Anime Best in Show

Review: Campione! Episode 4 Best in Show

Quick Summary

In Campione! episode 4, “Rogue Athena,” Erica Blandelli and Godou Kusanagi rushed to intercept Athena before she could reclaim her medallion — the medallion that would let her regain her ancient form and apparently fulfill an ancient prophecy of destruction. At the same time, Yuri Mariya tried desperately to seal that same medallion, but its enormous power was proving too much for her to overcome. Fearing that Athena would get to Mariya before he could get to Athena, Godou promised Mariya that if she called on his name and believed in him, he would come to her. But with even Erica doubting him and Athena closing in, can Godou save Mariya? And even if he can, can he stop Athena from fulfilling the prophecy of destruction?

Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.

Best Moment in the Show: Godou’s Faith in Erica Completely Justified

It’s hard not to admire someone like Erica who’s not only calmly confident, but who delivers on that confidence every single time! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

One of the things I like about Campione! is how it can adeptly switch from light-hearted moments of comedy to gripping battles to poignant emotional moments. This episode might as well have been titled “Faith in Each Other,” because there were two moments that combined comedy, action, and emotion, and both were in contention for Best in Show moment. In fact, I only chose between them as I typed these sentences, and the reason was almost arbitrary: Mariya had her moment in the spotlight in the previous episode, so I figured it was Erica’s turn this week!

Godou and Athena Restored (not her last name, obviously — it just seemed like a useful way to distinguish between mini Athena and her fully adult self) had been going at it hammer and tongs. Using the sword he obtained from Verethragna, he had cut some of her divinities — but Athena’s origins were deep, and he could only take it so far before the sword’s single use per day had been exhausted.

Remember that he can only use the sword after learning about the god’s past and properties? That remains one of my favorite parts of the show! I mean, he traced Athena’s origin back to before she was daughter of Zeus, when she was actually Queen of the Gods, usurped by an uprising that Zeus led. How cool is that?

I think it’s safe to say that Athena is not a fan of Godou’s sword. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Knowing the sword was now exhausted, Athena launched her counter-strike, pummeling Godou so fast that he could barely parry her scythe-strikes. Finally, one got past his defenses and actually drew blood. The force of the blow threw him backwards. When he regained his footing, he was shaking.

“Erica,” he breathed (18:18), remembering her saying that she would be there by his side whenever he wanted her. A sudden grin illuminated his face, and he cast the sword aside. “If you were lying, you’ll pay…”

He used the lull to summon the White Stallion, the embodiment of flames of the sun in horse form. Since her own powers were rooted in darkness, Athen had anticipated his move and threw all of her energy into defense. She knew that all she had to do was withstand this attack, and then she’d be able to finish Godou.

But even as she endured against the flames, something flashed from the sky, and suddenly Godou held Erica’s Cuore di Leone in its form as Holy Lance of Longinus.

“Took you awhile,” Godou said drily (19:15).

It’s easy to see why Erica likes Godou so much when he’s fighting — he openly flirts with her despite the danger! Combat at that level would have to be intoxicating… Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

“You think so?” Erica asked, the humor warm in her voice. “It seemed the best moment to me.”

I don’t think I’ve mentioned what a great job Erica’s voice actor, Yoko Hikasa, did in this role. She nailed Erica’s strong, self-confident, utterly in control attitude.

Godou was able to use the lance to finish the fight, but for me, the complete trust he had in Erica, and her utter dependability, made the scene.

What did you think Mariya expressing such faith in Godou — despite him giving ample reason not to? What was your Best in Show moment? Let me know in the comments!

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2 thoughts on “Review: Campione! Episode 4 Best in Show

  1. Best episode in the series, in my opinion. The fight, especially. We clearly saw how one can fight a god or goddess, and it’s pretty unusual. “I hit you with… KNOWLEDGE!” And when Godou’s time with that ran out, it was Athena’s turn to do the same to him, and even relatively weakened she could certainly have pulled it off. Unfortunately for her, Godou’s trump card wasn’t *the* trump card.

    1. “Best episode in the series, in my opinion. ”

      It was like everything I love about the series in one package!

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