I just finished watching episode 12. Haven't read all the comments, because I don't want to spoil episode 13 (although I've read it, I'm still wondering how they'll reconcile the manga-anime differences).
I'm somewhat disappointed in episode 12. There are just way too many technical inaccuracies, like Oishi receiving Otori's Neo-Scud serve twice in a row, or Eiji serving from the same court on two consecutive points.
Then there's the new formation ... which the anime certainly made a more understandable (I didn't quite get it in the manga) -- but which also reinforces just how ridiculous the premise is >_<. I mean, using that formation essentially turns the Shishido-Otori side in to a single's match against a doubles pair. They'd have to run twice as much and twice as far ... that's a pretty poor tactical decision. And what's with Oishi being confused during Eiji's service -- you know there's a pre-determined player who is supposed to return that shot.
I was really looking forward to the part where Ryoma snaps his fingers and says Atobe's line instead -- the moment that really is the crowning glory of this entire match-up -- but boy was a let-down. Ryoma looked so disproportionate and just plain childish here -- and that contrasts incredibly poorly with the sheer attitude he oozed with his manga pose.
And this leaves us with only one episode to animate the entire Ryoma-Atobe match. That's just too ... *sigh*. It's a pity. It really needs to be at least two episodes =\.
And from the preview ... it seems that Ryoma isn't using the Myuga, but reverting instead to the "eye" thing he had going in the match against Sanada. Cyclone Smash makes its reappearance as well. Ah well ... steeling myself up for some more disappointment.
