Haikyuu!! [Season 1 Episode 4]

Haikyuu!! Season 1 Episode 4: The Oddball Strike and the Birth of a Dynamic Duo

If you’re a fan of sports anime, Haikyuu!! is probably already on your radar—and for good reason. The series, produced by Production I.G and Toho, has been a standout since its debut in 2014, blending high-energy volleyball action with heartfelt character development. Episode 4, titled The View from the Summit, is where things really start to heat up, and fans have a lot to say about it.

The Setup: A Clash of Egos and Skills

The episode kicks off with the much-anticipated 3-on-3 practice match between the first-year students. On one side, we have the fiery duo of Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama, paired with the reliable Ryuunosuke Tanaka. Opposing them are the tall and smug Kei Tsukishima, his loyal friend Tadashi Yamaguchi, and the team’s captain, Daichi Sawamura. The stakes? Proving their worth to the team—especially for Kageyama, who’s still haunted by his past as the tyrannical “King of the Court.”

What makes this episode so compelling is the way it dives into Kageyama’s struggles. Fans on MyAnimeList pointed out how his flashbacks to junior high add depth to his character, showing why he’s so desperate to prove himself now. One user noted, “Finding out why Kageyama was called the ‘king’ was quite interesting. It’s not just about skill—it’s about trust.” And that’s exactly what this episode explores: the shaky foundation of trust between Kageyama and Hinata.

The Oddball Strike: A Moment of Brilliance

The highlight of the episode is undoubtedly the “oddball strike”—Hinata’s unorthodox spike that catches everyone off guard. The animation here is fluid and dynamic, making the play feel as exhilarating as it would in real life. Fans raved about this moment, with one saying, “The last scene was my favorite of this episode. Hinata running, switching directions, and jumping—it was pure adrenaline!” Another added, “That spike gave me chills and made me smile the biggest smile.”

But it’s not just about the action. The emotional payoff comes when Hinata closes his eyes mid-spike, fully trusting Kageyama’s toss. This moment symbolizes the beginning of their iconic partnership. As one fan put it, “To trust completely to the point of closing one’s eyes—that’s what teamwork is all about.”

The Antagonists: Tsukishima and the Power of Height

No discussion of this episode would be complete without mentioning Tsukishima, the tall blocker who seems to take pleasure in mocking Hinata’s short stature. His smug attitude has divided fans—some find him annoying (“Tsukki is still a twat, but I love him regardless”), while others appreciate his role as a foil to Hinata’s boundless enthusiasm. A few even drew comparisons to Murasakibara from Kuroko’s Basketball, noting how both characters use their height to dominate the court.

The Soundtrack and Pacing

The episode’s soundtrack (OST) also got a lot of love. Fans mentioned how the music elevated the tension and excitement, with one saying, “The OST is really growing on me. It adds so much to the atmosphere.” However, not everyone was satisfied with the pacing. Some felt the back-and-forth between Hinata and Tsukishima dragged (“The banter went on a bit too long for my liking”), while others argued that the slower build-up made the payoff even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts: Why This Episode Works

At its core, Haikyuu!! is about underdogs defying expectations, and Episode 4 nails that theme. Hinata’s determination to spike any toss Kageyama throws his way, despite his lack of experience, is inspiring. Meanwhile, Kageyama’s gradual realization that he doesn’t have to shoulder everything alone is a powerful character moment.

As one fan perfectly summarized, “This anime is seriously becoming one of my favorites. The teamwork is so inspiring.” And that’s the magic of Haikyuu!!—it’s not just about volleyball; it’s about the bonds formed through shared struggles and triumphs.

So, if you haven’t already, dive into this episode and experience the birth of one of anime’s most iconic duos. Trust me, you won’t regret it.