buzzer beat special episode - buzzer beat 11

for those dying to watch the special episode [episode 11] of buzzer beat and can access veoh, here it is. watch veoh video ep 11 . those who cannot access veoh, try pandora video here
[note- pandora quality isnt as good but still watchable]

buzzer beat episode 11 summary

The starting is a recap basically of last week's parting between naoki and riko.
Before riko set off, she terminated her mobile line without informing naoki either. She told mai that she wants to concentrate on her music when mai asked her if it was really ok. Meanwhile, naoki heard about riko's coming departure [the next day] from shuji and tried to call her mobile but heard the disconnected message instead. naoki felt a little lost....

meanwhile at the bookstore, riko finished her last day of service. As she was thanking her boss, he wished her all the best for her violin. just then, a lady appeared asking about some books and boss excused himself to get it. Mai was telling the lady could be their boss's 2nd wife to riko and stopped when she saw the lady looking at them. The lady recognised riko as the girl who had previously played a mini concert at the mall. The bookstore appeared and asked what is it and naoki sister explained that last summer, she recalled naoki seemed to have bought a sunflower to present to one of the concert performer, but in the end, he didnt manage to and gave it to a little kid instead. The bookstore boss good naturedly commented that is indeed naoki's style and both mai and riko got a shock. mai asked if he knew naoki, the boss turned ard and asked how did she know naoki instead. riko meanwhile was dazed from the new info about the sunflower and recalled her past conversation to naoki about receiving the sunflower.

In her excitement, she had wanted to ring naoki immediately but realised she no longer have her mobile. Mai followed a panicked riko and asked what happened. Riko turned to grabbed mai and said ''mai, i dont have my mobile. naoki's number...'' Mai calmed riko down, saying she will get it from shuji. However before she could ring shuji, Riko immediately stopped her again and said no, she shouldnt afterall...

''if that sunflower is indeed from naoki, then i should even more work harder. naoki has been supporting me [violin playing] all the way since back then, and has given me the courage to take the first step towards my dream, so its alright for now.'' riko explained.

'really. is it really ok.'' mai asked refering to not making the call as she signaled her phone to riko. riko reaffirmed with a nod and thank mai.

back home, riko finished packing and stared at the sunflowers longingly for a while. in the living room, mai commented that riko has always been lousy at picking out guys since way back. shuji joined in and asked if its really so. mai nodded and suddenly rem something. she presented riko with a 'relationship timeline'' that she had rushed thru the nite making. riko asked what was that for but mai explained on their last nite together, she had wanted to recall all the times she had spent with riko. shuji enquired about the crosses and mai explained it was those bad relationships riko had where the guy cheated on her. as they go thru the timeline, shuji commented mai seemed not to have any romantic past and was hushed by mai. mai continued to point out the date they had picked up naoki's mobile and meeting coach tomoya, naoki and shuji. shuji cheerfully commented the start of his ''era'' but quizzed why was naoki's name written all over the end of riko's love timeline. Mai cut him off saying she would explained later and asked him to be quiet for now and he volunteered to go make some coffee instead. The two gals continued to chit chat and commented how everything started after they moved to this place. Mai said maybe its the house that brought the love charm into their lives. riko smiled and added she has shared so much with mai this summer.

éven though its only a short 6 months, but to live with riko and shared so much love topics, to cry and laugh together, i am truly happy'' mai fessed to riko. an emotional riko voiced her agreement and they both started to cry. mai cried and asked riko not to go as she turned to hug her. riko returned the hug and commented she doesnt want to go to. ''then dont go....stay here'' mai whined...shuji joined in and said he is feeling sad too...and started crying with the girls.

naoki got home and was welcomed by his mum, saying that natsuki had dropped by earlier with some health supplements, beneficial to his foot recovery. ''she is indeed a great girl.'' his mum added wistfully. his sister chimed in asking why did they break up but naoki told her to go study for her exams indeed which she dutifully obeyed.

between the two of them, his mum commented she has hopes both naoki and natsuki will patch back. naoki instead asked his mum about her love relationship with his dad instead. '' take for u as an example, you started off being in love with dad, but ended up parting ways. love is so complicated...'' naoki lamented.

''what's wrong with u naoki'' his mum asked cheerfully, ''indeed there will be some failures, but i have never regretted about being in love, because i have always gave it a 100 percent.'' with that the mum laughed got up and walked off saying its indeed unimaginable discussing such things with naoki.

naoki commented he is already 24yrs old. his mum agreed saying that he should know by now love is not some fantasy at this age. naoki then said ''well... i have found it. which is what mum you have said earlier, the girl that can make my heart feel at ease. however, she is also chasing after her own impt dream, and of course i too wanted to support her, but i really dont want to part with her, and yet i cannot let her give up her dreams because of me. ''

his mum commented that this girl must be very important to naoki, to which he nodded. ''well then, trust your own instincts. it is easy to give up when u feel the pain when in love, but if u preserve and continue on with faith [strong belief], perhaps only then can the person see something bright and dazzling'' his mum said.'''something dazzling.'' naoki asked. ''yeah, didnt naoki said since he was young that in basketball, one must never give up till the final moment. if one believe he can win, he will definitely win.' naoki nodded as he hears his mum's words of encouragement.

at the basketball court, naoki looked towards riko's flat and recalled riko words that she will never give up even as an old lady. he walked towards the poster and stare at the words.

next morning, riko woke up and look out of the window. to her surprise, she saw a writing from naoki. ''work towards your dream. from your number one fan'' riko laughed to herself and said no way...and started to cry. ''thank you naoki'' she uttered and smiled as she look at those words. as she was leaving, she went to the court one more time and took a picture of the words. she saluted to the words and turn to leave....

the new basketball competition season begins.

in 2010 early summer.
riko was practicing with her team in the concert hall.

as riko was sitting alone in the park watching at the kids play, a guy walked past and commented ''french toast'. did you make it.' riko said yes and offered some to the guy and he took a piece saying it was delicious.

Back to the courts, mai was cheering the team on.
while strolling on the streets to the celebration for the team qualifying into the semi-finals matches, naoki stopped in his track when he heard someone playing a familiar violin tune. he searched ard trying to locate the source but was interrupted by natsuki calling him.

''somehow, this moment felt exactly like last year. last year, you even proposed to get marry if the team won. the feelin now doesnt feel any different from then.'' natsuki cheerfully [Ms. rhino skin] shared with naoki.

back at the bar, shuji was shocked to hear rumours that natsuki had patch back with naoki. the teammate said it was only rumour but then it wont be strange since for the last half year, natsuki had been helping naoki wholeheartedly in his therapy recovery. someone else commented that even when others were injured, she wasnt that intent. the senior [team captain ] listened on silently looking sad. while some commented the two were rather compatible afterall, the poor senior also commented [somewhat with hidden sadness] yeah its great for them. shuji muttered ''oh no this is not good at ALL..i must report to mai immediately..''

natsuki and naoki entered the room and everyone cheered to winning the coming matches. yoyogi and naoki also cheered together. natsuki walked off by herself looking out and recalling back to the time when naoki had proposed to her. the team captain congratulated her for patching back with naoki. she laughd and asked about his match making instead. the senior confessed 3 years ago he had fallen for this girl since but has always been one sided. natsuki expressed surprised and it must be tough but said she must be very fortunate.

meanwhile mai received a call that riko is back in tokyo and mai welcome her back to stay at their place for the short duration. after the call, riko was walking up the stairs and in shock thought she heard naoki's voice. she froze and saw shuji and naoki and rushed out. Her eyes widen when she realised it was really naoki and he was boarding the bus. this time, she ended up chasing after the bus while naoki and shuji were chatting away. unfortunately, riko did not manage to catch up to the bus..

at home, mai shared shuji has made it to the team to play in the match even if it was shirt time. mai also updated on naoki's performance and commented why isnt the matches aired on tv. then mai asked how was riko and riko showed some pictures to mai. at a couple shot, mai enquired who was the cute guy and riko said its her senior but clarified they are not dating. riko said she is now only in love with past composers such as mozart etc.

''so. naoki is working hard.'' riko said. mai passd her the match schedule and asked riko to call him since its already half a year. riko commented that their paths should not have a chance to cross again. Riko put the schedule away and instead said that she felt like performing with mai again.

that noon, riko walked to the court and stared at naoki's message and said ''i'm working hard.'' she then walked to the stadium and recalled the conversations she used to have naoki about the stadium and hosting 300 over audeince. just then, she passed the coach.

the coach said if they win this match, they would be in the grand final. the coach asked isnt she coming to watch but riko said she love to but she had training lessons. The coach added he had heard that riko had terminated her line and working hard by herself in kazewa. ''naoki is also working hard. This season, he is in good condition and very focus in the game. '' the coach shared.

''at that time, if i had heard naoki's voice again, i prob would not have set off, and would have forgo my dream, which is why i terminated my mobile line. i am very weak. i hate that about me.
but after setting off, i found out that i still love playing violin very much. its tough but i feel blessed every day. '' riko shared to the coach. is that so, well that is great then, the coach said, adding ''if it had been me, i would have told you to give up violin and stay by my side, so that i can keep you here.''

''i am happy that naoki told me to go ahead to fulfil my dream and stop contacting me. not hearing my voice for half a year, perhaps he has forgotten me. '' ''perhaps so. as someone who had some experience, the probabilty for two people to be destined lovers is even lower than 1/4 of winning the match back from the opponent before the whistle blows.''
[ok next few parts is about basketball games, i wont elaborate]

the coach joked about the possiblity of riko being infatuated with him and riko laughed saying unlikely. the two laughed and the coach thanked her for a lovely time catching up and riko expressed likewise.

''by the way, i had promised u before that i will never lie to you, so just one more thing to add. Naoki still thinks of you. '' the coach said to a surprised riko.

at the match, naoki was performing beautifully together with yoyogi. by the end, the team made it to the finals. while practising alone, natsuki said she can finally believe in naoki's dream. ''at that time, i had angrily said you would not fulfil your dream and hurt you. however, i believe it now ruly. i still like you. can't we be happy together. ''

''natsuki u will be blessed, but not with me. U are a great woman, and i still want to be that good man in your mind. I had wanted you to find me dependable, even when i was lacking confidence, i struggled to protect my pride, i had only thought abt myself, and not your worries, i am sorry for the times then. but, i .... '' naoki said.

a rejected natsuki immediately turned her ugly face to naoki and sacastically digged at naoki' ''well there... you sure are kind, or a tate too kind which is precisely why i would lie and cheated on u. '' natsuki ranted to a surprised naoki [ at her utter change in attitude] ''but that woman would never do that would she. '' she grabbed the ball from naoki and continued ''riko once told me, naoki will definitely fulfil his dream. you should look for her.' then next time, i should try making french toast, that's the only thing i cannot succeed. oh by the way, i lied. i dont have any feelings for naoki anymore.' natsuki suck in her tears and turned ard and said he must win but for anyone else but for his own pride. when naoki thanked her and left, her tears finally fell as she realised she was completely rejected and lost naoki forever. at that moment, the senior entered the scene and asked what happened. she got up and regain her composture and tried to change topic saying all he does is practice which is why people thought he is gay. at that, he confessed and ask her to date him instead, to eat cake with him [sounding like date him]. she laughed and said ok and she knew a stall. they both smiled.

at home, shuji wanted to propose to mai and was practising to himself without confidence. at dinner time, shuji asked if naoki and riko is really over. mai said she really know. mai said, shuji if u win, i will marry u, so u must finish the katsudon. shuji went into shock and then started to cry and said yes, he will finish it, win the match and ask mai to marry him.

while jogging, naoki said, he will go get riko. the coach smiled and urged him on. with the address, naoki arrived at kaizawa looking for riko. he was informed riko was off practising for a concert everyday and prob be back late. then she showed the poster to naoki.

at nite, naoki with the sunflower went to look for riko again but stopped to look at the poster. but he rem the woman saying about how rare it is for riko to be perfoming in this upcoming concert..and abandon his plan to meet riko.

on way back, riko and naoki missed each other completely. when riko got back, the woman told her that 'her fan' was here and handed the sunflower to riko. knowing who it was, riko ran but stopped when she got out of breath. in the room, she looked at the match schedule, picture of naoki's message and calendar.

naoki saw shuji practising at the court. naoki said he was surprised at such a late time training and shuji said he have to work hard to get married, but quickly said naoki is his idol.
then shuji innocently went on saying yeah you had a chance to play last year but u really sucked.,.. and naoki went óooooi', do u have to be so blunt and both started laughing.

naoki then added there is something quite bad, that is going all the way to kaizawa but not meeting riko in the end. ''riko is wokring hard and closer to her dream, knowing this is enough for me. '' when i first move here and read this, its true isnt it.'' shuji said, ''i dont know but, i will work hard. next round is on me.'' naoki said.

during practice, riko lost concentration and stopped. the conductor and the director asked her what is wrong. she stood up saying she has to go. she explained someone impt to her is facing a critical moment, and she has to go cheer him on. ''i have to go see him now.'' riko said. the director gave a big sigh, the conductor asked her ''do you really love the young man.'' riko replied with conviction that she does and very much. '' then its ok. love makes you strong. '' he said to her. she thanked him and ran off to the station.

at the match, mai, naoki's family was cheering the team on.
naoki continued to score much to his mum's delight. As the match progressed, riko was running as fast as she could to the stadium with all her might. nearing the end at 81 vs 87, naoki mum said she has to leave [as she thinks she will jinx the score].

when it was naoki's turn to do a penalty score, riko rushed in in time and yelled ''wait a min, hey that number 8, i am back, your number one fan is back to cheer u on, so you better win, you hear me you idiot.'' Mai was chuckling thank goodness its not live telecast while the mum wonder if that is the impt woman to Naoki. Naoki smiled and said ''í am strong'' and threw the ball. the ball entered the loop and everyone cheered esp riko.

near the critical ending, yoyogi caught the ball and yelled as he passed the ball to naoki. naoki threw the ball and scored as the buzzer horned. the ARCS team won!! as everyone was cheering, naoki walked towards riko. ''you didnt even say it has been a long time and yet the first thing u said is calling me an idiot! but because of riko, i have become stronger.'' with that, he hugged riko and added ''i wont let u leave me again.'' and kissed riko full on the lips and grinned as he kissed her again.

afterthoughts
hmmm..while i kinda anticipated the happy ending, but somehow it didnt climax as much as i like. plus the buzzer beat score was not the last score so it was kinda weird. plus with riko yelling, i thought it was just stretching the show and nothing new since its just copying what she had done before...so it didnt garner new emotions for me. i didnt feel esp touched or high.
even the last kiss, i thought it was a little weak and just going with the flow kinda feeling. i couldnt really feel the passion or joy. plus after such a long match, he was all clean and dry...what happen to the sweat...ok i am nitpicking.

still no matter, i love most parts of the show, even if the romantic parts are not always bull's eye. i will miss this though. will take another few weeks to get use to not seeing my naoki and riko...sigh.