Tokyo, Japan – The popular anime series Turkey! Time to Strike continued its intriguing narrative with the release of Episode 8, titled “A Surprise Blind Score,” on August 27, 2025. The episode delved deeper into the emotional landscape of its characters, particularly focusing on protagonist Mai Otonashi’s past, while simultaneously introducing new elements of mystery and time travel that have captivated viewers.
Mai Otonashi’s Tragic Past Comes to Light
Episode 8 brought a significant revelation regarding Mai Otonashi, the captain of the Ikkokukan High School Bowling Club, whose struggles with her bowling performance have been a central theme. It was revealed that Mai’s parents died in a car crash, a tragic event that appears to be a deeply rooted psychological factor affecting her game. This revelation provides crucial context for her recurring “Snake Eyes” split after achieving a “Turkey” (three consecutive strikes), suggesting an underlying emotional block tied to her past trauma.
The episode also featured a poignant moment between Mai and Rina Godai, another key member of the bowling club. Rina offered an apology to Mai, indicating a reconciliation and strengthening of their bond, which will likely be vital for the team’s future endeavors.
Unraveling New Mysteries at the Hot Spring
Beyond the character development, “A Surprise Blind Score” saw the five main characters—Mai, Rina, Sayuri Ichinose, Nozomi Mitaka, and Nanase Nikaidō—enjoying a hot spring. During their stay, they learned more about their hosts and each other, but also stumbled upon a new, enigmatic mystery. This discovery involved a hidden cellar and sparked discussions among fans about a potential “fifth sibling” or a masked girl, hinting at deeper family secrets or connections to the series’ overarching time-traveling plot.
The Ongoing Time Travel Debate and Production Details
Turkey! Time to Strike, produced by Tatsunoko Production under their Bakken Record label and Pony Canyon, premiered in July 2025, quickly garnering attention for its unique blend of tenpin bowling and time travel. The series, directed by Susumu Kudo and written by Naomi Hiruta, has sparked debate among viewers regarding its genre classification, with some describing it as an isekai and others firmly placing it within the time-travel genre.
Episode 8 continues to build on the complex narrative introduced in earlier episodes, where a bolt of lightning strikes a partially buried artifact, affecting Mai’s bowling ball and dragging her into a different time. The series is internationally available on Crunchyroll, allowing a global audience to follow the Ikkokukan High School Bowling Club’s journey through both sports and temporal displacement.
With Mai’s personal struggles now more deeply understood and new mysteries unfolding, Turkey! Time to Strike continues to engage its audience with its blend of sports drama, emotional depth, and unexpected plot twists.
