Princess Nine - Grand Slam (Vol. 6)
The first girls' baseball team from Kisaragi High to compete interscholastically undergoes some intensive training: coach Kido even tries to go on the wagon. When they reach the tournament semifinals, the girls find themselves facing the boys' team from their school, led by top hitter/heartthrob Hiroki. The game becomes a duel between pitcher Ryo and Hiroki, intensified by their attraction to each other. The series concludes on an upbeat note that is neither predictable nor pat.Princess Nineranks as one of the best series for girls in recent years, with characters who are strong, capable individuals but who still exhibit human weaknesses. With any luck, the show will be continued: Ryo, Hikana, Yoki, Seira, Koharu, Yoko, Mao, Kanako, and Izumi--and Hiroki--deserve another season, at least. Rated 12 Up, but suitable for younger viewers: Alcohol use, brief nudity, minor profanity, minor violence.--Charles Solomon