ユーリ!!! on ICE
"Born to make history. Destined for victory."
Yuri!!! on Ice - Episode Highlights
Episode Highlights
Easy as Pirozhki!! The Grand Prix Final of Tears
This episode masterfully sets the stage for the entire series. It establishes Yuri Katsuki's rock-bottom emotional state after his crushing defeat, his return home, and the viral moment that changes his life forever. The unexpected arrival of Victor Nikiforov at his family's hot spring is an iconic and transformative moment.
It introduces all three main characters and the central conflict. It lays the groundwork for the themes of failure, redemption, and inspiration that will drive the narrative. The episode's ending, with Victor's shocking appearance, serves as the powerful inciting incident for the entire story.
I Am Eros, and Eros Is Me?! Face-Off! Hot Springs on Ice
The first major skate-off between the two Yuris. Tasked with embodying themes contrary to their personalities—Eros for Yuri K. and Agape for Yuri P.—this episode forces them to grow as artists. It highlights Victor's unconventional coaching methods and solidifies the central rivalries and relationships.
This episode establishes the season's primary artistic challenge and character dynamic. The competition decides who Victor will coach, setting the plot for the Grand Prix series in motion and forcing both Yuris to step outside their comfort zones for the first time.
China's On! The Grand Prix Series Opening Event!! The Cup of China, Free Skate
A hugely significant episode for Yuri and Victor's relationship. After an argument born from Yuri's intense anxiety, Victor threatens to leave if Yuri fails his free skate. Yuri, in turn, asks Victor to simply have faith in him. His performance is emotionally charged, and the episode culminates in Victor, overwhelmed with pride and relief, kissing Yuri on screen after he lands a surprise quadruple flip.
This episode marks a turning point, moving the subtext of Yuri and Victor's relationship into undeniable text. It demonstrates a new level of trust and emotional honesty between them and shows Yuri taking a significant step in overcoming his performance anxiety through his connection with Victor.
Gotta Supercharge it!! Pre-Grand Prix Final Special!
Narrated from Victor's perspective, this episode provides crucial backstory and context to his motivations. A flashback reveals that he first met a drunk Yuri Katsuki at the previous year's Grand Prix banquet, where Yuri begged Victor to be his coach. This re-contextualizes the entire series, showing that Victor's arrival in Japan was not a whim but a response to Yuri's initial plea. The episode also features Yuri buying the gold rings.
This episode fundamentally shifts the audience's understanding of the series' events. It reveals that Yuri initiated their connection and that Victor has been acting on feelings for Yuri from the very beginning. The exchange of rings solidifies their commitment, making it one of the most pivotal episodes for character and relationship development.
Gotta Super-Super-Supercharge it!!! Grand Prix Final Free Skate
The series finale delivers a dramatic and emotional conclusion to the Grand Prix. Yuri, thinking it will be his last performance, alters his program to include a quadruple flip, aiming to surprise Victor. He breaks Victor's free skate world record. Yuri Plisetsky then delivers a flawless performance, breaking the short program record and winning the gold medal by a razor-thin margin. The season ends with Yuri K. deciding not to retire and moving to St. Petersburg to train with Victor, who also announces his return to competition.
The episode provides a satisfying conclusion to the season's arcs while leaving the future open. Both Yuris achieve personal and professional victories, and the final scene of Yuri and Victor skating a pair skate exhibition to "Stammi Vicino, Non Te Ne Andare" beautifully symbolizes their new, balanced partnership.