Special A - Episode 14

After episode thirteen saw the Special A crew shipped off to a normal school for a few days, this instalment of the series continues that arc, focusing once again on Akira's problems as well as the reason's for Yahiro's almost obsessional behaviour towards her.

In particular, we see a darker side to Yui, who Akira befriended in the last episode, a side which Akira incorrectly puts down to the influence of Yahiro, whereas in fact Yui is simply trying to help drag her own family out of financial problems.


All in all, this makes for a respectable episode, that is possible more notable for a change in the relationship between Tadashi and Akira (which adds a nice extra frisson to the series as a whole) than anything else, while also making us feel a little sorry for the mostly hyper-priviledged members of Special A rather than simply rolling our eyes at their extravagence and riches as we have been for most of the season. Considering that this has been a weakness of the show from the very start, it's actually quite refreshing to see the tables turned in that particular quarter. Again, this isn't really enough to move Special A out of the realms of mediocrity, but as an episode in its own right this really wasn't too bad although a return to the main Kei and Hikari relationship next episode will be most welcome.