SK8 the Infinity [Season 12 Episode 00]

SK8 the Infinity: A Wild Ride That Left Fans Divided

When SK8 the Infinity first aired in January 2021, it quickly became a standout in the sports anime genre, blending high-octane skateboarding with over-the-top drama and a cast of unforgettable characters. Produced by Bones and directed by Hiroko Utsumi (known for Free!), the series followed Reki Kyan, a passionate high school skater, and his friend Langa Hasegawa as they navigated the dangerous, illegal underground races of “S.” The finale, Episode 12, promised to deliver an explosive conclusion—but did it stick the landing? Fans have a lot to say about it.

The Final Showdown: Adam vs. Langa

The episode centers on the climactic race between Langa and Adam, the series’ enigmatic and unhinged antagonist. Adam, who had spent most of the season terrorizing skaters with his brutal tactics, finally faces off against Langa in a death-defying course designed to push both of them to their limits. The race is visually stunning, with Bones flexing their animation prowess to make every trick and near-death moment feel exhilarating.

Fans were split on the outcome. Some loved the intensity, praising Langa’s growth as he channeled his snowboarding skills into skateboarding. One fan gushed, “Langa breaking through his mental limits was so satisfying! The way he embraced skateboarding as his own thing, not just a replacement for snowboarding, was perfect.” Others, however, felt the race was predictable. “Of course Langa won. He’s the golden boy who never loses. I wish Reki had gotten more spotlight,” complained another viewer.

Adam’s character arc also sparked debate. His sudden “redemption” left some fans rolling their eyes. “Adam spent the whole season being a psycho, and now we’re supposed to believe he’s all better because Langa beat him? Nah,” one Reddit user wrote. Others appreciated the complexity, with one commenter noting, “Adam’s downfall and brief return to his childhood love of skating was poetic. It’s messed up, but that’s what makes him interesting.”

Reki and Langa: The Heart of the Show

While the finale focused heavily on Langa and Adam, Reki’s absence in the final race disappointed many. Reki, the show’s emotional core, had been sidelined in the last few episodes, and fans were hoping for a proper resolution to his arc. The brief moment where Langa declares Reki his “happiness” was a highlight for shippers, but some felt it wasn’t enough. “They really blue-balled us with the Renga content. That hug was cute, but where’s the confession?” lamented a fan.

Still, others defended the subtlety. “Not everything needs to be spelled out. Their bond was clear, and Langa’s growth was tied to Reki’s influence. That’s beautiful on its own,” argued another.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ridiculous

SK8 the Infinity was never a show that took itself too seriously, and the finale doubled down on its absurdity. Adam arriving via helicopter? Check. A skateboard race with literal tombstones on the track? Absolutely. The over-the-top theatrics were part of the charm for many. “This show knew exactly what it was—a ridiculous, fun ride. The finale was pure entertainment,” one fan cheered.

But not everyone was sold. Some criticized the lack of consequences for Adam’s actions. “Bro literally broke people’s bones and got away with it. Where’s the justice?” Another common complaint was the rushed pacing, with one viewer noting, “The last two episodes felt like they were sprinting to the finish line. More time with Reki and Langa would’ve helped.”

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Fun Finale

Despite its flaws, SK8 the Infinity’s finale delivered exactly what the series promised: heart-pounding races, emotional moments, and a whole lot of style. It wasn’t perfect, but it was undeniably fun. As one fan put it, “This show was like a shot of adrenaline. I laughed, I gasped, and I’ll miss these characters like crazy.”

Whether you loved it or hated it, SK8 the Infinity left its mark. And with fans already clamoring for a second season, it’s clear this wild ride isn’t over yet.

Final Rating: 8/10 – A thrilling, if uneven, conclusion to one of the most unique sports anime in years.

What did you think of the finale? Let us know in the comments!