Well, finally we’ve arrived at the end of this anime. Watching this episode after Christmas was such a great gift for me. I give my thanks to Santa, being a good boy in 2023 wasn’t a waste, after all. This ending is such a good payoff after all the build up. At last, our boy Haruka gets something after all he has done.

Honestly, it’s so fitting how masterful this episode is. It’s more than a satisfying end. This final episode also sums up everything that is great in Overtake! From character development to the actual race, you name it.

Nevertheless, I wish this anime got more attention. While its motorsport settings isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, I’m sure anyone who watched since the beginning is hooked. Let’s get to what happens in this final episode.

A Few Sweet Things

Let’s start with the little things. I think Overtake! is absolutely detailed, especially in the way the characters grow. I’m glad the anime doesn’t spare anytime for weird quirks that we often see in other shows.

Instead, Overtake! chooses quality plot over cheap fan service. To me, this makes us able to see the characters in a more grounded and sentimental way. Even down to the side characters, I found them to be individually endearing and not just as plot devices.

Unconditional Love And Support

The theme of supporting another is all over this anime. I think this is the core message in the whole story. Overtake! tells us to root for our closest friends and appreciate their supports.

Haruka’s story especially emphasizes this theme. By the end of this anime, I couldn’t believe that this is the same Haruka from the first episode.

Haruka went from an asocial person to the one who seeks out a friend in need and appreciating their support the most. He goes from declining Koya’s support to calling him as supportive as a mother, which is extremely wholesome but rather hilarious.

Speaking of Koya, He is more about opening up to what other people offer. After all, if we don’t want to be helped, no one will be able to reach out to us in the first place. I see he has gone a long way from a person who always pretend to be okay, to his literal meltdown, and him actually listening to others.

The Fans And Romance

A neat little detail that I notice in this episode. We should never ignore even the most miniscule support that we get. Do you know where did I get this? From Satsuki Harunaga. The guy, who I thought to be annoying at first, turns out to be one of the most impactful for me.

Ever since the beginning, Satsuki always greets his fans. Not once I see him giving a cold shoulder to anyone. Even at his lowest point, he listens to others’ advice, even if it seems unsolicited.

Remember what Aris said to Satsuki? Aris’s advice is a major turning point for Satsuki. Had he ignored her, he would never recover mentally. Also, don’t forget Aris’s respond when Satsuki repeats her advice and gives her a wink, I think it’s a cute little comedic touch to add a nose bleed.

“I see. I always wanted to be like Hunt. However, it seems that Lauda is the one I should really learn.”

Satsuki Harunaga after listening to Aris in episode eight.

Also, Satsuki turns out to be an excellent wingman. Despite the attention he gets regularly, he doesn’t succumb into a Narcissus-like trope. When a fan approach him and Toshiki, he doesn’t immediately assume she comes for him. Instead, the fan comes for Toshiki, and we get to watch how adorably awkward Toshiki is.

An Unrequited Love

On a side note, somewhere in the middle of the anime, we know there is one established romance. It’s between Aris and Satsuki. Although, it’s not so obvious if Satsuki shares the same feelings.

However, I didn’t expect Kotaro to show an interest toward Aris. I know they’re very close and childhood friends. But, before the final race, it seems Kotaro wants to ask Aris out, only to be stopped by Aris’s cluelessness. I know he blushed when she ate his ice cream, taking it as an indirect kiss. But, I didn’t think he’s into Aris. Am I just much an airhead as Aris? Man…

The Most Epic Race In This Anime

Moving on to the actions in this anime. We know Overtake! has a gorgeous CGI animation. However, F4 races basically are races between cars with the same chassis. So, I can understand if some say the races are not as exciting as MF Ghost’s.

On the other hand, the races in Overtake! still prove to have excellent cinematography. I like the way the anime captures each moment of actions and emphasizes what the characters are thinking.

A Great Build Up

The beginning of this final episode highlights each characters’ thought on this event. I love how this anime starts the final episode and the first the same way, showing Sae-chan driving Koya to the race. However, in the final episode, Koya is much more enthusiastic and invested.

Other than Koya and Sae’s relationship, I like how the anime spare some running time for the development of others as well. Haruka and Koya supporting each other, Satsuki and Aris’s romance, and we’ll get to the rivalry of the three racers.

Also, it’s a nice touch that they include Mr. Komaki and Belsorriso owner, Mr. Ena. Both of them were in the same team alongside Haruka’s father. For a brief moment, they reminisce how Haruka’s father would take a breather on the spot they’re at. It’s sweet to see the old ones being nostalgic, especially if it involves someone related to the protagonist.

A Call Back To The Rivalry

Early in Overtake! we’re immediately introduced to Toshiki and Haruka’s beef. It began when Toshiki smashed in Haruka’s car. Ever since, Toshiki nickname Haruka as a “Chicane”. Toshiki’s sentiment for Haruka lasts to later episodes.

There is also Toshiki and Satsuki’s beef. Well, not necessarily a beef, but it’s natural for Toshiki to have a bit of ambition when you’re a second driver who constantly drives behind the first driver. Toshiki eventually got his first driver position, replacing Satsuki who was recovering from his injuries.

However, Satsuki challenged Toshiki’s position when he returned in the last episode. So, Belsorriso conducted an in-team race. Filled with determination, Toshiki came out first. I like the dynamics between these two. It showcases their competitiveness while still maintaining a good sportsmanship.

So, it’s a no-brainer when the anime pits the three against each other in this final race. Haruka starts at the sixth position and is quickly gaining on the Belsorriso duo. Until, it’s finally the three of them competing for the first place.

The Last Slipstream

I mentioned a lot about Toshiki’s determination to be the top driver in Belsorriso. However, I don’t think he goes so far that he becomes a maniacal about being the top driver. In this episode, he does what makes me think he is the most compelling character in the anime.

When the three battle against each other on the track, Toshiki accidentally crashes into the backmarker. A backmarker is the last driver in a race, they often get blue flagged by the race marshal as a signal to let the race leaders pass them.

However, I think in this case either Toshiki is driving too passionately, the backmarker fails to notice Toshiki, or the marshal fails to signal the backmarker. Either way, it results in him breaking his front wing.

Now, it’s clear Toshiki can’t race optimally, the front wing is a major component in a car’s aerodynamics. However, instead of pitting, he chooses to give a slipstream for Satsuki, and catapults his teammate further away from Haruka. Toshiki later retires from the race. Man, if this is not the greatest move a wingman can do, I don’t know what is.

Haruka And Satsuki’s Duel

With Toshiki out of the way, it’s up to Satsuki to maintain Belsorriso’s domination. However, Haruka and Komaki Motors are in their top shape today. Satsuki and Haruka’s duel might be my favorite part in this episode, the long one-take scene is absolutely stunning in my eyes.

Haruka proves to be a formidable opponent for Satsuki. I notice that Haruka has a really aggressive driving style when he is chasing someone. On the contrary, Satsuki is swift, precise, and more calculated. However, his injuries hamper him from showing his potential this time.

Haruka’s Win Is Also Koya’s Win

Eventually, with everyone including people from past episodes supporting him, Haruka overtakes Satsuki. And with this maneuver, his win is secured, with Satsuki coming in second. It’s also worth mentioning the throwback to Haruka’s memory about his father. Haruka’s win feels so sweet after all he has gone through. However, it seems like Koya also enjoys his own victory.

“I’m filled with power when I support you.”

Koya to Haruka when he is about to take pictures.

Koya promises to take Haruka’s picture when Haruka get to stand on the podium, and this is his moment too. This episode shortly sums up his struggle. It’s Haruka who ignited Koya’s soul in photography. However, when things get tough, Sae also gives him the push he needs. Suffice to say, seeing Haruka holding the trophy and Koya taking pictures of him are absolutely satisfying payoffs.

My Final Conclusion About Overtake!

To wrap up my review on this episode and the anime overall, I’d like to point out some bits that I found so compelling. I didn’t know about Overtake! until the second episode aired.

I had no information whatsoever about this original anime. However, it turns out to be one of my favorites all season. And yet, Overtake! checks out every box in my good anime requirement list.

A Masterful Storytelling And Production

The greatest aspect of Overtake! is its story. Despite being only twelve episodes long, this anime masterfully showcases the development of each character. Also, it has one of the most heavy-hitting themes across fall 2023 anime, while also still being entertaining and lighthearted.

In addition to that, I really appreciate the production value of this anime. Although Overtake! might not the most visually appealling anime of all time, it’s still has both gorgeous art style and CGI animation. Also, the opening song, Tailwind by Kanae, has really grown on me.

Amazing Races, Albeit Short

Another thing that everyone must appreciate about this anime is the sheer amount of references to the real-life formula racing. It seems like Overtake! takes the history behind this motorsport really seriously. On top of that, this anime showcases the real danger behind formula racing too.

Also, the anime sometimes highlights the real sciences on how a formula car works, and its business, financial aspects. However, it’s a shame the racing isn’t as much as I’d like. But, this is a worthwhile sacrifice to balance with the story.

A Satisfying End

Once again, the finale is a perfect ending episode. I love how this episode subtly sums up the whole plot. Every minute has its own moments, from the heartfelt to the high-adrenaline ones. Also, all the intricate themes are adressed once more in the final episode, and they’re given a great wrap up.

Surely, Overtake! deserve more attention. I won’t be surpirised if this anime will be called a hidden gem in the future. it has a very well-balanced pacing, Overtake! has the more mature themes and a good amount of real-life formula racing references for motorsport geeks.