“Turkey! Time to Strike” Episode 9, titled “Viser la poche, ensemble” (Aim for the pocket, together), has landed, pushing the anime’s unique blend of bowling and time-travel narratives to new, darker territory while maintaining its signature tonal shifts. Released around early September 2025, this installment has garnered attention for its exploration of sensitive themes, including suicide, alongside its continued commitment to being a bowling anime despite its fantastical premise.
A Dive into Darkness: Suicide Themes and Emotional Stakes
The ninth episode of “Turkey! Time to Strike” has been noted as one of the series’ darkest entries to date. It prominently features multiple instances of characters on the verge of committing suicide, creating a somber atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the show’s initial premise. A significant flashback involving the character Akebi contributes to this emotional intensity, though the core of the episode’s darkness lies in the characters’ struggles with despair.
The narrative skillfully navigates these heavy themes, culminating in a “game of bowling that was ostensibly to determine who gets to die”. However, beneath this grim facade, the game serves as a vehicle to impart lessons about the value of life and the importance of perseverance. Critics suggest that while the messaging, such as “You shouldn’t kill yourself because then you couldn’t go bowling!”, might seem simplistic or even absurd given the gravity of the topic, it aligns with the anime’s characteristic approach to balancing serious subjects with its unique style.
The Series’ Signature Tonal Whiplash Continues
“Turkey! Time to Strike” has become known for its distinct tonal whiplash, and Episode 9 is no exception. Viewers accustomed to the blend of a straightforward bowling anime with a surprise time-travel element found this episode to be the most stark example of this contrast. The opening sequence itself hints at this, featuring an alternate version of the intro sung by the “Sengoku squad,” showcasing them playing instruments before diving into the episode’s heavy themes.
Despite the dramatic shift to a time-travel narrative, the series has steadfastly remained a bowling anime. Episode 9 reiterates this commitment, proving that even when characters confront mortality, the essence of the show’s bowling roots remains intact. This “absurdism” and the series’ willingness to “lean into that contrast” rather than shy away from it are highlighted as reasons why the tonal whiplash often works effectively within “Turkey!”.
Character Development and Critical Reception
The episode sees significant developments for the modern girls who were “Inu Yasha’d back to the Sengoku era”. It explores their ongoing struggles and growth amidst their unexpected circumstances. Mai, the second-year student and captain of the Ikkokukan High School Bowling Club, who is a genius unable to win matches due to a mysterious “Snake Eyes” pattern after a “Turkey,” likely faces new challenges and reflections in this emotionally charged episode.
Initial reception for Episode 9 has been positive among many, with one review praising it as “an excellent episode, from its literal start to finish”. While acknowledging that its dark themes might not appeal to everyone, the consensus suggests that the episode successfully handles its ambitious narrative, allowing the series to “swim laps” in its storytelling. The episode’s ability to maintain its identity as a bowling anime while tackling profound existential questions has further solidified “Turkey! Time to Strike’s” reputation as a unique and often surprising animated series.
