Given Episode 02: Like Someone in Love.
It begins with Uenoyama, the teacher, on full display at the start of Episode 02. The interesting thing about Uenoyama is that he’s completely unaware that he’s becoming attached to Sato. What kind of attachment is he forming towards Sato?
The banter between Sato and Uenoyama is super sweet. Uenoyama is trying to peel back Sato’s layers and he’s getting nowhere fast!
Afterwards they head off to rehearsal. Kaji and Nakayama have an adult conversation about their high school bandmate. Kaji and Nakayama are on their smoke break and they make some astute observations about Uenoyama.
I really appreciated this conversation not being trivial about teenage emotional growth. Kaji sees Uenoyama’s protective nature. They can clearly see how much he wants to protect Sato.
The guys inform Sato he needs to find a job. The Rockstar life has many cost associated with it, definitely studio time and equipment aren’t cheap.
Uenoyama and Sato walk to the train and have a little chit chat. Sato is being cute, while Uenoyama is being inquisitive. A nice transitional moment to assist their budding friendship moving along.
Sato and Uenoyama are hanging out in their favorite stairwell, again. This is what I love about Given, the pace is really good.
Nearing the end of the episode something beautiful happened. Sato sings and subsequently the skies open. Literally rainbows engulf their chill spot.
Sato’s voice is gentle and Uneoyama is becoming smitten.
We saw these two ships meeting. This was such a great heart thump moment and the animation made it more exciting.
Given Episode 02 is preparing us…it’s about to get good!
Read Next: Given Episode 03 Review
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