Ep 1. Four-Leaf Clover

The show Cross Game follows the story of Ko Kitamura, a young boy who lives with his family in a rural town in Japan. Ko's father runs a sporting goods store, and Ko helps out around the shop while dreaming of becoming a professional baseball player.

The first episode of season 1, titled "Four-Leaf Clover," introduces Ko and his childhood friend and neighbor, Wakaba Tsukishima. Wakaba is a talented athlete, and the two have a close friendship despite Ko's lack of athletic ability. The episode opens as the two are playing catch, with Wakaba showing off her impressive throwing skills.

As the episode progresses, we see that Ko and Wakaba's families are close as well, frequently spending time together. However, there is tension between Ko and Wakaba's sister, Aoba, who is the same age as Ko. Aoba is also an excellent athlete, and she often teases Ko for his lack of ability. Ko seems to take the teasing in stride, though it's clear that Aoba's words sting.

Eventually, Wakaba and Ko are ready to head home, and Wakaba gives Ko a four-leaf clover as a token of their friendship. Ko promises to keep it safe and treasure it always. As Ko is walking home, he sees Wakaba in the distance, running towards him. Suddenly, Wakaba collapses and is rushed to the hospital. The episode ends with Ko and his family waiting anxiously for news about Wakaba's condition.

Overall, the first episode of Cross Game is a gentle introduction to the series. We see a lot of focus on the relationships between the characters, particularly the close bond between Ko and Wakaba. There's also a sense of foreboding throughout the episode, as the audience knows that something bad is going to happen to Wakaba, but not exactly what. The show's art style is simple and charming, with subdued colors and a lot of attention paid to the natural setting of the town.

While there isn't a lot of action in this first episode, it sets the stage for what's to come in the series. We see hints of Aoba's personality and her complicated relationship with Ko, as well as the sports-focused world that the characters will become more involved in over time. Most importantly, we see the depth of feeling between Ko and Wakaba, and the sense that their friendship will be a driving force in the show. It's a heartfelt start to a show that promises to be both sweet and poignant.