Hunter x Hunter: Season 1, Episode 11 – “Trouble × With × The Gamble”

Air Date: December 11, 2011
Written by: Atsushi Maekawa
Directed by: Hiroshi Kōjina

Summary:

As Gon and his friends continue their trial in Trick Tower, they encounter another challenge that demands both luck and skill. With time running out, the candidates must bet not only their abilities but also their trust in each other.

Key Plot Points:

1. Leorio’s Gamble:
   • Leorio finds himself locked in a high-stakes betting game with Leroute, a prisoner who specializes in manipulation and deceit.
   • The game puts Leorio’s confidence and reasoning to the test, as Leroute attempts to sway him with psychological tricks.
2. Time Pressure:
   • With only hours left to escape the Trick Tower, every decision matters, adding tension to each gamble and battle.
   • Leorio must think quickly to outwit Leroute, while the rest of the team anxiously awaits his victory.
3. Victory Through Persistence:
   • Despite Leroute’s mind games, Leorio’s determination and guts lead him to make a bold final bet that pays off, allowing the team to advance.

Highlights:

• Psychological Mind Games:
  • The confrontation between Leorio and Leroute focuses on psychological warfare rather than physical strength, providing a refreshing change in pace.
• Character Growth:
  • Leorio shows significant growth, proving that even without great strength, he has the resolve and intelligence needed to pass the exam.

Quotes:

• “Winning isn’t about being the strongest. It’s about not backing down.” – Leorio
• “You’re braver than you look, Leorio.” – Leroute

Themes and Motifs:

• Luck vs. Skill: The game explores the balance between chance and skill, a recurring theme in the Hunter Exam.
• Trust and Teamwork: The team’s success depends not just on individual abilities, but also on trusting each other to overcome obstacles.

My Thoughts:

And now back to our team of heroes stuck waiting on Kurapika to finish the job.  Leeorio is presenting with a gambling / betting challenge and takes up his opponent immediately feeling overly confident in typical Leeorio fashion.

Leeorio loses and loses the team a lot of time, however Killua simply tears the heart out of his opponent and the team progresses onwards in the tower. Killua definitely seems OP now.

Be sure to check out the episode and leave your thoughts below in the comments section.

Watch The Episode Here