Overtake! – 07

「露出アンダー -What I really feel…-」 (Roshutsu Under: What I Really Feel…)
“Underexposure -What I really feel…-“

The latest episode of Overtake! tackles the aftermath of last week’s harrowing race as it spells trouble for just about everyone involved. For Kouya, however, his troubles were just about to get worse as his identity became more widespread to Komaki Motors’ most charitable sponsor.

HESITATION

It was interesting to see the role Koutarou took in this episode as the mediator between Haruka and Arisu. Although their issues might appear to be worlds apart, they both fare with indecisiveness in seeking recognition. Arisu has spent most of the story fighting to keep her composure as she harbors a secret affection for Satsuki. But while her nerves interfere with her actions, the slight push in the right direction gave her the chance to carry on a regular conversation with Satsuki about his condition.

On the flip side, Haruka feels terrible about not knowing exactly what kind of pain Kouya was harboring while he was taking pictures and trying to keep them afloat. Koutarou gives a similar sentiment towards Haruka, but he knows himself that the next move he needs to make is let Kouya know how he feels about the help he’s given him along the way.

BETTER OFF

There’s a natural sense to the interactions and relationships that the characters have in Overtake! that hits harder as you see them fight through the inner turmoil they used to have to shoulder alone. Kouya and Haruka’s arcs so far have relied on the hyperawareness they have towards the burdens they’ve experienced.

For the guys in Belsorriso, however, it’s the grander sense of self-importance that causes a greater complex to fester from within. Where luck is seen as a supernatural force that tethers their two lead drivers toward an empty pursuit of victory.

Toshiki’s ultimate goal, now that he’s managed to win a race without Satsuki swooping in, is to move on from F4 and compete in more prestigious races. But through this pursuit, Toshiki sees everyone around him as a potential competitor and robs his team of gaining the same kind of reinforcement and support that he has.

This philosophy is given instant disapproval as Satsuki goes out of his way to promote and elevate the junior racers who could potentially replace him and Toshiki as the two move on. But while Satsuki’s selflessness helps to bolster the junior members of the team, Toshiki hadn’t managed to gain synergy with his 2nd driver, causing him to lag behind while Toshiki moves ahead.

But in spite of this, the results Toshiki gained were enough to rattle, Satsuki, who still needs time to recover before returning behind the wheel. It makes for compelling material when he’s talking with Arisu about Toshiki’s win, allowing his insecurities of being replaceable to come through. It’s a major step forward for Satsuki’s character considering how so much of his facade felt like he truly had an ego about luck being on his side.

With this in mind, it makes sense that Satsuki’s cheery disposition and his reliance on his team to secure wins had began to weigh down on him hard. Luck can be the conditions that help Satsuki win, but luck can also be the team that makes Satsuki look good. Without him ahead, what’s left of Satsuki than the idea of a champion? Does his team need him as much as he needs them? It’s a tough question to answer after seeing a different Belsorriso driver in first place.