Food Wars! The Third Plate

Episode 9

If there are two things I cannot abide, they're snobbery and violence. So Central's batting zero as far as I'm concerned, which makes their use of the thistle as a symbol simply add to their irritation. Traditionally, the thistle symbolizes bravery, devotion, and strength, with durability often added to the mix – all traits that are considered positive. Azami's choice of the thistle to represent his hostile takeover indicates that he truly feels he's in the right, and that any and all methods employed by his minions are therefore fine because they're on the side of righteousness. Historically speaking, that's a good way to start a war, and with Soma's victory over Eizan, that's exactly what Central is going to get.

A lot of this turns out to be thanks to Isshiki working behind the scenes. He's a lot wilier than people give him credit for, (could his easy-going naked dude persona be a deliberate act to throw people off his trail?) and he knew that the minute he opposed Azami's plans, he'd lose his seat on the Elite Ten. So he's been scrambling to do as much to counter Central as he can before he's deposed, and sure enough, both things come to pass this week: all three opposing votes are booted off the council (Erina stays because of Azami's dueling nepotism and egotism), but not before Isshiki has made it impossible for Central to just run people off willy-nilly. Between Soma and Isshiki, they've laid the groundwork for a revolution to fight back.

The downside? Central is fuming. While Eizan is clearly the most upset, to say nothing of taking a large share of the blame for Isshiki and Soma's successes, no one is happy with the fact that fair fights are now the rule and some research societies will be allowed to survive. Mind you, none have so far, but that looks like it's about to change with Ryo taking the stage against the obnoxiously arrogant Rentaro in an all-out salmon battle for the Cutting Edge RS. Personally, I wouldn't bet against him.

All of this gives us a chance to see not only where everyone stands, but the level of determination each of the characters has. We know that Polar Star is never going to back down (and I hope they make Eizan pay for repairs to their dorm), but as far as other individuals go, we may be in for some surprises. I'm still keeping an eye on Rindo, who feels like she might do something surprising. At this point, I think the only side she's on is her own, and if she gets bored of the battle, she may do something to change things up for one side or the other. In any case, she seems to be one of the few Elite Ten members who doesn't suffer from the delusion that she's always right, which makes her stand out even if she never actually makes a move.

In the meantime, one of Food Wars!' artistic issues from days gone by has made a return. With more girls wearing chef's coats, we're once again reminded that the series has a real problem drawing breasts so that they look like they're on the woman rather than stuck to her coat. Although there has been a general artistic downgrade these past few episodes, it's been an overall shift, so character bodies have generally not suffered unduly.

Hopefully the next few episodes will be exciting enough that artistic problems won't be as distracting. Ryo vs Rentaro promises to be an impressive showdown – Ryo getting a real chance to stick it to Central makes things all the more exciting, even if Hisako has been scarred for life by the sight of Isshiki's wiggling behind.

Rating: B

Food Wars! The Third Plate is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.