushing him and Riko farther apart is just annoying. Even if he told her in episode 9 that he has someone else important, he still caters to her. He’s nice to her. Its almost as if they never did break up.

The Bitch Strikes Again.

Next episode is a 75-minute finale. It’s pretty much obvious that Riko and Naoki will, in some way, live happily ever after but there will definitely be a sacrifice made. Who will make the sacrifice is unknown and even I can’t even tell by now since they’re so caught up in their own dreams they’re willing to break up for it. I guess that will be the only thing I’m looking forward in this finale as its become so dreadfully predictable.

But until next week, I’ll simply rage at how childish and high school these two dimbats are.