Ep 19. The Chosen One

In Food Wars season 1 episode 19 titled "The Chosen One," we see the continuation of the Autumn Election preliminary round. The competition has gotten intense, and the stakes are high as the students battle it out in the arena. The episode centers around Takumi Aldini, a highly skilled Italian cuisine specialist from the prestigious cooking academy Tōtsuki Teahouse Culinary School, who is about to face off against Mimasaka Subaru, a young prodigy with the ability to copy any dish he tastes perfectly. As they prepare their dishes, Takumi feels the pressure to defeat Subaru, who has been called unbeatable by other contestants. However, as soon as the cooking begins, Subaru is revealed to be much more than just a copycat. He uses his unique abilities to disorient his opponent, forcing Takumi to struggle to keep up. As the two chefs put everything they have into their dishes, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the cooking process, complete with smoke, fire, and intense culinary techniques. Each dish is truly a work of art. The episode also explores the psychological struggles that both Takumi and Subaru face as they battle in the kitchen. Takumi grapples with feelings of inadequacy and a fear of letting those close to him down, while Subaru is seen struggling with the burden of being a "chosen one" in his family. The tension builds as the judges take their first bites of the dishes, and their reactions leave everyone on the edge of their seat. Overall, "The Chosen One" is a thrilling episode that showcases the intense competition and sheer talent of the students at Tōtsuki Teahouse Culinary School. It also delves into the emotional and psychological struggles that these young chefs face as they strive to be the best.