What an absolutely major step-up from the past seasons. Finally, the package is starting to unravel the fresher parts of the storyline, a reward from settling down on rock bottom for 50+ episodes.

In America (in Bandit Keith's voice) a new colosseum of dreams where sweaty baseball athletes equipped with balls and gloves on hand to seize and crush ambitions replace the gladiators of the past. All the same, the arena is a cornucopia feasted by the masses. That was one thing that struck to me this season: the sheer entertainment and marketing value baseball as a sport possesses especially for the professionals. To not let that lead one astray in-game and off was something I admired the players for. Amidst the disillusionments and excessive praise amassing pressure, not one single professional was swayed and had permitted outsider presence to knock over the door of their perseverance.

In this new world across the oceans of Japan, Goro planted his foot on the soil in an act towards a fresh start. And finally, finally, I finally enjoyed watching a baseball match being played in this anime, and experienced something else other than boredom and scoffing!!! The tryouts, the seasonal games, the matches between Gibson Jr. and Honda Jr., the elemental sports colors of each surfaced in abundance and successfully that I actually looked forward to the games, what with the lovely charisma of the Memphis Bats and their playfulness yet reliability as a team.

A full-fledged baseball team, that can actually do the normal things that can uplift and aid Goro! And Goro can pitch-to-hit without fear as capable teammates surround him! High-level, refined plays befitting the title of professionals! Oh how savory it felt to witness these, how rewarding it was to agree to the quality especially with its audiovisual improvements.

Major is not without a glue that holds attention and expectation tight when it comes to its plot and themes. The importance of parental influence and its nuclear impact upon people is exhibited in furtherance this season. Joe Gibson and Honda Shigeharu stand as pillars to set their respective sons' sights upon. With the workings of fate, both pairs' destinies interlock. Goro aims for the Majors in order to stitch the remnants of his father upon the fields of the home of baseball. It is a highly concrete goal to have, one that I am excited to journey with. To trigger a lasting impact for that dream to come true, his rivalry with Shigeharu's killer, Joe Gibson, becomes highly anticipated.

And here comes Joe Gibson Jr. and his insults towards literally everyone in existence. Understandably so, as he practically grew up without the warmth of family, embraced with the coldness of bullies instead. As he entices Goro with the presence of Gibson in the championships match, Gibson Jr. became speechless at the thought process of Honda Jr. Goro does not seek vengeance anymore, nor does he feel hatred towards his father's killer. And yes, Gibson killed Shigeharu, just wanted to let that out of my chest. He instead desires a hot-blooded pitching-batting battle with none other than the legendary pitcher. It shows how well Goro grew up, being surrounded with family, notwithstanding both of his parents being secondarily acquired.

I love how Goro is in this season. Perhaps my sensory sensitivities became clearer as pristine water washed over me as the episodes passed by, allowing me to consequently see the good in this franchise and in his character. To reiterate my previous reaction,

I have forgotten the single most important thing about Goro: he is a baseball idiot through-and-through. This single-mindedness he displays from his extreme love of baseball causes him to be rash and stubborn, especially when faced with a worthy adversary ahead of him. He sets his eyes locked straightforwardly. Thinking about that, his recklessness becomes blotted with a more comprehensible color.

And realizing that, made things much better now. Although, the past still brings me displeasure. I believe nothing can take away the stormy seas it brought me to against my own free will. Still, the now is now. Goro persevered despite his left hand injury, and proved exceptional by breaking away his "limiters", becoming what one might call a clutch pitcher, a true diamond guardian.

As for what was lacking to me, such that this series did not warrant me to break it past a 7 and more, well it will take me more time to warm up to this series after plentiful setbacks. I still did not undergo that adrenaline rush that sports-centered stories should evoke from me. Until I dance freely with my emotions outstretched on the cohesive turbulence of baseball matches wed with themes in perfect match, I will perhaps remain in this spot.