The fifth episode of Given unveiled many unknown traits of our beloved main characters. It also had revelations, drama and -finally!- a little bit of humor. All I see here is improvement and I’m curious to see how this will end up. Let’s take a closer look to the recent events!

Plot

The boys are getting ready for their first live as a group and Ritsuka struggles to write the perfect song for Mafuyu. However, most of this episode drifts back to the past, giving us some amazing and interesting backstories. We witness Haruki’s and Akihiko’s first meeting and see how their mutual crush started. Their shyness, vulnerability, and blush gave us a cuteness overload. I’m glad that their relationship is open to the audience now, and even though I really like Yayoi, I ship them.

Meanwhile, Ritsuka is getting a little bit jealous as Mafuyu enjoys playing sports with his classmates and he still can’t figure out a proper way to express his interest. However, towards the end of this VERY slow paced episode, a big revelation happened! Following the events of the previous episode’s finale, Kasai is confessing to Ritsuka what she heard about Mafuyu’s past. Her intentions are pure and clear, and the only reason she told him is because she’s truly concerned of his safety. I’m curious to see how this will affect the boys’ relationship. 

Episode Highlights

Feelings Left Untold: The whole flashback scene made me wonder how Haruki and Akihiko hid their feelings from each other so well. I love their gay panic moments alongside with their clumsiness, though I wish for those mysterious guys to end up happily ever after.

Past Returned to Haunt: I was waiting one whole week to watch Ritsuka’s reaction when Mafuyu’s secret was exposed. I expected a gay panic scene, thus I saw Ritsuka unable to talk or act due to the news. I want to see what happens next and how it will influence the band.

Themes & Trivia

Episode Title: This episode is called ‘Reason’. The title is inspired by the famous song ‘The Reason’, by American rock band Hoobastank.

Comments

I sense that a dramatic turn is just around the corner and the series will focus mostly on the past instead of the present. Mafuyu is socially awkward and secretive, so he could hide a dark secret and an obscure personality under the table. The series was extremely slow up to this point and, suddenly, BAM! This episode was full of revelations and it felt like everything was going pretty fast. The atmosphere in the finale was creepy and intense, making me champ for the continuation. The characters have depth and this series has a good vibe. I hope for the next episodes to be as intense and precious as this one!

‘He can smile after all…’

Given keeps improving and, even though I’m not a fan of this genre, I have to admit that I’ve started to like it. A little bit of drama will be the secret ingredient which will turn this series into a phenomenon, similar to Yuri On Ice! What do you think? Can’t wait to read your opinion here, in MANGA.TOKYO!

Given

Summer 2019 | Anime Info | Simulcast