Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: Season 1, Episode 19 - The Chosen One (2015)

The episode begins with Soma Yukihira and his friends at Totsuki Culinary Academy, where they are preparing for the upcoming Shokugeki, a high-stakes cooking duel. Soma is determined to prove himself and take on the elite members of the academy. The atmosphere is tense as the students discuss the recent challenges and the reputation of the upperclassmen.

Soma's opponent is Erina Nakiri, known for her prestigious lineage and exceptional palate. She is often referred to as the "God Tongue" due to her ability to discern the slightest nuances in flavor. The stakes are high, as Soma aims to challenge her and gain recognition. Erina, however, is initially dismissive of Soma, viewing him as an inexperienced cook who does not belong in her league.

As the Shokugeki approaches, Soma reflects on his cooking philosophy and the importance of flavor over technique. He is motivated by his desire to surpass the expectations placed upon him and to prove that he can create dishes that resonate with people. Meanwhile, Erina is conflicted; she feels the pressure of her family's legacy and the expectations that come with her title.

The day of the Shokugeki arrives, and the atmosphere is electric with anticipation. The judges, including the headmaster of Totsuki, are present to evaluate the dishes. Soma and Erina each prepare their signature dishes, showcasing their unique styles and culinary skills. Soma decides to create a dish that incorporates his own flair, while Erina opts for a traditional recipe that highlights her refined techniques.

As they cook, the tension builds. Soma's dish is a bold and innovative take on a classic, while Erina's is meticulously crafted, showcasing her technical prowess. The judges observe closely, noting the differences in their approaches. Soma's confidence shines through as he embraces his creativity, while Erina struggles with her own insecurities, fearing that she may not live up to her reputation.

When the dishes are finally presented, the judges take their time to savor each one. Soma's dish surprises them with its unexpected flavors and presentation, while Erina's dish impresses with its precision and elegance. The judges deliberate, and the tension in the room is palpable as they weigh the merits of each dish.

In a dramatic turn of events, the judges announce their decision. Soma's dish is praised for its originality and boldness, while Erina's is recognized for its technical excellence. However, the judges ultimately declare Soma the winner, citing his ability to connect with the audience through his food. This outcome shocks Erina, who is forced to confront her own limitations and the pressure of her family's expectations.

The episode concludes with Soma celebrating his victory alongside his friends, while Erina grapples with her defeat. She realizes that she must reevaluate her approach to cooking and her identity as a chef. Soma's triumph not only elevates his status at Totsuki but also sets the stage for future challenges and growth for both characters. The episode ends on a note of anticipation, hinting at the evolving dynamics between Soma and Erina as they continue their culinary journeys.

In the ending of "Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma," Soma Yukihira faces off against Erina Nakiri in a high-stakes cooking battle. The episode culminates in a dramatic showdown where Soma presents his dish, a unique take on the classic "chaliapin steak." Erina, initially skeptical, is taken aback by the flavors and presentation of Soma's dish. Ultimately, Soma's creativity and skill win over the judges, leading to his victory. This outcome solidifies Soma's place among the elite at Totsuki Culinary Academy and earns him the respect of Erina and his peers.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with the tension in the air as the Shokugeki, or food duel, between Soma and Erina approaches. The setting is the prestigious Totsuki Culinary Academy, where the stakes are high, and the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Soma, confident yet aware of the challenge ahead, prepares to showcase his culinary skills against Erina, known for her discerning palate and high standards.

The scene shifts to the kitchen, where both chefs are in their element. Soma, with his characteristic determination, begins to craft his dish, the chaliapin steak, which he has meticulously planned. He draws on his experiences and the lessons learned throughout his time at Totsuki, channeling his passion into every step of the cooking process. The camera captures the intensity of his focus, the precision of his knife work, and the vibrant colors of the ingredients as they come together.

Meanwhile, Erina, with her own set of expectations and pressures, prepares her dish, a traditional approach that reflects her culinary heritage. The contrast between her refined techniques and Soma's innovative style is palpable, setting the stage for a clash of philosophies in cooking. As the timer counts down, the tension escalates, and both chefs push themselves to the limit.

When the dishes are finally presented, the judges, including the esteemed Nakiri family members, take their first bites. Erina's dish is met with initial praise, but as the judges taste Soma's creation, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The flavors explode in their mouths, and the judges are visibly moved by the experience. Erina, who had been confident in her dish, begins to feel the weight of the competition as she watches the judges react to Soma's cooking.

The climax of the episode arrives as the judges deliberate. Soma's dish not only impresses them but also evokes a deep emotional response, showcasing his ability to connect with the essence of the ingredients. Erina, witnessing this, grapples with her own feelings of rivalry and admiration for Soma's talent. The internal conflict within her is evident as she realizes that Soma's approach to cooking is not just about technique but about heart and creativity.

In the final moments, the judges announce their decision, and Soma is declared the winner of the Shokugeki. The victory is not just a personal triumph for him; it represents a significant shift in the dynamics at Totsuki. Soma's success earns him the respect of Erina, who acknowledges his skills and the impact he has made on her perspective of cooking. The episode closes with a sense of camaraderie and newfound respect among the characters, setting the stage for future challenges and growth.

As the credits roll, viewers are left with a sense of accomplishment for Soma, who has proven himself against one of the best. Erina, while initially a rival, begins to see Soma as an equal, hinting at the evolving relationships within the story. The episode encapsulates themes of perseverance, creativity, and the transformative power of food, leaving a lasting impression on both the characters and the audience.

In "Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma," Season 1, Episode 19 titled "The Chosen One," there is indeed a post-credit scene.

As the episode concludes, the scene shifts to a light-hearted moment featuring Soma Yukihira and his friends. They are gathered in the school cafeteria, enjoying a meal together. The atmosphere is relaxed and jovial, contrasting with the intense culinary battles that have taken place throughout the episode.

During this scene, Soma is animatedly discussing his latest cooking endeavors, showcasing his passion and enthusiasm for food. His friends, including Megumi and Erina, listen with a mix of amusement and admiration. The camaraderie among them is palpable, highlighting the bonds they have formed through their shared experiences at Totsuki Culinary Academy.

The post-credit scene serves to reinforce the themes of friendship and the joy of cooking, providing a light-hearted conclusion to the episode's more serious culinary challenges. It leaves viewers with a sense of warmth and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead for Soma and his peers.

In episode 19, Erina Nakiri's taste buds, known as the 'God Tongue,' play a crucial role as they set her apart as a culinary prodigy. Her ability to discern flavors with unparalleled precision creates a sense of pressure for the other characters, especially Soma, who aims to impress her with his cooking.

Soma's cooking style in this episode is characterized by his innovative approach and willingness to experiment with flavors. Unlike his competitors, who often rely on traditional techniques, Soma embraces a more unorthodox method, which reflects his creativity and determination to stand out in the competitive environment of Totsuki Academy.

During the Shokugeki, Soma faces the challenge of not only competing against a highly skilled opponent but also the pressure of Erina's expectations. He must navigate the intense scrutiny of the judges and the audience, all while trying to showcase his unique culinary perspective, which adds to the tension of the competition.

Throughout episode 19, Erina's perception of Soma evolves significantly. Initially, she views him as an underdog and is skeptical of his abilities. However, as the Shokugeki progresses and she witnesses his determination and creativity, her respect for him grows, leading to a complex mix of admiration and rivalry.

Rivalry is a central theme in episode 19, as Soma's interactions with his competitors highlight the competitive spirit of Totsuki Academy. His determination to prove himself against Erina's chosen opponent fuels his drive, while the competitive atmosphere pushes him to refine his skills and think outside the box, showcasing the intense stakes of culinary battles.

"Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma" is generally aimed at a teen and adult audience, and while it features a lot of cooking and culinary competition, there are some elements that may not be considered family-friendly. In episode 19, "The Chosen One," viewers may encounter the following potentially objectionable aspects:

1. Suggestive Themes: The series often includes suggestive imagery and innuendos related to food, which can be interpreted in a sexual manner. This is a recurring theme throughout the show.

2. Intense Competition: The competitive nature of the cooking battles can lead to high-stress situations, which might be intense for younger viewers.

3. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional highs and lows, including feelings of inadequacy, pressure to succeed, and the fear of failure, which may be upsetting for sensitive viewers.

4. Visuals of Food Reactions: The show features exaggerated food reactions that can be visually intense, including characters experiencing overwhelming pleasure from food, which may not be suitable for all audiences.

5. Mature Humor: The humor in the series can sometimes lean towards the mature side, with jokes that may not resonate with younger viewers.

These elements contribute to the overall tone of the series, which may not be appropriate for all children or sensitive individuals.