Episode 10 of Medalist marks a significant shift in Inori’s journey, showcasing her rapid growth and introducing a compelling new dynamic with a rival skater. The episode, titled “Howling in the Night,” premiered on March 9, 2025, and is available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Time Jump and Level Advancement
The episode begins with an unexpected time jump, propelling the story forward to Inori’s second year as a skater. This jump skips over some of the more gradual progression, highlighting Inori’s accelerated development and focusing on her current challenges. Inori has demonstrably become more confident and skilled, now competing in the level 5 women’s free skate tournament. She wins, further solidifying her progress, and also passes her 5th badge test. She needs to pass one more level to be able to skate on the same level as Hikaru.
New Challenger: Rioh
A key element of Episode 10 is the introduction of Rioh, the son of Olympic ice skater Shinichiro Otori. Rioh temporarily joins Inori’s skating school, becoming another student under Tsukasa’s guidance. This creates immediate tension, especially since Rioh is initially portrayed as an “angry little twerp” with a strong, somewhat obsessive, admiration for Hikaru.
Tsukasa’s Idol
Tsukasa is hesitant about training Rioh, especially since Shinichiro was Tsukasa’s biggest idol when he was growing up. Despite his initial reservations, Tsukasa ultimately agrees to coach Rioh after Shinichiro personally asks him.
Rioh’s Angst
The episode delves into Rioh’s character, revealing the pressures and anxieties he faces as the son of a famous Olympian. He struggles with the expectations placed upon him and constantly compares himself to talents like Hikaru and Jun, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
Clash of Personalities
Inori and Rioh clash due to their differing perspectives and Rioh’s critical remarks about Tsukasa. Rioh warns Inori that she will not have a future as a skater with Tsukasa as her coach, which ignites Inori’s anger.
Inori’s Defense of Tsukasa
Inori, typically timid, fiercely defends Tsukasa’s honor. This unexpected display of anger showcases her deep respect and loyalty towards her coach. She declares that she’ll master a double-triple combination before Rioh can and beat Hikaru at their next competition.
The Double Axel Obstacle
Inori faces a big challenge in the double axel move, which is a must to pass level 6.
Character Dynamics
Rioh and Tsukasa
Rioh’s difficulty in accepting compliments, especially from Tsukasa, adds another layer to his character. He struggles with Tsukasa’s genuine attempts to understand him beyond his identity as the “son of the Olympian”.
Tsukasa’s Teaching Style
Tsukasa’s teaching fundamentals are highlighted, showcasing his ability to connect with and motivate his students, even those as challenging as Rioh.
Streaming Information
Medalist is available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
