Medalist Season 2 Episode 1 Review
Season two of Medalist finally returns, and while the quality remains as warm and winning as before, the rollout has been a messy one for some regions. Between platform exclusivity quirks and staggered dubbing, U.S. viewers have had to wait longer than most to see Inori and the rest of the cast lace up again. Fortunately, the episode itself wastes no time getting back into the quiet charm and character-focused storytelling that made the first season so memorable.
Season Two’s Rocky Launch: Why the Delay Matters
The second season’s staggered release—available on Disney+ in many regions but delayed on Hulu in the U.S.—is a frustrating reminder of how platform licensing can undermine an anime’s momentum. A five-week gap between regions isn’t just an inconvenience; it can reduce exposure, hamper community discussion, and limit a series’ ability to build buzz during the critical early weeks of a season. Add in the fact that the English dub didn’t launch alongside the initial U.S. stream, and you have a perfect storm for lost viewers.
That said, the delay doesn’t diminish the episode’s merits. If anything, the slower rollout means dedicated fans in the U.S. are returning to the show with renewed appreciation—and maybe a little extra eagerness.
Episode 1 Recap: Picking Up Right Where It Left Off
Medalist picks up almost exactly where season one concluded. Inori has advanced to Novice A and now faces the reality of increasingly competitive circuits and the All-Japan Cup, the stepping stone to Olympic qualification. The episode isn’t driven by intense training montages; rather, it focuses on the little character interactions that reveal how Inori is growing into her new status.
Much of the episode’s humor comes from Inori’s over-eagerness and kid-like attempts to fit in—particularly her goofy impersonations of Tsukasa—which make for consistently funny, human moments. Those moments contrast well with the cold competitiveness she encounters from older skaters when she naively asks what it takes to make the Olympics. It’s an effective tonal balance: comedy that establishes her warmth, and drama that reveals how cutthroat the sport can be.
New Faces and New Pressures
A key scene introduces Riina, a shark-toothed senior skater who serves as both a caution and a protector. Riina’s warning—that scouts and national programs increasingly focus on younger skaters—sets up the stakes for the season. Inori’s youth is both a blessing and a pressure point: she has promise, but she’s also part of a cohort being groomed for Olympic contention. With fewer episodes this season, every competition and interaction feels more consequential.
Hikaru, Russia Training, and Backstory Teases
Hikaru’s subplot is compelling despite limited screen time. Opting out of the immediate competition in favor of training in Russia suggests a strategic, long-game approach to her career. The episode also offers small glimpses of Hikaru’s life before Jun discovered her talent, hinting at potential backstory exploration later in the season. While we may have to wait to see Inori and Hikaru directly compete, the groundwork is being laid for a meaningful rivalry or partnership down the line.
Character Moments That Hit the Heart
One of the episode’s best sequences comes at the end when Inori stumbles into an encounter with Koichi and his daughter, Yo—old friends of Tsukasa. Watching Inori mistake Koichi for Tsukasa’s father and loudly brag about being his student is equal parts charming and awkward, and it’s precisely the type of wholesome interaction that makes Medalist feel lived-in. Koichi attending a competition for the first time adds a sentimental layer to Tsukasa’s arc: it’s a quiet affirmation that the support network that carried him through his own skating days remains invested in his new role as a coach.
These smaller, domestic beats—parents, old friends, quiet encouragement—are where Medalist really excels. They lend emotional weight to the competitive sequences without needing to resort to melodrama.
Animation, Pacing, and Tone
The animation retains the clean, expressive style that complements figure skating’s grace without going overboard into hyperreal spectacle. The episode prioritizes character beats and pacing over flashy competition visuals, which is appropriate for a season opener oriented toward setup rather than climax. When skating does occur, it’s rendered with attention to posture, emotion, and choreography rather than sheer pyrotechnics.
Pacing is deliberate and character-centric: this is a show that trusts its audience to care about subtlety. If you loved the first season for its warmth, this episode will feel very familiar and comforting.
What to Expect from the Rest of the Season
With a tighter episode count this season, Medalist appears to be streamlining its narrative. Expect fewer filler arcs and more concentrated character development and competition-focused storytelling. The All-Japan Cup remains the obvious target, but how far the show takes Inori is less certain—especially given how the series has used time to dig into backstories like Hikaru’s. If the first season’s pacing is any guide, there will be a satisfying mix of on-ice growth and off-ice relationships driving the stakes.
Medalist Season 2 is currently streaming on Hulu and on Disney+ in many regions.
Final thoughts
Episode one of Medalist season two is a gentle, character-driven reintroduction that reminds viewers why the show resonated in the first place. While distribution headaches have made the launch messier than it should be, the episode itself delivers on warmth, humor, and subtle dramatic stakes. Expect a season that favors emotional beats and incremental growth over spectacle—perfect for viewers who came for the characters as much as the skating. Here’s hoping the rest of the season gives Inori and her friends the stage they deserve.
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