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hikaritakaishi · 10 months ago

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Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning [My Movie Review]

♡ ! SPOILER ALERT! ♡

This review will contain spoilers of the movie, continue reading if you already saw the movie, or just don’t mind the spoiler! Enjoy & comment something if you want to share an opinion! ♡

After what seemed ages of waiting, Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning finally aired in Portugal, on May 16, 2024, several months after it’s national premiere in Japan, on October 27, 2023. I was worried that it wouldn't come to my country, but perhaps due to the huge acceptance of Digimon Adventure: LAST EVOLUTION KIZUNA, the distributor made the hearts of the DigiDestined from the most hidden corner of Europe warm again and brought us the sequel. Thank you remembering us once again! ♡

I really tried to keep my expectations as neutral as possible until the day I went to see the movie, which was pretty difficult, due to the fact that I was constantly being bombarded with online information about it, whether on Tumblr or Twitter, or through video recommendations on Youtube. I was so excited for the movie, that I had to control myself immensely not to go see the spoilers.

Initial considerations? I like it. In general. But let's go in parts!

This will be an analysis of what I consider to be the most important points of the movie and what caught my attention the most. A personal analysis, so don't take it too seriously if I don't talk about a certain point or a certain specific topic, I probably just missed that.

Firstly, I would like to comment on the initial dynamics of the movie.

Everything seems to happen much faster here than it did in Kizuna. Despite being two movies with practically the same time span, this one seemed to go by much faster. But it might just be me. [LAST EVOLUTION KIZUNA have 94 minutes, and The Beginning have 87 minutes total].

We're introduced to the key plot problem pretty quickly too.

People's digital devices are glitching, and the same message is repeating itself on all of them, not just on the phones and televisions, but on computers and large digital screens in cities all around the world. And this all around the world is very important, because it not only brings us closer to what will be the future of humanity and it’s increasing contact with the Digimon and the Digital World, but it opens the path we take since 2012 [time of the movie] until to the epilogue of 02 (which the production team and Toei animation seem to insist on wanting to keep canon, despite all the script inconsistencies it can cause, or how different from the initial profile of each character it may be).

“May everyone have friends, may everyone have a partner Digimon”

It's the message. Meanwhile, we are told that a suspicious and unknown Digitama appeared in the sky of Tokyo, right above the Tokyo Tower, and it’s been there for a while. Taichi and Koushiro are showned to be trying to help resolve this issue as professionals in the field of diplomacy and technology respectively, but without major progress.

I think it's important to highlight that they are the only two characters from the first season of Adventure who appear in this movie, and even so, without any direct speech or great relevance, beyond contextualization, and later Taichi as well again for the context of “space- time”, in that frame we see in the trailer of the movie with Hikari, which we later discover is located in Hikarigaoka, where Rui also lived when he had his first contact with Ukkomon.

The focus is on the characters from 02, or at least, it should have been. But as in Digimon Adventure Tri, this focus is overshadowed by the introduction of another new character in the story: Rui Owhada [or Lui, in Japanese pronunciation].

Rui [or Lui] is a much more charismatic character than Meiko was in Digimon Adventure Tri. There is no doubt about that.

Meiko was a somewhat empty character. A static character without great charisma. The only pleasant scenes she had were driven by the other characters around her (namely Mimi).

Rui doesn't. Rui is a character on his own. With a much more aggressive personality and a much more interesting past. The only issue here is the length of the movie: This movie is too short; too short for us to get attached to this character and actually be able feel empathy for everything we are shown about him. So short, that it's difficult to develop both this new character and the others around him, which, by the way, is a shame.

I mostly went to see the movie in hopes to see more from the 02 cast, and not because, again, of a random character they created for this new script. Just like what happened in Tri.

And this is important because notice that one of the most complex and best-built characters in the Adventure universe is literally the character with the most screen time: Takeru.

Analyzing Takeru's character as a whole is extremely time-consuming, because he was in every season, and practically involved in all the main events of the plot, either by himself or through the relationships he establishes throughout the plot, which feed the character's emotional charge. Which makes him a very complex character.

There's no time for that here. There is no time to establish a relationship between Rui and the other characters, nor to establish a relationship between Rui… and the audience.

Rui's childhood is very shocking and once again, Digimon brings a very strong narrative based on a complex and deep family plot.

We had already had examples in Adventure of family issues with Takeru and Yamato, Koushiro, and in 02 with Iori and also Ken. To a certain extent, even with Miyako. But here we reach a higher level of complexity... and violence (remember that the age to see the movie is over 12 years old. I can totally understand why).

Rui is physically abused and neglected by his mother, who leaves him out in the cold, starving when he makes a childish mistake or does something she doesn't like... when he is only four years old. His father has a very serious illness and depends on his wife to survive. Rui is then shown as a sorrowful child, lonely and without any support network. We've never had anything in the Digimon Adventure series so… raw. The aura of the movie is deeply heavy and dark.

The evolutions and battles in this movie are far from being the focus, which probably frustrated many people who went to see the movie for this more dynamic side of the anime.

It is a film with a moral content and even touches on the philosophical, about the bonds we create with others and their nature, about how we should relate to others and learn about them every day we have them in our lives.

It's about healthy communication, and how it's okay to correct the people around us, as long as it's made based with pure intentions. Because love is not omissive. Love corrects, love draws the other's attention for what really matters, in the form of love. In the form of companionship. Nothing physical or superficial is worth the price of a real bond.

The movie really grew with it’s audience. It is not, at all, a movie targeted for new fans of the franchise, or for those who know little about the Adventure series universe. It's for those who know the characters, for those who grew up with them. If you don't know the characters, you will miss details and conversations that are important to really understand the plot as a whole.

Daisuke and Ken look on Rui’s past with him. They see the arrival of Ukkomon in his life, who should’ve bring peace and comfort, but it is only the beginning of all his problems.

Let's take a break from the movie's plot to talk about the characters of 02.

I'm going to divide them into groups, because it seems like they individually… don't have much progress or very memorable scenes, honestly. It doesn't even make sense to separate them, in my opinion, and you'll understand why.

♡ Daisuke & Iori

There is not much to talk about them here. Daisuke and Iori are the flattest characters in the movie. Iori much more than Daisuke, let's be honest. Iori barely speaks, and has very few relevant scenes.

Daisuke works at a ramen restaurant, as he always wanted, where he gathers his friends to talk about the problems they are facing right at the beginning of the movie.

His personality is practically the same, Daisuke from 02 is the same Daisuke from The Beginning, and even the same character as in Kizuna, he is just taller here and wears different clothes. He still aspires to have his own ramen business and is extremely focused on his career goals. Which was predictable, given the way he talks about his dream in 02.

Daisuke's only two relevant scenes are seconds long: the first when he convinces Rui that the bond of friendship he and his Digimon partner share is much more than something superficial; it's something that comes from the heart, and that no object makes a difference between them, namely the Digivice, (something we also expected to hear from Daisuke in 02, which justifies my opinion that in the meantime... he remains the same).

The other is a scene that had enormous potential, but is cut short by a comical moment in which Miyako pops up.

Daisuke is talking to Ken seriously about Rui, and how he and his Digimon could understand each other better if they just communicate more effectively and directly, and Ken comments that Daisuke's more serious side is very pleasant and rarely appears. However, Miyako speaks up and dismisses the subject. Sadly.

We could have had a conversation here that could tell us more about Daisuke’s presente self and way he sees life now.

*sigh* Anyway.

Iori, again, doesn't speak much. Seems to only have intermediary interventions, and serves as a “pair” for Daisuke and Rui in the snowball fight that we see at the end of the movie. A very beautiful scene, don't get me wrong, but only if we see it from the perspective of Ken and Miyako, and Hikari and Takeru. I'll talk about that now.

♡ Ken & Miyako

Ken and Miyako are two characters who seem to grow more together than apart within the movie's plot. Which is natural, given that we know at the end of 02 that they become in fact a couple, and that they build a family together in the future. Here we see the first steps towards their future as a couple.

As expected, nothing explicit or direct is given to us about the nature of their relationship, but we can understand that there is progress, especially by the end of the movie, before the snowball fight, when Miyako tells Ken something that seems extremely vague, but actually means something.

“Let's do it together! " What? I don't think they are aware yet. Ken also seemed very confused about it.

“ Keep thinking Ken, we have to find another solution. “ We also see Miyako trying to support Ken at that moment when they have to make a decision about the future of Ukkomon and the world.

Here comes what I said above: Love cannot be omissive. We cannot expect the least from those we love. If we know the potential of the person we have by our side, we have to support them. If we see that they are trying to go further, we must support their journey and be a source of advice and rest. Alone we can go faster, but with the right company we can certainly go further.

And I think this is where the movie touches on something really important.

It is in these small moments that we see that they really want to tell the audience something beyond, but we need to have a fine power of perception.

No conversation or comment is random, everything contributes to the story. Digimon Adventure has always been made up of metaphors and subjectivities, it is necessary to know how to interpret and be attentive.

In the midst of that dilemma of whether or not to defeat Ukkomon that we talked about a moment ago in relation to Ken and Miyako, we have another moment that I consider important between Takeru and Hikari, which for those who don't know the characters, can take it as a normal conversation of two people who know each other well. Too well, even.

♡ Takeru & Hikari

Keeping in mind their journey, and everything they went through together, is the key to understand the nature of the relationship they share now. But before that:

Much like Ken and Miyako, Takeru and Hikari do not exist separately in the plot. It's ridiculously difficult to separate them. If you talk about one, you have to talk about the other.

At the beginning we see them together in the city when the electronic devices break down, and this dynamic continues throughout the entire movie.

They practically always walk side by side, Hikari takes the front seat in Takeru's car, and even when they are talking to Rui and trying to understand what happened to him in his past, they were a nucleus apart from the others. Nothing new, really. More of the same. But it's in that conversation I spoke about earlier that we understand something that is even part of the main moral of the movie: the way they now communicate with each other now, is different.

Anyone who has followed Takeru and Hikari throughout the series knows that the main “problem” in their relationship has always been direct communication.

Exposing things to others as they are is scary. And none of them were good at doing that.

Deliberating about feelings, exposing what disturbs us, what distresses us, what we think of a certain attitude of the other person. That was always Takeru and Hikari's problem and what hindered the possible evolution of their friendship, into a real love relationship.

In Tri we discover that Hikari starts to look at Takeru differently. And we know that Takeru has concrete feelings for Hikari (Said by the actor who plays Takeru's voice) And then? It's done? Things… are much more complicated than that.

They first need to accept the situation in question (And I tell you this as someone who also developed a romantic relationship with a childhood friend. It's not easy. Trust me. It's far from easy!)

And far from being quick.

It requires a lot of deliberation mostly. Just accepting the fact that we see that person we grew up with differently, someone who has always been part of our life, and we can lose them. Just because we developed feelings. Is scary. There's a lot to lose. It's all or nothing. Especially when one side has trauma associated with romantic relationships. (remembering that Takeru's parents are divorced) it's even worse.

What seems to exist between them in The Beginning was the result of a long process. But effective, it seems to me. Whatever decision they made, it went… pretty well.

Takeru is completely against defeating Ukkomon, from the moment he realizes that this could also imply the disappearance of his Digimon partner.

He probably saw the suffering Taichi and Yamato went through when Agumon and Gabumon disappeared and the suffering he would go through if he lose Patamon... again. And he is extremely vocal and firm in what he says and what he thinks about all of that. Impulsive really.

Until Hikari intervenes. Which cuts through his catastrophic reasoning. She asks him to think, opening up a new perspective on the situation.

Here we have a conversation between them that is quite lengthy (compared to the fast action standard of the rest of the movie) in which Hikari tries her best to make Takeru use reason and not emotion in his deliberation on the situation.

Takeru who, remember, whenever “darkness” or “sacrifice” is mentioned, leaves his rationality aside, becomes blind with pain because of his past traumas.

Hikari's role here is almost the same as Miyako’s in Ken's case: calling to earth and calming Takeru, always in an understanding way, because you can see that she knows where that feeling comes from and that position initially adopted by him (and it is something which she can almost predict would happen, by the speed with which she responds) but she knows that he is better than those triggers that make him impulsively speak based on emotion and neglect reason.

It's about getting to know each other. Knowing how to talk to our person about the most difficult topics. Because it is necessary to strengthen your union. Predict reactions, and be there to calm them down, because you may even know that the person is not to blame for the feelings and traumas they carry, but believe that they are bigger than them. And expect the same from the other side.

The way Miyako knew that Ken could find a solution, he just needed to think a little more. Hikari understood perfectly where Takeru's impulsive reaction came from, but she knew that if she appeal to his racional side he would be able to think of a better alternative to the problem, which he thought would be the end of the world.

That's why I separated this analysis into groups (although the first one isn't... substantial) and decided to analyze the characters together, because that's what this movie is about.

It's about who you are with your people, and the bond you share with them. In a world so individualized, so selfish and so distant (largely because of technology, which distances us from each other), I found it a very necessary message.

And the role of adults? With children and more painful lives?

It is to understand that children are also humans. Who also think, and feel, and understand things. Just like them. Adults tend to forget that they were once children themselves.

We already saw this topic being developed in Adventure 02, but seeing Rui as an adult, reaching to his mother in the past, and drawing her attention to the fact that she neglects her son, is something very touching. Sometimes, we just need a wake-up call, and we can change the future. Ours, and our future with others.

The DigiDestined of 02 encouraged Rui not to give up on someone he loved, Ukkomon, because after all, he only acted the way he acted because he thought it would make Rui happier, even though he failed. Several times.

Ukkomon basically gave Rui everything he thought he needed, everything he wanted. But this is not always ideal.

He acted with his partner's happiness in mind, and this blinded him to the risks he was putting him into. He idealized their entire relationship, and everyone's relationship with him. Instead of being, real. And real things are never perfect.

Rui wanted friends? He gave him friends. He even reprogrammed his parents. They became manufactured humans. And the movie is about reality and accepting it as imperfect as it is.

Do you know what that reminded me of? That whole fantasy created by Ukkomon of “perfect world where Rui is never sad and everything is wonderful?” The fantasies in which the characters from 02 cast were trapped in at the end of the series. That world created with the characters’ deepest desires.

Takeru wanted his family united. Iori wanted his father back and to be able to show him the Digital Word. Miyako wanted attention. Ken… wanted to redeem himself. Hikari wanted peace. It's exactly the same thing.

Think about it with me: For example, Takeru's parents could’ve stay together, they could never have divorced, but they would still have problems. They would argue, and there would be conflicts. Which doesn't mean that this wouldn't traumatize their children even more. Maybe the divorce was in fact the best option for all four of them.

Ken felt he deserved the same suffering he inflicted on others. Would that really be the answer to appease his soul?

But none of it was real.

Not even Hikari's utopia of a world constantly at peace is real. Not even the absence of siblings in Miyako's life would solve anything. Things are not black and white and really, what we want is not always what we need.

Rui just needed to talk to Ukkomon and be sincere.

Where is Mimi tho?!

I will end with a few quick notes that I think are worth highlighting: First, the music and animation in general. As expected, they are excellent.

Very well done visually, appealing scenes, and the last snowball fight scene is so simple… but so delightful.

Life is made up of beautiful moments as well as tragic moments, light and darkness.

Did you notice that part of the movie takes place in a much dark environment, and when the main action is resolved, the movie gains light? I believe that is not just because!

Visually it can be very strong because there is blood, there is violence, there are physical wounds, it conveys the affliction in a very literal way.

Another thing that was expected to happen, but that probably wasn't even thought of properly when the Epilogue of 02 was made, was the problematic of whether or not everyone deserves, has enough morals and ethics, to have a Digimon partner.

How do you maintain peace between humans when you give them free access to machines of war and mass destruction? How do we build the world we see bz the end of 02 where everyone lives in peace even under these circumstances? Which is the the role of the government?

We'll probably need one more movie to find out.

Honestly, I hope you enjoyed this short (not... that short in fact) and sincere review. If I were to give stars, I would give the film 4/5 stars.

It could’ve been better, sure, if there was at least another half hour of animation.

But I don't complain. Despite that, I liked it. I cried, I laughed, just like I cried and laughed when I saw Digimon in my childhood, and that's everything for me. I was surprised by the message of the movie and the way they chose to visually convey it to us. Either way, I hope there's one more movie. To finally conclude the arc of all these characters, and finally, reach the epilogue of 02 (but in a dignified way please).

♡ Thank you once again Digimon ♡

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tobiasdrake · 2 months ago

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Digimon Adventure 02x08 - The Loneliness of the Digimon Kaiser / Ken's Secret

Previously on Digimon Adventure: During a mission gone sideways, Hikari was left behind enemy lines. Daisuke, Takeru, and Taichi quickly swooped in to be nearby while she rescued herself and liberated the enemy territory. They returned home to find an irate Koushiro who had come up with this cool new name for their Digivices but then no one was around to hear him infodump.

For once, we don't skip straight to Computer Club. Instead, we find Daisuke practicing with his team at Soccer Club, while the other junior Chosen Children and Taichi watch.

Right before an opposing player can take the shot, Daisuke slides in and intercepts, scoring some applause from Takeru and Iori and some cheering from Miyako and Hikari.

Taichi: Daisuke! (English) Nice play! Daisuke: Ehehehe!

After practice, as the sun begins to set, the coach gathers his team with a toot of his whistle.

Coach: Gather up! We have a practice match coming up this Sunday. We're going to be up against the team that recently won the Tokyo Boys' Soccer Championship: Tamachi Boys' F.C. Players: (collective gasp)

The acronym "F.C." stands for "Football Club". Officially, the sport is called football in Japan, though it's colloquially better known as soccer. American Football, meanwhile, is "American Football".

I idly wonder if the name "Tamachi" is a reference to Tamagotchi, the V-Pet that Digimon shares a friendly rivalry with.

Daisuke: (excited) Coach, isn't that the team that genius kid plays on!? Coach: That's right. Ichijouji Ken-kun.

Oooo, the fucking chills from all that tension. Daisuke's about to have a destined rival battle with Ichijouji Ken. That's exciting, 'cause of how Ken's the best player in the league. Definitely not for other reasons.

In the dub, Tai playfully teases Davis for that slide.

Tai: You walk much, Davis? Davis: Ehehehe.... (After the match) Coach: Alright team, hustle in! Let's go! Quiet down! I've got an announcement to make. Alright, our first scrimmage is this Sunday. It's against last year's #1 team in the league. Players: (collective gasp) Davis: That's the team with that brainiac kid! He's good at soccer, sports, he's good at everything! Coach: Hey, hey! Watch the name-calling! He's Ken Ichijouji.

As localization goes, Dub Team did a great job Americanizing this dialogue to feel natural to the American conception of what a high school sports coach sounds like.

I personally prefer my dialogue un-localized because I want to experience as close to the original cultural context as I can. But for the assignment they had, this is perfect.

Though the dub coach doesn't actually tell the kids which team they'll be playing. Just "Last year's #1 team".

Cut to Computer Club, where Digimon activities for today have been postponed in favor of googling the shit out of Ichijouji Ken.

Miyako: Ichijouji Ken-kun from Tamachi Boys' F.C. hit a record of 45 goals in the last tournament, leading his team to victory. Taichi: That's amazing! It's more than twice the previous record! Iori: O_O Calling him a genius was not an exaggeration. Daisuke: He'll make for a great opponent. We never had a chance to face each other in the last tournament. Takeru: You never faced him because you didn't make it to the finals, right? Daisuke: Don't bring that up!

Takeru pointing out that Daisuke is a Krillin salivating about fighting a Vegeta. He has his skills, but he is no Ichijouji Ken.

Hikari: Can you win this? Daisuke: This isn't about winning or losing. Right now, he's the idol that soccer players across the country are all aspiring to become. I'm hyped just to have the chance to play against him! Miyako: (sweetly) ~Hey, Dai-chan...?~ Daisuke: Gck! D-Dai-chan?

Clasping Daisuke's hands between her own, Miyako seizes the opportunity to ask him a question that's burning in her heart.

Miyako: When you meet Ichijouji Ken-kun, can you get me his autograph? Iori: Didn't you say that you weren't interested in younger people? Miyako: (glare) What difference does one year make? My mom is a whole three years older than my dad. Iori: Ah.... Daisuke: Why don't you just get it yourself? Miyako: Oh. That's a good idea. Hikari: (to Daisuke) We'll all come and support you! Daisuke: (excited) Really!? Chibimon: (Suddenly in Daisuke's room) And I'll come too, Daisuke! Daisuke: YES!!! I'll show this prodigy everything I've got!

There's a super awkward cut to Daisuke's bedroom near the end of this conversation despite Chibimon seemingly continuing the conversation from the previous scene.

Aww. Poor Iori. Miyako was definitely his first crush and that wasn't gonna happen 'cause she's 12 and he's 9. We're all getting that vibe, right? There's not very many contexts in which she would have had to say that to him.

When you're 35, three years is nothing. But to a 12-year-old, it might as well be 15. Especially in that direction.

In the dub:

Yolei: As Captain of his soccer team, Ken Ichijuuji led his team to victory last season by scoring a record-setting 45 goals!

That's impressive but you should pronounce his name correctly. This is especially noticeable when the coach just said it right three seconds ago.

Tai: Whoa! This kid may even be better than I am. Cody: I bet he could be in the Olympics if he wanted to. Davis: He's not so tough! I never even got a chance to beat him, 'cause we never played his team last season. T.K.: You guys got knocked out early. You didn't even make the playoffs! Davis: Very funny, T.E.! Kari: You think you can beat him? Davis: Oh, I don't have to flat-out beat him. If I can just make it a close game against a guy like that, then I'd be a living legend. And everyone knows how much chicks dig living legends. Yolei: ~Oh, Davis~! Davis: Uh-oh, it's happening already!

Lot of ego floating around the room here. Tai's so full of himself that he'll only concede to Ken maybe being better than him. Daisuke's primary concern is the sheer competitive rush of being able to play against an athlete of Ken's level, while Douchebag Davis just wants to use his match against Ken as an opportunity to score with girls.

Davis is still doing the "Pronouncing T.K.'s name with the wrong letter" thing even though it was established last episode that he knows T.K.'s name. So he's definitely just doing it now to be aggro.

Yolei: When you see Ken on the soccer field, will you get his autograph for me? Cody: ~Yolei and Ken, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G~! Yolei: Hey, Cody, watch it! Besides, I didn't say I wanted to kiss him, DUH!!! I just want to marry him! Cody: Oh. Davis: If you want to meet him, ask for his autograph yourself! Yolei: Oh! I guess I could do that. Kari: Let's all go to the game and you can ask him then. Davis: Hey, don't you want my autograph? DemiVeemon: (suddenly in Davis's room) Can I come to your game too, Davis? Davis: Sure! You can watch me wipe the field with Mr. Perfect. I'll show them who's the man!

No sign of a doomed crush from Cody in this version. He pokes fun at Yolei for her crush on Ken, and she offers the worst defense I've ever heard in my life. XD

(An ironic one too, given that the dub team definitely didn't know what the future would hold for these characters.)

Bit of Japanese contextual confusion here. In the original, Kari's statement that "We'll come and support you," comes directly after Daisuke encourages Miyako to approach Ken herself. So the natural flow of conversation suggests that she's offering to support Miyako in her quest for Ken's attention.

Not helping is that Hikari is looking at both Daisuke and Miyako as she says this. It isn't until Daisuke's response that it becomes apparent that she meant, "We'll support Daisuke in his soccer game," returning to the original topic.

The dub splits the difference and has Kari phrase it in a way that offers support to both of them.

The dub also picks this moment, after Davis has gotten himself fired up, for their first commercial break. They're building anticipation for the impending soccer match.

Sunday morning. Daisuke and his team warms up on the soccer field, waiting for the Tamachi team to arrive.

Crowds are already gathering in the stands, including Taichi and the rest of the junior nakama. Iori and Miyako have brought Upamon and Poromon, though Tailmon and Patamon don't seem to be in attendance. Hikari's holding Chibimon instead.

Hikari: GANBATTE!!! Miyako: (excitedly tugging Poromon's wings) GET 'EM!!! Taichi: GANBARE, DAISUKE!!!

It would be typical to wish Daisuke ganbatte for an upcoming competition in general. It's used in many contexts in Japan, one of which is simply encouraging someone who has a big event coming up.

But with the reality of prodigy child Ichijouji Ken as Daisuke's rival, encouraging him to persevere through hardship and see it through to the end takes on a greater meaning.

The honking of a bus's horn, coupled with cheering from girls waiting by the road, heralds the Tamachi team's arrival. Miyako also turns to look, though the rest of Daisuke's crew remain focused on the field.

Daisuke: They're here. (Bus pulls up) Girls: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Miyako: Hmm? Daisuke: It's time, Ichijouji Ken.

In the dub:

Kari: GOOD LUCK, DAVIS!!! Yolei: DON'T FORGET TO HUG KEN!!! Tai: GIVE HIM A KISS TOO!!! Hahahaha.... Davis: Ha. Ha.

It's funny because it's the #1 ship in the 02 fandom. XD Yolei and Tai were ahead of their time.

Yolei makes no noise when the bus pulls up, so it's easier to miss her turning around.

Girls: EEEEEEEEEEE!!! Davis: Enjoy the attention while it lasts, pal!

Davis still thinks he's going to win this.

Miyako: (happily crushing Poromon like a stress ball) I'm really about to meet him~!

One by one, the Tamachi team disembarks from the bus. But excitement turns to disappointment as the final player steps off and the doors close. Ichijouji Ken was not among them.

Girl 1: Huh? Where's Ken-kun? Girl 2: He isn't here? Daisuke: Huh? Hikari: He's not.... Takeru: It seems he didn't come. Miyako: Why? WHY ISN'T KEN-KUN HERE!?!? Iori: I... I don't know how to answer that.... Miyako: (angrily crushing Poromon like a stress ball) WHY!?!? Poromon: Don't take it out on me!

Poromon made a terrible mistake in coming here. Iori is visibly distressed by the rough treatment of Poromon and will continue to be for the remainder of the soccer game. But he's also too polite to try and stop it.

In the dub:

Yolei: (happily crushing Poromon like a stress ball) Oh, I can't believe it's really him!

While the opposing team disembarks, Davis psyches himself up with some internal monologue.

Davis: (thinking) When I woke up this morning, I was just a regular kid. When I go to bed tonight, I'll be king of the world. Tai: I really hope Davis hasn't gotten in over his head. (The opposing team finishes; Ken isn't here) Davis: (thinking) Tai probably thinks I've gotten in over my head, but I'll show him. Davis: (surprised) Where's Ken!? Kari: Where is he? T.K.: Izzy? No, we're waiting for Ken. Yolei: Uhh, we know that. KEN'S NOT COMING, IS HE, CODY!?!? Cody: Will you stop asking me if I say yes? Yolei: (angrily crushing Poromon like a stress ball) No, I won't. Poromon: Lucky for me, I have no spine.

Lot of laugh lines in this section. The Tai and Davis bit is cute. XD Kari and T.K. play a very brief round of Who's On First. Yolei's comical abuse of poor Poromon is downplayed.

Well, there's only one good way to find out what's going on with Ken: Ask someone. Daisuke runs over to the Tamachi team to find out.

Daisuke: Umm... Is Ichijouji-kun coming today? Player 1: He knows about the match, but I have no idea if he'll show. Player 2: Unlike us, he's got a lot on his plate. Daisuke: (sigh) That sucks... Taichi: DAISUKE!!! COME HERE A SEC!!!

Taichi's gone down to the field to offer his kouhai a bit of coaching.

Taichi: Even if Ichijouji doesn't show up, these guys are still a championship team. Don't let your guard down. Daisuke: Y-Yeah.... Takeru: (from the stands) DAISUKE-KUN!!! THIS MIGHT BE YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AGAINST THE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM!!! Hikari: THAT'S RIGHT!!! GANBATTE!!! Daisuke: (cheering up) Yeah! I can do this!

Daisuke's disappointed because he isn't really here to win. He wants to play against Ken for the sportsmanship of it. But the encouragement of his friends gets his head back in the game. Though one person is still upset.

Miyako: (stretching Poromon like a stress ball) Why didn't Ken-kun show up!? What did I even come down here for!? Iori: Miyako-san....

That poor Digimon. XD Nobody warned Poromon that Miyako's the kind of person who hits things when they're excited.

In the dub:

Davis: Hello! Uh, excuse me? Any of you know when that Ken kid's gonna be here? Player 1: Well, he's got a soft drink commercial to shoot and a meeting about having a soccer ball named after him. Player 2: Ken hardly has time to play soccer anymore. Davis: (disappointed) I'll never get to play him. Tai: HEY DAVIS!!! Davis: Huh!? Tai: CAN WE TALK!?!? (Davis goes over to Tai) Tai: Even if Ken doesn't show, his teammates are still champions. If you're not careful, they'll use you as the soccer ball. Davis: No way. T.K.: (from the stands) BUT YOU GOTTA KNOW, IF YOU PLAY REALLY WELL AGAINST LAST YEAR'S CHAMPIONS.... Kari: WIN OR LOSE, YOU'LL STILL BE A HERO!!! Davis: Yeah! I'll still be a living legend! Cool! Yolei: (stretching Poromon like a stress ball) Why do I have to stay here if Ken isn't here!? It's not like I don't have important things I could be doing, y'know! Cody: What about Davis?

The dub offers a concrete explanation for Ken's absence. Whereas, in the original, the implication that no one in this field is aware of is that Ken routinely skips out on his team to do Digimon Kaiser stuff.

He's withdrawing from the world to pour himself into his dominion over the Digital World, because he's disconnected so heavily from the people around him that it's the only thing giving him joy.

Play begins with a soccer montage, as Daisuke's team goes head-to-head against the Tamachi boys.

Davis leads the dub into the montage with one line.

Davis: (thinking) I've gotta play as well as Ken. I've just gotta!

But both versions let the soccer montage play out to only the sound of a lyrical background song. The Japanese version has 僕は僕だって Boku wa Boku Datte, or "Because I'm Me", a new track for this scene. The dub uses Let's Kick It Up, one of their big action fuck-em-up songs they've started using for their Show Me Your Brave Heart/Break Up action moments.

Both of these go really well with the scene, which sees the two teams competing for the ball until Daisuke lands a diving headbutt to score the first point of the game.

Hikari captures the moment on her camera.

Daisuke: WHOA!!! You caught the moment perfectly!

I disagree. That picture makes it look like he's illegally clutching the ball in his hand due to a trick of perspective. Hikari caught the worst possible angle for this photo.

Chibimon: YOU WERE SO COOL OUT THERE, DAISUKE!!! Daisuke: (boastful) Naturally! Takeru: Ganbatte for the second half. Taichi: You're leading by one point, but don't go on the defensive. The other team will notice and use it against you. Daisuke: I'm fine, I'm fine! I'm gonna go for a Hat Trick--

The sound of girls suddenly shrieking with glee pulls everyone's attention up to the road. Stepping out of a taxicab, Ichijouji Ken has arrived.

Daisuke: (serious) He's finally here.

In the dub:

Kari: It's rewinding... There! You look good on camera. Davis: Thanks, Kari. I so kicked butt out there, huh? DemiVeemon: And you kicked the ball really good too. Davis: Yeah, that too, huh? T.K.: You nailed that shot, Davis! Tai: Hey, you guys only lead by one goal. The game's still wide open and Ken could still show up! Davis: Yeah, so? What's Ken gonna do? Please, if he was here right now, I'd show him-- Girls: IT'S HIM!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! (Ken gets out of the cab) Davis: Me and my big mouth....

The dub opts for an irony gag in place of Taichi's coaching. It comes off a bit shallower but still vibes with the original scene. That also had Ken's arrival ironically cut down Daisuke's growing bravado over his successful goal.

It's basically the same moment, but filtered through Davis's braggadocious characterization instead of Daisuke's serious, competitive characterization and played for comedy.

As the girls in the stands shriek with joy, Miyako... is one of them.

Miyako: (happily crushing Poromon like a stress ball) It's really him! It's really him! (screaming over the chorus) IT'S ICHIJOUJI KEN!!!

Miyako screams so loud, it's impossible for Ken to overlook. He turns to glance over at whoever that was. He practically hisses at the sight, as startled and horrified recognition falls over his face. But then, after a moment, he composes himself into a sinister grin. Slowly, Ken descends the stairs to join his team on the field.

Coach: Glad you could make it, Ichijouji-kun! Ken: (cheerfully) I'm sorry I'm late. I had some important matters I needed to take care of. Coach: No, no. I'm just glad you made it. Will you be playing in the second half? Ken: It would be my pleasure.

This is about to get ugly.

The dub talks over the tension of Ken's arrival with a lot of silence-breaking banter.

Yolei: It's Ken! I don't believe it! I must be dreaming! Somebody pinch me! (Cut to Ken noticing them) Yolei: (offscreen) OW!!! (Ken notices the Chosen Children) Yolei: He's looking right at us! Ohh! I'm going to faint! Davis: (thinking) So that's what all the fuss is about? I don't know. He doesn't look so tough. (Ken composes himself into a sinister grin and slowly descends the steps.) Tai: For all the attention he's getting, that guy sure knows how to keep his cool. Davis: Hey, I'm cool! Tai: More like lukewarm! Haha! Davis: That's so funny I forgot to laugh.

Completely different vibe. They keep an ominous tune playing in the background but crack jokes over it to avoid letting the tension settle in.

Coach: Hey, Ken! We're really glad you could make it today. Ken: (neutrally) Sorry I'm a little late, Coach, but there was something important that I had to do first. Coach: Don't worry about it. We're just happy you found the time for us at all. Can I put you in the game now? Ken: If that's what you want.

On its surface, Ken's last line lacks the punch of the original's 喜んで Yorokonde. Original Ken wants to be put in the game. He's gotten over his initial shock at seeing who his competitors are, and now he's relishing the opportunity to publicly humiliate Daisuke. This one is for all the setbacks he's suffered in the Digital World.

With Dub Ken's line, you can infer some false modesty. He's playing a role, feigning subservience to a man who's about to give him what he wants anyway. He trades out the delicious, punchable smarm of the original for an eerie, almost inhuman neutrality.

The game reconvenes. At last, Daisuke and Ken meet on the soccer field.

Daisuke: Nice to meet you. I'm Motomiya Daisuke.

Ken doesn't respond. Instead, he looks over at the stands, where the others are watching.

Miyako: (squeezing Poromon tightly) He's even more handsome than he was on TV! I can't believe he's younger than me! Iori: (neutrally) I don't like him. Hikari: GANBATTE DAISUKE-KUN!!! Takeru: (English) FIGHT!!! Taichi: DAISUKE!!! YOUR OPPONENT IS JUST ANOTHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLD STUDENT LIKE YOU!!! YOU CAN'T LOSE!!!

Oh, yeah. I've been thinking it with how closely and sadly Iori's been watching Miyako go off about Ken, but he is definitely jealous.

Ken listens to all of this, grins, and then finally returns Daisuke's introduction.

Ken: It's a pleasure to meet you.

In the dub:

Announcer: Now substituting #7: Ken "The Rocket" Ichijouji! Davis: You must be Ken! I'm Davis. Nice to meetcha. Ken: ... Yolei: (squeezing Poromon tightly) Oh my gosh! He looked right at me, Poromon! Can you believe he's even cuter in person than he is on TV!? Oh, I could just hug him all day! Cody: He's not an accordion, Yolei. Kari: HE'S JUST A KID LIKE YOU, DAVIS!!! T.K.: YOU GOTTA OUTRUN HIM!!! Tai: YOU CAN DO IT!!! AND EVEN IF YOU CAN'T, WE WON'T THINK ANY LESS OF YOU, MAN! Ken: (grin) Some nice friends you got there, Davis.

I think Cody's line is referencing the rough treatment Yolei's been piling onto Poromon in her overexcitement. But contextually, it sounds like he's saying Ken isn't an accordion which... Uh, okay, I don't know why he would be but thanks.

"You gotta outrun him." Thank you for explaining soccer to me from the stands, T.K. XD

I kinda love Tai's "Even if you can't, we won't think less of you." Culturally, that sense of perspective plays a big role in the American sense of sportsmanship. There is no shame in losing to #1. Hell, "We didn't beat the championship team but we played hard and earned their respect," is like the most common way that American sports movies end.

It's also about as far removed from the sentiment expressed by ganbatte as possible. Ganbatte isn't about doing your best or trying hard; It's about getting it done. Not about putting in the effort but about achieving the result. Focus up, harden your resolve, and do what is necessary to complete the task. Persevere and overcome.

And yet, that isn't entirely how Japan approaches competition. After all, the sentiment Tai expresses here is in line with how Daisuke is approaching his match with Ken: He's not playing to win. He just wants to test himself against the best. It's complicated.

The whistle blows and the match begins!

Ken flows past Daisuke before he even knows what's happening.

Tamachi Player: Ichijouji!

The player on kickoff passes to Ken, who dribbles around every single member of Odaiba Elementary's defense and shoots straight into the goal. In a single play, he's tied the game.

Daisuke: S-So fast.... Miyako: Ahaha! (English) Nice Play, Ken-kun! Iori: He just tied the score.... Miyako: Yeah, because Daisuke isn't nearly as cool as Ken-kun! Taichi: (defeated) They're on completely different levels. He's not on the level of an elementary school student. With technique like that, he could be playing for the youth league.

As Taichi speaks, Ken meets Daisuke on the field in the middle of another play. Ken flicks the ball up with his heel, passing it straight over Daisuke's head to catch it on the other side. Daisuke doesn't even slow him down.

Hikari: You're right. His plays are completely different from everyone else on the field. Takeru: He can see the whole field of play. Hikari: You can tell, Takeru-kun? Takeru: It's the same way with basketball. He's able to keep track of where all his teammates and opponents are, and that's why he's able to score so many goals. Miyako: KEN-KUN IS EVEN COOLER THAN I THOUGHT!!! Iori: Miyako-san....

While they're discussing how cool Ken is, a montage of Ken plays out on the screen. He's unstoppable, managing to score 9 goals to Daisuke's pitiful 1.

The dub adds some dialogue over Ken's initial play.

Tai: (excited) Did you catch that move!? Kari: He's fantastic! Yolei: Back off! I saw him first!

XD For all the dub's foibles, they understood the assignment with Yolei today.

(Ken scores) Announcer: Goal scored by The Rocket! Davis: Houston, we have a problem. Yolei: He's so amazing! And did I mention dreamy? Cody: Would you like for me to pinch you again? Yolei: Yolei Ichijouji. Ken and Yolei Ichijouji. Tai: (defeated) Now that Ken's tied up the game, I wonder how it's going to affect Davis's confidence? (Ken flicks the ball around Davis) Davis: WHOA!!! (Montage of Ken scoring) Tai: Davis isn't looking too good out there. (Ken scores again) Tai: Ouch. (Ken scores again) Kari: He's running circles around him. It's like Davis isn't even there. T.K.: Easier shooting goals into an empty net. Ken has more than just skill; He leads his team like a general leads an army!

The general vibe that Ken's better than Davis makes it across, but the dub undersells how wide that gap is.

Ken isn't just good; He's playing at a professional level in a game between school clubs. It's just like his award-winning computer programming; He's gifted far beyond his years, operating at a level that is achievable but is inexplicable for a child of his age and experience.

Daisuke had as much hope of beating Ken in this match as a high school baseball team might have of beating a Major League team. Fortunately, Daisuke isn't here to win. By his own admission, he just wanted a chance to play against someone of Ken's caliber. So. Y'know. Wish granted.

But rather than analyzing Ken, the dub uses this space to assess Davis. He's losing. That's. That's really all there is to say about Davis. He's getting murdered out there.

They do finally bring up Ken "commanding his team like a general" to segue into the next bit, which sees Ken calling out the play for his team.

Daisuke: Shit! It's really come to this.... Ken: Open the right side! Defenders, raise the line three meters! Last Formation D!

As usual, Ken's team easily scoops the ball and passes to Ken, while he gets into position to strike.

Girls: SCORE THE TENTH!!! Daisuke: YAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! Ken: Huh?

Out of nowhere, Daisuke slides in with that same technique we saw him practicing at the start, intercepting the ball before Ken can shoot and sending Ken tumbling to the ground. The toe of Daisuke's shoe rips Ken's sock, drawing a thin but visible line of blood.

Taichi: No foul! (English) Nice, Daisuke!

The ball rolls away out of bounds and the match is called for time. Tamachi will have to settle for only nine goals today.

Announcer: 9-1, Tamachi Boys F.C. wins! Crowd: THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

In the dub:

Davis: I don't believe this guy! He's not just good, he's great! Ken: Stick to the playbook I wrote, everybody! We have got him on the run! All fullbacks and midfielders, move up! (Ken's team scoops the ball and passes to him) Girls: GO ROCKET GO!!! Davis: NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Ken: Huh? (Davis intercepts the ball, tripping Ken in the process) Tai: Nice tackle! Have a good trip, Ken! See you next fall! Announcer: Time's run out and the green Tamachi team led by Ken "The Rocket" Ichijouji wins nine to one! Crowd: YEAH!!! WOOHOO!!!

Surprisingly, Ken's blood makes it into the dub uncensored. Probably because it's too plot relevant to try and cut.

After the match, Daisuke makes his way over to the Tamachi team's huddle to talk to Ken again.

Daisuke: Hey! Ichijouji-kun! Are you okay? After what happened to your leg, I mean.

Daisuke looks down at Ken's leg, which now has noticeable red stains around the injury.

Ken: (smiling) Ehh, that's no big deal. Daisuke: I'm glad to hear it. Man, you really do live up to your reputation! I couldn't keep up with you at all! Ken: You made a magnificent play right at the end there. I was expecting you to come from the other side. Daisuke: Well, when we were losing that hard, it only made sense to go straight for the leader. Ken: Mm... But that was the first time we've ever failed to score with that formation. Daisuke: (excited) Wow, really!? Ken: Motomiya Daisuke-kun, was it? (Ken holds out his hand) Ken: Until next time. Daisuke: Ah! (Daisuke shakes Ken's hand) Daisuke: You too!

Daisuke and Ken part on good terms, leaving Daisuke with a sense of fulfillment for playing so well against the legend.

In the dub:

Davis: Hey Ken, is your leg alright? Sorry about that tackle. I guess I caught you off-guard.

Again, the blood makes it uncensored into the dub.

Ken: (smiling) I barely felt it. Too busy thinking about scoring goals. Davis: So I guess you heard? Your teammates probably told you about how I was dominating the field, how unstoppable I was before you got here? Ken: I dunno, someone may have mentioned something about your play. If you keep it up, you might win a championship. Davis: Well, once you came along and you guys got so far ahead, I just figured it was all or nothing. So I just went for it on that last play! Ken: I was obviously focused on scoring another goal and didn't see you coming. That play never fails. Davis: Well, it did against me! Ken: Indeed. Well, my worthy adversary, farewell. (Ken holds out his hand.) Ken: Until we meet again in battle! Davis: Huh? (Davis shakes Ken's hand) Davis: "Worthy adversary"?

The words are similar but the tone is completely different. Davis is just trying to gloat and Ken's being passive-aggressive, lacking the cool confidence and friendly demeanor he shows in the original.

Dub Ken even makes excuses for his temporary embarrassment. He plays his bit about "I expected you to come from the other side; This is the first time that play ever failed!" as defensive whining.

With that match behind him, Daisuke walks home with Taichi and the junior Digimon team, while they unpack everything that just happened.

Hikari: You don't even seem upset that you lost. Daisuke: "Daisuke-kun," he said! The genius remembered my name! Oh, I'm probably gonna brag about that for weeks! Miyako: (tugging Poromon's face) Mrrrrrgh! I missed out on getting Ken's autograph! Iori: Miyako-san.... Takeru: But that Sliding Tackle at the end was amazing! Hikari: Yeah! Chibimon: I was excited too! Daisuke: Really!? Pretty soon, maybe they'll pick me for the Japanese National Team! Taichi: At least play a decent game before you start talking like that. Apart from that one play, this was a total stomp. Daisuke: (deflated) You're too strict, Taichi-san!

"Sliding Tackle" is in English. Poor Daisuke. Taichi's not wrong but still. Rude.

As the group passes by a pedestrian bridge, we zoom in on the bridge to find Ken still in his uniform, stalking them. His face curls into a wicked grin as we go to commercial.

In the dub, Davis has already begun the bragging Daisuke said he'd be doing.

Davis: Then we shook hands and he said he admired me! Tai: (sarcastic) Oh, come on! Kari: I've never seen you this happy about losing a game! Davis: It wasn't so bad! And guess what! He called me his worthy adversary! I mean, The Rocket practically said I'm just as good as he is! Yolei: (tugging Poromon's face) I can't believe you didn't get me his autograph! Cody: Need a pinch?

Cody's stuck on that pinch and it's starting to get weird.

T.K.: That sliding block you did was ultra-cool, Davis! Kari: Yeah, cool! DemiVeemon: It made my toes tingle! Davis: You know what I predict? I betcha that Ken and I are gonna be on the same championship team some day! Tai: I think you're getting ahead of yourself. Maybe you ought to try something first: How about you try scoring at least one goal against him! Davis: Ugh... Very funny, Tai, but I guess you got a point. I'll have to try that....

I would say, "Sorry, Davis, but Yolei already called dibs; We've talked about this".

But. Uh.

The shippers have spoken.

The dub gives Ken some silence-breaking dialogue for his parting shot.

Ken: Hehehehehehe.... Ken: (thinking) Go ahead. Laugh while you are still able. For the time draws closer to when you shall bow before me. No one is my equal, as you shall find out soon!

From there, they agree that their second commercial should go here.

The next day, in Computer Club, Miyako has something very important to talk to Daisuke about.

Miyako: Daisuke. Hold out your right hand. Daisuke: Ehhh!?

He has no idea what's going on, but he complies.

Daisuke: Like this? Miyako: If I hold this hand, then it will be like I'm shaking hands with Ichijouji Ken-kun.

Miyako reaches for Daisuke's hand and gets almost to the point of skin on skin contact before she recoils and pulls back.

Miyako: No! I can't!

Cut to outside the school, where students can be seen walking home. Miyako screams so loud it can be heard from all the way out here.

Miyako: MY STRONG PERCEPTION WON'T ALLOW ME TO SHAKE HANDS WITH DAISUKE!!! Daisuke: @_@ .... Takeru: What is going on over there?

The disastrous yet inevitable consequences of combining Love and Purity into a single character, that's what. Poor Daisuke just walked into this room and got yelled at for being undesirable. XD It's gonna be that kinda day, huh?

In the dub:

Yolei: Gimme your hand! Davis: Why!? Yolei: I'll tell you why: Because I said so! Davis: Huh!? (Davis holds out his hand) Davis: (reluctant) Here ya go.... Yolei: Since you shook hands with Ken, if I shake hands with you, it will be almost like I'm shaking hands with him! (Yolei tries, but pulls back) Yolei: Ugh! Oh, I can't do it! It's not the same! (Exterior shot of the school) Yolei: I'll wait to shake hands with my beloved in person. Cody: (sarcastic) Oh, brother.... T.K.: Just what are you doing, Cody?

Awkward. Yolei refuses to tell Davis why she wants him to hold out his hand only to immediately explain herself anyway one line later.

They don't use the gag of Miyako screaming about Daisuke's undesirability so loud that the entire building can hear it, so the exterior shot of the school ends up being a weird, random cut.

Then, because they didn't have Yolei scream all of a sudden, T.K. has nothing to react to. So instead he asks for an update on Cody's activities at the computer, while clearly not looking at Cody at all.

Suddenly, a beep at the computer alerts Iori to new activity.

Iori: What's this? Upamon: Iori, what's wrong dagyaa? Iori: Take a look at this.

The map shows a single black square amidst an ocean of white squares.

Hikari: He put a Dark Tower in a place like this? Takeru: That wasn't there yesterday.

Behind them, Daisuke remains frozen in confusion while Miyako stares down his hand, steeling her resolve.

Iori: He must have built it last night. Takeru: What's this area like? Iori: (English) "Death Valley". (Japanese) Which means it's called 死��谷 Shi no Tani. Upamon: But there's nothing there dagyaa. Hikari: Why is it in the middle of nowhere? Takeru: What is the Digimon Kaiser planning to do there? Iori: He may be establishing a foothold, which he can then use to expand his territory outwards. Takeru: We should do something about that now! Hikari: Yeah! Takeru: LET'S GO, DAISUKE-KUN!!!

Daisuke remains where we left him, with Miyako trying to bring herself to touch him.

Miyako: Mrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.... Daisuke: Could you hurry up and decide?

XD At least he's a good sport about it.

The dub doesn't have the sudden alert chime. It does have T.K. prompting Cody about his activities, but Cody doesn't respond like he's answering T.K.'s question.

Cody: I can't believe it! Upamon: You're dreaming! Let me pinch you! Cody: It's a Control Spire! Kari: What's it doing there!? Gatomon: Controlling. Spiring. The usual. Cody: It must have been built overnight. Amazing.... T.K.: So just where is it located? Cody: I'm not sure. This map doesn't list the points of interest. Upamon: It's the Forbidden Valley of No Return. Kari: Why do bad guys always name things like that? T.K.: It's in the job description. It's right after really stinky breath. Cody: Even if this place was called the Valley of Duckies and Bunnies, with a Control Spire there, there's trouble. T.K.: We've got to destroy it before it's used to control all the Digimon, yeah? Kari: (gasp) Right! T.K.: What are we waiting for!? LET'S GO, DAVIS!!! (No urgency from Davis and Yolei) Yolei: .......... Davis: Are you really sure about this? Digi-Port Open.

The dub kids treat this like it's an ordinary Control Spire situation. We lose both:

Why we shouldn't care: It's in the middle of nowhere. There's nothing there for the Kaiser to threaten. Why we should, actually: The Kaiser might use it as a staging ground to invade other territories.

Scrubbing both of these elements balances to zero and leaves us right back at business as usual. "The Emperor is setting up shop in some random place and we should go stop him."

I really like Davis awkwardly giving the deployment phrase.

The Chosen Children cross over and enter Death Valley. It's a barren, lifeless desert. Utterly unremarkable save for the Dark Tower in the distance and the Gate television they came from.

Hikari: There really is nothing here. Daisuke: (spotting the tower) There it is! Takeru: Still, we can't get careless. We don't know where the enemy might be hiding. Iori: That's true.

The children make their way across the desert, keeping an eye out for where the attack might come from. Unfortunately, they don't consider down. Miyako and Hawkmon suddenly plunge into the ground, vanishing in a second.

Miyako: WAUGH!!! Hikari: Miyako-san! Tailmon: Hawkmon!

Then it takes the rest too. Hikari, Takeru, and Iori vanish into the earth, along with their Partner Digimon.

Group: AHHHHH!!! Daisuke: W-What the... What just happened!? V-mon: Careful, Daisuke! This might be the enemy's trap!

I'd place good odds on that. Leaving Daisuke and V-mon topside, the rest of the team plunges into a mysterious dark abyss.

Group: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Takeru: WHAT'S HAPPENING!?!?

In the dub:

Kari: Wow, this Valley sure does look Forbidden alright. Davis: A few Duckies and Bunnies would spruce it up!

XD That got me.

T.K.: Come on, quit kidding around! The Digimon Emperor could be around here anywhere so stay sharp! Cody: Let's stay together.

As they start walking, the team's given some extra dialogue to break the silence.

Yolei: I think this valley is kind of quaint and homey. Davis: More like homely! Kari: Quiet, you guys. We don't want the Emperor to hear us coming. (Yolei vanishes) Yolei: WHOA!!! Kari: I bet he heard that. Gatomon: My gosh, they're gone! (The rest of the group vanishes except Davis) Group: WHOA!!! Davis: GUYS!!! Did you see that, Veemon? You okay? The ground just ate our friends! Veemon: Maybe it will swallow us next! (Cut to the dark abyss) Group: AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Takeru does have lip flaps for the very short line they cut from him during the fall, but it happens so fast that you probably won't notice if you aren't looking for it.

The extra dialogue is cute. I do feel like they missed an opportunity here to have the ground eat Yolei while she's talking about how it's actually kind of nice here.

Davis and Veemon flatly explaining the tension to each other loses me, though.

Up topside, Daisuke digs frantically in the sand to try and get to the rest of his team.

V-mon: Daisuke, shouldn't we contact Taichi and the others!? Daisuke: No! That would take too long! Worthless piece of shit Digimon Kaiser! Kaiser: (disembodied voice) You seem to be in a lot of trouble. Daisuke: Ah!

Apparently the secret incantation to make the Digimon Kaiser appear is to curse him out. That explains why he seems to be everywhere in the Digital World.

Daisuke: DIGIMON KAISER!!! IS THIS YOUR HANDIWORK!?!? Kaiser: I've taken custody of your precious nakama. You'd better come quickly if you ever want to see them again.

Daisuke and V-mon break into a sprint, gunning it for the Dark Tower. with Daisuke cursing some more while they run.

Daisuke: GODDAMMIT!!!

Finally, they cross the sands and reach a rockier set of hills where the Dark Tower is mounted. They climb the first rocks and find the Kaiser waiting above.

Daisuke: DIGIMON KAISER!!! Kaiser: Huhuhuhuhu... Thank you for coming all this way.

For real, I half expected him to have a makeshift soccer field set up like, "Apropos of nothing I CHALLENGE YOU!!!" Etemon used to have one; We could repurpose that. XD

The dub, of course, will not let Davis swear like that.

Veemon: I think you better call Tai to help us out. Davis: No way, Veemon! That will take way too long! Help me dig before we find more trouble! Emperor: (disembodied voice) More trouble has found you! Davis: Huh!?

Okay, that's a sick line. A+

Davis: Digimon Emperor, what have you done!? Where are my friends!? Emperor: Your friends, as you call them, are here with me. Come and see for yourself if you dare.

As Davis and Veemon take off running, they're again given some extra dialogue to break the silence.

Davis: Run, Veemon! The ground could open up and swallow us at any second! Veemon: I wanted to start getting some more exercise but running for my life wasn't what I had in mind! Davis: I'm more worried about our friends right now! Veemon: We're coming! (Davis and Veemon crest the lower rocks) Davis: The Emperor's voice came from this direction! Veemon: I hope so! Whew! Davis: There he is! You're gonna get it! Emperor: Huhuhuhuhu! (sarcastic) Oh, I am so scared!

...I think Davis has failed to make the connection between the pitfall traps and the Emperor's challenge. XD He's dim, it's fine.

Daisuke: WHERE ARE THEY!?!? Kaiser: Can't you see them right in front of you? Daisuke: What?

The Kaiser raises his right arm to the side, drawing Daisuke's attention to a nearby land bridge. The rest of his nakama and their Digimon are all tied up and dangling from the bridge.

Most of the Digimon are tied simply with bindings around their midsection. But for some reason, Patamon's wings are bound separately and then the Kaiser stuffed the rest of him in a bag.

(I'm gonna guess that this is because his Air Shot/Boom Bubble is fired from his mouth.)

Daisuke: GUYS!!! ARE YOU OKAY!?!? Hikari: I'M SORRY, DAISUKE-KUN!!! Takeru: WE GOT CARELESS!!! Iori: BE CAREFUL, DAISUKE-SAN!!! Miyako: (angrily) HURRY UP AND SAVE US, DAISUKE!!!

Everyone else is worried and apologetic but Miyako's like, "Get me the fuck down from here before I spit on you from range."

In the dub:

Davis: LET MY FRIENDS GO!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THEM!?!? Emperor: Take a look! Your friends are at my mercy! And so, it would appear, are you. (Emperor draws Davis's attention to the dangling team) Davis: OH NO!!! GUYS!!! Kari: DAVIS, SAVE YOURSELF!!! T.K.: RUN!!! YOU CAN STILL ESCAPE!!! Cody: DON'T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE EMPEROR!!! Yolei: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!? SAVE ME!!!

Rather than apologizing, Kari and T.K. encourage Davis to abandon them to their fates. Cody offers tactical advice, while the gag of Yolei having a very different reaction to the rest of them makes it through.

Unfortunately, this isn't the full extent of the Kaiser's trap.

Daisuke: I'LL GET YOU DOWN RIGHT NOW!!! Kaiser: STOP RIGHT THERE!!! Aren't you worried about the lives of your nakama? Daisuke: What!? Kaiser: COME OUT, DELTAMON!!!

The mountain behind the land bridge suddenly explodes, revealing the colossal Digimon that's been lying in wait.

Deltamon is an Adult-stage Virus-attribute Composite Digimon. Deltamon came from the same evolution tree as Gazimon and Gizamon. A Gizamon that was poorly cared for would become Raremon, but if they were at least trained exceptionally well, they'd become Deltamon.

Narrator: Deltamon! A Dragon-type Digimon with a metal head on their right arm and a skull head on their left. Their special attack is Triplex Force!

The narrator says they're 竜型 Ryuu-gata or "Dragon-type" but the Digimon Analyzer blurb reads 合成型デジモン Gosei-gata Dejimon or "Composite-type Digimon" plain as day. I think Gennai might have licensed this rundown out for the American Izzy to write.

An interesting detail that goes unmentioned in the rundown is that all three heads are separately aware and generally pretty selfish. This is an easy detail to overlook as the other two heads could just as easily be interpreted as decorative blasters or something. Omegamon's Garuru Cannon doesn't have its own distinct consciousness.

Questions for later. Right now, we have a kaiju-sized Digimon to deal with.

Kaiser: It's about time to feed this Deltamon. Your nakama will make for a good meal. Hikari & Miyako: NOOOOOOOO!!!

...I guess Takeru and Iori are fine with it because they don't pipe up.

Daisuke: STOP IT!!! I'LL NEVER LET YOU DO THAT!!! Kaiser: Let me!? Who do you think you're talking to? Their lives are in my hands now. Daisuke: Tch!

In the dub:

Davis: DON'T WORRY, I'LL THINK OF SOMETHING!!! Emperor: Think fast! Davis: Huh!? Emperor: Your time is running short. Whoops, time's up! Haha! Davis: Oh no! Nrgh! Emperor: AWAKEN, DELTAMON!!!

That Davis takes the Emperor at face value when he says "time's up" and reacts before there's anything to actually react to is amazing.

Veemon: Maybe it's a Ducky or a Bunny! (Deltamon explodes from the mountain) Davis: OH NO!!! Just what is that thing, Veemon!?

Goddammit, Veemon. That got me again. XD Getting a lot of mileage out of Cody's flippant observation.

Veemon: (rundown) Deltamon is a Dragon-type Digimon with a metal head for one hand and a skull for the other! His attacks are Triplex Force and Serpent Bite! Emperor: What luck that you all dropped by. See, it's Deltamon's dinner time and I think eating all of you will make a well-balanced meal, don't you!? Daisuke: Oh no you won't! I'll never let let you get away with this! Emperor: It appears that you have no choice! If you want me to show mercy, you must beg for it! Davis: Huh!?

See what you did, Gennai? Now the Americans think this is a Dragon Digimon too. Go to the timeout corner.

Apart from the Japanese script tricking the Dub Team into regurgitating bad info, this is all pretty solid. Though they do start the "beg for it" bit early, which has some subtle characterization effects.

There is one funny thing though. They kept the name Triplex Force which will be convenient for dealing with lip flaps later but renamed Skull Fang, Deltamon's other attack which is listed on their Digimon Analyzer readout but will not be used in this episode. They brought it up just to rename it. Okay, guys. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

...oh hey, the shrug emoji's face is the letter tsu in Katakana. Neat.

Sorry. ADHD.

Now that their predicament is clear, it's time for the Kaiser to lay out his conditions.

Kaiser: If you want to save them then, let's see... Why don't you kneel before me? V-mon: Do what!?

Daisuke does it immediately and without hesitation.

V-mon: Daisuke...? Daisuke: Please. Let them go. Kaiser: "Please"? How about "I beg you".

Daisuke bows low, in supplication.

Daisuke: I beg you. Please let them go. Kaiser: (enjoying this) V-mon! Step on his head! V-mon: Ehhh!? Daisuke: It's fine. Do it, V-mon! V-mon: But-- Daisuke: Everyone's lives depend on us, so hurry up and do it!

V-mon swallows down his reluctance and does it, stepping down on the back of Daisuke's head.

V-mon: Sorry. I'm sorry, Daisuke. Kaiser: Hahahahaha HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Here we see the extent of Daisuke's loyalty to his nakama. For their sakes, he swallows his pride without hesitation.

In the dub:

Emperor: You heard me, pathetic loser. On your knees and beg! "Please, Master, spare my friends." Davis: Ugh. (Davis kneels) Veemon: Don't, Davis.... Davis: Please, Master, spare my friends. Emperor: "Please, Master, spare my worthless friends." Davis: (bows low) Please, Master, spare my worthless friends. Emperor: That's excellent! Now, Veemon, restrain him! I command you! Veemon: NEVER!!! Grrrrr grrrrrrrrrr.... Davis: It's okay, Veemon. Do what he says. Veemon: Davis.... Davis: Do it for the others. If it will save our friends, obey the Emperor. (Veemon steps on Davis's head.) Emperor: Hahahahahahahahaha!

It's a minor nitpick, but starting the "beg me" bit a line early means Davis does actually have to overcome some hesitancy here. We don't get the same effect where Daisuke just drops down and does it on the spot.

Still, the heart of this moment rings true. We still see how dedicated and loyal Davis is to the others.

The one issue here is that the Emperor says to "restrain" Davis but. Like. Stepping on his head isn't doing much to restrain him, so that's awkward. Especially when Veemon lets Daisuke up a moment later.

Kaiser: This is so pitiful to watch, I actually will show mercy. Daisuke: Really!? Kaiser: But, it can't be everyone. Daisuke: (gasp) Kaiser: Deltamon is very hungry after having to wait for so long. I'll only spare one person. Your choice. Daisuke: What!?

Deltamon roars, waiting for Daisuke's choice.

Daisuke: Then... Only one person....

The Kaiser holds up a small hourglass.

Kaiser: You have until the sand runs out to make your choice. If I don't have your answer by then, they all die. Hikari: DAISUKE-KUN!!! I'LL BE FINE!!! CHOOSE SOMEONE ELSE!!! Takeru: I'LL SACRIFICE MYSELF; PICK SOMEONE ELSE!!! Miyako: I DON'T WANT EVERYONE ELSE TO DIE!!! I DON'T WANT TO BE THE ONLY ONE SPARED!!! Iori: WE WILL RESPECT YOUR DECISION, DAISUKE-SAN!!! Daisuke: W-What do I do? Who do I choose...?

It honestly speaks well of Daisuke that he doesn't immediately and reflexively pick Hikari.

In the dub:

Emperor: Seeing you squirm is so delicious. You're so entertaining, maybe I should take pity on you. Davis: Yeah? Emperor: As you can see, Deltamon has only three mouths but there are four children. Therefore, you may have one. Sadly, I cannot spare them all. Choose who will be spared.

I love that rationale for only sparing one. That's clever. A+

Davis: So I have to choose!? (Deltamon roars) Davis: I can't do it! How do I pick one over the others!? (Emperor holds up an hourglass) Emperor: This must be done delicately. Delicately! You have until the sands run out to choose. And it isn't long, pretty boy. It isn't long! Kari: DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME!!! SAVE ONE OF THE OTHERS!!! T.K.: GET OUT OF HERE, DAVIS!!! GO AHEAD, SAVE YOURSELF!!! Yolei: OH SURE, MAKE ME LOOK BAD!!! FINE THEN, DON'T SAVE ME!!! Cody: WHATEVER YOU DECIDE TO DO, DAVIS, WE TRUST YOU!!! SO THINK OF SOMETHING!!! Davis: I, uh... I just don't know what I should do! The sand's running out! How am I supposed to choose only one of my friends and sacrifice all the rest!?

I also really like Yolei's line here. Caving to social pressure is a good way of explaining her jump from "GET ME THE FUCK DOWN" to suddenly offering herself up to be eaten like Kari and T.K.

While Daisuke is paralyzed with indecision, the sand in the hourglass counts down.

Kaiser: Better hurry up before the sand runs out. Daisuke: I... I.... Kaiser: Are you just going to abandon your nakama? (amused) Guess they aren't your friends. Daisuke: I...! Fuck! FUCK!!! Kaiser: Hahahahaha! Kaiser: (thinking) You wounded my pride. This anguish is exactly what you deserve.

Yeah, in case it wasn't already obvious, the Kaiser's inner monologue states it outright. This is revenge for Daisuke intercepting one of his shots in the soccer match. All of this is because he didn't get to make that tenth goal.

Clearly, Ken is the real victim here.

In the dub:

Emperor: Like sands in the hourglass, so are your friends' lives. Davis: I just, I... I can't do it! Emperor: Will you throw all their lives away? Is that what you call friendship!? Davis: THEY'RE ALL MY FRIENDS!!! Davis: (thinking) Kari! T.K.! Cody! Yolei! Davis: AUUUUUUUGH!!! Emperor: Hahahahahaha! Emperor: (thinking) You brought this on yourself. You made me look like a fool! Now you must suffer!

Solid. The dub's doing a pretty good job of handling the sadistic choice with all the dramatic gravitas that it deserves. And, contrary to several previous episodes, are playing Davis completely straight.

Kaiser: Time's up.

Kaiser: Chosen Children! YOU MAY DIE RESENTFUL OF MOTOMIYA DAISUKE!!!

He finally knows one of their names and this is what he does with it.

Daisuke: WAIT!!! TAKE ME INSTEAD OF THEM!!! Kaiser: YOU ASK FAR TOO MUCH!!! BUT I'LL GRANT YOUR WISH!!! DELTAMON!!!

Deltamon's heads all turn together away from the children. Now they advance on Daisuke instead.

In the dub:

Emperor: AND NOW, DIGIDESTINED, IT'S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE!!! Davis: WAIT, TAKE ME INSTEAD OF THE OTHERS!!! Emperor: Hmm... YOU THINK YOU CAN SATISFY HIS HUNGER!?!? ALRIGHT THEN!!! DELTAMON!!! T.K.: LOOK OUT, DAVIS!!!

Helpful. Thanks, T.K.! I'll be careful where I step!

Daisuke and Veemon freeze up as Deltamon advances. The colossal monster stomps towards them and--

--suddenly stumbles when their massive foot collapses a sinkhole underneath.

Kaiser: What!?

Digmon emerges from the dust cloud.

Daisuke: Digmon!? Horusmon: V-MOOOOOOOON!!!

Horusmon, Pegasmon, and Nefertimon fly in from the rear.

(Horusmon flies by) V-mon: Horusmon! (Nefertimon flies by) V-mon: Nefertimon! (Pegasmon flies by) V-mon: Pegasmon!

The other four children then arrive on foot, catching up to Daisuke.

Takeru: DAISUKE-KUN!!! We're all safe! Daisuke: Guys!? Then what are--

The jig is up. All of the dangling captives transform back into their true forms: Those shapeshifting impersonators, the Bakemon.

Bakemon is an Adult-stage Virus-attribute Ghost Digimon. We saw a lot of them during the Vamdemon arc. They were pretty much the default Nightmare Soldier of Vamdemon's forces. They also featured in Jou and Sora's duo episode for the initial File Island arc.

By this point, their capabilities as bakemono, supernatural shapeshifters who pretend to be other things in order to deceive humans, are well-established. This was pretty clever of the Kaiser; I guess he's been brushing up on his Digimon after Gomamon embarrassed him.

Narrator: Bakemon! A Ghost Digimon whose head is covered by a cloth. Their true identity is shrouded in mystery. Their special attack is Hell's Hand!

Yeah, turns out this was just the meanest prank. The Kaiser wasn't actually going to execute 4/5 of the human kids; He was just weaving an illusion to traumatize Daisuke. This whole trap was just so he could flex on Daisuke for a bit and feel better about himself.

In the dub:

Veemon: Davis! If you've been holding back and planning a surprise attack, now would be a good time to yell "Surprise!" Emperor: Haha! (Deltamon stumbles into the sinkhole) Davis: Surprise? Veemon: Very funny! Emperor: What's going on!? Digmon: Surprise? It isn't even my birthday! Davis: It's Digmon! Huh!

Really should listen to the original lines when dubbing audio to get the delivery down right. This line is supposed to be a confused WTF "It's Digmon!?" Because, y'know, this character currently exists in two separate places. That's weird and surprising.

But Davis delivers it with a jubilant "It's Digmon!" Like. Yay! Digmon is here! He made it! The only indication that there's anything weird about that is the little "Huh!" at the end of it.

Halsemon, Nefertimon, and Pegasusmon: INCOMING!!! (Halsemon flies by) Veemon: Pegasusmon! (Nefertimon flies by) Veemon: Halsemon! (Pegasusmon flies by) Veemon: Nefertimon!

...

(face palm)

Veemon calls them all out as they fly in, like he does in the original script, but he calls them all by the wrong names. What the fuck, Dub Team.

Obviously, this is a sorting error. It's supposed to go Horusmon, Nefertimon, Pegasmon but instead they have Pegasusmon, Halsemon, Nefertimon. Pegasusmon got moved to the front of the list by mistake.

But. Fuck, that is embarrassingly sloppy. Again, I am left baffled by the fact that they clearly didn't watch the finished episodes of their show just once before releasing them to broadcast.

T.K.: It's an illusion! We're alright! Davis: But if you're here, who's that!? (The Bakemon reveal their true selves) Yolei: Eww, gross! Davis: What are those things!? Veemon: (rundown) Despite their obvious dental hygiene problems, Bakemon are able to accurately impersonate any other creature! Their attack is called the Dark Claw!

I would have had T.K. or Kari do the rundown since they have so much experience with these things, but this works too.

V-mon: They were just Bakemon! Kaiser: YOU FUCKWIT!!!

Wormmon finally enters the scene, crawling meekly over towards the Kaiser.

Kaiser: Why couldn't you hold them off just a little while longer!? Wormmon: Sorry, Ken-chan.... Daisuke: What a cowardly trick! Let's go, V-mon! V-mon: Got it, Daisuke! Daisuke: DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

Fladramon Armor Evolves, which is great for him but the fight's happening in the air right now.

Kaiser: GO, BAKEMON!!! FORMATION A!!!

The Bakemon cluster together and advance as a unit. But then, as they approach Horusmon, Nefertimon, and Pegasmon.

Kaiser: FORMATION C!!!

At his command, the Bakemon split into three groups of three. Where the ninth came from is beyond me since there should be four for the Children and four for the Digimon. They circle rapidly as they advance, disorienting their opponents.

Kaiser: (English) ATTACK!!!

The Bakemon suddenly attack at once, pummeling the Partner Digimon.

In the dub:

Veemon: He made the Bakemon look like our friends! Emperor: I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! YOU DUMB BAKEMON!!! I HAD THAT KID RIGHT WHERE I WANTED HIM!!! Wormmon: (whining) It's not my fault...!

They have the Emperor yell at the Bakemon instead of at Wormmon, only for Wormmon to then react as if he were the one being yelled at anyway.

Davis: I can't believe he pulled that trick on me! Go get him, Veemon! Veemon: It will be my pleasure. Davis: DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!! (Veemon Armor Digivolves to Flamedramon) Emperor: BAKEMON, YOU GAP-TOOTHED FOOLS!!! ATTACK!!! (The Bakemon approach the Partner Digimon as a cluster) Emperor: NOT ME, THEM!!! (The Bakemon split up) Pegasusmon: HERE THEY COME!!! Halsemon: They're everywhere. Nefertimon: Like mosquitos! Emperor: ATTACK THEM!!! (The Bakemon pummel the Partner Digimon) Davis: I never saw mosquitos do that!

They fucked this up so bad. The point of the formations here is to callback to Ken's "Last Formation D", the movement that nearly scored his tenth goal before Daisuke intervened. Ken is leading the Bakemon the same way he leads his soccer team.

They cut the formations from the soccer match and they cut them out again here. Instead, they replace them with a bumbling minions joke that doesn't even work, because the animation clearly shows the Bakemon approaching the enemy before Ken cuts in with "Not me!" Zero effort went into this gag.

They took out a deliberate parallel and replaced it with a stock Cartoon Supervillain gag that doesn't fit the animation.

Watching the Bakemon attack, Takeru offers his assessment.

Takeru: The Digimon Kaiser! He's keenly aware of where his enemies and allies are at all times, and he's using that to call out effective instructions! Daisuke: The Digimon Kaiser, huh?

While everyone's focused on the fight, Daisuke slips away from the group.

Fladramon: KNUCKLE FIRE!!! Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!! Kaiser: FORMATION F!!!

Fladramon and Digmon cut loose with fireballs and flying drills. But at the Kaiser's command, the Bakemon all back off in unison, evading every last shot.

Kaiser: And next is-- Daisuke: YAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

Out of nowhere, Daisuke tackles the Kaiser, throwing them both off the edge of the hillside and sending them tumbling down together.

Wormmon: KEN-CHAAAAAAN!!!

Yell that a little louder, why don't you?

In the dub:

T.K.: The Emperor is controlling them! The Dark Rings the Bakemon are wearing are the key! He's ordering them around like a general leading his army! Davis: Not for long! I'm gonna get that guy!

Credit for recognizing the important parallel to the soccer game here. T.K. compares the Emperor to "a general leading his army" just like he did for Ken back at the game. But since they cut out all the strategic assessment of Ken's abilities, all they have to support it is an awkward re-explanation of how Dark Rings work announced as if it were a shocking realization.

Flamedramon: RRRGH!!! Digmon: HRR EUGH!!! Halsemon, Nefertimon, & Pegasusmon: AHHHH!!! Emperor: BAKEMON, FINISH THEM!!!

I don't know why they don't call their attacks but just make grunting exertion noises.

That said, XD The animation for Fladramon and Digmon unloading on the Bakemon is super janky and honestly looks like they're shooting at Horusmon, Nefertimon, and Pegasmon. So the dub has the three of them react to being friendly fired at and it's amazing.

WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE

And then we whiplash right back into shit, as the order for the Bakemon to back off and avoid the attack is inexplicably "Finish them".

The fact that all of the Kaiser's commands are just the English words "Formation [Letter]!" seems to have stumped the Dub Team when they got the translated script.

Emperor: I have them now. Davis: NEVER!!! (Davis tackles the Emperor) Wormmon: I'll stay and guard the hill!

Not sure if that's meant to be a Star Wars reference but it does feel like a Star Wars reference. Comparing Ken to Darth Vader is... Yeah, that's fair.

Sliding down the hillside, Daisuke wrestles with the Kaiser, using the Kaiser like a sled. The Kaiser seems remarkably nonchalant about it so that cape must be really good for tumbling.

Daisuke: I won't be beaten by a hostage-taking coward like you! Kaiser: I'm on a completely different level from all of you! I'm a genius! Daisuke: Who cares!?

Once they reach the bottom of the hill, the Kaiser uses their momentum for a skillfully-executed throw, tossing Daisuke across the chasm.

Daisuke: WAUGH!!! Kaiser: DELTAMON, TRIPLEX FORCE!!!

Deltamon charges up the attack with all three of their heads, leveled straight at Daisuke.

Kaiser: Goodbye, Motomiya Daisuke-kun.

Yeah, the Kaiser so far has been out to capture or force the Chosen Children into surrender. But he's out for blood this time. He is unambiguously about to kill Daisuke.

In the dub:

Davis: You tried to take over the Digital World and destroy me!? Well, I'm taking you with me!

The dub takes its third commercial break here, with Davis and the Emperor sliding down the hill. We return on Davis talking again.

Davis: You call yourself the Digimon Emperor!? What's with that!? Emperor: I am a genius! I cannot lose to a child like you! Davis: Like me!? You are like me! (Emperor throws Davis off at the bottom of the hill) Davis: You're a kid just like us! Emperor: I THINK NOT!!! DELTAMON, TRIPLEX FORCE!!! (Deltamon charges up the attack) Emperor: SAY GOODBYE!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Dub's still pushing that point that for all his grandeur, the Emperor is just another kid. And I appreciate them for that.

They also don't softball this moment. Ken is going for the throat here even in the dub.

Where the dub is weaker is that, again, we don't have the Emperor saying Davis's name. It's such a twist of the knife in the original. Daisuke was so happy that Ken remembered his name, and this is what the Kaiser does with it. It's a betrayal of the pedestal that Daisuke's placed Ken on.

Fladramon: NOT SO FAST!!! Daisuke: FLADRAMON!!! Fladramon: We won't lose to anyone! FIRE ROCKET!!!

As Deltamon fires, Fladramon wreathes himself in fire and dives straight down the beam. He closes distance and slams into the Evil Ring around Deltamon's waist, shattering it.

In the dub:

Flamedramon: Hello! Davis: Flamedramon! Flamedramon: Why leave so soon? The party's just starting. FIRE ROCKET!!! Davis: Flamedramon, aim for the Dark Ring!

You know, I'd think Flamedramon would be used to this by now and wouldn't need the guidance. But it doesn't hurt. Last thing we want is to get overenthusiastic and kill one of these guys again.

While the Kaiser's busy with Daisuke, Daisuke's plan proves successful. The Bakemon are disoriented for lack of clear leadership, floating aimlessly around and trying to figure out what to do.

Nefertimon: Without the Kaiser's instructions, the Bakemon are panicking. Pegasmon: Leave this to me and go for the Dark Tower! Nefertimon & Horusmon: Understood!

Nefertimon and Horusmon peel off, leaving Pegasmon behind.

Pegasmon: SHOOTING STAR!!!

Pegasmon's stars cut through the aimless Bakemon, breaking off their Evil Rings en masse. The rest of the team converges on the Dark Tower.

Horusmon: TEMPEST WING!!! Nefertimon: ROSETTA STONE!!! Digmon: BIG CRACK!!!

(That second shot isn't misaligned; There's a weird black line that fills in just a tiny bit of the right side of the frame during all three of the stock animation attacks here. No idea what that's about.)

Together, their combined attacks bring the obelisk crashing to the ground.

Chosen Children: HOORAY!!!

See, Ken? This is where smugness gets you. So proud of his super-intelligence but he's also set himself up as the single point of failure. Horusmon, Nefertimon, and Pegasmon were able to adapt to changing circumstances and make plans without their squad captain needing to order them around. That's why they beat his ass just now.

Individual exceptionalism falters in the face of collective cooperation.

In the dub:

T.K.: It's working! The Emperor's power over the Bakemon is weakening! Pegasusmon: It's now or never! This is our chance to attack! (Nefertimon and Halsemon peel off) Pegasusmon: STAR SHOWER!!! (Pegasusmon takes out the Bakemon) Digmon: Target the Control Spire! Halsemon: TEMPEST WING!!! Nefertimon: ROSETTA STONE!!! Digmon: ROCK CRACKING!!! (The team brings down the Spire) Digmon: There she blows! DigiDestined: THEY DID IT!!! Davis: They sure did! Yes!

"The Emperor's power over the Bakemon is weakening"? Uh. Why? Was Deltamon a load-bearing conduit he was routing the Dark Digivice's power through or something?

With the tower brought down, that just leaves Daisuke facing down a now defenseless Digimon Kaiser.

Kaiser: (gently) Unbelievable. To think that I'd be beaten the same way twice. Daisuke: Twice? Kaiser: (smiling) That was a tactical error on my part. I forgot that when your back's against the wall, you stop caring about what's happening around you and just go straight for the leader. Daisuke: What are you talking about!? Ah!

It's at that moment that Daisuke notices a bloody stain on the Kaiser's right ankle

Daisuke: (gasp) That wound on your leg! (realizing) That's impossible. It has to be a coincidence.... Kaiser: It's no coincidence.

The Kaiser stands up, pulling off his dark glasses and revealing his eyes to Daisuke.

Ken: It's exactly what you think. Daisuke: It... It can't be. Ichijouji Ken! Ken: I'll concede defeat for today. But from now on, I'm going to fight you seriously. AHAHA AHAHAHAHA!!!

An Airdramon swoops past out of nowhere. Ken leaps into the air, mounting his Airdramon and vanishing into the sky. Leaving behind a dumbstruck Daisuke struggling to deal with this revelation.

Daisuke: I... I admired you so much.... You're the same age as me, but you're amazing... So why... WHY THE HELL IS THIS HAPPENING!?!?

Poor Daisuke. The funny thing is, Ken wasn't even hiding it this whole time. He reveals his identity himself at the end. He wanted Daisuke to know.

He must have been so disappointed when Daisuke didn't pick up on the subtle hint of name-dropping him twice.

In the dub, Ken isn't as civil and oddly friendly about his defeat.

Emperor: No... NO!!! WHAT WENT WRONG!?!? MY MASTER PLAN WAS INVINCIBLE!!! (smiling) I see I neglected to factor in that you're one of those "all or nothing" types. I can't believe the same person made me look like a fool twice in the same day! Davis: What do you mean, twice? (Davis notices the bloodstain) Davis: Hey, how'd you get that cut on your leg!? ...wait, are you...!? Could you possibly be...!? Emperor: I COULD AND I AM!!! (The emperor stands up and pulls off his glasses) Ken: KEN ICHIJOUJI!!! Davis: WHOAAAA!!! I'm dreamin'! Ken is the Digimon Emperor!? Ken: The one and only. Well, Davis, farewell for now, my worthy adversary. Until we meet again in battle! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! (Ken escapes on an Airdramon) Davis: I really looked up to you, Ken! I dreamed of being just like you some day. Now that I know you're my sworn enemy, all I can say is... And I mean this... YOU CAN KEEP YOUR CRUMMY AUTOGRAPH!!! Narrator: Now that Ken's secret is revealed, can the DigiDestined find a way to defeat him? Keep watching Digimon: Digital Monsters!

...did you look up to him? I sure didn't get that impression. The way I remember it, you were just hyped because you thought if you could beat him, you'd win over all of his fangirls.

This kinda blends into the Assessment so we'll just put this here.

Assessment: This ending continues to be loaded with callbacks. Ken basically repeats the same parting line he gave Davis at the soccer game. They understood the assignment; I just don't think they did a very good job executing it.

The eerie civility from the original is completely lost, despite that being so critical to the heart of this episode that it's literally titled for it. "The Loneliness of the Digimon Kaiser." That's what this episode is about.

Somewhere inside of him, Ken kinda likes Daisuke. He's lonely. There's a part of him that wants to connect. That wants to be friends and rivals and all those things with this kid.

It's why he goes to all the trouble of revealing himself. There's no pragmatic purpose to that. Ken gains nothing by letting Daisuke in on the ironic symmetry. He just. He wants Daisuke to know that it's him. He wants their relationship to be Daisuke and Ken, not Daisuke and the Digimon Kaiser.

But this is all stuff that he doesn't know how to process. He can't even connect emotionally to his Partner Digimon. And so he expresses himself in the only way he knows how: Through violence, domination, and destruction of an enemy.

Ken is, and I mean this in the best way, a My Little Pony villain.

While the dub goes for, in his own words, a "Worthy Adversaries" rivalry. Davis has earned Ken's respect as an enemy, but that's as far as they go. For the dub, this episode is just about the revelation of Ken's identity. It goes no deeper than that.

...and also Iori definitely has a doomed crushed on Miyako. Poor kid.

#digimon #digimon adventure 02 #revisiting digimon #revisiting digimon adventure 02

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ahiddenpath · 6 months ago

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Digimon Honorifics help

So in 02, Miyako calls Koushiro 'Izumi-senpai.' Although she also went to the same elementary school as Taichi and Sora, she uses san for them, so I'm guessing the special honorific is because he was her computer club president. So like... He was her senior in a specific setting.

What I'm wondering is, would she change how she addresses him as an adult, when the computer club was like 9+ years in the past? Does she keep Izumi-senpai to be cute/funny? Does she switch to Koushiro-san? It's also totally possible she says his name in Kizuna or The Beginning and I didn't catch it, so if that happened, let me know the canon adult honorific! If not, please use your gut feeling or Japanese knowledge to tell me:

Thank you :D

#digimon #koushiro izumi #miyako inoue #digimon adventure #digimon adventure 02

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lemon-pear · 1 year ago

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Some really old oekaki art (circa 2008-2009) of Koushiro/Izzy, for Reblog Day of @izumikoushiroweek !

1) Elementary, 2) Computer, 3) Tento, 4) Bedtime Story :)

#digimon adventure #digimon adventure 02 #koushiro izumi #oekaki #izumikoushiroweek2023

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genork-the-fandork · 7 months ago

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Cavalry

Word Count: 644 Prompt: Second Year A/N: Although the prompt is mainly a reference to Our War Game, I played with the story we're told in 02 - that is, the day the Chosen gave up the power of their Crests. I like playing with Hikari and Takeru's way of being part of and yet separate from the 01 cast in that they're very different. Not in a bad way! But in a very excellent one. @takariweek

Hikari and Takeru had had a silent agreement ever since they first met—whatever happened, they would stick together. If all else failed within this tightly knit group of Chosen, they would have each other. Hand in hand and side by side, they would defend the Digital World and Earth. Or, less seriously, they would tuck themselves away while the older kids talked about older kids things. They had more important things to talk about.

They had been summoned back to the Digital World for some mysterious purpose. Supposedly, they would find out more when they got there. Koushiro and Taichi were working out the strategy for how to get there while the others offered their own suggestions. Takeru and Hikari, however, sat apart from the others, waiting. Though they were certainly mature enough to join the "big kids" discussion, they often chose not to. It was pointless, Hikari had pointed out. Even when their brothers did listen, they did not truly hear them. So concerned were Taichi and Yamato with their safety that it would take a miracle to trust them with their ideas.

Not that Takeru was particularly bitter about this. Neither was Hikari. They preferred each other's company, where they could come up with a failsafe plan, should anything go awry. Like knights, or angel knights, as Hikari teased, they were the cavalry, ready to swoop in and save everyone at the last possible second. What were Angemon and Angewomon for, if not to make dire circumstances go away?

"So Yamato just—went into the computer?" Hikari whispered, leaning forward in such a way that her hair fell over her face.

Takeru wanted to say he could remember it clearly, but his memory was unreliable in this fact. One moment, his brother had been beside him, and the next, it was as if he was watching a movie on the screen, featuring Yamato and Taichi. Even Koushiro couldn't say for sure what he'd seen. The scene had filled Takeru with a sense of wonder and fear all at once, and he hoped never again to experience that feeling. "Yeah," he said, staring down at his hands. "He sure does have a close bond with Gabumon, huh?"

Hikari's hands folded on top of his, and he glanced up at his friend's smiling brown eyes. Well, some days they looked more amber than the chocolate brown of her brother's, but that was a secret Takeru kept locked away. If he let slip such a thought, she would surely tease him. Even if it would make her smile. "We all have close bonds with the Digimon," his friend gently reminded him. "I don't think they can beat our bonds by a landslide." Hiding her mouth behind her hand, as if that would prevent Taichi or Yamato from hearing, she added, "They need a little extra help—you know, because they're dummies."

The giggle that erupted out of Takeru was a bit loud, and he caught his brother glancing over his shoulder at them. Blue irises, so like his own, zeroed in on their joined hands. A slight smirk climbed up Yamato's face as he turned back to the others, but Takeru could feel the heat that expression had induced. Before he could take his hands away, however, Hikari squeezed them. He looked to her, seeing that her own face was a bright shade of pink. For a moment, they stared at each other. Then they laughed, still holding fast to each other's hands.

Neither they nor the others saw it, but their Crests briefly appeared in a flash of light on the spots over their hearts. It would be the last time the power of Hope and Light would be theirs to hold, for the Digital World had more need for it than they. Yet in this moment, it was all theirs, and it tied them together.

#digimon #takari week #takari week 2024 #gen writes #digimon drabble #hikari yagami #takeru takaishi

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amethyst-geek · 7 months ago

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What school clubs the Digidestined partook in

Since Japanese children are expected to join a school club in their time as students, I thought it would be fun the speculate about the school club participation (or lack thereof) of the main characters from Adventure, 02, Tamers, and Frontier. I was going to speculate on the others well, but that sounded exhausting (plus in the case of Savers, I think it's obvious that none of the main characters were participating in school clubs, at least not during the events of the show).

First, I will list the characters whose club participation has been canonically

Taichi, Daisuke, Ken, and Takuya all play soccer. Sora used to play soccer, but switched to tennis in middle school. Koushiro and Miyako are both in the computer club. Iori is on his school's Kendo team

Now that we've went over those characters, let's speculate on the club participation (or lack thereof) of rest. And since joining more than 1 club is frowned upon in Japan, I will be writing this under the assumption that the kids only do 1 club with a few exceptions .

Adventure

Yamato- I got the vibe he was part of the 'go-home' club

Mimi- Mimi is probably 1 of the few characters I can see participating in more than 1 club. But if she had to only do 1 club, I say she'd be in the drama club, or perhaps a fashion club or cooking club.

Jou- I can see him joining a literature club or perhaps he could be part of a library committee like Komachi from Yes Pretty Cure 5.

Takeru- either basketball or some kind of literature club. I'm leaning towards the latter.

Hikari- Probably photography club.

Tamers- quick note, while I don't think any of them were already in clubs during the events of Tamers, I can see most of them joining clubs in junior high.

Takato- probably art club

Ruki- maybe some sort of sports team or mechanics club

Jian- probably computer club like Koshirou and Miyako.

Juri- home ec club? band? gardening? animal caretaking?

Ryo- I'm just gonna assume he's a member of the go home club

Kenta- upon entering middle school, Kenta considered joining the Chorus club, but much to the relief of everyone's ears, some of his friends out of it, and he instead winds up joining Drama club or literature club.

Hirokazu- drama club

Suzie- she's a little young for me to able to pinpoint what her interests in middle and high school would be, but maybe an animal caretaking like Kotaro in Ghost Game (Hopefully by this point, she's learned to be more gentle with living creatures).

Frontier

Kouji- I can see him joining his school's Kendo or Bōjutsu team.

Izumi- maybe literature club, as she's seen reading in at least 1 flashback

Junpei- one of the CD drama revealed that he took up Opera, so maybe a club relating to music

Tomoki- Once he's old enough to join a school club, I kinda like the idea of him joining cooking club or a home economics club.

Kouichi- maybe a literature club (then again the only time we ever saw him reading a book was in Takuya's imagination). Or maybe soccer, since one of the CD drama reveals that he apparently likes soccer.

#digimon #digimon adventure #digimon adventure 02 #digimon tamers #digimon frontier #digimon data squad #digimon savers #digimon headcanons

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froggie-bolt · 1 year ago

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Day 3: Habits and change

Super late for todays entry, but it’s been a day tbh.

I went through some drafts of mine and just picked something I thought might fit the prompt! I’m so sorry if it sounds rough :,)

So this is based off that one drama CD where Koushiro wrote a love letter and everyone was trying to figure out who it was for. I know at the end he did name someone, but it was bleeped. So for the purpose of this oneshot, pretend he never named anyone. I do nooot like this, maybe I’ll go back and do a re-entry for this day after the week is over…

“So, your love letter.” Taichi began.

Koushiro shrank in on himself. Again with this? Why was it so important?

“Taichi-san can’t we just drop—“

“I won’t tell anyone! We’re alone now right..? You can trust me, I just want to know!” He begged.

Koushiro kept his back to the boy but stopped typing as he considered.

Why did he want to know so bad!? Normally if Koushiro wanted Taichi to stop poking his nose in his business, all he had to do was say so.

But that wasn’t working this time.

“Cmon, if..if it’s Hikari I won’t actually mind. I was just saying that, y’know? Or Mimi or Sora too! But Sora’s into Yamato, so I don’t think that would work–“

“That hypothesis of yours is very heteronormative, Taichi-San.”

Taichi looked up at the boy curiously. He’d never heard that word before.

“Heteronorma-what?”

Koushiro spun around in his chair.

“Heteronormative. Denoting or relating to a world view that promotes heterosexuality as the normal or preferred sexual orientation.” he spoke slowly.

Taichi tilted his head and frowned. He still didn’t understand.

“But how is what I’m saying ‘heteronormative’?”

“You’re limiting your guesses to the girls.”

“Well of course I—“

Then the brunette paused as Koushiro turned his attention back to his computer.

The gears slowly began to turn in his head as he considered what his friend just said.

The room stayed quiet for what felt like a long while.

Was Koushiro saying he liked boys? Was that why he didn’t want to tell them?

“Koushiro, I didn’t know you were into guys.”

He heard the boy sigh.

“I’m into both. But the love letter you’re so insistent about is in fact, addressed to another boy.”

Taichi smiled widley. This was progress! Before, Koushiro refused to give them any hint as to who it was, but now they were getting somewhere.

#taikouvember 2023 #digimon #digimon adventure #taishiro #taichi x koushiro #taikou #koutai #koushiro izumi #taichi yagami

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bagerfluff · 11 months ago

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You Might Be A Nerd, but Your My Nerd

Older Izumi Koushiro x Non-Binary

Prompt - Nerd/Jock AU

“Are you listening man?”

You were in fact, not listening. You were too busy staring at Koushiro. He was down the hall at his locker. He was putting stuff away since the last class of the day just gave out.

You were standing with your friends, if you could call them out. You all mostly hung out because you were on the same sports team for the school.

You never really liked them. Loud, annoying, bullies, but you never stood up to them, you just didn’t take part in their not so nice activities.

So you weren’t really listening in the first place.

You didn’t want to hear about the girl they hooked up with or the kid they bullied. But you really didn’t listen when Koushiro showed up down the hall. He was a nerd, that's what they called him.

\He was in the computer club at school and he was one of the smarter students. That made him a laughing stock for your ‘friends’. You never laughed at him, mostly because you found him cute.

His short height, compared to yours, he was actually quite tall. His short red that you wanted to run your hands through. Was it soft, or rough?

Was there actually enough hair on his head that you could run your hands through it? That’s what you were doing. “Y/n!” You looked over at the guy to your left. “Yeah?”

You asked and the guy just shook his head. “Never mind man, we’re going to the field. Want to come?” You glanced back at Koushiro. He had closed his locker and was slowly walking to the main exit of the school, which means he was walking towards you.

“No”, you said before walking away. You heard your ‘friends’ sigh and mumble something but you didn’t care. You were busy trying to find out what you were going to say to Koushiro.

You had tried to become his friend before but he mostly ignored you. Probably because he thought you were going to bully him. But you weren’t! You weren’t like the other jocks. You just happened to play the same sport as them.

You really wanted to be Koushiro’s friend, maybe more. “Hey Koushiro!” You called out with a smile on your face. Koushiro looked over at you. “Hey Y/n”, he said before looking away.

“How was your day?” You asked while walking next to him. “Good, no computer club today though”, you also didn’t have practice today. You nodded but didn’t say anything else.

You walked next to Koushiro, talking to him every once and a while. Koushiro talked more since you started befriending him a few months ago. You found that if you got him talking about coding and tech he rarely stopped.

You loved listening to him talk about the stuff he liked.

He always sounded so passionate about his work, Though you had no idea what he was talking about, that caused you to ask questions and for Koushiro to talk more. You loved it.

Once you both got to the door you sped up and held the door open for Koushiro. You pushed it open and held it with a sly smile on your face. Koushiro said thank you with a slight blush on his face.

You closed the door and speed walked to get back to Koushiro’s side. “It was nice talking to you Y/n, but I have to get home”, your smile fell a bit.

One of the main reasons you talked to Koushiro was because you wanted to ask him out. You’ve been thinking and you thought that Koushiro had a crush on you.

Plus, you’ve seen Koushiro hanging out with his friends and his friends were laughing and pointing at you and Koushiro. That was the same thing the popular kids did.

So you really wanted to ask him out, so you could know if you should stop trying to romance Koushiro or not. You stood there watching Koushiro get farther away, wondering if you should.

“Wait!” You yelled out and ran to Koushiro. Koushiro stopped walking and looked back at you confused. “Let me walk you home?” You asked.

That was a start, plus, if you wanted to ask Koushiro out you’d know where he lived. Koushiro didn’t say anything for a bit, “okay”, he said. You smiled and started to walk next to him.

You two made small talk as you walked to Koushiro’s place.

You told him about your practice and how hard you were working to keep your grades up. Koushiro talked about his work, though he didn’t go into too much detail about it.

You still liked hearing him talk.

You shifted the conversion to Koushiro’s friends. You saw him with at least one of them everyday, for being a ‘nerd’, Koushiro had a decent amount of friends. Though it looked like it, you didn’t really have any real friends.

You didn’t count your teammates as real friends. They only really talked to you to brag, talk about games, practice, or to whine that they are failing half of their classes.

Only really half of those things matter to you. You seemed popular, because you were a jock. People at school envied you. You had status, friends, good grades, good at sports, and could get any one you wanted.

But in reality, you envied them.

You frowned when you thought about it. “Everything okay?” You looked up to see Koushiro looking at you with concern, he was also a few feet in front of you.

You hadn’t realized that you had stopped walking. Koushiro looked concerned, like you were his friend. “I’m fine”, you walked to Koushiro, “just thinking about an up and coming test”, you walked past Koushiro.

Koushiro started walking next to you again. Koushiro still looked concerned, “you sure?” He asked again. You glanced over at Koushiro. He was cute when he was concerned.

“Yes, don’t worry your pretty little head about it”, you said with a flirty tone. Wasn’t the first time you flirted with Koushiro. You had no idea if Koushiro liked the flirting, but you liked the blush that overtook his face when you flirted.

Nothing else was said until you got to Koushiro’s home. “Thank you for walking me home”, Koushiro said as he opened the door. “Of course, but Koushiro?”

You said. Koushiro had opened the door and was about to step inside. You took a deep breath and gathered your courage. “Can I take you out on a date?”

You asked nervously. Koushiro blushed again, making his face darker. Koushiro didn’t say anything until you looked away and stepped back.

“Yes”, Koushiro said and caused you to look at Koushiro. “You can take me out on a date. Sunday”, you smiled. “Thank you, nerd”, though people say that as an insult.

You said it with love.

#lgbtq #nonbinary #nonbinary reader #non binary imagines #male reader imagines #male reader #digimon adventure tri #digimon adventure #digimon #digimon 02 #digimon adventure 2020 #digimon the movie #digimon x reader #digimon x male reader #izumi koushirou #koushiro izumi #izzy izumi

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koushirouizumi · 9 months ago

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[Index] Koushiro{u} Izumi {DigiAdvs} Scenes (J.P.N Ver.)

{This is still actively being worked on; Please be patient as I continue to add more!!}

Because I got tired of not being able to immediately refer to scenes without having to use piles of caps / etc.

{More to be added shortly!!}

NOTE/DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THIS SERIES. I do not make $$$ off my posts. This is being posted for Reference. Please actively support the series via any official means in your location{s} as well!!

{Adventure}

Ep02: Koushiro + rapid Maths Calculations {+Moments; with Jou} Ep05: Inside the Battery; Interests + Adoption {+ Friendly; with Tentomon} Ep10: Koushiro Guides Mimi Out The Maze {+Friendly; with Mimi} Ep13: Koushiro stands to signal support for Taichi’s decision {Friendly} Ep18: Koushiro and Yamato discuss their Crests {+Friendly; with Yamato} Ep20; vs. Etemon Arc (Near-End); Koushiro assisting Taichi Ep21: Hosoda!Koushiro; Communicating from Vademon’s Dimension? {+Moments; with Taichi} [+Taichi’s Monologuing that follows in relation] Ep24: Searching for Crest; & Vademon’s Dimension {+Friendly; with Tentomon} Ep24: Koushiro’s laptop + “Cosmic Power”?? activates communication with Taichi Ep24; Koushiro regains Inquisitive Heart + “I Want to Know!” {+Friendly; with Tentomon} Ep24: Koushiro Snaps Awake {+Friendly; with Tentomon} Ep28 vs Tri. Kyousei: Motimon/Tentomon’s “Bond” {“Kizuna”} with Koushiro Ep28: The Gate sequence {+Friendly, with Taichi} + Part 2 Ep28: Ending moment; Taichi with hand on Koushiro’s shoulder Ep29 x Tri. Soushitsu x 2020 Ep59: Motimon / Tentomon Parallels Ep30: Koushiro {physically} intervening to defend Jou / Pushed from Bridge Ep31: Koushiro’s Polite{ness} +(J.P.N) speech {+Familial; with Mrs. Izumi} Ep31: Koushiro’s Excuses + Adopted!Koushiro Scene {+Familial; with Mrs. Izumi} Ep31: Koushiro’s Bad/bland jokes + Adopted!Koushiro {+Familial; with Izumis} Ep31: Koushiro’s Guilt + Adopted!Koushiro & Izumi’s concern + Taichi’s worry Ep36: “Just leave your computer behind!” {+Familial; with Izumis} + “Let’s BELIEVE in Koushiro, in our son.” - Mr. Izumi, to Mrs. Izumi [Koushiro sets up Gennai’s “barrier”; Izumis discover Tentomon] Ep36: Koushiro sets off to help the fight; Izumis send him off with love Ep38: the Adoption reveal / “It’s not wrong for you to be obsessed with Computers!” Ep38: Koushiro & Izumis Figure Out the Prophecy {+Familial; with Izumis} Ep39: Koushiro Displaying Compassion for Parents {+Familial; with Izumis} Ep45: Yamato & JouMi Leave the Group {+Moments; with Yamato & Chosen} Ep48: vs. Mugendramon Arc (Start); Koushiro showing concern for Yagamis Ep48: vs. Mugendramon Arc; +Andromon; Fake-Fights {+Friendly; with Taichi} Ep48: vs. Mugendramon Arc; Taichi’s Confession {+Friendly; with Taichi} Ep50: Koushiro (Totally Not) Showing off Skills {with Adv!Chosen; & Taichi} Eps 52~53: “Why WON’T YOU LET ME FIGHT?!?” {+Interaction, with Taichi} Ep52: vs. Piemon; crying out for Jou + teary-eyed {+Friendly; with Jou} Ep53: (Near End) Koushiro’s realizations {+Friendly; with Tentomon} + Tentomon: “But that’s what I like about you” Ep53: (Near End) Adventure Lore about The Crests

#originally compiled: 2k22 #koushirouizumi compilation #koushirouizumi refs #koushirouizumi dgmn refs #koushirouizumi dgmn #koushirouizumi koushiro #koushiro refs #koushiro clips #izumis #mrs izumi #yoshie izumi #izumi kae #masami izumi #izumi masami #koushiro and izumis #(I finally found my old beginning of a post I was Making)#(I also had a link on blog somewhere I need to re find)#({IN THE MEANTIME} HI PLS USE THIS)#(But like pls note IT WAS INCOMPLETE SINCE 2K22 FOR A REASON AKA I POSTED A LOT I STILL NEED TO COMPILE)#(I think I missed a link here from Adv 48 I will go back and add later too!!!)#(These took me FOREVER to grab and clip PLEASE for the love of EVERYTHING ***DO NOT RE U P L O A D THESE CLIPS***)#(Im also making this list from MY OWN Interpretations of these scenes like Please Acknowledge + Thank You)#(Originally I was compiling these even before No R. B.s function got intro'd I THINK and because of that the old post I began didnt have it #(If people misbehave on this I WILL LOCK THE POST so DONT DO IT)

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seventeenlovesthree · 2 years ago

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How would you describe Koushiro's personality, this is definitely not me following up on you describing Iori in DMs :P

Hehe, as I said, that's perfectly fine, since I highly enjoy doing character (and relationship) analyses! And this is a good one, because it forces me to put my own biases aside to make a somewhat objective statement. (Potential biases will probably still be included, but I'll try my best.)

So... How would I describe Koushirou's personality?

Aside from being Digimon Adventure's smart info-slash-exposition-dump-boy who has to figure out both the plot and the potential solution to every single problem the group encounters...

He is incredibly dedicated, committed and loyal - and I think the screenshot below sums that up quite well:

He has a high sense of responsibility and, in accordance with his dedicated nature, will do whatever it takes to find answers and solutions. Whether it's for the sake of his friends or the entire world(s). Because researching, being curious and wanting to know everything about everything - those are the "things that make him himself", the true holder of the Crest of Knowledge. Thus, he is not only "the resourceful problem-solver", the group's resident computer genius and an absolute over-achiever (he's got his own freaking company by the age of 21 after all), but also very prone to overworking himself, neglecting both his physical and mental health in the process.

It also means that he goes into hyperfocus mode easily - and those are the times where he is prone to become somewhat ignorant and unable to pick up on social cues. And so he may come off as too rational, not empathetic enough or even rude - but that doesn't mean that he's always that way! He's actually quite capable at making others open up to him - like a true dad senpai. He's quite observant of his friends and their issues - at least when things are not too urgent or at stake. His great sense of senpai-ness, unfortunately, also means that he feels responsible for keeping "the kids" in check (that includes friends that are actually older than him, btw.). He enjoys (over-)explaining things (read: rambling!) and providing tech and guidance for them - but they may also exhaust him sometimes, especially when they get themselves into unnecessarily dangerous situations. After all, he may not always be able to understand or adapt to the people around him, so he'd rather turn to technology at times instead. But he's really trying.

When it comes to himself, he used to hide behind a mask of self-imposed politeness. And yes, he is a kind and caring person at heart - those who grind his gears, take his gadgets without permission or make his computer freeze know that he can get very snappy and shouty though. Especially when they act irrationally to him. Or against his very strong moral code. He may make use of his networking and hacking skills to save the world - but he wouldn't break the law for harmful reasons. He is a giver through and through, his love language is definitely "acts of service" and he would do anything for his family and friends. To the point of literally sacrificing himself.

He's very much used to keeping secrets and his emotions (mostly) to himself though - Tentomon may still be the only one who has actually ever seen him have emotional breakdowns. Because he, unfortunately, still assigns a lot of his self-worth to being able to use his computer for the sake of "good". If he cannot be "useful", he still has the tendency to panic - all by himself. And may get flustered if you praise him too much. Otherwise, he is pretty confident in the mentioned hard skills. And since he's so goal-oriented, one can easily see why he evolved into a leading figure (basically Taichi's second in command) AND the #1 Digimon research expert, who not only manages the Chosen Children network as a connector and tech-sponsor, but also does PR work and such.

(On a sidenote: The subjects of fashion and romance may not come easily to him, but once again - he is trying his best.)

Tldr; he's an awfully smart, incredibly caring and loyal bean, immensely resourceful and a natural problem solver, but there's a lot he carries on his shoulders by himself (even if he doesn't have to) and he is still pretty bad at opening up to others.

I love him a lot and if you're interested in all my other meta posts I wrote about him, feel free to check these out: [Breaking male stereotypes] [On his own] [Selfishness vs. Selflessness] [Reboot] [Physical Touch] [Boyfriend] [Appreciation Hours] [Magical Boy] [Stageplay]

#my two cents #meta #koushirou izumi #koushiro izumi #izzy izumi #digimon #man i really hope i haven't overdone it already #at least i have evidence for most of it

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dutchforstrangers · 1 year ago

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Rouge - Taikoura one-shot for Shades of Red

For @taioraweek 2023 Day 8

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

A/N: Shades of Red is a very precious little story I wrote for digiweek 2021 about Taichi falling for not only Sora, but for Koushiro as well. A story about the wonders of polyamorous relationships and that it takes self-knowledge to take that one courageous step towards a life full of love. So have a new shade of red <3

Based on a little Taiora-scenario I wrote in early 2021 which @seventeenlovesthree made sure to provide with beautiful art which I'm still so in love with :3 You can find it here: [x].

Day 8: Rogue or Blush | Characters: Koushiro Izumi (POV) x Sora Takenouchi x Taichi Yagami | Genre: Romance, some sort of hurt/comfort | Rating: T | Wordcount: 1.293

A yawn escaped him as he stretched his slender frame, the office chair rolling slightly to the back. Koushiro was still up, the different monitors on his desk lined up and on. After much complaining from Sora, who was according to him unnecessarily way too worried about his health, he had installed a filter on the screens. That way he could protect his eyes, but still work during night time.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t work in the day time, no, he had grown fond of working with both Taichi and Sora around. However, they had the tendency to distract them and so, being the night owl of the three, he decided to catch up on work during the night. Koushiro liked the quiet, the only sound interfering his endless thoughts the sound of keys clicking.

Time had already gone way past midnight when the sound of his fingers flying over the keyboard was interrupted with bare feet entering their shared office. Koushiro peeked over his computer screens, his eyes picking up on red-colored messy sleep hair, his nose smelling Taichi’s perfume she was bringing with her into the room.

“Sora-san, shouldn’t you be asleep?”

His fingers left the keys as he decided to check up on her. He watched her closely and concluded she looked stress. It wasn’t a surprise with the big deadline that was luring from behind a bush called Friday. Koushiro remembered all of her speedy talking which wasn’t very Sora-like, her calm demeanor sliding off.

“I couldn’t,” Sora answered sounding sleepy yet stressed. “Tomorrow’s the first draft for the collection and it feels like I missed a few details. I have to check it.”

Not for one second did she look at him. As if pulled to her drawing table, she walked towards it, her right hand frantically searching for the right pencil underneath the pile of designs. To Koushiro they were all equally wonderful and knowing Sora, he knew she didn’t miss any details. He also knew she was stubborn, perhaps even more so than Taichi, and so he didn’t ask further. Instead he kept a close eye on her while he kept working, thinking it would only be a few minutes before she would return to bed.

But a few minutes turned into over half an hour and Koushiro grew worried. Without saying anything, he stood up to grab the both of them some tea.

“Thanks.” Was all Sora said as he carefully placed the cup on the only empty spot on her drawing table. Her eyes were wide, completely focused on her work. Koushiro looked over all the colors and lines dancing on the papers forming beautiful designs for modernized kimonos.

“I truly admire your skills and ambition, Sora-san. The designs look unquestionably stunning, I’m convinced that they’re enough for a first draft. I’d like to escort you to bed so you can sleep some more.”

“Tell that to yourself, you always stay up late,” Sora snapped back, but immediately realized how mean that was. She finally looked at him. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I’m aware. You must be tired, hence why I wanted to bring you back to bed,” Koushiro explained calmly.

Sora smiled in return, her tiredness didn’t allow her to keep her lips curled up for too long. “And I appreciate your worry over me. But I just can’t sleep yet.”

Koushiro nodded in response. She gave off a tired look, the determination however made her glow all the same.

A little bit defeated, Koushiro headed back to his seat behind his desk. He sighed before his fingers went back to the keyboard, then started typing once more, the room filled with the tapping sound again. Per usual, it made him loose track of time.

Eventually from the corner of his eye Koushiro could see Taichi’s sleeping body dragging himself into the office. The brown haired man rubbed his eyes and a yawn escaped him as he placed himself next to Koushiro, looking over the computer screens in Sora’s direction. A worried expression emerged on his face and Koushiro looked up to Taichi.

“How long has she been up an working?” Taichi asked with a hoarse sleepy tone followed by another yawn.

Koushiro checked the time.

“It could easily be over an hour now.”

Taichi sighed. It was all he needed to know. He kept standing there, watching her work, worried yet the fondness in his eyes easily outdid the worry.

Even though Koushiro was well aware of Taichi’s adoration and admiration for both him and Sora, he could never get enough of Taichi staring so intensely to especially Sora. It was something he could observe day in and out, it would never grow old.

“What?” Came Sora’s voice. Clearly she had been taking notice of Taichi’s staring. It made Koushiro snap out of his thoughts, however, Taichi only intensified the eye contact he now had with her. “Do I have something on my face?”

“No.” He replied. The features in Taichi’s face changed from intensity to softness accompanied by a cheeky grin.

“Then what is it?” Sora asked, the annoyance in her voice returning.

In a way, even though Taichi meant it well, these little exchanges of words between his two partners made Koushiro feel uncomfortable. Simply because it could go two ways. They would either start bickering, or…

“I just think you’re beautiful.”

Or they would jump each other in a more sexually physical way.

Yes, Koushiro loved them both very much, but their intensity could sometimes be a tad too much. Making him blush in frustration or ecstasy. Often it was both though.

He looked from Taichi to Sora and back in anticipation. Because with Sora being stressed and tired, you could never predict how exactly she would respond.

Koushiro had not expected the cherry red blush on her cheeks radiating warmth and surprise.

“Go back to bed, Taichi,” she stumbled, failing to hide how that one compliment had gotten to her.

“Well, you’ve heard the boss,” Taichi said to Koushiro, taking Sora’s words as his cue to go. “Can you tell her I’d like to see her back in bed soon? And you too by the way.”

Taichi winked and gave Koushiro a sweet small peck on the top of his head before he turned his heel to return back to bed. Alone.

Or so Taichi thought.

Right before he would have left the office, Taichi was stopped by Sora hugging him from behind. Her graceful arms embraced his athletic body, her one hand just able to hold the wrist from her other hand. She pressed her head to Taichi’s back and rubbed her nose into the fabric of Taichi’s sleep shirt, a genuine smile happily dancing on her lips before she spoke.

“Thank you, I needed that.”

Koushiro looked at the both of them, standing in the door way exchanging love in a to him beautiful way. It was tender and fragile, grand in its simplicity.

Where Sora’s blush turned into a warm and grateful pinkish one, Taichi showed a knowing one. Accepting the love he felt for her. For them. And all Koushiro could do was take in the little loving still he was treated to.

He recalled how their love wasn’t self-evident from the beginning, especially to Taichi. But the road he had followed together with Sora and Koushiro had led him to being his happy and cheesy self again. Where his blush first was one of confusion and shame, it now showed his pride and a genuine love.

Koushiro smiled, a shared blush like rouge now complimenting his own face. Happy he was here with them, being able to see the love unfold in front of him over and over again.

#taioraweek2023 #taioraweek #taikoura #digimon fanfiction #taiora #koura #taishiro #taichi x koushiro x sora #taichi yagami #sora takenouchi #koushiro izumi #digimon #taichi #sora #koushiro #tai kamiya #tai #izzy izumi #izzy

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tobiasdrake · 2 months ago

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Digimon Adventure 02x07 - Memories of Hikari / Guardian Angel

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Mimi went on a picnic with the new kids where she drank way too many sodas, ate a rice ball so good it filled her with national pride, and got harassed by Digimon again.

We open on a montage of righteous devastation. The Chosen Children are beating the Digimon Kaiser's ass at playing Risk. The new team's Digimon converge fire on a Dark Tower, toppling it.

Narrator: The Chosen Children continued their advance, liberating areas controlled by the Digimon Kaiser one after another.

On the map of territories, several black squares blink over to white. Then several more. Bit by bit, the Kaiser's forces are being driven back. Koushiro, sitting at the Gate computer in Computer Club, calls out the group's movements.

Koushiro: Send Birdramon to this area. Next, move Greymon to that area. And Garurumon to this area.

More and more towers come down, toppled by the Digimon he named.

Finally, we cut back to everyone reconvening in Computer Club. All the elementary kids plus Taichi, Sora, Yamato, and Koushiro. With Takeru's hand in shippy places.

Koushiro: I won't be able to come in tomorrow. Yamato: Yeah, I have band practice too. Taichi: Well, we'll be fine with just Hikari, Daisuke, and the others. Daisuke: Yeah, we can handle it!

This will be the elementary kids' first time having to handle things without an experienced veteran to guide them. Except it won't because Takeru and Hikari are experienced veterans, so they'll probably be fine.

In the dub:

(The elementary kids bring down a Control Spire) Cody: Yeah! Izzy: Alright! That's twelve more Control Spires destroyed! (Birdramon brings down a Spire) Sora: Yeah! Izzy: According to the map, Greymon is finished in this area and is moving on to the next. Garurumon's doing the same thing!

Izzy is not calling any shots in the dub, and is instead passively narrating what the teams are independently doing to nobody in particular.

Izzy: There's still one more Control Spire to destroy today. Matt: Maybe Greymon could get that one too. Tai: I don't think he can. It looks like he's too far from that area. Izzy: Tai's right. Davis: In that case, we'll do it ourselves!

They give Tai this line as he turns away from Izzy and is visibly addressing Davis and the others. Also, the computer screen has the Gate on it, not the map, so I don't know how Tai's reading Greymon's location.

In fact, the map can't even be used to read Digimon locations. It just shows controlled and uncontrolled territories. I don't know what part of Davis's face is giving Tai geographic coordinates for Greymon relative to the Control Spire in question.

This isn't a huge deal but if this was the direction they wanted to go with this scene, it might have worked better to have Tai simply say that he left Greymon too far away. The way the line's written makes it sound like he's drawing conclusions based on data he's analyzing but his animation doesn't give him anything to be drawing it off of.

In any case, we see here a stark change from the original. In the original, the impending mission is going to be tomorrow's activities, which the older kids won't be able to chaperone. The dub has the younger kids going back in to finish up today's workload due to poor strategic planning leaving the older kids' Digimon too far away.

We're cutting straight from this scene to the kids' mission, which creates a bit of a plot hole as to why Izzy isn't hanging out to do mission control for this one last Control Spire. He's offered no explanation for bailing.

Cut to a domed city inside the Digital World. An alarm blares throughout the city. Guardromon units roll out with Evil Rings around the valves on their chests.

Guardromon: INTRUDER. INTRUDER.

A squad of Guardromon flood into the city, opening fire on an unseen trespasser.

Guardromon is an Adult-stage Virus-attribute Machine Digimon, though the first anime listed them as Data-attribute. It's unclear if they still are Data-attribute because 02 removed Attributes from the Digimon Analyzer entirely. No idea why.

(Maybe they just didn't want to have to explain Free-attribute after making a point to have Gennai teach Koushiro about Virus, Vaccine, and Data in the first series. So they quietly buried attributes and hoped no one would notice?)

In any case, we know Guardromon from Mugendramon's Metal Empire on Spiral Mountain. Alongside Mekanorimon, Guardromon were Mugendramon's foot soldiers.

Narrator: Guardromon! An Adult Digimon that boasts ironclad defenses. Their special attack is Destruction Grenade!

This is almost word-for-word Guardromon's rundown from the first show. The only difference is that they tell us Guardromon's level instead of their Machine typing.

Once the rundown's over, we see what they're shooting at.

Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!! Pegasmon: SHOOTING STAR!!! Fladramon: KNUCKLE FIRE!!!

The Armor team has gotten good at this. Each of their shots is precisely aimed to break the Evil Rings off their targets' valves. Digmon frees four Guardromon, Pegasmon frees another four, and then Fladramon gets two.

But despite their best efforts, more Guardromon emerge to replace the liberated ones, which simply stop moving and go to standby on the spot where they were freed.

Guardromon: INTRUDER. INTRUDER.

The dub misses the part about the blaring alarm, of course, but still captures the vibe.

Guardromon: INTRUDER. INTRUDER. Guardromon: (rundown) I am Guardromon. Whoever tries to enter the premises shall become victims of my Grenade Destroyer attack. Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!! Pegasusmon: STAR SHOWER!!! Flamedramon: FIRE ROCKET!!! (Their attacks release ten Guardromon but more swarm in) Guardromon: INTRUDER. INTRUDER.

Why would you rename Destruction Grenade to Grenade Destroyer? It's one of those small changes that are so minor that it raises the question of why you even bothered. Is it because the little bullet guy doesn't look at all like a grenade? Or are the censors just happier if we imply the little bullet guy is neutralizing enemy grenades?

Reinforcement Guardromon roll out and the team is beginning to tire.

Daisuke: What the hell is with these guys!? Miyako: They just keep coming, over and over! There's no end to it! Iori: It would be unwise for us to continue this battle of attrition. We should withdraw immediately. Miyako: I think so too! We're outnumbered. We should retreat. Daisuke: Retreat!? Why are you acting like cowards!? The Dark Tower is right there!

First junior mission is not going well. Daisuke disagrees with withdrawing, but the decision is quickly made for him.

Fladramon: G...Getting hungry.... Digmon: ...me too....

As the endless wave of Guardromon continues to advance, Fladramon and Digmon can't sustain their Armor forms any longer and degenerate into their Child stages. Like it or not, we have to leave.

Takeru: Daisuke-kun, we need to go back. We can reconsider our plan of attack with Koushiro-san. Hikari: Tentomon might be able to provide us with new intel. Daisuke: ...we don't have a choice. Retreat!

Reluctantly, Daisuke agrees with the withdrawal and the Chosen Children flee from the advancing Guardromon army.

In the dub:

Davis: There must be a hundred of 'em! Yolei: Wow, you counted that high without even taking off your shoes and socks! T.K.: I think now is a good time to go back to our world. We can come up with a new plan. Yolei: T.K.'s right. We can talk to Izzy! Guardromon: INTRUDER. INTRUDER. Davis: Are you guys out of your minds!? Quit now!? I've never been a quitter! Flamedramon: I agree. Davis, let's regroup! (Digmon and Flamedramon degenerate to Rookie forms) T.K.: Davis, don't be so stubborn! There are far too many of them! We have to get out of here while we can! Kari: I agree! We have to hurry! Davis: Urggggh... Alright, head for the Gate!

Cody doesn't get to offer any input in this version. He silently goes along with whatever the group decides.

This dialogue covers the broad strokes: There's too many enemies, so we have to run for it. But we lose some of the tactical considerations.

That the team's been steadily fighting this onslaught for some time and is exhausted beyond the point of being able to keep going gets skipped over. No mention is made of this as a "battle of attrition" or that "they just keep coming", and Flamedramon deliberately degenerates because he wants to retreat.

T.K. does suggest regrouping with Izzy. But Kari makes no mention of Tentomon possibly having more intel for them; She passively agrees with T.K.

And Yolei manages to slip in a barb at Davis for no reason.

The team withdraws to the Gate television. Miyako opens it up, and one by one, they escape across realities.

Well, four of them do, anyway.

Miyako: What the--!? Did something just explode!? Patamon: I saw it! A Guardromon attacked! Daisuke: Huh? Where's Hikari-chan? Iori: Oh no. Is she still in the Digital World?

She is indeed. Hikari and Tailmon take cover around a corner while Hikari emails the others on her D-Terminal.

Hikari: And sent. Tailmon: Hikari, if anything happens, I'll Armor Evolve. I can still fight. Hikari: Mhm! Thank you, Tailmon.

In the dub, Yolei remembers to say the thing while they're approaching the Gate.

Yolei: DIGI-PORT OPEN!!! (Everyone but Kari makes it through) Guardromon: GRENADE DESTROYER!!! Kari: Wait for me! (TV explodes and everyone but Kari escapes) Yolei: Ouch! Say, shouldn't we put pillows here if we're going to keep doing this? Patamon: Guys! I saw that the TV was blown up as we came through so we can't go back. Davis: Wait a second! Where did Kari go? Cody: She's trapped! In the Digital World!

Yolei makes a valid point.

Somehow Patamon managed to see the TV explode? In the original, they heard the explosion while they were transiting between worlds and Patamon saw the Guardromon fire just before he and Takeru went in, but here Patamon somehow managed to witness the entire thing.

The dub takes its first commercial break here, on the proclamation that Kari's trapped in the other world. We come straight back to Kari on the other side.

Kari: I'll send the others a message saying that we're okay. (typing noises) ...I don't think this has spell check. Gatomon: Kari, if we find ourselves in any kind of jam, I can always Armor Digivolve. Kari: Well, let's save that for a special occasion.

The key points are covered. She's sending a message and Gatomon can Armor Digivolve if they run into trouble.

That said, I don't know why they had Kari disagree with the plan. Next time we see Gatomon, she'll be in her Armor form. They aren't saving it for anything.

Back in the human world, Miyako tries but the Gate simply won't open to that region anymore. Because it's gone.

Miyako: No good. It looks like the Gate we used can't open anymore. Daisuke: Takeru, wasn't HIkari-chan right behind you!? Takeru: Mhm. Daisuke: What were you doing!? Why didn't you make sure she came through with you!? Iori: Daisuke-san, this wasn't Takeru-san's fault. Daisuke: Keep out of it, you noisy brat! Iori: (sternly) Please do not speak to me like that. Daisuke: (gently) S-Sorry, I was out of line. Takeru: No. Daisuke's right. It was my fault. I should have been paying more attention. Daisuke: No, when you put it like that... None of us even noticed. Not even me.

Iori successfully defuses this situation by accidentally provoking Daisuke into crossing a line that Daisuke immediately realizes he shouldn't have crossed, causing his rage to break.

Despite his general hostility to Takeru, Daisuke ultimately agrees that it's not Takeru's fault that Hikari got left behind. They didn't carry out on orderly retreat; They routed, with every child for themselves. The fault is on everyone.

In the dub:

Yolei: The Gate to that area is closed! We can't get to her! Davis: T.K., wasn't Kari right behind you when you went into the Gate from the Digital World!? T.K.: Mhm. Davis: Then it's all your fault! Why didn't you let her go first!? Cody: Stop! It was no one's fault! It just happened! Davis: What do you know!? You're a little kid! Cody: Yeah, but I still know when someone's being a jerk! Davis: (gently) Ugh... I guess that's me.... T.K.: The truth is, Davis is right. Davis & Cody: Huh!? T.K.: It really was my fault. I should have been watching out for her all along. Davis: Well... I guess I could have too. Cody: So could I. That's what I mean! There's no one to blame.

Pretty solid.

A sudden indicator from the computer alerts Miyako to a new email.

Miyako: Huh? Ah! An e-mail from Hikari-chan! "I'm safe. Don't worry. Takeru: Miyako-san, switch with me for a second.

Takeru suddenly gets an idea and takes over the computer. He scans through the map of the Digital World until he finds what he's looking for.

Takeru: Even if we can't go back to that area, we can enter the area next to it and cross over.

Takeru finds what he's looking for somehow, and I cannot make heads or tails of the map. He settles on a black square surrounded by gray squares which... I kinda thought gray squares were, like, the ocean or something and white squares were free territory, so I am lost.

But apparently this makes sense, so I'll go with it. Takeru finds his destination and holds his Digivice up to the screen.

Takeru: I'm going! Patamon: Wait, Takeru!

He's in such a hurry, he almost leaves Patamon behind. Fortunately, Patamon's able to flap over to him quickly enough to be caught up in the transition.

Miyako: Takeru-kun! Daisuke: Tch! I'm just supposed to let him take care of it!? Let's go, Chibimon! Chibimon: Yeah!

Daisuke, too, crosses over with Chibimon.

Miyako: Ah! Poromon, we should-- Iori: Please wait! It's almost dinner time. If Hikari-san and the others don't make it home, their families will worry and make a fuss about it. We should notify Taichi-san and the others first. Miyako: You're right... I'm the oldest here, so I should try to think more clearly. Upamon: If that's what we're doing, then hurry up! Poromon: Let's go! (Upamon and Poromon flee the room) Iori: AH!!! Don't go out on your own!

Iori and Miyako chase their excitable Partners from Computer Club, leaving Daisuke and Takeru to carry out this rescue mission by themselves.

In the dub, there is no email alert noise. There is, however, this ongoing AOL dial-up noise that starts playing and continues through the scene. Which is kind of like an email alert, I guess.

Yolei: Huh!? Hey, guys! It's an email from Kari! Davis: Huh!?

In addition to Yolei reading it out, the text onscreen is rewritten in English.

Yolei: It says, "Don't worry, I'm alright. And I'm sorry if any words are misspelled. Sincerely, Kari."

No words are misspelled so I didn't really get that joke.

T.K.: Yolei, I've got an idea! If I can find an area close to the one she's in, then I can reach her! (T.K. finds his destination) T.K.: Got it! I'll be back soon. Patamon: I'm going too! (T.K. and Patamon cross over) Yolei: What should we do? Davis: If he thinks I'm gonna stand by and let him be the hero, he can forget it! (Davis crosses over) Yolei: Haha what!? Then I'm going-- Cody: Yolei, wait a minute! Listen, it's almost dinner time right now. Somewhere between the green salad and the green gelatin, their families are going to wonder where they are! We have to tell Tai and the others! I think that's the best thing you and I can do to help Davis and T.K. right now. Yolei: Cody, I know you're just a kid but sometimes you have the wisdom of an old man of twenty! Upamon: Alright! What are we waiting for! Poromon: Let's go! (Upamon and Poromon go on their own) Cody: But wait! You can't just go out in public!

They had way too many lip flaps for what they needed Cody to say. XD

T.K. is a lot more reserved and in control of himself in this version. Takeru is clearly rushing off recklessly on an emotional impulse. He is, ironically, being the Courage boy right now.

The other side of the Gate opens into a vast stretch of desert. The boys make their way back to the machine city where they left Hikari.

Daisuke: (calmly) Hey, Takeru. Takeru: Yes? Daisuke: The sun's going down. You should head home. Takeru: I'm fine. My mom will be out late today. But won't your parents worry if you don't make it home, Daisuke-kun? Daisuke: It doesn't matter.

That's an ambiguous statement. It's not clear if Daisuke means his parents won't care that he's gone, or that he himself doesn't care if they worry. Given the earlier "Jun always badmouths me" incident, either Daisuke's family kinda sucks or Daisuke's a little shit. Either is honestly plausible.

Daisuke fishes a coin out of his pocket.

Daisuke: So, who's going to go rescue Hikari-chan. We'll decide with a coin toss.

Daisuke tosses the coin and claps his hand over it.

Daisuke: Tails, you go home. Heads, I go home. (Daisuke reveals Tails) Daisuke: Tails! (gloating) Looks like I'll be the one to save Hikari-chan--

With a shit-eating grin, Takeru snatches the coin from Daisuke's hand and inspects it himself. He clearly knows exactly what he's going to find.

Takeru: Both sides of this coin are Tails, right? They sell these at Kadoetsu. Daisuke: (embarrassed) Y-You knew...? Takeru: (smiling) Let's go together. Daisuke: ...okay.

Takeru once outsmarted literal bullets. You're gonna have to get up a lot earlier in the morning to pull a fast one on him.

As the boys make their way into the city, their Partners briefly unpack what just happened.

Patamon: Why not do that from the start? This was stupid. V-mon: Don't say that. He was just trying to look cool....

Daisuke still feels like he has a lot to prove.

In the dub:

Davis: (bickering) This was a great idea! Crossing the desert without any water! T.K.: (bickering) Look, I didn't ask for your help! Davis: There's the city! T.K.: Looks like one of those things you shake and it starts snowing! Davis: I'll go get Kari! You wait here. T.K.: No, I'll get Kari. You wait here. (Davis fishes a coin out of his pocket) Davis: Alright, I'll tell you what. We'll flip for it. Winner goes, loser stays here. Since it's my coin, I get to call it. Tails! (Davis flips) Davis: Okay, if it's Tails, I rescue Kari. If it's Heads, you get to go. (Davis reveals Tails) Davis: Tails! (gloating) I'll tell her that you were worried about her and that you-- (T.K. snatches the coin and inspects it) Davis: WAUGH!!! T.K.: Huh. A coin that has Tails on both sides. That's how I used to beat Matt. Davis: H-How about that.... T.K.: Let's both go. Davis: ...okay, T.M. Did you really use one of those coins on Matt? T.K.: Yeah, that's how I got all my baseball cards and his old guitar. Patamon: T.K. and Davis sure argue a lot. How come? Veemon: Something about Kari. Human girls make human boys act sorta weird.

Let's start with the good. Takeru recognizes the trick coin from seeing it in a store, but T.K. has a more personal anecdote about it that adds a bit of depth to his relationship with his brother. This is good, especially with the way Davis and T.K. use added dialogue to bond over it.

Now for what I don't like. I don't like that they're playing Daisuke's one-sided rivalry with Takeru as a more traditional Love Triangle, with both boys aggressively locking horns with each other. The first anime dub papered over a lot of Takeru's growth, strength, and developing maturity and this scene continues that trend.

This is a strong moment for Takeru. It's the first time he's been alone with Daisuke. He wastes little time cutting through Daisuke's childish obstinance and jealousy, and bringing him around on-task. Takeru takes Daisuke by the shoulder and lifts him up to Takeru's level, while the dub drags T.K. down to Davis's level.

Meanwhile, in the city, things are already going south for Hikari.

Guardromon: INTRUDER. INTRUDER.

Hikari flies through the sky on Nefertimon's back, fleeing enemy Guardromon. One Guardromon pops out ahead of her, firing Destruction Grenades her way.

Nefertimon: NILE JEWELRY!!!

Nefertimon returns fire, blasting the enemy projectiles out of the air and giving her cover to sweep past.

Nefertimon: Where the hell is that TV!? Hikari: There really aren't any left in this area. We have to find a way out of here!

In the dub:

Guardromon: INTRUDER. INTRUDER. (Guardromon up ahead fires) Nefertimon: ROSETTA STONE!!! (Nefertimon parries the attack and sweeps past) Nefertimon: Kari, there aren't any TVs left in this area. Kari: We'll have to go to another area to find one. Nefertimon: But we don't even know which direction to travel.

I mean. If the destination is "somewhere else" then any direction is good, really.

As with Takeru's more neutral decision to return, the words are the same but the emotion is lost. Kari and Nefertimon don't sound pressured as heavily by their situation; Instead, they calmly explain their predicament to each other for the audience's benefit.

Unfortunately, it quickly becomes clear why Hikari can't lose her tail: From his control room, the Digimon Kaiser has eyes on her. In fact, he has a frankly ludicrous number of monitors dedicated to differently angled closeups of her face. That's weird. You're weird, Digimon Kaiser.

Kaiser: Huhuhu.... Wormmon: Ken-chan, shouldn't you be getting home?

More and more, Wormmon's starting to get a response from the Kaiser. He turns his head away from the screens to glare at Wormmon for a second before responding.

Kaiser: HAVEN'T I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT!?!? Wormmon: (cowers) ACK!!! I'M SORRY!!!

Wormmon tenses up as if bracing to be struck. But when no strike comes, he opens his eyes and looks back up at the Kaiser. The Kaiser's focus is back on the screen, and he summons his holographic control panel.

Kaiser: Here's a fun idea. Let's test out this one.

He presses a key, causing Digital World coding to appear on the monitor.

Wormmon: (gasp) That code is... Perfect stage!? Kaiser: Huhuhuhuhuhu....

We've never seen the Kaiser control a Perfect Digimon before. We don't know if he can do it. He might not know either, given that he describes this as a test.

In the dub:

Emperor: Hahahahahahaha! Wormmon: It's almost your dinner time. Shouldn't you be going home soon, Ken? Emperor: .... (beat) Emperor: NEVER CALL ME ANYTHING BUT MASTER!!! Wormmon: (wordlessly cowers) Nrrrrrrgh.... Emperor: Since she's ~all alone~, she deserves someone ~special.

The Emperor manages to make that sound even creepier than the many closeup monitors already were. On purpose, I'm sure. He knows what he's doing.

(Kaiser activates the new minion) Wormmon: Oh no, you can't! Anyone but him! Emperor: Huhuhuhuhu....

Wormmon addressing the Emperor as Ken seems out-of-place here. Depending on how you look at it, this can either be better or worse for the dub.

On the one hand, we lose the consistent character trait of Wormmon calling him Ken-chan since day one, which the Kaiser finally reacts to. It's never come up before because Wormmon, until recently, has been beneath the Kaiser's notice.

Dub Wormmon accidentally slipping up here and provoking this reaction retroactively justifies the decision to avoid using Ken-chan for the past six episodes. For him, the Emperor has been "Ken" to him all this time. However, as a learned behavior, he knew better than to say it out loud.

Both of these interpretations of his character work really well for Wormmon's relationship to the Kaiser/Emperor and to Ken.

What we lose here is the specific threat that, for the first time, a Perfect-stage Digimon is about to go Hikari Hunting. We don't know how the Armor Digimon will measure up to that! This could be really bad!

Instead we just get... "him". Not "him"! How will Kari ever be able to defend herself against "him"!

Back in the human world, Iori uses a pay phone outside of the Inoue family convenience store. Giving us a good shot of the store's name, too.

The store is called アイマート Aimaato or "I-Mart", presumably for the family name Inoue. The banner underneath reads 愛と純真のお店 Ai to Junshin no Omise or "The Shop of Love and Purity".

Well, now we know how Miyako's Digimentals were assigned. Somebody was shopping around Odaiba for new Chosen Children, saw that banner, and. Like. Who could possibly pass up the chance to do something really funny with that?

Iori: Ah, is this Yagami-san? Good evening, this is Hida Iori.

Inside, Miyako's loading up a grocery bag while her unnamed father works the counter.

Dad: Miyako, when one of your siblings gets back, can you ask them to watch the counter? Miyako: Okay, got it.

Cut to the Yagami home. Iori's explaining everything to Taichi over the phone.

Iori: So that's what's happening. Taichi: I see... Hikari is.... No, you don't have to apologize, Iori. I got it. Bye.

As he hangs up, his mother Yuuko turns around from the kitchen to find out what that was about.

Taichi: (big fake smile) Apparently Hikari's hanging out a friend's house. I'll go pick her up.

I'm a bit more forgiving of Taichi lying to his mom here than I was in Our War Game. That unnecessary lie concerned a global catastrophe that nearly resulted in Odaiba getting nuked, so there was a clear and obvious reason why Taichi and Koushiro needed to be doing Digimon Shit. They were the only people who could stop Diablomon from eating the entire global infrastructure.

She might be less understanding of "Yeah, Hikari went back to the Digital World to get shot at with robot bullets because some guy's causing trouble to some people far away, in a way that doesn't affect us at all." This is not an end-of-the-world crisis and so I think for most parents, it would easily set off their "Okay but not my children" reflex.

To a concerned parent, Digimon Kaiser sure does sound like the Digimon's problem. You have school in the morning, young lady, and I don't want you attending that school with your face exploded.

In the dub:

Cody: Hello? Can I speak to Tai, please? ...no, I'm not selling anything!

Yeah, that's about right. The only reason this American stock gag has aged poorly is that in the modern day, Tai's mom wouldn't have answered for an unknown caller at all.

Yolei's Dad: (sternly) You know, Yolei. With all the snacks and drinks you take to give your friends, it's a wonder this store shows any profit at all! Yolei: Put it on my tab, Daddy!

Yolei's dad nags at her about the financial impact she's having on their business. This seems unreasonable since it was previously established that she works off everything she takes.

It's Miyako who's the primary cause of the store's shrinkage. Yolei's family is just... aggressively capitalist. They employ a 12-year-old child laborer and pay her in merchandise, then complain that she takes too much compensation.

They better not cut her pay. Yolei's learning about the power of collective action against fascism in her extracurriculars at school right now. She might transfer some of that and unionize her siblings.

Cody: So that's where Kari is now, Tai. Tai: Okay, Cody. Thanks for letting me know. Don't worry about it. I'll take care of everything. (Tai hangs up) Tai: Kari's at a friend's house doing a science project on gravity and they need to see how long I can stand on my head. See ya!

Tai opts for the "excuse so bewildering that he'll be out the door before his mom's finished processing how little sense that makes" approach. XD

Once out the door, Taichi and Yamato meet up outside.

Yamato: Taichi, did you hear from Iori? Taichi: Yeah. We need to get down there fast. But first, we should tell Daisuke's parents something. Yamato: Got it. Let me take care of that. You hurry up and go find Hikari-chan. Taichi: Got it! I'll leave this to you, then!

Taichi turns and sprints off for Odaiba Elementary, leaving Yamato to figure out what he's going to--

Yamato: (startled) I was supposed to make dinner for Dad today! (casually) Eh, oh well.

Fuck Hiroaki, I guess. XD He can starve.

Back at I-Mart, Miyako takes her grocery bag of loot and meets back up with Iori outside.

Iori: I called home and said I'd be a little late. What about you, Miyako-san? Miyako: Well, I think my dad asked me to do something but who cares. Let's go!

So much parental respect happening tonight. XD Kids.

In the dub:

Matt: (casually) Hey Tai, I heard what happened. So, are you going to go? Tai: Yeah, in a few minutes. But first, I have to make a stop by Davis's apartment. I have to make up a story to tell his family that he's going to be a little late tonight. Matt: Ehhhh, don't worry about that. I can take care of it! You go on and get to Kari. Tai: Right! Thanks, Matt! (Tai runs off) Matt: (startled) Oh, I forgot! I left Mimi on hold when she called from New York! HER PHONE BILL!!!

...Matt broaches this subject like the rumor mill's been talking about Kari, and clearly indicates that he's not coming and is just wasting Tai's time for small talk.

The only reason Yamato isn't coming too is because they needed to split tasks and it makes more sense for Taichi to go rescue his little sister.

Matt further indicates that he had no intention of coming and was just stepping out to talk to Tai by indicating that he's actually in the middle of a phone call with Mimi right now. Fortunately, Dub Mimi is fabulously wealthy so I think her phone bill will be fine.

Cody: I told my mom we were working on a rescue project. She said she's glad we're helping stray cats in the neighborhood. Yolei: Yeah, my dad was just glad that I left without filling up another bag!

And the censors are probably glad that Matt and Yolei aren't encouraging children to talk back to their parents. I bet that's what's going on here.

Back in the Digital World, Takeru and Daisuke take cover atop a dune to scout the front entrance to the machine city.

Takeru: That seems like the entrance, but....

A single Guardromon is keeping watch outside the door.

Daisuke: We'll have to defeat that one if we want to break in. Takeru: We need to finish it in the first shot; This will get a lot harder if they call for backup. V-mon: Alright, Daisuke! Daisuke: Yeah! Patamon: Wait! Takeru, this area doesn't have a Dark Tower, right? Takeru: Yeah, there's just the one inside that dome. Patamon: Then that means.... Takeru: You're right! We don't need Armor Evolution! Daisuke & V-mon: Huh? Takeru: Let's try it! Patamon: Yeah!

Daisuke has no idea what Takeru means but he's about to see some shit.

In the dub:

Davis: There's just one guard at the door! T.K.: We're gonna have to take him out in the first attack. Otherwise, he'll call for reinforcements. Davis: Not a problem. Veemon and I can handle that metalhead. Veemon, are you ready? Veemon: Yeah, let's do it! Davis: DIGI-ARMOR-- Patamon: Wait a minute! I'll do it. There aren't any Control Spires in this area, right? T.K.: Well, just the one inside the dome. Patamon: But we're outside. T.K.: Yeah! That's right! That means you can Digivolve! Davis & Veemon: Huh? T.K.: Then go for it. Patamon: Alright!

Solid. I like that they have Davis get partway through the Armor incantation when Patamon interrupts him. That's neat.

Foregoing his Digimentals, Takeru and Patamon do this old-school. Patamon SHINKAAAAAA!!!

To the sound of Show Me Your Brave Heart, Angemon appears in a humongous pillar of holy light that definitely should have given their position away and put the machine city on alert. But I guess the Kaiser is too busy ogling Hikari from many angles.

Takeru: YES!!! You can use your normal evolution!

Daisuke's jaw practically hits the sand at the sight of Takeru's Adult Partner.

Daisuke: Eh... Angemon...!?

Takeru and Angemon reply only with mirrored satisfied smiles.

In the dub:

T.K.: Angemon! I haven't seen you in a while! Davis: Ehhhh!? An... Angemon...!? Veemon: ...hi there, big guy....

They have T.K. call out Angemon by name so it flows better when Davis says it. Daisuke probably just heard Angemon say his name during the transformation sequence but it's never really clear how diegetic those are supposed to be.

It's go time. Angemon takes off across the sand, sailing for the Guardromon.

Guardromon: Suspicious person approaching--

Angemon tosses his Holy Rod, nailing Guardromon right in the Evil Ring around their valve and breaking it off.

Angemon: Now! Hurry!

Daisuke, Takeru, and V-mon sprint across the sand to join Angemon at the front door. Angemon punches through the latch, opening the door and letting them inside. However, once they enter, the power of the Dark Tower regresses Angemon back into Patamon.

Patamon: Takeru, it doesn't work after all. I'm back to normal. Takeru: It was worth a try.

I'm honestly not sure why it doesn't work. It's been well-established that the Dark Towers suppress evolving but evolved Digimon retain their form when they enter the Tower's domain. We saw Birdramon, Greymon, and Garurumon taking down Dark Towers as recently as the opening minutes of this episode.

Between this and Jou's episode, the mechanics of the Dark Towers seem wildly inconsistent.

In the dub:

(Angemon flies towards Guardromon) Guardromon: INTRUDER. Angemon: ANGEL ROD!!! Guardromon: INTRU-- (struck) --DERRRRRRrrrrrrrr... (shuts down) Angemon: I nailed it. (The team breaks in, but Patamon regresses) Patamon: You know, those Control Spires really ruin my day. T.K.: You did great, Patamon.

Angemon calls his rod throw as an attack.

Again, this is really good. I love the effect on the Guardromon getting hit halfway through speaking and verbally breaking down.

Once inside, Daisuke has questions. Serious questions.

Daisuke: Just now, Angemon... Patamon can also evolve like Agumon? Takeru: Of course, as long as there isn't a Dark Tower around. Daisuke: Then that means... Hikari-chan's Tailmon also.... Patamon: She becomes Angewomon! Daisuke: Eh!? Angemon and Angewomon!? Patamon: Yeah! We're a perfect match, right, Takeru? Takeru: (noncommittal) Ehehehe....

Predictably, that remark from Patamon triggers Daisuke, who whirls around on V-mon.

Daisuke: V-MON!!! V-mon: Wha!? Daisuke: Then you need to become UltraAngemon! V-mon: Ehhhhhhhh!?

Daisuke picks up V-mon and shakes him.

Daisuke: Do it! You have to do it! DO IT WITH ALL OF YOUR WILL!!! V-mon: Y-You're out of your mind!

Watching Daisuke melt down like this, Takeru admonishes Patamon for what he said.

Takeru: (to Patamon) Don't tease him like that! Patamon: (shit-eating grin) Ehehehehehe!

Patamon regrets nothing. Poor Takeru. This is not productive.

Though it's certainly clear by this moment that it isn't just Hikari; Takeru and Patamon have also picked up on the source of Daisuke's hostility towards Takeru. Daisuke is extremely obvious about his unrequited crush and everybody knows.

In the dub:

Davis: So, besides Armor Digivolving, Patamon can Digivolve to Angemon? What about Gatomon? T.K.: Well, she can Digivolve to Angewomon. Davis: You're kidding me! Angemon and Angewomon!? Patamon: That's right! We make a great team. Davis: One question: Is there an AngeBabymon too? Patamon: (to T.K.) Sometimes he says the weirdest things. T.K.: Ahahahaha. Davis: RRRRRRRGH!!! VEEMON!!! Veemon: Huh? Davis: Tell me right now if you can Digivolve into AngeSomething too! Veemon: Uhhhhhhhh... (Davis picks up Veemon and shakes him) Davis: AngeDinosaurmon! AngeSoccerPlayermon! Veemon: I just don't have it in me! T.K.: (to Patamon) He's still got a lot to learn. Patamon: Ahaha!

So here we have the opposite problem from the desert scene earlier, when T.K. was being dragged through Davis's muck. They speed through the Gatomon part early so they can skip right to having fun at Davis's expense. In the process, they also remove the part where Patamon deliberately provokes him and sets him off.

Davis loses it of his own accord while T.K. and Patamon privately chitchat about how weird and childish he is.

At the Motomiya home, Jun answers the door for Yamato.

Yamato: So you see, Daisuke-kun is still playing over at my little brother's place. Jun: ^_^ Ehehehehe.... Yamato: What? Jun: You're lying, huh? Yamato: O_O Jun: Your lies are painted on your face, Yamato-kun. Yamato: O_O (frozen) Jun: It's fine, I'll relay your message. And in exchange, you'll take me on a date, okay? (Jun goes back inside) Yamato: D...date...!?

Dub's over there dunking on Davis but I need to point out that this is way worse than anything Daisuke's ever done. Jun is extorting Yamato into going out.

We made a terrible mistake. Should have sent Taichi. He bullshits seamlessly and he's undesirable so this would have gone much smoother.

In the dub:

Matt: So anyway, Davis is over at my brother's house and so he probably won't be home until a little later on. Jun: ^_^ Ehehehehe.... Matt: What? Jun: You're lying. Matt: O_O Jun: I can tell when people are lying 'cause they usually start blinking a lot. Matt: O_O Wha--but--ahaha-- Jun: I promise not to tell my parents you were lying if you promise to go out on a date with me. Okay? See you Friday at eight. (Jun goes back inside) Matt: ...how did that happen!?

Dub Jun's more proactive than her Japanese counterpart and sets an exact time for Matt to pick her up, while the original leaves it up to him to figure out the details.

Over at the school, Miyako's holding down the fort with Upamon and Poromon. She and the Digimon are munching on the snacks she brought from I-Mart.

Poromon's sucking down some ChuChu Jelly, but he's still unhappy about last episode.

Poromon: This is not kanpyoumaki! Miyako: Don't be picky.

Poor Poromon.

Iori returns, having gone to meet Taichi outside and smuggle him in.

Iori: Yagami-san is here. Taichi: Sorry to keep you waiting.

Cut to the Digimon Kaiser's Control Room, where an awfully familiar silhouette appears onscreen. The Perfect Digimon he's taking for a test drive.

Andromon: Did you call for me, Digimon Kaiser-sama?

And that is an ominous spot to take a commercial break!

In the dub:

Poromon: How come he gets more candy than I do!? Yolei: Stop complaining; There's plenty more. (Cody arrives with Tai) Cody: I brought some reinforcements! Tai: Let's get to work! (Meanwhile, in the Emperor's command center) Andromon: You summoned me, Your Highness? Wormmon: Please hold for the Digimon Emperor. Line 1 for you, sir.

I'm not sure why they didn't let Poromon still be upset about his sushi. That did happen last episode. Maybe they figured kids wouldn't remember well enough to get the reference.

The dub also takes its second commercial break here. It's a good spot for it.

We come straight back from commercial to a dual Armor Evolution sequence.

Daisuke & Takeru: DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

Fladramon: KNUCKLE FIRE!!!

While Takeru and Pegasmon soar above the Guardromon units with ease, Fladramon is forced to blaze open a path for Daisuke on foot. His Fire Knuckle neutralizes the Evil Rings on two Guardromon units, who he clears with a leap.

Fladramon: DAISUKE, HURRY!!! Daisuke: (panting) Easy for you to say!

Come on, Daisuke! Put those soccer legs to work! You know how much long-distance sprinting we had to do back on Server Continent? BACK IN MAH DAY--

For his part, Takeru uses his Digivice to track Hikari's.

Takeru: She's close!

In the dub:

Flamedramon: FIRE ROCKET!!! (Flamedramon takes out two Guardromon and hurdles them) Flamedramon: DAVIS, OVER HERE!!! Davis: I can't jump as high as you can! (T.K. follows his Digivice) T.K.: I'm getting Kari's signal! We're close!

Solid.

This whole city sprint thing isn't workout out for Daisuke and Fladramon, so they decide to try something new.

Fladramon picks up Daisuke with his left arm.

Fladramon: Hang on tight. Daisuke: Yeah!

With Daisuke very loosely secured, Fladramon bounds to the roof of a building, then hops through the city.

Daisuke: (quietly) Ahhhhhhhh! ...huh?

At the height of Fladramon's jump, Daisuke briefly spots Nefertimon flying through a nearby street.

Daisuke: There! It's Hikari-chan!

And not a moment too soon. A glancing shot from a Destruction Grenade knocks Nefertimon out of the air, sending her and Hikari tumbling into the street below. They land hard, throwing Hikari from the force of impact before Tailmon's stamina well bottoms out and she loses her form.

In the dub:

Flamedramon: You ready to jump a little higher? Davis: (reluctant) Well.... (Flamedramon jumps) Davis: --WAUGH!!! (Flamedramon bounds above the city) Davis: AHHHHHHHHHHH--huh? (Davis spots Nefertimon) Kari: Boy, am I glad to see you! Guardromon: GRENADE DESTROYER!!! (Guardromon shoot Kari down. Gatomon loses form) Guardromon: INTRUDER. DESTROY. Gatomon: (hiss)

XD Davis having second thoughts got me.

For some reason, they have Kari notice Davis too, despite facing the opposite direction far below him. This doesn't affect anything, though. It's a harmless change. Just odd.

Despite their crash landing, Hikari and Tailmon still manage to pick themselves up as best they can with what little strength they have. They grit their teeth and face down the enemy's advance.

Pegasmon: SILVER BLAZE!!! Fladramon: KNUCKLE FIRE!!!

That's a new one from Pegasmon. Silver Blaze is a triangular beam he fires from a triangle mark on his helmet. Fladramon's using an oldie but a goodie, but he goes far enough to punch his Knuckle Fire directly into Guardromon's Evil Ring himself.

Hikari: Daisuke-kun! Takeru-kun! You came back for me! Daisuke: Hehe, did you hear that, Takeru? She said 'Daisuke-kun' first! Takeru: ^_^;; Good for you.

Takeru's line here is a little ambiguous. His face is all smiles but his delivery is strained and quiet. Is Takeru a little exasperated by Daisuke's Daisuke-ness that's been on full display all episode, or is he actually jealous about that? You decide.

While Daisuke hurries on ahead, Takeru spots a flanking Guardromon coming down a side alley. He peels off to take care of that.

Pegasmon: NEEDLE RAIN!!!

While Takeru and Pegasmon are dealing with that, Daisuke and Fladramon get Hikari on her feet.

Daisuke: Come on, Hikari-chan! Hurry!

In the dub:

Pegasusmon: EQUUS BEAM!!! Flamedramon: FIRE ROCKET!!! (Pegasusmon and Flamedramon neutralize the enemy) Kari: Hey, Davis! T.K.! You guys are my heroes! Davis: Actually, it was mostly my idea but I decided to bring T.K. along for the ride! T.K.: Whatever! ...huh!? (T.K. peels off to deal with that flanking Guardromon) Pegasusmon: STAR SHOWER!!! (Pegasusmon takes out the enemy while Davis gets Kari on her feet) Davis: Come on, Kari, we'd better get going!

I don't think we're meant to take Davis's line here as him literally trying to take all the credit. Since the animation has him looking up at T.K. as he says it, it comes off more as a playful ribbing to T.K., conveying that they may be getting along better.

Ironically, as the lyrics to Break Up end on "It's time to go!", Daisuke and Hikari find their path blocked. Andromon steps out into the road ahead of them. An Evil Ring is fixed around his neck, though it blends in pretty well with his color palette.

Daisuke: It's a different one this time! Hikari: (excited) Andromon!

For his third rundown in two series, Andromon is a Perfect-stage Vaccine-attribute Cyborg Digimon. The Chosen Children minus Hikari first met him on File Island, in ironically similar situations to where they are now. Then, he was in charge of a machine factory but he was under the control of Devimon's Black Gear.

They met him again, with Hikari, on Spiral Mountain. Andromon was leading a solo resistance against the Metal Empire. He ended up signing on with Taichi's team to see things through to the end.

And now here he is, fixed with an Evil Ring around his neck. It seems that it's Andromon's curse to always be wherever evil seeks to dominate the machines of the Digital World.

Narrator: Andromon! An experimental Perfect-stage cyborg Digimon. They use their arms to fire their special attack, Spiral Sword!

Pretty sparse rundown. I guess the narrator's getting bored of having to go back and talk about this guy again.

As the rundown ends, Hikari's excitement evaporates. She sees the Evil Ring around Andromon's neck.

Hikari: (gasp) ...Andromon.... Andromon: On order of the Kaiser-sama: The Chosen Children must be eliminated. Hikari: STOP IT, ANDROMON!!! Don't you recognize us!? Daisuke: What are you talking about, Hikari-chan!? Fladramon, clear the path! Fladramon: On it. FIRE ROCKET!!!

We don't know how Armor Digimon measure up to Perfect but we are about to find out. Fladramon takes to the air, using the actual Fire Rocket that the dub's been misusing the name of. Wreathing his body in flames, he shoots down towards Andromon.

Andromon: SPIRAL SWORD!!!

Fladramon goes down in one shot. Spiral Sword breaks through Fire Rocket and slams into Fladramon's face with so much force that it breaks his Armor form. The Digimental of Courage returns to Daisuke while V-mon plummets helplessly into the street below, landing on the back of his head.

Daisuke: V-MON!!! (Daisuke runs to V-mon) Daisuke: Hey, hang in there! V-mon: (pained) I've never seen such a powerful attack before....

Indeed, he has not.

In the dub:

Davis: Why can't these guys ever be small!? Kari: (excited gasp) ANDROMON!!! Andromon: (rundown) I am Andromon! I have one mission: Seek out my enemy and destroy him with my Lightning Blade. Kari: Huh!? He's got a Dark Ring! Andromon...? Andromon: I am programmed to destroy the enemy. You are the enemy. I will destroy you. Kari: Andromon, don't you remember us? We're your friends! Davis: Kari, you're hanging around with the wrong people. Flamedramon, you'll have to use all your power! Flamedramon: You got it! FLAMING FIST!!! Andromon: LIGHTNING BLADE!!! (Andromon knocks Veemon out of form) Davis: Whah!? (Davis runs to Veemon) Davis: Veemon, speak to me! Veemon: (pained) You're kneeling on my tail....

Knuckle Fire is Fire Rocket while Fire Rocket is Flaming Fist. That makes sense.

I like that Kari's transition from exuberance to dismay seems to have been prompted by Andromon's diegetic rundown. Like hearing him say that was her first clue that something's wrong. Since characters are explaining the rundowns in-universe, it's fun when other characters react to them.

I think "You'll have to use all your power" is supposed to explain why Veemon lost his Armor form after being his attack was deflected. In the original, Andromon just hit him that hard. Fladramon ran face-first into the brick wall of Evolutionary Power Levels.

This is the File Island factory all over again, with Andromon manhandling Greymon and Garurumon simultaneously while the Children watch with WTF printed on their faces.

Like before, when they were dialed back the exhaustion factor, the dub uses that line to tone down how hard Veemon was hit here. They also scrub Veemon's line explaining how powerful Andromon's attack was, swapping it for a laugh line with alternative explanation for why Veemon is in physical pain.

Startled by what just happened, Pegasmon drops off Takeru. Takeru breaks for Daisuke and V-mon while Pegasmon engages the enemy.

Pegasmon: SHOOTING STAR!!!

Pegasmon's wings open to unveil the cosmos, and he launches a set of star-shaped projectiles from them. Very cool, but also kind of a spray-and-pray. Only one star actually reaches Andromon, who effortlessly blocks it with one arm.

Andromon: SPIRAL SWORD!!!

Pegasmon won't be defeated so easily as Fladramon. He flits down and to the side, evading Andromon's attack and--

Pegasmon: GACK!!!

The arcing blade curves around in midair and strikes him in the back. Pegasmon is defeated as easily as Fladramon. We don't see the moment of impact, but the Digimental of Hope returns to Takeru's pocket while Patamon falls helplessly into Takeru's arms.

Patamon: (defeated) I knew Perfect-stage would be too strong.... Daisuke: Perfect-stage!? The hell is that!?

Daisuke doesn't get an answer because Hikari chooses now to roll a Charisma check instead.

Hikari: Andromon, have you forgotten that we fought together? Takeru: Hikari-chan, we don't even know if this is the same Andromon from back then! Hikari: I know they are. Takeru: Even so, they're being controlled by that Ring. Your voice won't reach them. Hikari: You're wrong!

Hikari's pinning a lot of trust on an avenue that has, up to this point, shown no sign that it could work and every sign that it would not. But she wouldn't be queen of the Numemon or have found her Tailmon partner if she made cynical choices.

In the dub:

Pegasusmon: STAR SHOWER!!! (Andromon blocks) Andromon: LIGHTNING BLADE!!! (Lightning Blade KOs Pegasmon) Patamon: (delirious) I'll have two cheeseburgers and a large order of fries.... Davis: That didn't work, so what now!? Kari: Andromon, don't you remember how we fought together? Side by side? T.K.: Kari, we have to get out of here! We don't even know if it's the same Andromon! Kari: I'm sure that it's him! T.K.: Yeah, but even if it is, he's under the control of the Digimon Emperor. He can't even hear your voice! Kari: You don't know that!

Patamon gets the opposite treatment as Veemon, being knocked loopy in cartoon fashion. If they could edit little flying pigs circling his head, they probably would.

This, for the third time, serves to scrub out all mention of "HIM" being in a different weight class from all the Digimon we've seen so far in 02. The dub seems determined to avoid that topic, leaving it unclear why he's tearing through our boys so effortlessly.

Before Takeru and Hikari can argue any further, Daisuke gets in the middle of it.

Daisuke: What are you doing!? We have to run!

As he approaches, Andromon's scanner notices the goggles on Daisuke's head. His database pulls up an image of Taichi to compare. It concludes "SAME ITEM". Andromon suddenly stops, hesitating to go any further.

Tailmon: NOW!!!

Patamon, Veemon, and Tailmon lunge for Andromon together. He makes no attempt to defend himself. The moment before they reach him, a red beam from the sky strikes him in the chest, knocking him off his feet. The other Digimon pile on top of him, helping gravity to bring him down.

Veemon & Patamon: WE GOT HIM!!! Tailmon: That beam just now....

Only Tailmon was paying attention. She looks to the sky to find the source of that shot: Horusmon flying in to the rescue.

Horusmon: FLAPPING LOVE, HORUSMON!!! Digmon: TADAAAAAAA!!!

Digmon erupts from the earth nearby.

Digmon: With full belly and full power, it's Digmon-sama dagyaa! Here we go! GOLD RUSH!!!

Full of arrogance, Digmon fires off all drills. While Andromon stands up, Digmon's drills bounce so harmlessly off Andromon's metal hide that he doesn't even flinch.

Digmon: Gyehhhh... No effect at all!

Andromon's power ruined Digmon's cool entrance. XD This is karma for the kanpyoumaki.

In the dub:

Davis: As much as I like you two arguing, he's heading right for us! (Andromon notices Davis's goggles and hesitates) Gatomon: LET'S GO!!! (Halsemon's shot and the Digimon's tackle knocks Andromon off his feet) Veemon & Patamon: Yeah! Gatomon: Here comes help now! Halsemon: (soaring in) I'm glad we're not too late. Digmon: Hi, guys! I thought since I was here, I'd build this city a subway system! Hold still, you pile of scrap metal! GOLD RUSH!!! (No effect) Digmon: Hey, that comment about scrap metal was just a joke!

Digmon is too busy quipping for the tragic showmanship of his Japanese counterpart.

Taichi and Iori come running up the street.

Taichi: HIKARI!!! ARE YOU OKAY!?!? Hikari: Onii-chan, it's Andromon!

On Taichi's approach, Andromon begins scanning him too.

Taichi: Andromon, it's me! It's Taichi! Andromon: (hesitant) ...Taichi....

His scanner pulls Taichi's image out of his databank once more and compares, before concluding "SAME HUMAN".

Suddenly, the Evil Ring around Andromon's neck activate blips. The sigils carved in it pulse red for a second, with an audible beeping sound, and the Ring crackles with electricity. Andromon cries out in pain and marches forward, swinging his arms.

Taichi scurries away from the attacking Andromon but Hikari stands her ground. He stops when he reaches her, staring her down, and Hikari stares him down right back.

Hikari: ... Andromon: ...

For the next ten seconds, Hikari and Andromon remain in a silent deadlock.

In the dub:

Tai: Kari! Are you okay! Kari: Yeah! But Tai, it's Andromon! (Andromon scans Tai) Tai: Andromon! Slow down! It's me, Tai! Andromon: Tai who? (Scanner matches Tai) Andromon: Oh, Tai! (Dark Ring activates and makes Andromon attack) Davis: KARI, LOOK OUT!!!

Thanks, Davis. Tai/chi rolled a 1 on his Onii-chan Save when he scurried away and left Hi/Kari right in the path of violence. But at least his kouhai Davis was watching out for her. From a safe distance.

The Crest of Courage!

(In seriousness, it's kind of amazing how we have three separate people ready and willing to throw themselves recklessly into danger to protect Hikari on-hand right at this moment. And yet, not one of them even tries to physically move her away from Andromon for this entire scene, with Taichi even leaving her behind when he flees Andromon's attack.

Hikari's putting off an impenetrable aura of "MY GODDAMN SCENE, ASSHOLES" that even Courage must yield to.)

Though they give Davis that one extra line, the dub lets those tense ten seconds of silence pass uninterrupted.

Andromon finally breaks the stalemate, grabbing Hikari by her shoulders and lifting her up.

Taichi: HIKARI!!! Tailmon: WAIT!!!

The second Hikari's feet leave the ground, everyone tries to jump in. Taichi, Daisuke, Takeru, and even Iori all move at once, surging towards Andromon. But Tailmon's warning cuts them off. She wants to let this play out.

With the gentle tones of the original OVA theme playing out, Hikari keeps staring into Andromon's eyes.

Hikari: Andromon? Andromon: ...Hikari...?

Andromon's scanner finds her image too.

Hikari: (teary-eyed) We took a picture together, didn't we?

A tear falls from Hikari's eye, landing on Andromon's face. In that moment, the rest of the image he's been drawing up appears around Taichi and Hikari. Though blurry and pixelized, it's unmistakably the vague impression of that photo they took on the Children's last day in the Digital World.

Andromon: A picture....

In the dub:

Boys: Huh!? Gatomon: Hey, you put her down now! Kari: Do you remember me? Andromon: I am... trying.... (Scanner matches Kari) Andromon: Yes! Kari: (teary-eyed) We all took a picture together Andromon: ...a picture....

The dub has Gatomon yell at Andromon instead of stopping the boys. This change disrupts the action of the scene. We see them rush for Andromon and then... nothing comes of it and we move right along to Kari's emotional moment.

What happened to the boys? Why aren't they trying to intervene, when we saw them doing that a second ago?

Andromon's close to breaking free, but he needs one more push. Hikari's Digivice falls from her pocket. Glowing with holy light, it hits his shoulder as it falls and breaks the dam.

Andromon: That's right... We all... took a commemorative photo....

Piece by piece, the photo in his memory fills in. Despite the Evil Ring, Andromon remembers.

Andromon: ...I've been under the control of this thing.

Now fully in control of his faculties again, Andromon reaches up and breaks off his own Evil Ring.

Hikari: (happy) Andromon! Andromon: (nods)

In the dub:

Andromon: Faces... long ago... DigiDestined... I love jigsaw puzzles... Now I see the complete picture! (Andromon returns to normal) Andromon: Kari! I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused. (Andromon breaks off his own Dark Ring) Kari: (happy) Andromon! Andromon: (nods) Mhm!

Every time I feel like there isn't enough dialogue for a section, we get a line like "I love jigsaw puzzles". Abridged Parody-ass line awkwardly undercutting the emotional moment with quipping.

Andromon is free, but the city isn't. He turns his fury on the Kaiser's obelisk.

Andromon: Dark Tower... How dare you do this to us!? GATLING MISSILE!!!

Once more demonstrating the difference between Perfect strength and our own, Andromon's Gatling Missile rips the Tower apart in a single shot. His missiles impact the center, not only snapping off the upper portion but knocking over the lower section from the force of impact. The Tower crumbles beneath Andromon's power as easily as Fladramon and Pegasmon did.

With the signal to their Evil Rings lost, all Guardromon units in the city shut down.

Hikari: Hey... Are the Guardromon going to stay broken like this? Isn't there a way to return them to normal? Andromon: They're fine. We just need to restore the programming that the Evil Ring altered. Then they'll revert to normal.

Andromon demonstrates, first punching off the now useless Evil Ring from a Guardromon, then reaching his cables inside to reconfigure the unit.

Andromon: And then we will never allow the Kaiser to have his way here again. We will protect this city.

Andromon finishes with this unit. The Guardromon springs back to consciousness, raising their fists in jubilation at being free.

In the dub:

Andromon: That Control Spire is responsible for all this. Well, no more! GATLING ATTACK!!! (Andromon easily annihilates the Dark Tower) Kari: Andromon, are all of these Guardromon going to stay broken forever? Andromon: No. Their programs were rewritten by the Digimon Emperor. They just need to be reprogrammed. Watch. (Andromon punches off a Dark Ring and reprograms a Guardromon) Andromon: Actually, once I reprogram the Guardromon, I'll stay here to protect them in case the Digimon Emperor returns. (Andromon finishes) Guardromon: I feel fresh as a daisy!

The dub takes its third commercial break here, with that proclamation.

Dub Andromon doesn't seem quite as outraged as his counterpart, but this is nonetheless pretty close to original.

The Chosen Children return to Computer Club, only to find an angry Koushiro waiting for them.

Miyako: Izumi-senpai!? What are you doing here!? Koushiro: Shh! be quiet!

Koushiro and Taichi escort the junior team out of the building. When they reach the gate, Taichi checks to make sure it's clear before they all emerge into the night.

Koushiro: (increasingly angry) Yamato-san told me what was happening. I checked the Gate Sensor on my computer, where I saw that the Gate was, in fact, still open! And if a teacher came in and shut off the power, WHAT WOULD ANY OF YOU HAVE DONE THEN!?!?

Been screwed. They would have been screwed. None of them have an answer, and they all look sheepish as they follow. Except Hikari, who is offscreen during this scolding because she didn't make the reckless choice send the full team in and hold no one back.

Taichi: Heeeeey, I think that's enough. Really, you just wanted to go too, huh? Koushiro: TAICHI-SAN!!!

That isn't technically a no, but no, I think Taichi missed the mark. I think Koushiro is mad for exactly the reason he's explaining here. This poor neurodivergent boy had to trespass in a dark computer room after-hours and babysit the computer for what might have been up to an hour or two. I'd be furious too.

In the dub:

Davis: Come on, guys! Let's go home! (Reality-crossing stock animation) Tai: Izzy, were you waiting this whole time!? (long pause) Izzy: Shh. Let's go.

There's an awkward silence where Miyako's supposed to speak, but one that makes sense. They forgot to animate lip flaps for Miyako during her line. I guess the dub decided not to have anyone speak when everyone's mouths are onscreen and nobody's lips are moving so that it doesn't look like an obvious mistake.

Instead, they move the line and have it spoken during the preceding shot, which is a closeup of Koushiro's angry face, freeing up other characters for dialogue.

This leaves a couple seconds of dead air where Miyako's line is supposed to go, in which nobody moves or says anything at all. Which is awkward but entirely the fault of the original scene for not animating Miyako's lip flaps.

Why they gave her line to Tai, however, I have no answer for.

Izzy: Matt just called and told me what had happened with Kari. And I'm really upset that you guys have left me out of the loop! Cody called Tai for help and Tai called Matt, but no one ever calls me until the adventure is all over with! Tai: Come on, Izzy. Don't be like that. There was just no time to call you. You know you're a big part of the team. Izzy: THAT'S RIGHT!!!

The dub takes Taichi's alternate explanation and runs with it. Izzy is furiously jealous to such an irrational extreme that he self-defeats his own argument.

Like. We have to briefly mention the fact that Tai did not call Matt. It's not clear how Matt found out but his conversation with Tai established two things: That Matt just sorta heard about this through the grapevine somehow but was under no expectation of participating, and that he did not hear it from Tai.

But setting that aside, Izzy makes three statements here:

1 - Matt called and told me. 2 - I've been excluded from the group. 3 - Because Cody called Tai and Tai called Matt but no one called me.

Um. Izzy, what the fuck are you on about? Sounds like you were the next person in the chain. If anyone's derelict in their communication duty, it's you for not passing it along to... Sora or Joe, I guess.

Incidentally, this alternate version of Izzy's anger makes the shot of the junior team looking embarrassed and ashamed super confusing. What are they ashamed of? They did nothing wrong here. Tai and Izzy are just... having a spat, I guess.

Suddenly, Koushiro remembers he had something else to talk to the team about.

[Pic]

Koushiro: Right. Earlier, I got an email from a friend of mine in America. I'd asked them to analyze the data from Miyako-kun's Digivice. The results are in. Taichi: A friend in America? Koushiro: They've helped me a lot in the past. Taichi: Ahh, I remember!

IT'S WILLIS

This feels like it's supposed to be a callback to Our War Game but, ironically, the only time an American friend was pivotal to the plot was in the dub. So far as I know, this American friend that Taichi also knows is never extrapolated on.

It can probably be assumed that they're part of Koushiro's hacking nakama from that OVA.

Koushiro: So, about Miyako-kun and the others' Digivices. (Each of them takes out their Digivices to look at them) Koushiro: It said, "Digital", "Detect", and "Discover". These words were found inscribed within the data. Because all three of them begin with the letter "D", we'll refer to them as D-3 going forward. We've also found some other interesting things, such as-- Chibimon: (stomach gurgle) I'm hungry, Daisuke! Daisuke: (stomach gurgle) Ah! (sheepish) Me too.... Taichi: Koushiro, we can talk about this tomorrow. We all desperately need to get home soon. It's way past dinner time! Group: AHHHHHHH!!!

The group disperses and runs for it. Every child for themselves!

In the dub, Izzy's still ranting about being excluded.

Izzy: And as a team member, I expect to be treated with the same respect I give to all of you! I may not be as strong as you or Matt, but I've gotten us out of just as many jams with my particular skills! Tai: (resigned) I'm sorry I didn't call you. Izzy: Now that's what I call respect. Okay, I forgive you. Tai: Wow, that was easy!

This fills the space where the discussion of Koushiro's mysterious American friend goes. Kind of a shame because we're about a month out from the release of Digimon: The Movie so this would have been a golden opportunity to shill Willis and whet the audience's appetite. XD

Izzy: Oh, I almost forgot the reason I came here. I examined the new Digivices-- (Everyone takes out their Digivice) Izzy: --and determined that they have three different settings: Digital, Detect, and Discover. Maybe we should call them D-3s from now on. Prodigious little devices, aren't they? I had a lot of help with the research from my friend Willis in America. Maybe you guys will meet him some day.

NEVER MIND, THERE IT IS

Good job, Dub Team. No marketer worth their salt would ever let a golden opportunity like this pass them up.

Izzy: Anyway, I think the D-3s might have sent a message to Andromon's memory banks which then made him--AUGH!!! DemiVeemon: Please finish talking after we eat! Davis: HUH!? Ugh, we forgot about dinner! Tai: That's right! Our parents are waiting for us! The food's probably cold and soggy by now. Of course, for my mom, that's an improvement. Let's go!

The curse of the missing sound effects strikes again. Nobody's stomachs rumble, which leaves Izzy suddenly reacting to nothing in particular. DemiVeemon's line at least flows into Davis's without the gurgle. There is a sound for him, but it's a wacky spring sound to signal his distressing realization.

Fortunately, they still managed to make Izzy shut up about whatever he's wrong about now. XD No, Izzy, the D-3s did not "send a message to Andromon's memory banks".

Meanwhile, poor Yamato is already home and desperately trying to finish that dinner he promised.

Hiroaki: You're awfully late today, Yamato. If I'd known, I could have gotten something while I was out. Yamato: It's fine. I'll get it made.

The nagging won't get it cooked any faster, Hiroaki. I'm starting to understand why you're divorced.

Hiroaki: Oh, did something happen? Yamato: (fuming, thinking) I have to go on a date! Daisuke, you owe me big for this one. (Smoke begins to rise from the pan while Yamato's not paying attention) Hiroaki: Hey, Yamato! Something's burning.... Yamato: (snaps out of it) Huh!? Oh, crap!

Never mind, Hiroaki. Nag away. You lose the high ground when you set the apartment on fire.

Across town, Ken's mother wheels Ken's dinner to his room on a fucking cart.

Mother: Ken-chan? I'm leaving your dinner here.

As if this is simply routine, she leaves the cart outside Ken's door and leaves.

Inside Ken's room, he's already returned from the Digital World. He sits in the dark, illuminated only by the glow of his monitor, and stews.

Ken: So then, to control them at Perfect-stage... Does this mean the Evil Ring is insufficient?

We leave the episode here, with Ken pondering the results of this recent trial run. I'm sure good things will come of this.

In the dub:

Hiroaki: Some girl named Jun called today, Matt, and she said you had a date with her on Friday. She wanted me to tell you that she made dinner reservations for you two at Morealis (???). Matt: Morealis? What's that? Hiroaki: The most expensive restaurant in town. Matt: (fuming, thinking) This is all Davis's fault. I can't believe I have to take his sister out on a date! Hiroaki: Hey Matt, something smells great! I'm getting hungry? Matt: (snaps out of it) Huh!? Uagh... dinner's ready!?

Dub Jun is incredibly proactive. Holy shit, she is milking this for all it's worth.

The dub leaves the audience to infer the state of dinner, based both on the massive amounts of smoke and Matt's horrified reaction. XD

Ken's Mother: Supper time! Ken, dear! You're busy. I'll leave it outside your door! (Ken's mom leaves the cart; Cut to interior) Ken: Blast, those Digivices are becoming a nuisance to me! I've gotta get them away from those kids! Narrator: What is the Digimon Emperor's plot against the DigiDestined? Find out next time on Digimon: Digital Monsters!

And we close the dub with one last scrubbing of all mention of Perfect-stage Digimon.

Implicitly agreeing with Izzy that the D-3 was responsible for the Andromon incident, Dub Ken schemes to strip the DigiDestined of their Digivices. That's not what's driving the plot forward though so we'll see if that gets followed up on or not.

Also, his mom is much more upbeat and positive about the cart thing. In contrast to Japanese Mama, she makes it sound like she's actually expecting Ken to come out at first.

Assessment: Okay. So. I need to go off about this.

The fun thing about the triangle dynamic between Daisuke, Takeru, and Hikari is that Takeru and Hikari have a close friendship but not one that is necessarily romantic. Though one that absolutely could be romantic, and the creators are not shy about teasing them as a ship. See above, re: Takeru's hand in shippy places in the back of that one shot.

But while certain other pairings absolutely do close off into canon coupling, Takeru and Hikari remain ambiguous, and that makes the dynamic with Daisuke so much more interesting. Daisuke is jealous of the close bond Takeru and Hikari have right from the start, but misdiagnoses it as Takeru and Hikari coupling up.

While we, the audience, know exactly what it is. Whether or not there are romantic feelings involved is irrelevant. What Daisuke's jealous of is Takeru and Hikari's bond of shared experiences that no one their age could possibly understand or relate to. They went to war together. They dangled from that rope over Piemon's observatory together.

Hikari is not interested in Daisuke romantically. But that disinterest is unrelated to whatever feelings she may or may not have for Takeru. Whether she does or doesn't, she doesn't need to have feelings for Takeru to not want to go out with Daisuke.

Daisuke declared Takeru to be his love rival on day 1, to Takeru's eternal confusion. Daisuke thinks this is a love triangle. But what's really going on here is that Daisuke is shadow-boxing Hikari and Takeru's fire-forged bond of mutual trauma. And losing.

This episode really emphasizes how much of a rookie Daisuke is. Both in terms of his understanding of Digimon metaphysics and also with the core dynamics of the Chosen Children nakama. He is very much The New Guy, a position he chafes at.

Nonetheless, despite spending a decent chunk of it on Takeru and Daisuke, this episode is about neither of them. It's about Hikari and, specifically, how much she means to the people in her life due to her strength of will and force of personality.

It's a combination of factors that make the Evil Ring break down.

Perfect-stage Digimon are too powerful to reliably be controlled.

Hikari weaponizing her relationship with Andromon to compel him to resist.

Hikari's intrinsic holy light, channeled through her Digivice, doing what it used to do to Black Gears.

All three of these factors together resulted in Andromon's unprecedented moment of willfully breaking free from the Kaiser's control device.

This was only possible because Andromon is Perfect, but this was Hikari's victory.

#digimon #digimon adventure 02 #revisiting digimon #revisiting digimon adventure 02

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