#pan taichi

[pan-kuzu]

Michi Week 2023 - Day 1: Tie the String

Happy Michi Week! @taichixmimi

[tobiasdrake]

Digimon Adventure 01x41 - The Raging Sea King! MetalSeadramon / Sea-Sick and Tired

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Piemon invited the Chosen Children to see the show he's been rehearsing. But when they weren't very impressed, he started stabbing people instead. Fucking auteurs, man. Some people can't handle a little criticism.

I would love to tell you where that leaves us, but before we can begin, the dub needs to finish the previous episode first.

We open on Piximon giving the kids' barrier bubble a hard bop again.

Piximon: You're as ready as you'll ever be! Go get 'em! (Piximon bops the bubble and sends them away) Izzy: I think that was meant to be encouraging. Kari: (flatly) He has an awful lot of confidence in us. (Piximon turns and faces the Dark Masters) Piedmon: You may have fooled those silly children with this brave act, but we know better, don't we? Piximon: What makes you think it's just an act!? (Slow pan out from the coliseum) Kari: Oh, it doesn't seem right just leaving him there-- OHH!? (bright flash) Tai: (matter of factly) Remember, he wanted it this way.

Izzy shits on Piximon's last words. Kari's like "Maybe we should go back OH GOD HE DIED." It's hilarious the way the explosion signifying his death suddenly spooks her like that during her line, and I genuinely don't know if it was meant to be. Then Tai's like "Eh, it was his call. Moving on." XD Wow, guys.

Today's episode begins with the Children at their destination. Lost in a thick fog, they can't make heads or tails of where Piccolomon's final barrier brought them to.

Taichi: Where are we? Sora: There's sand under our feet. Yamato: We could be in a desert. Koushiro: Uh, I smell salt.... Mimi: Are those waves? Jou: It's the ocean!

There's something funny about Yamato speculating that we might be in a desert while we clearly see the ocean in front of them. Dramatic irony isn't just for drama.

The fog gradually lifts, giving the kids a better view of their surroundings.

Takeru: I'm starting to see things more clearly. Hikari: The fog is disappearing.

Once the kids can see more clearly, Taichi and Yamato check on the others.

Taichi: Are you all okay? Sora: No, we aren't okay. Everyone's exhausted. Yamato: In any case, do we know where we are?

Being bounced like ping-pong balls between the Dark Masters hasn't left the children in the best of states. Poor Mimi had to watch an old friend sacrifice his life for her, and also Chuumon. This was not the victory lap that the kids, high on success and new Ultimate evolutions, were anticipating.

The dub uses the clearing of the fog as a bit of an awkward transition line. Tai speaks up to announce that it's clearing while we're still fading from Piximon's death explosion to the foggy beach in the first place.

Tai: Look, the fog is finally clearing! Joe: Great. Now we can clearly see that we're lost! Izzy: It's more productive to think of ourselves as on our way, Joe. Matt: (sarcastically) Tch, yeah. I feel better already. T.K.: All I know is that I'm getting pretty hungry! Kari: And I'm getting cold! Tai: But everybody's okay, right? Besides being hungry and cold and lost.... Sora: Don't forget frightened, tired, and upset about PIximon. Matt: Otherwise, we're fine.

They start by taking out the geographic guessing game banter and exchange it for bickering. Honestly, though, I do like the bickering here and the subsequent conversation about the group's feelings. It conveys the impression that these kids are high-strung and are psychologically hanging on by a thread right now. What happened has utterly shattered their confidence plus, as Sora points out, they're all grieving on top of it.

The kids look around to try and get their bearings. They quickly find an incredibly helpful landmark.

Koushiro: I feel like I've been here before... Ah!

As soon as Koushiro gasps, everyone whips around to see what he's looking at. Probably a good reflex for them to have developed in this place.

There, on the beach, are the destroyed remains of a series of phone booths.

Koushiro: Broken telephone booths....

Taichi, Yamato, and their Digimon all stare in wide-eyed shock, gasping. Flashback to the phone booths before they were destroyed.

Yamato: Ah! It's those telephone booths! Taichi: You're right. This is the beach on File Island where we met our Digimon for the first time and set off on our journey.

Taichi's remark is a little dry, but it's been thirty-nine episodes since we saw these phone booths. It's probably a good idea to explain the context for kids who hopped in somewhere in the middle.

In the dub:

Izzy: I have a feeling we've been here before. Wait a minute, look! (Everyone looks at the phone booths) Izzy: Those smashed-up phone booths! Sora: You don't think that they could be the same ones, do you? Tai: Of course! I can't believe it. This whole time, we thought we were making all this progress but now it looks like we've just been traveling in one big circle!

Tai, what the fuck are you talking about?

We did not "travel in one big circle" and end up here. That's not.

We did not get here by traveling. Our goal wasn't traveling in the first place. There was... A lot of plot has....

What?

I am genuinely baffled by the words that the dub team chose to put in Tai's mouth. It still captures the idea that we have returned to a place we were once at but his outrage over "traveling in a circle" and unmaking our progress is contextually bizarre.

Meanwhile, the Dark Masters have retreated to the top of Spiral Mountain, where Piemon has scouted the children's location with his giant-ass telescope.

Piemon: I've spotted the Chosen Children and their Digimon. MetalSeadramon: As the king of the seas, the coast belongs to me. The lives of the Chosen Children and their Digimon are mine to take. Now, who should I use from my Deep Savers Ankoku Gundan?

MetalSeadramon's army is called "Deep Savers Ankoku Gundan", mixing English and Japanese while directly referencing the name of the V-Pet release that he's from. Fans of mech anime might recognize that last word; gundan is the Japanese word for military armed forces.

Ankoku, meanwhile, means "darkness" - not quite "evil" as the subtitle up there suggests. Though darkness and evil are often related ideas, it's best here to not be poetic with it and leave it at darkness due to the association with MetalSeadramon's faction. Fitting that a Dark Master would have an ankoku gundan.

(From an American perspective, calling them an army also seems weird because. Like. They aren't ground troops. They'd be more like Marines over here. But different cultures have different standards for armed forces terminology.)

If you were to try to localize this for Americans, something like the "Deep Savers Dark Forces" would make sense to me. The dub has its own solution: Not mentioning that MetalSeadramon has an army at his disposal at all.

Piedmon: How small they look from here. Like ants! Strange that such little creatures could cause SO MUCH TROUBLE!!! MetalSeadramon: They won't for long! They're standing on the edge of my territory now: The sea! I'll be the one to finish these DigiDestined once and for all! Piedmon: Hmm, bold words! But you're not the first to make such a boast, MetalSeadramon! MetalSeadramon: But I will be the last! They'll be shark bait before the day is through!

...okay, now it's Piedmon's turn in the "What the fuck are you on about?" chair. He's so mad and. Like. The kids haven't fucking done anything yet. XD

Piedmon is coming at this from the angle of Rita Repulsa plotting her 87th scheme to destroy the Power Rangers but. Like. At this point, the Dark Masters have had one altercation with the Chosen Children that they handily won. Why is he so mad?

Piedmon is so mad that MetalSeadramon doesn't even get to bring up his Deep Savers Ankoku Gundan.

Why is everybody so mad? XD

While MetalSeadramon is picking out his forces, the Children try and figure out next steps.

Koushiro: Since we're back on File Island.... Yamato: Is there a meaning to it? Sora: We must have been sent to File Island for a reason, right? Taichi: But what are we supposed to do here-- Voice: HELP ME!!!

The kids look and see some poor 'mon flailing and screaming out in the ocean.

Takeru: Someone's drowning! Hikari: We have to help them! Takeru: But our Digimon are tired.... Hikari: Then we help them ourselves! Takeru: Oh!

Hikari sprints for the shoreline, ready to dive into the water and swim out there herself - with Takeru trailing behind her. Fortunately, Taichi and Yamato's Big Brother Alarms start blaring in their brains and they jump in, physically stopping their younger siblings.

Yamato: TAKERU!!! Taichi: Hikari, wait! Let's all go help them. Yamato: We can use that canoe over there.

Leaving their Digimon Partners on the shore, the eight children pile into the convenient nearby canoe. This definitely is not a trap.

In the dub, the kids are still inexplicably whining that returning to File Island again somehow means they've accomplished nothing.

Matt: So we've just gone in one big circle, huh? Makes the whole thing seem kinda pointless, doesn't it? Sora: Hold on, maybe that's it! Maybe the pointlessness of it is the whole point! Agumon: Say what? Tai: (sarcastic) Thanks for the philosophy; That's a big help. Voice: HEEEELP SAVE ME!!! Mimi: Look! Out there! Someone's drowning! Kari: Somebody's gotta do something! T.K.: They're too tired; They'll be drowned themselves. Kari: Okay, then in that case, we'll have to go! (Tai and Matt intervene) Tai: Kari! Matt: Yo, wait up, T.K. Tai: Maybe someone bigger should go. Matt: We can use that outrigger. T.K.: I'm coming too! Kari: ME TOO!!! Tai: Okay, okay. Sora: Wait up! I'm coming too! Mimi: I can help!

I want to make a "The real xyz was the friends we made along the way" joke but I genuinely do not know what the kids think they have failed to achieve by returning here.

Matt's totally casual, "Yo, wait up" made me laugh. What a weird vibe. XD

I do like that Sora and Mimi volunteer themselves to help, rather than Taichi speaking for the group that they'll all go do this.

Making the worst decision imaginable, the children set out by themselves to go help the drowning 'mon.

Voice: HELP ME!!! HELP ME!!!

As the children approach, their target starts to come into view. A single horn sticking up from the water, with an inflatable tube around it.

Mimi: ...huh? How can they be drowning when they have an inflatable tube?

Suddenly, Shellmon explodes up from the water, with the rinky-dink tube dangling from one of their shell spikes.

Shellmon: SHELLLLLLLLLMOOOOOOOOON!!! Taichi: HUH!?!? Hikari: Do you know them, Onii-chan? Taichi: We fought them once before! We can't win this! RUN FOR IT!

Gotta appreciate Shellmon screaming their name like a Pokemon in case there's any confusion about which Digimon this is. XD Togemon does this too sometimes and I am just. I'm a sucker for any time a fighter shouts their own name as a battle cry and lunges into combat.

In the dub:

Voice: HELP ME!!! HEEEELP!!! Tai & Matt: Stroke! Stroke! Stroke! Stroke! Voice: (deep voice) Hohoho hahahaha! Mimi: Did his voice get lower or what? (Shellmon ambush) Shellmon: RAAARGH!!!

The dub puts a commercial break here, as Shellmon reveals himself. Good spot to use for that commercial cliffhanger. Then we come back to Shellmon revealing himself again.

Shellmon: RAAARGH!!! Tai: Whoa! Kari: Guys! A sea monster! Tai: You can say that again! That's Shellmon, and he's not here to play water polo! PADDLE LIKE CRAZY!!!

So, the bad is that we lose Mimi pointing out the WTF of Shellmon's inflatable tube. The dub goes out of its way to give her something else to comment on instead, leaving the tube as an unremarked upon weird visual. Sometimes it feels like they make different choices just for the sake of being different.

The good is that "Paddle like crazy!" is a fantastically flavorful way to translate "Nigero!" pronounced nee-geh-roh, the Japanese verb for fleeing from something. A+

The children paddle for shore as fast as they can, but Shellmon gives chase.

Shellmon: (chasing) LET ME DROWN YOU ALL!!! Agumon: FASTER, HUMANS!!!

The humans do not acquiesce to Shellmon's request, forcing them to swim after them.

Mimi: AHHH!!! THEY'RE CLOSING IN!!!

Shellmon gets close enough to try and bite down on the canoe, but the kids manage to paddle away too quickly for their jaw to hit its mark. Sinking under the water, Shellmon instead picks up speed and smashes through the 'iako connecting the main body of the canoe to its ama.

Shellmon: (exploding up from the water again) THERE'S NO ESCAPE!!! Agumon: We have to push down our fatigue and go save them! Pyokomon: WAIT!!! Mochimon: Let us take care of this.

Mochimon, Pyokomon, Tanemon, and Pukamon volunteer to step in so that Agumon, Gabumon, Tailmon, and Patamon can rest.

The dub, of course, cuts Shellmon directly saying he wants to drown the children.

Shellmon: There's no escaping! You're in my element now! Agumon: Come on, guys! Move it! Tai: (panicked) Stroke! Stroke! Stroke! Stroke! Stroke! Stroke! (Shellmon closes in) Mimi: He's right on top of us! Izzy: Watch out! (Shellmon misses his bite) Mimi: Eugh, that breath. EVER HEAR OF FLOSSING!?!? Tai: (panicked) Stroke! Stroke! Hey, are you guys paddling or am I just talking to myself!? (Shellmon breaks the 'iako and re-emerges) Shellmon: RAAARGH!!! Agumon: We may be exhausted, but we can't just sit here! We've gotta help! Motimon: No! Leave it to us; You save your Digi-strength!

A lot more dialogue in the dub version of this chase, including two separate laugh lines: a Mimi Quip violently stabbed into Shellmon's face and Tai pissing himself while trying to be leaderly. Both of these are great. XD

The four Babies evolve into Tentomon, Piyomon, Palmon, and Gomamon, then throw themselves into the fight. Gomamon swims out towards Shellmon with Piyomon and Tentomon flanking him in the air. Palmon remains on the shore.

Palmon snags Shellmon with her Poison Ivy, jerking his attention away from the humans. Once he stops and focuses on the attackers, she lets go. Piyomon and Tentomon move in, strafing Shellmon from above with alternating shots of Petit Thunder and Magical Fire.

For his part, Gomamon's Marching Fishes surround the canoe. Gomamon takes the back of the canoe, swimming with his fishes and ushering the humans safely away from the battleground.

Peppered by enemy fire, Shellmon withdraws into his shell screaming for help.

Shellmon: For real, HELP ME!!!

Shellmon flees beneath the ocean waves, retreating from the fight and leaving behind the inflatable tube. A bit too overenthusiastic, Piyomon and Tentomon try to chase after him, plunging into the ocean and ending up having to use Shellmon's tube to save themselves.

The dub adds a silence-breaker to the kids' Marching Fishes escape.

Tai: Whoa! That's more like it! This is the way to travel!

Then when Shellmon has to retreat, his line is:

Shellmon: Oh, forget this!

Which isn't nearly as funny as his original line.

With Shellmon defeated, the children and their Digimon partners regroup at the beach.

Taichi: I know everyone's tired, but I do think our Digimon are definitely getting stronger! Hikari: Onii-chan, how do you know that? Taichi: When we fought Shellmon before, we could only win after Agumon evolved into Greymon.

Taichi flashes back on Agumon's first evolution.

I'd be remiss not to point out that this isn't a fair comparison. Agumon was the only one capable of fighting back then because the rest of the team was starving. If Agumon had to solo Shellmon now, he'd probably still have a hard time.

But, to Taichi's point, the Digimon were all recently pummeled by the Dark Masters so it's not like they're in pristine condition now. They still managed to pull it together and chase off Shellmon as a team despite it all.

Taichi: This time, we didn't need Agumon to evolve. Agumon: That's because we worked together as a team! Taichi: But Greymon's power alone should still be greater than everyone's powers put together! Hikari: Maybe Shellmon got weaker? Taichi: No. I'm certain that this means each of our Digimon are getting stronger. Honestly, I've been wondering up to this point what Piccolomon meant earlier....

Flashback to their escape from the Dark Masters.

Taichi: Piccolomon, we made it this way believing that as long as the eight of us were together, we could save both worlds. But-- Piccolomon: It's true that the eight of you are together pi but that alone isn't enough to win pi.

Back in the present, Taichi presents his conclusion.

Taichi: I think he was trying to say that we have to get stronger.

In the dub:

Tai: I know they're all dead tired and they may not feel like it at the moment, but I think today proved that our Digimon are getting stronger and stronger. Kari: That would be great, but what makes you think so? Tai: I remember the last time we took on Shellmon. Agumon had to Digivolve into Greymon before we could finally beat him. And even then, it was close! (Flashback to Greymon absolutely working over Shellmon) Tai: But this time, they beat him easily without Greymon! Agumon: Yeah, but don't forget, Tai: They ganged up on him. It was four of them against one. Tai: But they didn't have to Digivolve as far to do it. I still say it means you're stronger than you were. Kari: Or maybe Shellmon's just weaker than he was. Tai: How come everyone's being such a downer all of a sudden!? I'm trying to be positive here! Besides, I still can't get out of my mind something that Piximon said to me back there. (Flashback to Piximon) Tai: But you said it was possible to save the planet if the eight of us were all together! How come it's not happening, huh? What's up, Piximon!? Piximon: The truth is, being together is not enough. There's something else that you need to do to beat 'em. (Back to present) Tai: I think he meant we had to get stronger! And that's just what's happening!

In light of Taichi's suggestion, the rest of the group discuss with their Partners.

Sora: I think so too! Piyomon: You do? Yamato: You've grown up well. Gabumon: When you put it like that, I feel it too. Tentomon: Koushiro-han, do you think that way about me? Koushiro: Well, bit by bit, maybe. Tentomon: (faceplant) Yaghyagh.... Patamon: Have I matured too? Takeru: Yeah! Of course you have! Tailmon: What about me? Hikari: We only joined the Chosen Children recently, so I think it's too early to tell. Tailmon: (droops) Oh. That's disappointing. Agumon: Don't worry! All of us will get stronger! Tailmon: Yeah, you're right!

Poor Tailmon. But, I mean, to be fair... This is like her third day with Hikari. The others have been with their partners for months.

Don't worry, Tailmon. If it helps, remember that you're a stage above them all so you're technically the strongest one here.

In the dub:

Sora: Yeah, maybe Tai's right. Biyomon: I feel stronger! Matt: Come to think of it, you are looking kind of buff. Gabumon: Thanks very much. That's a compliment, right? Tentomon: Do I look stronger to you, Izzy? Izzy: I don't know, make a muscle. Tentomon: (faceplant) I WAS!!! Patamon: Do I look different, T.K.? T.K.: Yeah, you look buffed out to the max! Gatomon: Kari? Kari: Well, to be honest, you don't look any different to me. But give it time, Gatomon; You'll catch up with the rest. Gatomon: (droops) If you say so.... Agumon: Come to think of it, your coat's looking glossier. Gatomon: Really? You think?

Dub passed up a prime opportunity to have Izzy be a dick in a way that's 100% consistent to the original, but the replacement gag is pretty good too.

I don't like Kari's line. Hikari made the salient point that they're both newcomers so they haven't had time for Tailmon to grow from where she was when Hikari met her. She makes no comparison to the others, but points out that she can't congratulate Tailmon for "growth" when they've barely known each other for long.

Kari, on the other hand, directly compares Gatomon to the rest of the team and calls her abilities inferior. Rather than saying that Gatomon hasn't improved much since they met, she says that Gatomon's fallen behind her peers; That is a completely different sentiment, and one not really supported by what we know of her.

Suddenly, the kids notice the sun shining a little brighter, as the heat begins to distort distant things around them.

Taichi: Huh!? Is that a mirage!?

In the distance, the kids notice a strange hut on the beach, distorted by the heat.

Yamato: There's a beach house! Takeru: Did there used to be a beach house on the coast of File Island? Koushiro: That's not a beach house on the coast of File Island. That's a mirage of a beach house on the coast of File Island. Tentomon: No! That's a real beach house on the coast of File Island!

This is a bit repetitive but it flows better in Japanese. Basically, they're all having fun saying the words "File-tou no kaigan ni" at the start of each sentence, which comes through with a nice rhythmic flow.

Metal Gear Solid alert noise but as a flash mob.

An interesting cultural note about this obvious second trap: In Japanese folklore, mirages are created by the breath of clams. I'm not 100% but to my understanding, mirages bubble up from the sea as images of the great city beneath the ocean, from which the dragon god who rules the sea presides. No one who chases these images ever returns.

We've heard a little about the mythical sea dragon god before. Back at the "Pagumon village", Mimi misremembered a folktale about her favorite character Otohime, daughter of said dragon god. Obviously, here in the Digital World, the sea dragon god is MetalSeadramon.

So. Y'know. Don't trust fucking mirages when you're at war with Otohime's papa. Where this building came from doesn't get explained, but there's a cultural implication that MetalSeadramon manifested it via the mirage.

The dub kicks us off with a silence-breaking quip.

Matt: (sarcastic) Did it get brighter all of a sudden, or is it just Tai's sunny disposition? Tai: ...maybe it's like a mirage.... Matt: Huh!? Was that shack there before? T.K.: Maybe somebody moved in while we were gone? Mimi: Mmm, something smells suspiciously like food! Izzy: Let's take it easy, everyone. Remember, we're in the Digi-World where not everything is what it appears to be. Tentomon: Looks may be deceiving, but smells? That's something else, and I definitely smell grilling hambugers! See? It's a snack bar! Burgers, sodas, ice cream, pizza!

Genuinely surprised that Tai didn't use his line to clap back at Matt.

The File-tou no kaigan ni bit isn't going to translate, so they replace it with discussion of a delicious smell flowing out of the mirage.

Ravenous with hunger and gullible as ever, the children fantasize about all the delicious food that might be in the beach house.

I love the little American flag poking out of the cheeseburger. XD

The mob swarms towards the building.

Taichi: Ramen! Agumon: Curried rice! Takeru: Ice cream! Tentomon: Yakisoba noodles!

They're all in such a hurry that Jou accidentally clips the back of of Mimi's foot, pinning down her boot and forcing her to trip and fall out of it. Mimi faceplants into the beach sand.

Jou picks up Mimi's boot, handing it back to her.

Jou: Ah, I'm sorry! Mimi: Mrrgh.... Gomamon: Oh, come on.... What the heck are you guys doing!? Mimi: They others are going to get all the food if we don't catch up! Jou & Mimi: EHHHH!?!?

Absolutely nobody has stopped for them. The other kids eagerly rush inside the hut.

In the dub:

Tai: Mirage or not, I'll take my chances! GANGWAY!!! Group: (Miscellaneous cheering and hooting) (Joe trips Mimi. He stops to return her boot.) Joe: Sorry, Mimi. Mimi: Oh, thanks. Gomamon: Come on, what are you two waiting for!? Palmon: Yeah, they're going to eat everything without us! Joe: Huh? Mimi: UGH!!!

They cut out the kids yelling out specific food items they want to eat, probably because they already had Tentomon run down the list of American Food Things a moment ago. Otherwise, pretty faithful.

Once (six out of eight) Chosen Children are inside, the trap is sprung. The shack is completely empty, and a sudden sandstorm kicks up and seals the door in sand. Then their assailant reveals himself.

Anomalocarimon: (rising from the sands) ANOMALOCARIMON!!!

Anomalocarimon is a Perfect-stage Data-type Ancient Crustacean Digimon. Their name and design both stem from the ancient anomalocaris. They're the other Data Perfect for the Deep Savers line; Cousin to MegaSeadramon and capable of evolving into MetalSeadramon. Clearly a member of the Deep Savers Ankoku Gundan.

Narrator: Anomalocarimon. An Ancient Crustacean Digimon. By crossing their forelimbs together, they unleash their special attack Stinger Surprise! Anomalocarimon: This isn't your average beach house! This is a death house that will drain away all your energy! Yamato: What!? Anomalocarimon: SUNA SHOWER!!!

Anomalocarimon's Stinger Surprise is entirely in English, but Suna (Sand) Shower mixes English and Japanese.

I'm a little sad that Anomalocarimon didn't say "This isn't some beach house on the coast of File Island! This is a death house on the coast of File Island!"

The death house glows with a bright light that begins draining the kids and their Digimon. Anomalocarimon's Sand shower sprays sand from his mouth, forcing the kids to the ground. Taichi takes Takeru and Hikari in his arms, trying to protect them both as the sand shower forces everyone down.

In the dub, Sora speaks up when they notice the door sealing behind them. Also, the dub refers to this Digimon as Scorpiomon, attempting to pass them off as a scorpion.

Sora: What's that!? It's a trap! (Scorpiomon reveals themselves) Scorpiomon: Whuh-hahaha! Snack time! Patamon: (rundown) It's Scorpiomon! One of MetalSeadramon's flunkies. Between his pinches and his tail, it's hard to know which end of him is worse! Scorpiomon: Sorry, but the only munchies around here are you! Now, say goodnight! It's bedtime! Matt: (challenging) Yeah!? Scorpiomon: Yeah! SCORPION STORM!!! (Scorpiomon sprays down everyone with sand) Sora: ...can't...breathe...can't...eugh....

How would Patamon know who MetalSeadramon's flunkies are? We met him like an hour ago.

The dub misses the exposition that the mirage house drains energy, sort of like what Etemon's Love Serenade would do to them. So they just sort of give up without a fight in that version.

Fortunately, thanks to an overeager mistake, only six of the eight children were caught in this trap. The other two remain outside.

Mimi: Those voices! Jou: Did something happen to the others? Gomamon: Let's go see! Palmon: Yeah!

Mimi and Jou hurry to the beach house with their Partners, where they find the doorway blocked up with sand.

Jou: (gasp) This is-- Gomamon: Shh!

Realizing they're standing on the outer fringe of a trap, the group falls quiet. They sneak around to the side of the house and peek in through the blinds, where they see the rest of their nakama unconscious and covered in sand within.

Comically, all four shriek in horror, then clap hands over each other's mouths and shush each other. Great job, team. Way to flex that one shared brain cell. XD

In the dub:

Mimi: (gasp) Joe: Those sounds never mean anything good! Gomamon: Let's go! (The quartet sprints to the beach house) Mimi: (disappointed) Oh, no! Something tells me this means no chili dogs. (Everyone gasps, then creeps up and spies through the window) Mimi: Oh, wow! What's happened to them? Are they... Could they be.... (Everyone gasps in shock then shushes each other)

Mimi gets two silence-breaker lines added. The first one is an inappropriately-timed Mimi Quip but a pretty fair one, I think. Mimi once got so hangry that it thwarted Devimon's schemes. I can believe that being her kneejerk reaction.

The second one is... Is Mimi implying that she thinks the rest of the team is dead? It feels like that's the implication she left hanging there. Which is super dark yet tonally appropriate. They're alive, but not for lack of trying!

I like these extra lines. ^_^

While Mimi and Jou remain hidden around the side of the house, MetalSeadramon's laughter suddenly cuts through the air. He congratulates his soldier on a job well done.

Jou and Mimi eavesdrop on MetalSeadramon's meeting with Anomalocarimon.

MetalSeadramon: Ahahaha! Great work, Anomalocarimon! I expect no less from a member of my Deep Savers Ankoku Gundan. Here is your payment.

MetalSeadramon rewards Anomalocarimon with a shower of tasty clams to eat.

Are these the same clams whose breath created the beach house mirage? Or different ones? No idea. But it's a boon that Anomalocarimon is thrilled to receive.

Anomalocarimon: YIPPEE!!! ANOMALOCARIMOOOOON!!!

Anomalocarimon digs into the clams, eating one after another and tossing the shells. One shell bops Gomamon on the head.

Gomamon: Augh! Palmon: Shhh! MetalSeadramon: Huh?

The towering sea dragon turns his head to the tree line, following that unexpected sound. Palmon grabs Gomamon and presses herself against a tree, while Jou and Mimi lay flat against the ground. After a moment MetalSeadramon stops caring and leaves for the beach house.

MetalSeadramon: Mm. Time for annihilation.

In the dub:

MetalSeadramon: Hehehe haha.... Well done, Scorpiomon. These DigiDestined are not so difficult to handle after all! Here's your reward. (Clam shower) Scorpiomon: OOOOH, CLAMS!!! Thank you! Thank you, boss! I just love clams! I just can't get enough of them! (A discarded clamshell bops Gomamon) Gomamon: Ow... Palmon: Shhh! MetalSeadramon: WHAT WAS THAT!?!? Scorpiomon: What is it, boss? You want some? MetalSeadramon: QUIET!!! I thought I heard something. (The DigiDestined pass their stealth check) Scorpiomon: I didn't hear anything. MetalSeadramon: Hmph. (heads out) Well, now to finish them off.

More silence-breakers added to break up the tense moment where MetalSeadramon nearly catches them. This one's a mixed bag; We lose that tension and suspense, but gain a fun little exchange between dipshit minion and his superior.

As MetalSeadramon approaches the beach house, he finds the door blocked off and realizes he'll need a clever way of getting inside-- No, I'm kidding, he moves through it like butter.

MetalSeadramon looks over the captured children for a moment, then withdraws his head from the shack.

MetalSeadramon: ...there are eight Chosen Children. Two of them aren't here.

Another carelessly discarded clamshell strikes MetalSeadramon on the snout, bouncing harmlessly off his invulnerable plating.

MetalSeadramon: And you're just stuffing your face!? Anomalocarimon: (nervous) Ehh...? MetalSeadramon: Hurry up and go find the remaining Chosen Children! Anomalocarimon: A-a-a-a-ANOMALOCARIMOOOON!!! (scurries off)

Realizing he's after them, Jou and Mimi shriek one last time, this time giving their positions away. Abandoning stealth, they flee across the beach.

Anomalocarimon: (aggressive) ANOMALOCARIMON!!!

The dub has some more extra dialogue for MetalSeadramon.

MetalSeadramon: (breaking through the house) Hehehehe! Eight little gnats and their Digimon accomplices. ...hmm.... (MetalSeadramon withdraws his head) MetalSeadramon: What's this!? There's supposed to be eight of them! Two of them are missing! (Clamshell bop) MetalSeadramon: YOU CHUCKLE-HEADED COCKLESHELL!!! Stop eating and find the other two NOW!!! Scorpiomon: Oh, you got it! Right away! I'm on it! (scurries off) (Scorpiomon chases down Jou and Mimi) Scorpiomon: Come back here! (wheeze wheeze) Oh, I hate it when they do this. Hey! Slow down! (gets closer) Aha! I gotcha now!

MetalSeadramon calls Scorpiomon a "cockleshell" with all the energy of telling someone in elementary school to "Kiss my ass-phalt". XD

Neither Jou nor Mimi being especially athletic, Anomalocarimon gains ground quickly. We go to commercial break and come back to Jou and Mimi's legs giving out. They fall into the sand, gasping for breath.

This would be opportune for Anomalocarimon, but they too run out of strength and collapse into the sand, gasping for breath.

Anomalocarimon: ...they're so fast....

Something about this situation motives the kids to get their second wind more quickly than their pursuer, and they get back up and bolt. Anomalocarimon forces themself to resume the chase, ultimately thwarted when the kids take cover behind a rock.

Look, anomalocaris was an aquatic predator. Their biology is not suited to running. You might as well ask a dolphin to chase down a chimpanzee in a land race.

The dub makes this even more pathetic for Scorpiomon.

Scorpiomon: (collapses) ...too many clams for lunch.... (Joe and Mimi get up and run) Scorpiomon: Oh no! Not again! Come on! COME ON!!! ...I'm not built for this. Gomamon: This way! THIS WAY!!!

XD Oh man, I am loving the dub's take on Scorpiomon. He's such a weenie. I adore the line "I'm not built for this" because in addition a weenie whine, it's factually correct. He's actually not!

What the hell is MetalSeadramon doing? Is he kicking back and watching Anomalocarimon flail? Taking notes for Anomalocarimon's next performance review? Dark Master MetalSeadramon coiled up in the sand watching both groups faint into the sand and sit there for however long, going, "...really?"

Meanwhile, six vulnerable Chosen Children are going unannihilated because MetalSeadramon is letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. If he can't kill all eight then he's not going to touch a single one!

Finally giving up on the foot chase, Anomalocarimon decides on a new approach. While the children take cover behind the rock, Anomalocarimon burrows into the ground.

Mimi, Jou, and their Partners catch their breath behind the safety of the rock.

Palmon: No more.... Jou: We have to fight.... Gomamon: You're right....

While Mimi and Palmon remain behind the rock, Jou and Gomamon emerge to confront Anomalocarimon. All they find is the hole left in the ground where they burrowed.

Mimi: What's wrong? Jou: Anomalocarimon is... gone.... Gomamon: They ran away! Mimi: (emerges) They could be hiding.... Palmon: If only we could evolve.... Gomamon: Yeah, but we're tired and starving so-- Oh! We can just scrounge for something!

The Digimon have gotten used to the human world, where food comes out of the refrigerator. That's only occasionally true on File Island.

Gomamon quickly digs up a pair of clams, while Palmon pulls some seaweed out of the ocean.

Gomamon: Looks tasty! Palmon: Found this!

Gomamon and Palmon eagerly fill their stomachs and restore their stamina.

In the dub, Scorpiomon remains hilariously pitiful.

Scorpiomon: Oh, forget it! (burrows) Joe: I can't... run anymore... we'll just have to... stand and fight.... Gomamon: Right! (Joe and Gomamon emerge) Gomamon: Huh? We may not have to.... Mimi: What happened? Joe: I don't know, but he's gone! Gomamon: Haha! What a lucky break! Mimi: Lucky for us, he doesn't work out. Palmon: Ugh, I'm getting my exercise right now. My roots are exhausted. Gomamon: And I am so hungry I could just about eat seaweed. Hey, wait! Lookit! (Gomamon and Palmon scrounge up food)

The lines at Scorpiomon's expense are great. Good casual dialogue.

The dub's take on the food search doesn't click, though. This is kind of an important moment, as we see the Digimon reacquaint themselves with scavenging the Digital World for food after being in the human world for a while.

The problem is posed: We can't evolve because we're hungry. Then the Digimon remember how to solve that problem their way, rather than being led astray by easy answers like the illusory beach house, which have so often been too good to be true.

This doesn't come across in the dub, where the vibe is simply, "Oh I'm hungry; Let's eat." We don't get to see the transformation of their way of thinking from human world comfort back to Digital World survivalism.

Down beneath the waves, Anomalocarimon notices one of Gomamon's carelessly discarded clamshells sinking beneath the water. Surprised, they poke their head back up to see what's up.

The other clamshell bops Anomalocarimon right in the joystick antennae thing that is not their eye but can easily be mistaken for it.

Anomalocarimon: Ow! ANOMALOCARIMON!!!

Anomalocarimon surges out of the ocean to attack Jou and Mimi. Evolving to protect them, Togemon and Ikkakumon counterattack, but to little effect. Anomalocarimon's stingers block Togemon's Chiku-Chiku Bang-Bang. Ikkakumon lands three direct hits of Harpoon Vulcan, but Anomalocarimon tanks all three missiles and remains unscathed.

In the dub, Scorpiomon mistakes Gomamon's meal for the clams he was paid earlier.

Gomamon: Not bad! Scorpiomon: Huh? GET YOUR MITTS OFF MY CLAMS!!!

While Togemon and Ikkakumon fight Anomalocarimon, Jou and Mimi put Taichi's earlier theory to the test.

It does not go well.

Jou: Since Togemon and Ikkakumon have grown, they shouldn't lose this.... Mimi: And since it's two against one, we should have up the upper hand!

Anomalocarimon proceeds to beat their Digimon like a drum. They swipe Ikkakumon away with their tail, then pick up Togemon and squeeze her between their two stingers, crushing her.

Togemon: IT HURTS!!! HELP ME!!!

Then they slam Togemon down on top of Ikkakumon for good measure.

Jou: (disappointed) ...they're losing. Mimi: It's too dangerous to keep this up! We'll be killed! Jou: Maybe they'd win if they evolve again!

Probably, yes. But it nonetheless makes for a solid counterargument against Taichi's theory.

In the dub:

Joe: If the Digimon really are getting stronger, they should be able to handle Scorpiomon, no problem! Mimi: I hope so, but it doesn't really look like they're doing too well! (Scorpiomon swats Ikakkumon, then picks up Togemon) Togemon: HEY, PUT ME DOWN YOU OVERGROWN CRAWDADDY BEFORE I GET REALLY ANGRY!!! (Scorpiomon smacks Ikkakumon with Togemon) Joe: Oh, boy. Mimi: WHY DON'T YOU COME OUT FROM BEHIND YOUR SHELL AND FIGHT LIKE A CLAM!?!? Joe: Uh, Mimi? Cool it! I don't think he thought that was very funny!

Mimi challenges Scorpiomon to a fistfight.

Bad. Ass.

And also tremendously inconsistent to both versions of her character. Mimi knows better. Her father doesn't know better, but Mimi knows better.

But badass.

Anomalocarimon tries to spray Mimi and Jou down with their Suna Shower, but the kids take cover behind the rocks again.

Anomalocarimon moves to follow. Ikkakumon and Togemon sprint up behind them.

Ikkakumon: HANG ON!!! We're the ones you're fighting!

Anomalocarimon responds with their signature Stinger Surprise. Ikkakumon and Togemon clear out before the shot hits. The explosion tears open the sand, revealing a treasure trove of tasty clams.

The dub gives Ikkakumon's line over to Togemon.

Togemon: Hey, squid breath! We're the ones you want!

They also change Scorpiomon's attack to Tail Blade, despite not involving his tail in any way.

Anomalocarimon is immediately distracted by all those tasty, tasty clams.

Anomalocarimon: Hey, this looks delicious! Jou: NOW, IKKAKUMON!!! Mimi: SUPER-EVOLVE, TOGEMON!!!

Their Digimon super-evolve into Zudomon and Lilimon. Followed by a hilariously dopey shot where a still image of Lilimon slowly flies in front of Jou and Mimi for no apparent reason.

In the dub:

Scorpiomon: Ooh! I just love clams! Joe: Hurry up! Now's your chance! Mimi: Get moving! Digivolve, Togemon!

Once they've Digivolved again, the dub gives Dopey Shot Lillymon a silence-breaker to at least lend some purpose to that moment.

Lillymon: Okay, Zudomon, let's GOOOOOOO!!!

And go, they do.

Zudomon pulls aggro, drawing Anomalocarimon's fire. Tucking down into a defensive position, Zudomon's hard shell tanks Anomalocarimon's Stinger Surprise.

While the enemy is distracted, Lilimon blindsides them with Flower Cannon. The shot seems to do little damage but pulls Anomalocarimon's attention away from Zudomon; A fatal mistake. Zudomon closes distance, calling Hammer Spark and slamming his Thor Hammer down directly between Anomalocarimon's antennae.

With a pitiful whimper, Anomalocarimon falls over on their back, defeated.

Inside the beach house, the children and their Digimon are starting to stir. MetalSeadramon's window of opportunity is closing.

Taichi: Hikari....

Outside, MetalSeadramon looms over the beach house, complaining about his tardy soldier.

MetalSeadramon: They're late. Anomalocarimon is late! What could they possibly be doing?

Meanwhile, Mimi and Jou ride Zudomon back towards the beach house. Lilimon flies nearby, while Zudomon drags Anomalocarimon's unconscious body along with them.

Jou: Faster, Zudomon! We have to hurry and save everyone!

In the dub:

Tai: Ugh... Kari.... (Outside) MetalSeadramon: Where is that fool with those other children!? I'm tired of waiting! (Zudomon on his way) Joe: Hurry! Faster! We gotta move, now! Did you really have to bring along a souvenir!?

Joe eases the tension by throwing down one of the funniest laugh lines in the dub thus far. Holy shit, that got me. XD

It hasn't been established what Zudomon intends to do with the unconscious Anomalocarimon, so Joe calling him out for that ambiguity lands hard. But it's also a joke that meshes and integrates with the tone, rather than disrupting it. A+

At the beach house, MetalSeadramon's decided that he's done waiting.

MetalSeadramon: I don't care about the other two Chosen Children anymore.

MetalSeadramon breathes fire into the air, intending to set the whole beach house ablaze. Jou, Mimi, and their Partners take cover behind the tree line.

Mimi: MetalSeadramon is planning to burn down the beach house with everyone inside! Lilimon: Come on! Hurry!

Lilimon, Mimi, and Jou race inside the beach house through a... somewhat unexplained hole in the beach house wall. Is that supposed to be the hole MetalSeadramon smashed earlier? Did he nervously pace around to the other side of the beach house afterwards? It sure looks a lot bigger than his head.

Lilimon goes for Taichi, while Mimi makes a beeline for Sora.

Lilimon: Taichi, pull yourself together. Taichi: Lilimon? Mimi: SORA-SAN!!! Jou: Yamato! Koushiro! Lilimon: (flies over the Digimon) Quickly, everyone! Tentomon: Huh, what's going on?

Out front, MetalSeadramon's finished testing his firebreath. He turns his gaze down on the house.

MetalSeadramon: FIRE!!!

He lets it rip, his flames engulfing the house in seconds.

In the dub:

MetalSeadramon: That does it! I'll worry about the other two children later. Mimi: Yikes! And I thought Shellmon's breath was gnarly! He'll toast them like marshmallows! Lillymon: This way! Hurry! Joe: HEY GUYS!!! NAPTIME'S OVER!!!

Joe yells at the top of his lungs while they're passing directly under MetalSeadramon's nose. Somehow, this doesn't give the game away.

Mimi's quip here is a little tonally inappropriate, but I do like the callback to her earlier barb at Shellmon. Mimi's getting a lot of fun lines in this episode.

Lillymon: Tai, you've gotta get out of here! Tai: Huh...? Mimi: Sora, get up! Joe: Matt! Izzy! Move or you're gonna be toast! I mean literally! Lillymon: (flies over the Digimon) Everybody on your feet! Hurry! Tentomon: W-What's going on!? (Outside, MetalSeadramon takes aim) MetalSeadramon: RRRRYAAAAAGH!!! (fires)

MetalSeadramon does not shout "Fire" when he shoots his fire. 0/10 Go to pun jail. For, uh, insufficient punning. For once.

As the beach house goes up in flames, the kids vacate through the big maybe-unexplained hole.

Taichi again takes responsibility for Takeru and Hikari, ushering them out of the building.

Taichi: Hikari! Takeru! Are you okay!? Hikari: Yeah....

Zudomon replaces the children with the unconscious Anomalocarimon. While the kids evacuate, he stands nearby. His shoulders vibrate to indicate that he is silently laughing hysterically to himself. Epic prank, bro.

MetalSeadramon: SIX OF THE CHOSEN CHILDREN AND THEIR DIGIMON ARE DEAD!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Anomalocarimon: (inside, wakes up on fire) EEEYAAAGH ATATAT!!! MetalSeadramon: ...uh?

Anomalocarimon explodes through the sand blocking the door, scurrying across the stand in flames. MetalSeadramon watches them go by in confused silence.

Anomalocarimon: HOT HOT HOT ANOMALOCARIMOOOOON!!!

Finally, when they reach the coastline, Anomalocarimon throws themself into the ocean to douse the flames.

In the dub:

Tai: Whoa! Hang on and keep moving; We're almost there! Mimi: Hurry up and let's get out of here! (Outside) MetalSeadramon: Ha! Farewell, DigiDestined! It was a rare pleasure knowing you! MEDIUM RARE!!! GYAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Scorpiomon: (inside, wakes up on fire) WHAAAAUGH HOT HOT HOT!!! MetalSeadramon: ...huh? (Scorpiomon explodes through the sand barrier and scurries for dear life) Scorpiomon: OW!!! Who's the hot-tempered foul-mouth who--Oh, it was you, boss. Okay. No problem.

MetalSeadramon's "medium rare" quip is great. XD This episode is bringing all the best laugh lines.

I do prefer the original version of Scorpiomon's fiery exit. The dub's sycophantic joke is pretty good too. Both versions put comedic focus in different places, with Scorpiomon's bit emphasizing what a tool he is.

The original, meanwhile, emphasizes MetalSeadramon. He's positioned in center frame so we can watch his head turn and follow Anomalocarimon. The emphasis is on his stunned WTF reaction. Reality is gaslighting him and he is at a loss for words.

Both work on their own, but I like the original better.

Once Anomalocarimon is doused in the ocean, MetalSeadramon finally finds the presence of mind to make sense of what's happened.

MetalSeadramon: The six Chosen Children and their Digimon are gone! Anomalocarimon, what is the meaning of this!? Anomalocarimon: MetalSeadramon-sama, uh... You see....

Unfortunately for him, Anomalocarimon has no better idea of what happened than MetalSeadramon does. They were unconscious the whole time.

MetalSeadramon furiously wraps his tail around Anomalocarimon, hoisting them high up into the air.

MetalSeadramon: SILENCE!!!

MetalSeadramon drops them from a great height, finishing them off. We don't see Anomalocarimon disintegrate into pixels, but they crash into the earth and kick up a huge sandstorm on impact, then are gone afterward - Leaving behind only a large imprint in the sand where they fell. The implication is fairly clear.

RIP Anomalocarimon. Recipient of a prank so epic it got them killed.

In the dub:

MetalSeadramon: Huh? No! NO!!! THEY'RE GONE!!! ALL OF THEM GONE!!! SCORPIOMOOOOOON!!! HOW DID THIS HAPPEN!?!? Scorpiomon: Uh, w-well, you see... That's a fair question... You see, it happens-- MetalSeadramon: SILENCE!!! (grapples Scorpiomon into the sky) You failed me and I will not forgive FAILURE!!! Scorpiomon: No, I didn't think that you w-OOOOULD!!! (dropped)

Scorpiomon remains a weenie to the end. XD

You know, I kind of expected them to add a line or two indicating that Scorpiomon survived that drop but I guess we're over that. A guy got stabbed in the chest last episode; This is going to be a hard arc to try and hand-wring about character death.

Once MetalSeadramon's gone, the kids emerge and discuss what Jou and Mimi learned.

Lilimon: MetalSeadramon seems to have left. Taichi: Everything's alright now. Mimi: Everything's not alright, actually. Taichi: Huh!? Jou: She's right. Taichi: What do you mean? What happened? Jou: Ikkakumon and Togemon weren't strong enough to defeat Anomalocarimon. They could only win after evolving into Zudomon and Lilimon. Our chances against MetalSeadramon still aren't very good right now. Taichi: So it's just like Piccolomon said. Even with the eight of us together, it's not enough to win. Could it be that the Digimon's evolutions still need improvement?

It was pretty foolish to assume we'd already done whatever Piccolomon thought we still needed to do. There's a long road ahead.

In the dub:

Sora: They're gone! Whew! That was a close one. Tai: But we came out of it okay. That's what counts. Mimi: I hate to tell you this: Everything's not okay! Tai: Huh!? Joe: Mimi's right. Tai: What are you guys talking about!? Did I miss something!? Joe: The Digimon still might not be strong enough. Both of ours had to Digivolve again before they could beat Scorpiomon and he was just a flunkie. Frankly, it's hard to see how they stand a chance against a fully Digivolved monster like MetalSeadramon. Tai: You could be right. Maybe Piximon meant something else when he said we were missing something. Whatever the secret is, we've got to find it if we ever hope to save the world.

Pretty faithful. We also see the return of the phrase "fully Digivolved" now in its new, more correct context. There are still technically Digimon beyond the Ultimate stage but those are basically one-off super-exceptions, not a whole category. When pressed, they often wind up classifying as... like... Ultimate but even more Ultimate-er.

It's pretty safe to call this stage "fully Digivolved".

Suddenly, Tentomon takes off into the air to get a better vantage.

Tentomon: What's that!?

Unfortunately, we will not get the moment to breathe that we thought we were getting. MetalSeadramon only fucked off to stage yet another ambush. Utterly relentless.

Taichi: METALSEADRAMON!!! Lilimon: I'll hold him here! The rest of you, escape on Zudomon's back! Mimi: LILIMON!?!?

Initially, MetalSeadramon takes the bait. Without another word, Lilimon flies out to meet him head-on, then flitters around him and takes off. MetalSeadramon gives chase while Zudomon ferries the children away.

It doesn't take him long to realize the ruse, however. MetalSeadramon abandons Lilimon when he notices Zudomon escaping.

MetalSeadramon: You're all idiots! You think you can escape from me BY SEA!?!?

MetalSeadramon pursues Zudomon, quickly closing distance.

Tentomon: WAUGH!!! METALSEADRAMON IS GAINING ON US!!! Taichi: Faster! Get us out of here, Zudomon! MetalSeadramon: NO CHANCE!!!

Lilimon follows behind MetalSeadramon. In one last desperate bid to pull his attention, she fires off her Flower Cannon. MetalSeadramon's Chrome Digizoid neck plating deflects her shot harmlessly.

MetalSeadramon turns, offering Lilimon only one more moment of his time. Lifting his tail out of the water behind her, he swats her out of the air for an instant KO.

Mimi: LILIMON!!!

Lilimon powers down into Palmon as she falls, tumbling into Mimi's arms.

Mimi: (catch) Palmon!

In the dub, Tentomon doesn't see anything; He reacts to Tai wanting to find the thing they're missing.

Tentomon: Yeah, so the sooner, the better! (MetalSeadramon emerges from the waves) Tai: It's MetalSeadramon again!

The dub puts a commercial break here. Good place for it. Solid cliffhanger. Then they add some extra dialogue to the chase sequence.

Lillymon: Alright, I'll draw him off! Zudomon, you get the others out of here. (Lillymon flies out to confront MetalSeadramon) Lillymon: Yoo-hoo, you big ugly--WHOA! (Lillymon swerves and changes course) Lillymon: Just my luck! He's fast too! (Zudomon tries to escape) Joe: Come on, Zudomon! Move it! Move it! (MetalSeadramon chases Lillymon, but then stops and notices Zudomon escaping) Mimi: Has he seen us? Tai: I don't know, and I don't want to find out! MetalSeadramon: Pathetic little fools! You think you can escape me BY SEA!?!? Tai: I think it's safe to say he's seen us! Tentomon: WAUGH!!! FASTER, ZUDOMON!!! WE NEED SPEED!!! Tai: Yeah, stop dog-paddling! MetalSeadramon: TONIGHT YOU SLEEP WITH THE FISHES!!!

Taichi's quip didn't land for me, but MetalSeadramon's did. Goddammit. XD

Glad they kept the "You think you can escape me by sea!?" bit.

Once Lilimon's out of the fight, MetalSeadramon turns his full attention to Zudomon. He sinks down beneath the waves, vanishing into the murky water.

The children are left in silent anticipation, watching the ocean waves to try and find where MetalSeadramon will emerge. Then, suddenly, his horn breaches the water.

Taichi: Here he comes! Jou: Zudomon!

MetalSeadramon charges at full speed, ramming Zudomon's side and sending the kids on his back tumbling into the ocean. While the kids flounder in the water, Zudomon turns and headbutts MetalSeadramon's serpentine body, knocking him back a bit.

MetalSeadramon follows up with Ultimate Stream, firing straight into the hard shell on Zudomon's back. Zudomon's shell offers no protection from MetalSeadramon's signature move. The shot obliterates what strength Zudomon had left, knocking him back and degenerating him into Gomamon.

Gomamon comically lands on Jou's face, pushing them both underwater.

Jou: AUGH GOMAMON Ablrblurbb.... MetalSeadramon: WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Even MetalSeadramon thought it was funny.

The dub, of course, gives the kids some dialogue while they wait for MetalSeadramon.

Tai: Uh-oh. Joe: Is he gone? Mimi: I don't think so! Sora: I can't stand this waiting! Matt: I bet he's right below us! Tai: Shh! Knock it off! (MetalSeadramon emerges on a collision course) Tai: WHOA!!! HE'S RAMMING US!!! Agumon: Hang on! (MetalSeadramon rams Zudomon. They fight; MetalSeadramon obliterates Zudomon.) MetalSeadramon: Never send a Rookie to do a Mega's work! Narrator: Stuck in the middle of the ocean, the DigiDestined are at MetalSeadramon's mercy. What will happen on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters?

Uh, you sent an Ultimate to do a Mega's work earlier, but I get the sentiment.

The dub ends the episode here, presumably to make up screentime they had to spend on the end of last episode. But there's one more scene to go. A great shadow passes beneath the Chosen Children.

MetalSeadramon: Huh? Taichi: WHAMON!!!

Whamon explodes from the water, throwing themself full-speed into MetalSeadramon and body slamming them into the ocean. Then, before MetalSeadramon, Whamon scoops the children up in their mouth.

Taichi: WE'RE SAVED!!! WHAMON WILL PROTECT US WITH HIS BODY!!!

MetalSeadramon recovers in time to catch Whamon's departure. Whamon swims deep into the ocean, escaping from the Dark Master.

MetalSeadramon: Chosen Children and your Digimon.... YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE!!!

The Japanese version leaves off there, on a promise of pursuit by a furious and relentless sea dragon.

Assessment: MetalSeadramon is my favorite of the Dark Masters. There's something about a sinister sea dragon that's so unlike everything else they've fought before. The same can be said of Mugendramon and Pinochimon too, but MetalSeadramon also has that unique aquatic aesthetic going for him.

This episode serves as our proper introduction for the kind of villain MetalSeadramon is: A relentless pursuer hammering the children with an unyielding onslaught of attacks. He's basically doing what Etemon was trying to do, and it's working. He's had them on the backfoot for the entire episode, despite some setbacks.

When he screams "You won't escape" at them at the end, I believe it.

The dub made some questionable choices at the start of this one. Cohesive storytelling is, as usual, their weak point. But their quipping game was superb. Once the action started, the dub was nailing zingers left and right

And since a large chunk of this episode was action, the dub came home with a lot more W's than L's this time around despite its bizarre narrative choices.

[iguessitsjustme]

I only included canon relationships and I did not watch a lot of shows with couples I'm sure would have made this list if I had watched them.

*Including this in the actual post and not the tags for the first time because I have had to reiterate it again in past polls. These are my favorite couples. This is personal to my taste and preferences. You do not need to like these couples, but please do not tell me or others that they have poor taste because of who is winning. Please do not come onto this post to tell me how you don't like these couples or these shows. This is a fun poll about enjoying these couples and these shows. It is not the place to post your criticisms thank you.

[hikaritakaishi]

Grief (Yamato & Takeru)

Disclaimer: This is a small piece of work that I wrote for the Takari Week that I could not post, but that I really enjoyed writing, so I decided to share! I love the family dynamics that we have in Digimon and everything about these two siblings’ relationship!  Enjoy!

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“Dad as always is going to come home late.” Yamato said while putting a hand full of spaghetti pasta into the boiling water pot. “Is mom home?”

“I think by now she is. But she must be locked in the office writing some article for the newspapers. You know, the usual.”

“Those two have more in common than they would ever admit.”

“I guess you have a point.”

Takeru took a sip from the tin the Coca-Cola Yamato had given to him. “Maybe that is the reason why they are no longer together; they are too similar to stand each other.”

“It can be.” Yamato laughed a bit. “I am very proud of you for being able to talk about it so openly now. Not a long time ago you would dismiss the topic and pretend you didn’t hear my comment.”

“I’ve been making some progress. As time passed, I think I just accepted the fact that some things would never change, and I have been trying my best to heal from it the best way I can. Writing my feelings down help a lot.”  

“I understand.” Yamato bent down and took out of a wood drawer a jar with the word 塩 (salt) written in hand, and another with the word 黒胡椒 (black pepper). “Your therapy is writing, mine is creating music. I would never admit it to them, but some songs I have wrote are inspired by them.”

“There is beauty in transforming pain into art. At least their story can be signified as such.”

“Exactly. You thought that line yourself?”

“I have been practicing.” Takeru smiled shyly noticing how Yamato observed his sentence.

“I can tell.” Yamato carefully put a pinch of salt and black pepper in the pot where the pasta was boiling. “You said you wanted to talk about something on the phone. What could it be?”

“Oh…that. Well, I think I may need some… dating advice.” Takeru said and felt a sudden urge to hide himself under the table out of shyness.

“What?” Yamato turned around quickly to face his brother with his mouth wide open. He was still holding the jars.” Who is it?”

“Ah…” Takeru looked away and started to tap his hand on the table insecurely. “Do you think Taichi is the jealous type of brother… or would he be ok if I…?”

“Taichi? No way!” Yamato quickly pulled the chair next to him and noisily sat down in front of Takeru. “There is no way you are dating Hikari!”

“Theoretically, I am not…Yet. I invited her for a date on Saturday… and she said yes.”

“I see…” Yamato was speechless. “I mean, congratulations! How… did that happened?

“It is a very long story. But the thing is, I have never been on a date before, I am kind of nervous. I don’t exactly know what to do, how to plan… “

“You never asked a girl out?”  Yamato interrupted him.

“If I never told you, it's because it never happened.”

“Make sense.”

Yamato let the idea sink into his mind. Not that it wasn't something he had already imagined, or even discussed with Taichi himself. But they always joked about it, he was not prepared to face it in real life.

“So…” Takeru broke the silence. “You are going to help me…?”

 “Let me… finish dinner first. A few minutes and I can answer you. Now I am too busy being surprised.” Yamato stood up and went turning off the pan.

Takeru rolled his eyes and kept drinking the Coca-Cola.

Yamato finished cooking in few minutes and served it, making slight jokes about the topic they were discussing before.

They expressed the typicalいただきます(itadakimasu) before anything else.

“Now that I am calmer.” Yamato started trying to look as serious as he could. “What happened? And please hide unnecessary details I don’t want to know.”

Takeru laughed at this and took a few seconds to summarize everything that have happened on this mind. It was still fresh and some things he would admit did not have processed yet. But one thing he was certain of: He could not be happier.

 “You know, I have been receiving love letters from girls at school, and many of them confessed to me. I think I told you about this already.”

“Yes, I remember.” Yamato took the chopsticks and divided them, listening attentively.

“In the quickest way I can summarize this, another one was too much for us to keep pretending we did not care about it. Hikari distanced herself and it was unbearable for me. I knew it was hurting her, and we talked about it after class. And we kissed. I mean, I kissed her.”

“Basically, we two just needed a good excuse to stop playing dumb about how you feel about each other.”

“I can confirm that.” Takeru followed his brother in the previous act. Divided his chopstick as well.

“Well, I don’t think you need to do something incredibly complicated for your first date Takeru, really. Your friendship with her naturally evolved into love and I think you should keep things as light as possible. Without pressure, you know her since you were eight, just trust yourself and your feelings.”

“Oh wow, I never expected to hear it from you.” Takeru seemed kind of surprised.

“I know, I know. But after several years in a relationship, you start to think about things differently.”

“I can see it.”

“Just take care of her and your relationship properly. Everything will be ok.”

“I… don’t want to commit the same mistakes mom and dad committed you know.”

“They are a good example of not taking care of a relationship properly.” Yamato said with as much sincerity as he could. “Dad was never at home, and mom needed to work and take care of us alone most of the time. He was always too busy working. And she needed support. Not financially, but all the other kinds, and dad just let it go. They had a very deficient communication. All I can remember were they screaming their problems at each other, frustrated and confused.”

“I remember that too. And for some reason, I remember blaming myself for it, most of the time. I think dad never expected mom to actually… leave.”

“I felt that as well. I blamed myself not just for the screaming, but for the divorce. Mom just couldn’t take that anymore.”

“I don’t want to… be like them.”

“We are not our parents, Takeru.” Yamato smiled at him, reminding the time he started to date Sora, when he had the same mental dilemma Takeru was having.” We were there, we know what happened, and we have the tools to do differently. “

“I know.”

Takeru smiled sadly, trying to remove those dark days from the focus of his present-day memory. At least he knew that Yamato understood him and these waves of old grief feelings. It didn’t matter what happened in the past, if he now got the tools to create a better future. Yamato was right, he needed to trust his feelings, and trust Hikari. Trust that they were able to create a relationship with a solid base of love and respect. He was the one in charge of creating his own fate, and he chose her to be his other side of the mirror.

[thistledropkick]

Here's a translation of the time Taichi tried to trade sushi to Desperado in exchange for photos of Desperado in panties.

The backstory: This all happened during May of 2020, while NJPW shows were shut down. Taichi did a livestream with Tam, which he only convinced her to do by promising to treat her to sushi.

The conversation starts with Taichi saying that in the video, there's a moment where you can see Tam's panties. (Also he censors the word "panties")

Despe:

What’s the timestamp?

Taichi:

Don’t just skip to that part!

If you want to know the timestamp then pay me.

Despe:

I have zero interest in the rest of this video!

Why should I have to watch a long video of you flirting with a girl!

And buy me sushi too!

Taichi:

If you want sushi too, then show me your p*nties too!

If you send me a magnificent pan*y photo, I’ll consider it

Despe:

A panty photo!?

Aren’t you being generous today!

Are you sure you didn’t mean to say an assh*le photo!?

OHHHKAY!

What’re we waiting for, let’s do this!

Taichi:

*sshole photos huh… I’ve seen too many of those, I’m completely bored of them. 

Hey, you said you’ll do it right? Don’t agree to this lightly okay?

Will you do it? Will you really do it?

Once you’ve said you’ll do this, you can’t go back on it. You understand?

So say it.

Will you show me a magnificent panty photo, the likes of which I’ve never seen before?

Well then, I can’t wait!

Despe:

I’ll take the photo tomorrow afternoon!

Prepare the sushi!

Tam (who they have been @ ing this entire time):

Please stop having this vulgar conversation in my mentions , ,

Taichi:

wtf is vulgar about it

Anyway you’re the one who started this by flashing your panti*s on the livestream!

So go buy Pe some sushi

Despe:

If I'm getting treated to sushi I don't care who's buying

but

who are you talking to?

-

Ohh sorry, I didn’t see your name there!

Panty-flashing girl

Tam:

Please don’t call me panty-flashing girl 😡

It’s Tam.

And why do I have to treat you to anything? I haven’t even eaten mine yet!

I was in line before you, Pe-san!

_

The next day:

Despe:

Why is a simple panty photo

And a selfie no less

So incredibly stressful to take…

Hey you in the next apartment, don’t look at me!

You may not know this but my panties have value (sushi)!

Do not report me! DO NOT!

[brainfilehasstoppedworking]

Jessica! Takaaki: Oh, no! Where's Taichi?

Eddie! Yuta: Taichi? He ran off!

Jessica! Takaaki: No, he didn't. I hit him in the head with a frying pan. So he wouldn't get hurt...

Eddie! Yuta, concerned: What...? You did what to your husband?!

[jujumin-translates]

Tsuzuru Minagi | [SR] Reminiscence of Blooming | Veludo Town Oshi Spot! ~Video: Tsuzuru~ - Part 1

Taichi: Aagh, I’m so hungry. What’s for dinner today?

Tsuzuru: Yeah, Director’s the one in charge of it today so you can bet on it being curry.

Tsuzuru: Huh, Kinozaki-san?

Rento: Ooh, well if it ain’t Tsuzuru and Taichi. What’re you two up to?

Taichi: We’re on our way home from uni!

Tsuzuru: What are you doing, Kinozaki-san?

Rento: I came here to get some of my favorite melon pan. There’s a place around here that I like.

Tsuzuru: Ah, are you talking about that “Bakery Theato” on the corner there?

Rento: Wait, you know about that place too, Tsuzuru!?

Tsuzuru: Yeah, Masumi buys curry bread there sometimes.

Rento: Ah, so it’s ‘cause of Masumi, huh? Well, I’ve bought things for Director-san from there before too.

Rento: Ah, I’d better get goin’. Later~.

*Footsteps*

Taichi: Rento-san sure ran off fast… He really wants that melon pan, huh?

Tsuzuru: He said that it’s his favorite, so that’s probably why. Anyway, let’s head home.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsuzuru: (I’m thirsty. I think I had something in the fridge from the other day…)

Tsuzuru: Ah, Director. Are you preparing dinner?

Izumi: Yeah, I am. Did you just get back, Tsuzuru? Welcome home.

Tsuzuru: I’m home.

Tsuzuru: (Just as I thought, looks like today’s dinner is curry.)

Izumi: Ah!

Tsuzuru: Huh, what’s wrong?

Izumi: Actually, I have to call the theater company I’m helping out at, but I totally forgot about it.

Izumi: Things are a bit complicated, so I have to call them as soon as possible, but if I don’t skim off the scum now, the curry won’t be good…

Tsuzuru: Then leave skimming off the scum to me and go make your call.

Izumi: Huh, are you sure? You’ll really do that?

Tsuzuru: Of course.

Izumi: Thank you! Once the scum is removed, you can leave it to simmer on low heat.

Tsuzuru: Gotcha.

*Footsteps*

Tsuzuru: (Well, now that I’ve accepted the challenge, I’ve gotta do it right. The Director is very particular about how the curry is made…)

Masumi: Director.

Masumi: …You’re not her. What the hell, Tsuzuru? I thought the Director was in charge of dinner today…

Tsuzuru: Sorry for being me, I guess. Welcome home to you too, Masumi.

Masumi: I’m home. …Haah, I can’t even give her this curry bread.

Tsuzuru: Huh, that bag…! You went to “Bakery Theato” today too?

Masumi: Yeah.

Tsuzuru: You didn’t happen to run into Kinozaki-san there then, did you?

Masumi: Rento? I didn’t see him.

Tsuzuru: Ah, well, figures. Your schedules kinda conflict, so I guess that makes sense…

Masumi: What are you talking about?

Tsuzuru: It’s nothing. Anyway, you were looking for the Director because you got curry bread?

Masumi: Yeah. Where is she?

Tsuzuru: She went to her room for a work call just a bit ago. It seemed like it was gonna take a while, so I don’t think she’s finished yet.

Masumi: Okay.

Masumi: Right. Here… for you.

Tsuzuru: Oh, thanks. Did you get some for everyone in Spring Troupe too?

Masumi: Well, I figured why not… besides, it’ll make them all happy.

Masumi: Well, I’m going to our room.

*Footsteps*

Tsuzuru: Huh… because it’ll make them all happy, huh? He really has grown.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Tsuzuru: (I’m kinda hungry now. Guess I’ll eat the curry bread Masumi gave me.)

Tsuzuru: …Awmph.

Tsuzuru: (“Theato’s” bread is delicious as always. I wonder if there would be a good place to do an introduction video on.)

*Door opens*

Homare: Oho, you seem to be eating something that seems quite delicious. Could that be curry bread?

Tsuzuru: It is. Masumi got it for me, but I like all the bread from that shop because it’s really good.

Homare: I would love to try some too!

Tsuzuru: Well then, I’m going to film my introduction video at that bakery, so how about you eat some with me there?

Homare: Ooh, what a splendid idea! I look forward to it.

[ Next Part ⇢ ]

[yourdadsghoulfriend]

Is it too late to request your All of Us Strangers rant? How much did you cry when watching it???

I cried 0 (zero) times. I looked like this tbh.

It was a stale, “gay is okay,” storyline a la “Love Simon,” that would’ve made a bigger impact had it released 10 or 15 years ago. To that end, it felt more like a gay movie for a straight audience. Sure there were boundaries pushed, but rather than anything meaningful, it felt like hollow attempts at pandering.

The novel the movie is loosely based on, “Strangers” by Taichi Yamaha, has a similar plot about a lonely writer who visits his childhood home to find residents that look eerily similar to his late parents, who perished in a car accident when he was 12. Convinced they are real, he revisits them often with gifts and offerings. While his parents are free of malicious intent, his girlfriend suggests they may be unintentionally sucking the life force out of him. Despite recognizing that his declining health is a result of the unnatural balance of the living consorting with the dead, he can’t help but continue to return to his parents.

While the novel and movie explore similar themes of grief, the supernatural, and reconciliation, there are little more than those similarities. I don’t mind the change of tone and artistic liberties the movie took from the novel; I lament missed opportunities for critical cultural storytelling.

How many more gay white man coming out or coming of age movies do we need?

Deriving the movie from a novel written by a Japanese man, this could’ve, and I argue it should’ve, been done with an Asian cast. It should’ve explored queer culture from a point of view seldom seen or talked about. It should’ve explored Eastern themes of homophobia, the struggles of family from the Eastern collectivist culture mindset, and what that looked like in the 80s. Especially how embarrassing and messily they shoehorned in with the briefest of mentions of the AIDS crisis, which, low-key key, I thought was offensive.

Speaking of messy, the damn logic of the movie is barely there. Is Adam seeing ghosts, or is it a pocket dimension of the past? We see him pass his house in the beginning, the daughter of the owner staring out the window, but later, his late father comes and takes him back to the house, so it is more like a pocket dimension. Later, Adam and his parents went to a modern restaurant, and the waitress couldn’t see his parents, so were they ghosts? There are so many moments like this where the universe's rules are broken unto themselves.

Oh, Jesus, and that reminds me of the bullshit twist with Harry. So he’s been dead the whole time, yet he can give Adam drugs that Adam physically feels in the club? He can order drinks at the bar so other people can see him, and he can levitate objects? He can interact with other living humans, and no one is the wiser he’s dead? He can see the ghosts of Adam’s parents, and they see him, but neither knows the other is dead? It's dumb and lazy writing. And what? What’s the moral once we discover he died after Adam turned him away? “You never know the battle other people are fighting” or some variation of an empty platitude? I say it again, 👏🏽dumb 👏🏽lazy 👏🏽hollow 👏🏽PAN👏🏽DER👏🏽ING. If you wanted audience sympathy, write your characters better. Write their struggle better. This easy way out of killing a character is so early in the 2000s that I couldn’t believe how utterly devoid it made the final movie feel.

To that end, there were so many more plot holes it was like looking at Swiss cheese. Or so many boring, obvious filler shots of Adam looking pensive as if reflecting on something profound. I think my eyes did a somersault how far they rolled back into my head.

I’ve already spent too much time writing this, but here’s the takeaway. The magic of media and the human experience is that we can consume the same thing and walk away with polar opposite takes. I’m no media expert, just a humble consumer. My opinion is my own just as much as anyone else’s is theirs. If they felt something that pulled at their heartstrings, I love that for them! The human experience is to connect with others, tap into deeper meaning, understanding, and form connections. But no media is above criticism; to me, it doesn’t meet that mark, and that’s okay.

In the dawn of today’s AI age, where studios are fighting to create devoid of creation by using AI images, voice bots and audio, actors’ images, and scripts, I feel it’s more important than ever to develop a sense of literacy and criticism. In our current political climate, it’s crucial to demand more opportunities for marginalized groups to have their voices heard and their stories seen. I believe in demanding better rather than settling for mediocrity. I do not suffer fools, and I pay no time to pander, so personally, I wish I remained a stranger to this movie and all its wasted potential.

[sleepinghellokitty]

Taichi: Hey Shirabu looked kinda down today lets go check on him Tendou: Yea lets go *Door opens* Semi: *Holding a goose while screaming at shirabu* Shirabu: *Holding a pan while screaming at semi* *Door closes*

[digimoninteractions]

Ken Ichijouji + TARGET

[ID: Gifs from the second opening of Digimon Adventure Zero Two showing (1) A right pan of all the characters standing on a cliff. In the front row is Taichi and the zero two kids. In the back row is all the other original kids. On the far right side of the front row is Ken. (2) A zoom out of Daisuke and V-mon running to show Hikari, Miyako, Iori, and Takeru also running on either side of him. From the left side, Ken and Wormmon run sideways and join them. End ID]

[kkatastrophic]

Ramble of V3 Ending:

I'm very upset that the ending of drv3 was so good but not executed correctly. Which is ironic because a big part of danganronpa are the executions ahaha.

But what I mean is, Smoogs (my beloved) showed us the OTHER franchise characters, and said it was the 53RD SEASON OF DANGANRONPA (!!!) and that the whole universe was fake.

BUT!!! Never did she show us: contestants of other seasons (from s3 to s52 - even if they were unnamed it would have made her lies more believable), ANY udg characters (I would be frothing at the mouth if Takaaki or Taichi somehow were shown on screen /j.) she didn't give us Daiya or Takemichi content either. AND THE WARRIORS OF HOPE?? She should have shown us the Warriors of Hope, I need more Masaru Daimon content, and Tsumugi was the perfect person to supply that at the end of a franchise.

The main thing I think what this trial was MISSING was the V3 characters themselves.

I wish WISH WISH!!! That Tsumugi (as Kaito) made Maki lose hope, that Tenko made HIMIKO lose hope! I wish that Tsumugi explained her plan to frame Kaede... as Rantaro and Kaede! I WISH!!! That she dressed up as Miu, I wanted her to be Korekiyo! But because she didn't this only leads us to believe that she too believes that she is a fictional character in this franchise, and that the only power she holds in the V3 universe is the knowledge that she just granted Shuichi, Keebo, Himiko and Maki to.

Another thing I noticed was that Tsumugi noted "in the promo video at the start, everything is fake" or something along those lines, but never did she turn into Chisa Yukizome, or Future Foundation Kyoko, or any of the characters from DR3, nor did she use Mukuro/Fake Junko sprites.

This particularly annoys me because, you know when you first play UDG and you get excited because it switches styles? It goes from animation to anime to the standard visual novel style. This makes the game more fun and easy to enjoy. AND THEY COULD'VE DONE IT IN V3!

They used real faces as the sprites in the back for the audience (on the TV/Cameras), so they totally could've mixed the styles and have Shuichi react to "my reality is just a different anime style... why are these people 3d wtf?!" which would really hammer in the "fiction" thing. Imagine an anime sprite of Chisa or something (< hasn't seen DR3)

Like I know this is a big stupid ramble and there are holes in my story, but I just want to know it's fiction, I want Tsumugi's existence to be fiction, I want a more closed ended ending AND THEN we get the pan shot of the survivors. It's literally The Truman Show but Tsumugi is the only "actor" in it.

And if Tsumugi ISN'T fiction.... she just devoted her whole fucking life to a ficitonal anime girl, who died in her anime show...

---

FYI I know alot of this information, tbh I don't really understand the V3 ending... and I just want answers to it, I need a danganronpa timeline that includes years and stuff.

[pan-kuzu]

Michi Week 2023 - Day 5: Under the Sea

Rehash of an old pirate AU I made with @greenopalus - 01 | 02 Mimi's design belongs to her :>

[tobiasdrake]

Digimon Adventure 01x20 - Perfect-Stage Evolution! MetalGreymon / The Earthquake of MetalGreymon

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Taichi goofing around in the middle of a raid quest got the party wiped and caused Sora to be left behind in the raid dungeon to fend for herself. Sora furiously told Taichi to uninstall, while Koushiro offered some gentle correction for his behavior.

Now Sora's in the custody of one unbeatable Perfect-stage Digimon with another (Strongest in Konoyo!) hunting for her head in the same building. And we have to get in the middle of that. Go team!

The kids take another night to camp out and plan their next move. We join them eating dinner and discussing what to do about Sora and Nanomon.

Koushiro's over in the shortcut tunnel analyzing the layout of the pyramid. They've also sent Takeru to eat with the Digimon while Taichi, Yamato, Jou, and Mimi have grown-up discussions about Sora's fate.

Narrator: Everyone in the group wanted to save Sora and Piyomon. However.... Jou: We don't know where they are. There's nothing we can do but wait for Nanomon to make his move. Taichi: But what if he hurts Sora while we're sitting around waiting!? Yamato: Nanomon's goal is to defeat Etemon. Maybe if we beat Etemon first, he'll let her go. Mimi: But we lost to him before.... (Pan over to Takeru and the Digimon, who are all clearly listening in on the conversation) Takeru: Make sure you all eat well so you're ready to fight at any moment!

Sure. Sure. All we have to do is fucking defeat Etemon to save Sora. Piece of cake. She'll be back before we know it.

Tentomon handles our narration for the dub. This is fairly standard fare, as the dub usually has a character offer a brief recap snippet at the start of an episode. The narrator in the original usually doesn't, however, so this is rare on their side.

Tentomon: When Datamon was unable to get his revenge on Etemon, he kidnapped Sora and Biyomon and took off! Joe: We don't have a clue where to start looking for him. Besides, we could all end up dead! Or worse! Tai: What if Datamon does something to harm Sora while we sit here on our butts! Matt: Look, Tai, he's already beaten our brains out once! What makes you think he won't do it again!? We need to come up with a plan before we go anywhere! Mimi: This is more depressing than a soap opera.... (Pan over to Takeru and the Digimon, who are all clearly listening in on the conversation) T.K.: We'd better get some sleep. I'll stay next to you guys just in case any of you get scared.

Holy shit, the dub changed Joe's line to add a death mention. Speaking of rarities....

The whole topic of conversation, however, is changed significantly. The original is on-point about everyone's positions. Jou wants to wait for Nanomon to emerge, Taichi wants to do something even if he doesn't know what, Yamato diplomatically wants to give Nanomon what he wants and then he'll let Sora go, and Mimi accurately points out that fighting Etemon is a fool's endeavor. Takeru isn't allowed to contribute but urges the Digimon to be ready for whatever the plan ends up being.

In the dub, they aren't so much trying to make a plan as they are discussing whether or not to start discussing trying to make a plan. Matt gets it the worst; Not only is his idea swapped out for just butting heads with Tai, but he also suggests that it was Datamon that kicked everyone's asses last episode? Which is not how that went down.

Once Takeru and the Digimon are asleep, Taichi expresses his regrets for how everything went down.

Taichi: If I'd just gone to save Sora back there.... Jou: Quit blaming yourself! We couldn't help her either. Yamato: There must be something we can do. Koushiro: (emerging from the shortcut tunnel) EVERYONE!!! I've figured it out!

The others return inside the shortcut tunnel to review Koushiro's findings. Takeru also joins them so I guess Koushiro's shouting woke him up. We cut to the projection of the pyramid he showed us before.

Koushiro: Nanomon only pretended to escape somewhere. In truth, he hasn't gone far at all. Yamato: Then.... Taichi: Is he still inside the pyramid!? Koushiro: Yes. I've found a hidden room that exists underneath the pyramid, in its deepest depths. There's no doubt that Nanomon and Sora are there. Jou: He's hiding right under Etemon's nose.

This is all more or less the same in the dub, except that the Jou's last line is worked into Izzy's explanation so that Joe can lay down a quip instead.

Izzy: I've discovered that, way down below the pyramid, there's a secret room. And I just know that's where he's holding them. He's found the perfect hiding place right under Etemon's nose. Joe: Not a bad place, as long as he isn't sneezing.

Gross, Joe. But also metaphorically apt, so points for that.

Approaching the map, Taichi utters:

Taichi: Sora is here.... Everyone, I know this will be dangerous but I want to do whatever it takes to save Sora. So-- Yamato: We know, Taichi. We feel the same. Mimi: Sora-san's a close friend to everyone here! Takeru: Let's save her together! Taichi: (fondly) Everyone....

Now that we know where Sora is, the team agrees: We're going in.

This is a big hoorah moment in the dub, but it's tonally different.

Tai: There's gotta be a way in. I don't care what I've gotta do, I'm gonna find that room! And I'm gonna bring Sora back! Guys, I totally understand if you'd rather wait here. Matt: Enough with the guilt trip; I'm comin' with ya! Mimi: Remember the old saying, Tai: There's no 'I' in 'Team'. T.K.: Can I come too if I'm brave? Tai: Alright, then! Now LET'S! GO! GET! SORA!!!

Tonal shift. In the original, everyone takes turns expressing their feelings about Sora. The emphasis is on how much she means to the whole group. The dub makes it about the mission, and everyone's eagerness to be a part of it. None of that feelings stuff.

Sora wakes up, finding herself strapped to a table. It's unclear what she's waking up from since she was awake and screaming when Nanomon dragged her away, but she has regained consciousness. Up above her, Piyomon is strapped to the wall with similar restraints. She's still out.

All Sora says in this bit are reaction noises and one "Piyomon!". The dub fills it with dialogue.

Sora: Have I been dreaming? This isn't my bedroom; Where am I? BIYOMON!!! IT ISN'T A DREAM!!! NOOOOOOO!!!

Dub Sora was so disoriented she forgot she was even in the Digital World at all.

In front of her is a computer console, where Nanomon's busying himself.

Nanomon: It's best not to struggle. Piyomon is only unconscious. I need her to defeat Etemon for me. Sora: Defeat Etemon? Too bad for you; Piyomon can't evolve without me! Nanomon: Oh, I'm not planning to use you.

Ominous! In the dub:

Datamon: Don't be alarmed, my dear! She's simply exhausted from all the excitement. She'll be fine when I use her in my plan to destroy Etemon. Sora: Biyomon can't Digivolve without me and I'd rather be stuck in a sewer full of rats than help you! Datamon: Good, then! I'll remember you said that.

"Exhausted from all the excitement". Datamon's really good at selective word choice. That's such an innocuous way to say "I hit her really hard with a pane of glass."

I also really like "I'll remember you said that" as a segue into this next bit. He's fucking pre-emptively victim-blaming Sora for what he's about to do to her. What a dick!

Glancing over, Sora sees an identical table to the one she's on. Nanomon punches keys at the console, and Sora's table runs a scanner over her. Then, on the other table, data begins to form into shape.

Sora: HUH!?!? Nanomon: It's copying you. Sora: Eh!? Nanomon: None of you have drawn out the power of your Crests at all. That's why I'll use this copy of you to draw out that power.

You know, I don't think this plan of Nanomon's is very good. He thinks he can do a better job of activating the Crest than the kids have done, but... Like....

We don't know this yet but Sora's Crest is Love. I think Nanomon would have a hard time producing a great gesture of Love from his Copy Sora. This plan was doomed from the outset. He should have grabbed Koushiro.

As he speaks, he reveals a mechanical arm from the console with Sora's Crest in hand.

Sora: My Crest! So you had it! You coward! You can't win on your own, so you're going to take someone else's power!

He brings up another mechanical arm from the console, holding Sora's Tag, and slots the Crest into place.

Sora: My Tag too!? Nanomon: When I fought Etemon before, I lost most of my memories in the process. Those memories will never return. The only thing I can do now is exact revenge on Etemon! By any means necessary!

Here we see the rage in Nanomon's heart, and understand him a bit better. He repaired himself but not everything can fully come back. He's lost his entire identity, his whole sense of self. Etemon took them from him when he broke Nanomon and made his broken shell administrator of the Dark Network. All he has left is his rage.

The dub seems confused as to what Nanomon's plan here is.

Sora: Hey, what's happening over there? Datamon: Relax; I'm just making a copy of you. Sora: Wha--!? Datamon: You see, I believe Biyomon's power has nothing to do with you, my dear... (Datamon reveals a mechanical arm with Sora's Crest) Datamon: ...but rather whoever happens to be in possession of that fancy Digivice you so proudly wear. Sora: You will never be able to command Biyomon! Datamon: Perhaps not. But we'll see if an exact replica of you can! Sora: This just can't be happening! (Datamon brings up the second arm with the Tag and slots in the Crest) Sora: I could be wrong. Datamon: When I fought the beast before, Etemon destroyed all of my memory circuits except for those of the fight. From that moment on, I vowed I'd have my revenge and I will have it with the help of your Digi-Partner! But enough of this small talk already, my dear. The moment of truth has arrived!

Okay. This all sucks.

First off, let's talk about Datamon's plan. He theorizes that Biyomon's power doesn't come from Sora at all. Anyone who has Sora's Digivice in their possession can command Biyomon to fight Etemon. Anyone at all. Sora is an unnecessary piece of this equation.

That is why he... Needs... To make... A copy of Sora. ...okay, man.

Then, as he's boasting about "It's actually the DIGIVICE that her power comes from", he uses the console to bring up... a Crest. Which is. Not a Digivice.

In fact, he never even mentions the Crest. The entire concept of using Crests to achieve a Digivolution beyond Champion-stage never enters the conversation at all. The Crest that we keep focusing on (because it's what we're talking about in the original) is utterly unrelated to the topic being discussed.

The way he talks makes it sound like he just wants to use Sora's Digivice to fling Birdramon at Etemon, because. Like. That will work, sure.

Finally, he ends by shrieking, "THE MOMENT OF TRUTH HAS ARRIVED". But. Nothing. Is happening. The copy's still got a long way to go before it's complete. The kids are preparing to assault the pyramid, but he doesn't know that's happening nor does it help his plan in any way. What the fuck is he talking about?

This scene got butchered.

Outside, Tentomon scouts the pyramid while the kids stay in the shortcut tunnel and plan their re-infiltration. Upon his return, Koushiro projects a map with red dots for each of the Monochromon and Tyrannomon guarding the perimeter, based on what Tentomon saw.

Koushiro: As you can see here, this is how Digimon are currently positioned around the pyramid's vicinity. It will be impossible to sneak inside. Yamato: That's why we'll be acting as decoys. Tentomon: Correct. Jou: While we pull the enemy away with our diversionary tactics, Taichi and Agumon will use that opportunity to invade the pyramid. Understood? Taichi: (nod) Mm! Koushiro, you'll guide me on the way, right? Koushiro: Right, but.... Taichi: What's wrong? Something bad? Koushiro: We need to go through this hidden passageway to reach the room, but there's an electrified wall, just like the place Nanomon was in before. (Taichi flashes back on the wall he couldn't pass through before. However, he steels himself.) Taichi: This time, I'll save Sora.

You can feel how they've grown since their assault on Infinity Mountain, when the battle plan for Devimon was basically just "Get 'im".

In the dub, Joe's line is directed at Tai directly.

Joe: Now, Tai: When the enemy starts chasing after us, you and Agumon have got to get inside that pyramid quickly, without being seen by anyone. Got it? Tai: (nod) Mmhmm. You do have directions for me, don't you? Izzy: Yeah; Just one more thing. Tai: How come I want to throw up every time you say "One more thing"?

After Tai's flashback, they also again slightly alter his line so it's about the mission, not about Sora.

Tai: I don't care what the wall is; I'm going through!

You got this, buddy!

As the sun comes up, the kids cluster at the mouth of the sphinx and say their parting sentiments for each other.

Jou: Rescuing Sora is our top priority. Don't engage in any unnecessary fighting if you can help it. Taichi: Right. Koushiro: You guys avoid doing anything reckless too. If Etemon shows up, we'll understand if you retreat. Yamato: Understood. Did you hear that, Takeru? Takeru: Yeah! Mimi: Let's all come back here safely. Group: Right!

Jou and Taichi's exchange here parallels their first infiltration, where Taichi was a lot more flippant and dismissive towards Jou's instruction. It's the same instruction given even in the same context: Rescue mission, don't start fights. But this time, Taichi takes it with straight-faced seriousness.

In the dub, Joe's first line is reframed to be more resentful of Tai's behavior last episode.

Joe: Now try not to do anything stupid and stay out of unnecessary trouble, Tai. Remember: The important thing is saving Sora. Tai: Right. Izzy: And you guys try not to do anything stupid either, Matt. If you run into Etemon, just turn around and run the other way. Matt: You got that, T.K.? T.K.: Yeah! Mimi: Whoever doesn't come back alive is gonna be in a lot of trouble, got it?

Y'know, that's fair. Being pissy at Tai specifically is an entirely valid response.

Once the plan's made, the kids mobilize. Taking up multiple positions around the perimeter of the pyramid, Jou and Yamato move into position to attack.

(I have no idea where they found that, especially on such short notice.)

Since the dub still wants to present Tai as the leader, they add in extra dialogue to have him barking orders during setup.

Tai: If this plan works, everybody has to get their part exactly right! Gomamon: They're coming out of the pyramid.... Tai: TAKE COVER, EVERYONE!!! BATTLE POSITIONS!!!

What does Gomamon think is coming out of the pyramid? The Monochromon and Tyrannomon are forming a guard perimeter around the pyramid. They're too small to go in and out. Is he talking about the Gazimon? What the hell is he trying to scout right now?

Jou and Yamato move into separate positions to launch the attack. Meanwhile, Taichi, Takeru, Koushiro, and Mimi use a yellow sheet to camouflage themselves against the desert sand.

Mimi: (lays the sheet over everyone) Taichi: Thank you. ... Taichi: (whispers) Sora....

This is the sort of small exchange that wouldn't be notable if the dub didn't. Fucking. Weaponize it against Mimi.

Mimi: (lays the sheet over everyone) Tai: Thanks, Mimi. Mimi: You're welcome-- Tai: (hisses) Get down!

As rewriting scenes to be at Mimi's expense go, this is fairly minor. But. Y'know. The overarching trend of anti-Mimi gags makes it irk me.

Once everyone's in position, the assault begins. Ikkakumon opens fire with Harpoon Vulcan, pummeling the walls of the pyramid with his missiles.

The missiles pull attention from the Gazimon in the command center and wake Etemon. He is not pleased to have his sleep so rudely interrupted.

As expected, the Gazimon emerge from the pyramid and mobilize their forces to counterattack. Rallying the Monochromon and Tyrannomon, the Gazimon lead a charge against Ikkakumon.

But the kids were waiting for that. Ikkakumon lets off one last Harpoon Vulcan straight into the advancing crowd before retreating, at which point Yamato and Garurumon emerge for a flanking burst of Fox Fire.

They target the five Gazimon in the center, firing off one shot into them before scurrying away themselves. Furious, the Gazimon split their forces in half to pursue Garurumon and Ikkakumon both.

Note: In the original, when Etemon's forces launch their counterattack, Jou says:

Jou: Th-They're coming.

Then, once they get in close, he commands:

Jou: Retreat!

He orders that in a strong voice that indicates this is all part of the plan. And, indeed, it is; He's trying to pull forces away and open up Yamato to flank.

In the dub, these lines are presented as:

Joe: Alright, be brave.... Joe: Maybe tomorrow!

Which implies this was not the plan and Joe simply fled out of cowardice. Thanks, I hate it.

Inside the pyramid, Etemon's puzzled by the hit-and-runs.

Gazimon: The Chosen Children are running away! Etemon: Rrrrgh, what is going on!? What are they planning!? (to Gazimon) Have you determined where Nanomon fled to yet? Gazimon: I-I'm sorry, sir! Nanomon seems to have messed with the network, so its search functions have greatly destabilized. Etemon: Never mind. If you ever find him, contact me immediately. Gazimon: Etemon-sama? Etemon: I'm going to deal with these nuisances I see in front of me.

Etemon emerge from the pyramid, leaping onto the top of his trailer and setting the Monochrome in motion. He roars into the distance:

Etemon: I'll settle things with you today!

Riding off atop his trailer to join the fray, Etemon doesn't notice the Taichi, Koushiro, Mimi, and Takeru still hiding under their camo sheet. As he leaves, Taichi utters a silent hope for the decoy team before he and Koushiro begin their infiltration.

Taichi: Please get away safely. ... Let's go, Koushiro! Koushiro: Right. Mimi: Be careful! Taichi: Yeah! (runs off)

In the dub:

Tai: I hope Joe and Matt make it okay. Come on, Izzy, let's move out! Izzy: Roger. Mimi: He forgot his name! Tai: WE'LL BE BACK!!!

XD "He forgot his name" got me.

Taichi and Koushiro return to the secret passage, descending into the pyramid's depths.

Koushiro: Be careful. Some passageways may have been blocked by the fighting yesterday.

Sure enough, they round a corner and come upon a collapsed section of passageway.

Koushiro: We'll have to leave this hidden passage temporarily.

While Koushiro planned for this, Izzy's surprised to see parts of the pyramid damaged.

Izzy: So far, so good. This is the right way, I'm sure. Tai: (rounds the corner) The passage is blocked! Agumon: It's a dead end! Izzy: Not necessarily. Why don't we try that door over there?

Izzy makes it sounds like we're just winging it through the pyramid. Are you sure you know which way we're going?

Taichi peeks out through the false wall to make sure the coast is clear, then he and Koushiro emerge and scurry down the hall. However, a security camera nearly catches them, alerting one of the Gazimon in the command center to their presence.

Gazimon 1: (gets a glimpse of Taichi and Koushiro disappearing around a corner) Hmm? Did something just show up on the monitor? Gazimon 2: Could be your imagination. Gazimon 1: Maybe... (starts pressing keys)

The dub brings out more workplace resentment for the Gazimon.

Gazimon 1: (gets a glimpse of Taichi and Koushiro disappearing around a corner) Hey, did you notice anything on the middle monitor? Gazimon 2: Yeah! You're attracting flies again. Gazimon 1: Huh. (starts pressing keys)

I want a workplace sitcom about Etemon and his Gazimon.

Out in the desert, backup moves into position for both sides. Mimi and Palmon leave their cover to join the battle, instructing Takeru to stay hidden.

But Etemon arrives, catching up to Jou's position. He lets off a shot of his Dark Spirits into his own battle line, sending the Monochromon, Tyrannomon, and Gazimon flying.

Etemon: You're all in my way. Move! Jou: E-ETEMON!!! Etemon: I will personally defeat the Chosen Children.

Now would be a good time to fall back.

Note: This time the dub calls Dark Spirits by the name Summon the Dark Network. It's gotten longer.

In stark contrast to his previous dub-added cowardice, this time Joe is made flippant and bold.

Etemon: Aw, you're becomin' a nuisance, son. Joe: Of course! It's because I'm a teenager. Etemon: I have to admit, it's been a lot of fun toyin' with ya but now playtime's over. It's the end of the line for you and your goat, bay-beh!

Nobody tell Joe that he's actually one year shy of officially being a teenager.

Also, goat? He thinks Ikkakumon is a goat? I genuinely don't know if that's the dub being weird or a reference I'm not getting.

Down in his Nanomon's lab, progress on the counterfeit Sora is coming along well.

Nanomon: Those children are perceptive. It seems they've figured out where we are. Sora: Then those earthquakes.... Nanomon: There's a battle going on outside. Some children have entered the pyramid in the confusion. Hmph... I won't let them interfere! Sora: Taichi....

Up in the command center, the kids are made by the Gazimon too. The one that spotted them rolls back the footage, showing the other Gazimon what he saw: The two kids emerging from the hidden passage and rounding the corner, clear as day.

Gazimon 1: BAHHH!!! Look! I knew it! The Chosen Children! Gazimon 2: Shit, when did they get here!?

We are just about out of time.

In the dub:

Gazimon 1: See? Look! I caught them on tape! You said it was fliiiies! Gazimon 2: Fast-forward!

Something about the accusatory and hurt way he reads the line, "You said it was flies!" cracks me up. XD They clearly didn't know what to have the second Gazimon say, though.

Out in the desert, true to his word, Etemon engages the children himself.

He chases down Ikkakumon, lobbing a Dark Spirits ahead that just misses. This forces Ikkakumon to turn, but Etemon moves to intercept.

Garurumon jumps Etemon from behind with a Fox Fire, but Etemon quickly dodges away from it. Togemon comes in at a third angle, surrounding Etemon and unloading her Chiku-Chiku Bang Bang. Etemon parries each and every one of her rapid-fire needles.

Etemon: I see you're showing up one after another. Aren't there more of you? Where are they hiding. Yamato: We don't need to tell you!

The dub chooses now to experiment with using the opening theme as a roaring ass-kicking tune to amp up how badass we are, like what the original does with Show Me Your Brave Heart. Right now. In this fight we are losing badly.

Etemon: Was that the best you got? I've seen sharper needles in Granny's knittin' bag! Joe: (wailing) I think we need a new plan!

The kids press the attack. Etemon catches Garurumon by the tail and tossing him. Ikkakumon body slams Etemon; Etemon softens him up with belly punches, then hoists him into the air and throws him in the pile next to Garurumon.

Togemon unloads another Chiku-Chiku Bang Bang. This time, Etemon snatches her needles out of the air, catching them between his fingers and toes. He returns them to sender, impaling them into Togemon and laying her out.

Etemon: I was a little off-guard yesterday. You won't escape this time.

Whipping out a microphone, Etemon hits them with Love Serenade to reduce the Partner Digimon back to Child-stage. The dub, of usual, has a great little dity, part of which gets drowned out by the kids shouting the names of their Digimon in alarm.

Etemon: I'd like to close the show with a tune that's currently #1 on the charts; It goes something like this. (Etemon starts singing) Etemon: ~My little daaaarlin'! / You think you're swell, you think you're cool! / But if I'm not the one-- (unintelligible) YEAH!!! (Etemon finishes singing) Etemon: And don't forget to tip your waitress!

Aww, Etemon demands consideration towards the hard-working and underpaid staff of the service industry! Maybe he's not such a bad king after all.

With the Digimon down, Etemon finishes them all off with Dark--

Gazimon: (loudspeaker) ETEMON-SAMA!!! TROUBLE!!! THE OTHER CHOSEN CHILDREN ARE INVADING THE PYRAMID!!! Etemon: WHAT!?!? ...why would they do that? (considers) Does this mean that Nanomon is still in the pyramid? (turning to the defeated children) Is that it!?!?

Etemon: EHHH!?!? HANG ON!!! WHERE DID YOU GO!?!? ANSWER MY QUESTION!!!

Yeah, no. They peaced out while you were contemplating Nanomon. They are in the wind.

Etemon: Hmph. They won't be able to fight for a while in their current state anyway. I'LL ENJOY HURTING YOU LATER!!!

In the dub:

Gazimon: (loudspeaker) Etemon! I've discovered the whereabouts of the other children, sir! They are inside the pyramid. Etemon: Why would they be, unless Datamon were still inside the pyramid. Datamon's smarter than I thought, but not nearly as smart as me! (Etemon turns around and sees no one there) Etemon: Huh? Now where did all those others go!? What's a legend gotta do to keep an audience around here, bay-beh!? Well, it doesn't matter. I'll just destroy the ones in the pyramid first, and then I'll come back for the rest of them later, uh-huh-huh!

They dumbed this gag down. It's not the same without Etemon pathetically screaming "ANSWER MY QUESTION!!!" at the uncaring sands.

The Gazimon are played as clueless and trying to be helpful rather than reporting a crisis.

As Etemon and his trailer roll out, the kids reveal how their vanishing trick was performed.

Left to their own devices, Takeru and Tokomon sprinted all the way out here with the yellow sheet.

Yamato: You really helped out, Takeru. Takeru: Tokomon helped too. Jou: Thank you, Tokomon! Tokomon: Ehehehe! Yamato: But Taichi and the others.... Mimi: I'm sure they're in the middle of saving Sora-san right now.

Nothing more the decoy team can do now. Etemon's on his way back to base and he knows he's been had. It's in Taichi and Koushiro's hands now.

That T.K. saved everyone goes unexplained in the dub.

Matt: He's got a lot of anger. T.K.: And he sure gets mad easily! Group: (laughs) Joe: At least we can still laugh about it. Matt: But what about Tai? Mimi: Oh, that's right. Something tells me he's not laughing right about now!

Call it a hunch.

Inside the pyramid, a blaring alarm sends Gazimon scurrying down the corridors. Taichi and Koushiro lurk inside a hidden passage, trying to find an opening for the next stretch of their detour.

Tentomon: I guess they know we're here. Koushiro: Just when we've almost made it. When you turn right, the wall directly ahead of you is the passageway to Nanomon's room. Taichi: Damn....

He doesn't get much time to be upset, as something coming through the ceiling above indicates they need to move now.

Taichi and Koushiro flee into the main corridor with Etemon hot on their heels.

Etemon: Found you! Tell me where Nanomon is. Koushiro: Taichi-san! Tentomon and I will try to hold him back. Hurry and save Sora-san!

Tentomon evolves, but the roaring music of Show Me Your Brave Heart does not strike up. He evolves in silence, with no musical backing at all. This is not a moment of triumph. This is desperation.

In the dub, they play the normal Evolution theme as usual for all Evolutions in this episode.

Taichi enters the hidden passage and descends into the final tunnel. But the firewall is waiting for him, just like Koushiro said it would be.

Taichi: She's on the other side. (A long moment of hesitation, as Taichi gathers finds his determination) Agumon: (steps forward) I'll go first. Taichi: Wait, Agumon. Agumon: Taichi? Taichi: I'll go. There's something very precious to me on the other side of this wall. Agumon: Sora? Taichi: Right, but not just Sora. For me, there's something else that's very precious over there, that I lost yesterday. Agumon: Taichi... YOU CAN DO THIS, TAICHI!!! FIND YOUR COURAGE!!!

Agumon hits the nail on the head. The thing that's so precious to Taichi, the thing waiting beyond this wall, the thing that the firewall took from him yesterday... is his yuuki. His courage, his boldness, his nerve. His will to act.

In the dub:

Tai: Oh, great! Agumon: An electric wall! I can break through it, Tai-- Tai: Wait, I'll do it, Agumon. Agumon: Are you sure? Tai: Not exactly. But if I don't do this on my own, right here, right now? I may never be able to do it! A man must face himself before he can face his enemies. Agumon: I think I understand, Tai. GO FOR IT!!! I know you can do it!

May never be able to do what? Walk through the hidden passage of an electrified firewall? Because I don't think this is an experience you can expect to encounter again.

The dub's resistance to the sentimental and emotional sides of these characters has now resulted in Tai having to spout random platitudes in what's meant to be the culminating moment of his character journey in this arc. Again, this just sucks. It's bad.

Letting out a roaring kiai, Taichi reaches for the firewall and plunges his hand through it. Passing through the opening harmlessly. He doesn't see it but in this moment, something awakens.

At which point Etemon crashes through the wall, pinning Kabuterimon by his arms. Agumon evolves to fight and this time, the opening chords of Show Me Your Brave Heart do fire up. It doesn't go into the full song, but enough to show that this evolution is more hopeful than the last.

While Greymon hangs back as the last line of defense against Etemon, Taichi enters Nanomon's lab.

Taichi finds Nanomon waiting with the counterfeit Sora.

Taichi: Sora! (runs towards her) Piyomon: THAT ONE'S FAKE!!!

Piyomon calling out to Taichi pulls his attention to the side of the room, where he sees the real Sora and Piyomon shackled down.

Piyomon: He made a copy of Sora! Sora: Taichi! Taichi: S-Sora!? Nanomon: I've just completed the copy. Now, if I give it the holy device and Crest, it will become the real one. Taichi: That won't happen!

Taichi runs over and snatches Sora's stuff away from the console's mechanical arms. Somehow, Nanomon did not anticipate that and can only whine in shock.

Nanomon: WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!? Taichi: These belong to Sora! Nanomon: If you give those to her, you'll ruin my plan!

He's so utterly blindsided by this obvious move. I honestly think Nanomon expected Taichi to be like, "OHHHH okay now I get what you were doing here. Sweet. Great plan. Carry on!"

He's been sitting here at his console like, "It's fine. Once I explain my plan, the kids will be thrilled to have my new Sora with them. She's an upgrade, really." In his defense, he has no memories. He doesn't know what it's like to feel things that aren't vindictive rage.

Thinking quickly, Nanomon opens up a void beneath Sora, plunging her into a dark abyss. Fortunately, while he's erasing the floor, he also erases the table she's strapped to. This makes it possible for Taichi to fling himself at the edge and catch her by the wrist.

Taichi: What is this? Nanomon: It's the main source of the evil powers that make up Etemon's network. Anything that falls in there will be absorbed by the darkness. It won't leave a scrap of you behind.

Nanomon approaches the pit, reaching out and grabbing Taichi and Sora's arms to separate them.

Nanomon: I have no use for the original! Time to dispose of you! Sora: (heart-wrenching sobs of sheer terror) Piyomon: SORA!!! SORAAAAAA!!! Nanomon: If you don't want her to die, return the holy device and Crest to me! Taichi: Quit talking nonsense! I came here to save Sora!

In the dub:

Datamon: And since I have no more use for the original, I'll simply get rid of it. Sora: (heart-wrenching sobs of sheer terror) Biyomon: TAI!!! THE CREST!!! Datamon: Yes, the Crest is the means by which you can save the maiden's life! If you give it to me immediately. Tai: Yeah!? Why don't you go tell Etemon your sad story because WE'RE NOT INTERESTED!!!

Was Biyomon telling Tai to trade the Crest back to Datamon? If she'd shouted about the Digivice, that'd be one thing. But the Crest?

Datamon pounces on that like he's villainously reinterpreting something she said, but... What else could Tai or Sora do with the Crest? Datamon's interpretation is the only one that makes sense.

Rather than give them back, Taichi fucking drops them. Because boldness. Letting go of the Digivice and Crest, he lets them fall into the pit, where Sora catches them.

Nanomon: IMPOSSIBLE!!! Sora: (catch; determined) Taichi....

Dub Tai takes this opportunity to taunt.

Tai: Sora, catch! Datamon: NO, WAIT!!! Tai: Not scared, are you, Datamon!?

Piyomon evolves into Birdramon, breaking free from the wall and retrieving Taichi and Sora from the pit. This time Show Me Your Brave Heart kicks up a longer snippet, though the vocals still don't come in.

Out in the passage, Etemon has his back against the firewall. He proudly goads Greymon and Kabuterimon.

Etemon: Come on, try and attack me from any angle!

Birdramon attacks from the rear angle, coming through the wall and collapsing the entire firewall on top of Etemon. He shrieks as its current courses through him.

Dub Etemon delivers the taunt as:

Etemon: Don't you worry, kiddies; I'll play with ya!

Which doesn't segue as funnily into his subsequent electrocution than "Attack me from any angle, c'mon!"

Greymon: Taichi! Koushiro: Sora-san! Sora: Sorry for worrying everyone! Taichi: Let's get out of here, everyone!

In the dub, Tai's line is:

Tai: Hey, here come the others!

Tai, we are in the sub-subbasement. How can you see that?

Outside, the decoy team races for the pyramid. The infiltration team explodes through the wall, joining the others. Mission complete.

While the kids make their exit, Etemon gets up and goes deeper, cornering Nanomon in his lab. He walks in to find Nanomon deleting his now-useless Copy Sora.

Etemon: My, my. Playing with dolls in a place like this? The children escaped me again, but at least I'll deal with you here. Give yourself up, Nanomon. Nanomon: Hmph!

Nanomon erases the entire floor, attempting to plunge himself and Etemon into the Dark Network core together. Etemon leaps for the console and grabs on, but Nanomon grabs him by the ankle.

Nanomon: YOU'RE COMING WITH ME!!! Etemon: LET GO!!! I refuse to commit shinju with you!

The subtitle up there says "die" but there's more to it than that. Shinju is, specifically, the act of people bound by love committing suicide together so they can be with each other in Heaven. Even when his life is under unbelievable threat, Etemon remains a flippant bastard.

Nanomon fires his Plug Bomb, but he shoots it down at the network instead of up at Etemon.

Etemon: Where are you aiming? Still got some crossed wires? Nanomon: You're mistaken if you think that was an ordinary Plug Bomb. They contained a computer virus that amasses the evil powers into a concentrated, growing ball!

It probably goes without saying that the shinju bit doesn't translate well into English. And also the dub team absolutely would not have translated it even if it did. That is the darkest joke to appear in the show thus far.

So. Yeah. This is the least surprising line ever to be cut from the show.

Etemon: Now it's time for me to dismantle you in the same way you dismantled your little playmate, you miserable pile of bolts! Datamon: The door! (Datamon opens the floor, forcing Etemon to jump to the console and Datamon to grab his ankle) Etemon: WHOA!!! Whoa, let go! Let go! Datamon: If I'm going down, you're coming down with me into the black pit. Just try these! (Datamon shoots his Plug Bomb) Etemon: Now I'm not gonna tell you again: Let go of me or I'm gonna open you up like a can of beans! Datamon: Those were computer viruses I dropped into the Black Pit. It will keep growing and absorb all the dark energy of our cosmos - Including yours, fool! Etemon: You know how I hate bugs!

Plus side, "I'm gonna open you up like a can of beans" is a good line. XD

While Etemon uses all of his strength to cling to the console, various Monochromon and Tyrannomon are dragged in from outside. They fall into the Network core, disintegrating into pixels on contact. Before long, Etemon loses his grip. He and Nanomon plunge in together. Nanomon disintegrates, while Etemon is dragged down into the cables intact.

Outside, the kids continue their retreat unimpeded while Etemon's forces are dragged in all around them.

(I guess they have no evil powers to amass so they're fine.)

Jou: What's happening!? Koushiro: Whatever it is, it's our chance to escape! Takeru: LOOK AT THE PYRAMID!!! Taichi: What... What's happening...?

The kids stop and turn around, watching the pyramid and all of Etemon's forces implode into a singularity of darkness. Then a wicked laugh suddenly crosses the desert.

Now merged with the Dark Network itself, Etemon rises into the air from the space where the pyramid once stood.

Etemon: I won't be defeated from the likes of this! Nanomon chose to end himself; The rest of you are next!

Again, they may have to depict Datamon's choices onscreen but the dub really doesn't want to talk about them.

Etemon: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Alright, now, let me see a show of hands: How many of y'all actually missed me, huh? I told you I'd come back and take my revenge on you. You didn't believe me, did ya!?

Birdramon and Kabuterimon unload on him, but their Meteor Wing and Mega Blaster disintegrate on contact with the core.

Etemon: Ahh, that's enough to loosen up my stiff shoulders. Let me repay you.

In the dub:

Etemon: Hey, that was pretty good! I'd give it a 9.6. Now then, you ready for a fastball!? BYAGH!!!

Etemon fires back with Dark Spirits - or, in the dub, Byagh. His first shot grazes the pair and keeps going, slamming into a distant hillside. It bursts into a singularity that begins consuming the surrounding area. His second shot hits the Sphinx, erasing the kids' exit point.

Mimi: Ahh! The Sphinx! Koushiro: There's nowhere left to run. Sora: If he keeps this up, he'll mess up the whole world! Jou: But there's no way we can beat him!

The dub avoids mentioning that our retreat path is gone, but still retains the hopeless vibe.

Mimi: Ahh! The Sphinx melted! Izzy: Melting doesn't even begin to describe it! Sora: We've tried everything! Nothing can stop him! I guess this is the end! Joe: I was hoping to skip algebra class but not like this!

Algebra gets a bum rap; I had a lot of fun at it. You will too, Jou. You seem the type.

It's at this point that Taichi sees his shining Crest inside his shirt and realizes.

Taichi: No. We still have one option left. Let's go, Greymon! Greymon: Understood, Taichi!

Without waiting for the others to catch his meaning, Taichi runs forward to engage Etemon, holding his glowing Crest aloft.

Etemon: WAHAHAHA!!! You still have yuuki!? Taichi: I won't run away! Ever!

Etemon's first line can be (and gets) translated to "Still wanna fight?" but it's important to note that he mockingly questions Taichi's yuuki. It's the same word that the show uses for Taichi's Crest once they're established: Yuuki no Monshou, which gets translated to Crest of Courage.

He's setting up an ironic comeuppance, as Taichi not only has yuuki but is about to beat Etemon's ass with his yuuki.

Takeru: Look there! Taichi-san's Crest! Mimi: It's glowing! Taichi-san's Crest is glowing! Etemon: Heh! I'm telling you, it's hopeless!

Etemon slams a Dark Spirits into Greymon's face, laying him flat.

Taichi: DON'T GIVE UP, GREYMON!!! Greymon: Taichi, your yuuki... I can feel its power surging through my body! GREYMON CHOU-SHINKAAAAAA!!!

Taichi's yuuki surges through his Crest and sends Greymon through chou-shinka or Super Evolution into MetalGreymon.

In the dub:

Etemon: Well, lookit here, sports fans! A new batter steps to the plate Tai: I'm not afraid of you, you big blowhard! Come down here and fight like a 'mon! Mimi: Tai, what are you doing!? You don't stand a chance! Etemon: Hey, you are brave! I like that! (Etemon lobs a Dark Spirits into Greymon, without calling the attack anything) Tai: Don't worry, Greymon! I'm staying with you! Greymon: Tai! Your courage is giving me even greater strength! I can Digivolve!

Nobody else seems to notice that Tai's Crest is glowing like a beacon in this version. Etemon gets the "Hey, you are brave!" which is probably meant to ironically set up Greymon's evolution, similar to the yuuki line in the original.

While evolving to Perfect-stage is called Chou Shinka or Super Evolution in the original, the dub just calls it Digivolving.

While the kids gawk in awe, the narrator gives us a rundown. MetalGreymon is a Perfect-stage Vaccine-type Cyborg Digimon.

Jou: Th-This is.... Yamato: The Crest's power! Narrator: MetalGreymon. A Perfect-stage Digimon whose modified body is used as both a weapon and armor in battle. The destructive force of his special attack, Giga Destroyer, is incredible! Taichi: This is Greymon's true evolution!

The dub puts in a commercial break after MetalGreymon's evolution. To compensate, they splice in repeat footage of Etemon emerging from the pyramid to reintroduce what's happening.

Etemon: Ahahahahaha!!! Well, lookie here! A fully-evolved Digimon! Well, I can handle him too. Just watch me, kids! Joe: MetalGreymon? Matt: It was the power from the Crest! Tentomon: MetalGreymon uses his own body as a weapon during battle. His most lethal instrument is the Geeja(sic) Destroyer! Tai: ETEMON IS EVERYBODY'S ENEMY!!! USE THE POWER OF THE CREST!!!

He already did that, Tai. That's how he became MetalGreymon. Also, there's that "fully-evolved" again.

Etemon remains unimpressed with MetalGreymon.

Etemon: Just because you evolved further, that doesn't mean you can win against me! (hurls a Dark Spirits at MetalGreymon) MetalGreymon: (slashes the orb to pieces with his metal claw) Etemon: What!? Taichi: MetalGreymon!

MetalGreymon charges forward, headbutting the Network mass. The hit offends Etemon.

Etemon: The nerve of you! I'll crush you!

In the dub, both Etemon and Tai ramble a bit here.

Etemon: What's with ya? Is there no end to your stupidity? Well maybe I can put an end to it for ya. Ha! (Etemon lobs a Dark Spirits at MetalGreymon, who cuts it to pieces) Etemon: Well, it was just a joke! Tai: FINISH HIM NOW WHILE WE HAVE THE POWER!!! Etemon: Noooo! Back off, bay-beh! (MetalGreymon headbutts the Network mass) Etemon: Ow! What's the matter with you!? Don't you know the rules!? There's no headbutting allowed!

It's honestly cathartic to see how much more freaked out Etemon gets in this version. He's basically word-vomiting out of panic.

Then MetalGreymon begins to glow with a mass of accumulated light.

Mimi: MetalGreymon is glowing! Takeru: The light's energy.... Tokomon: It's holy power!

That, of course, isn't allowed in the dub. No holiness allowed. Fortunately, they have a readily available excuse to explain the sacred glow.

Mimi: He's glowing! I wish my hair could do that! T.K.: It's the Crest Power! Etemon: NOOO!!! Don't destroy me! I've got too much talent!

Sort of, but no. It's holy energy. It's the power Angemon pulled out of the seven Digivices and massed together to hurl at Devimon. The light of evolution itself, which plays directly into the show's overarching storyling.

Glowing with holy power, MetalGreymon opens his chestplate to fire his signature attack: Giga Destroyer.

Despite claiming 40 seconds ago that this move is called Geeja(sic) Destroyer, Dub MetalGreymon calls it as Giga Blaster.

Unlike previous attacks, which disintegrated on contact, Etemon's holy-powered Giga Destroyer breaks through the eradication field, slams into the network cables, and detonates. The blast destabilizes Etemon's network mass, turning it into a singularity like the ones his Dark Spirits attacks were creating and pulling him into it.

Etemon: I-It hit!?!? I'm a big star! WHY HERE!?!?

Etemon vanishes, consumed by the singularity.

(Nanomon's revenge is complete.)

Surprisingly, the dub says "die" again.

Etemon: Noooo! You must not defeat me! I'm just too important to diiiiiiie....

However, this victory is not without cost. As the singularity grows, it pulls in Taichi and MetalGreymon as well.

The kids left behind scream Taichi's name into the void, but as the singularity stabilizes and finally closes, there's no trace left of him.

He's in another place.

Taichi: This is....

Then we close on that startling cliffhanger. Etemon is dead (probably). The first Super Evolution has been unlocked. And somehow, against all reason, Taichi has gone home. And taken Koromon with him.

Assessment: I stand by what I said before, that this would all be more effective if we hadn't just watched Taichi fall only to rise again immediately before he fell only to rise again. I did not remember how repetitive the Etemon arc managed to be in only six episodes.

Nonetheless, the emergence of MetalGreymon is a thrilling payoff. The final boss fight of an arc is always hype, and this was no exception.

Sad we didn't get to see more done with Copy Sora. What a concept to suddenly pull back on and dumpster without ever letting it do anything. Honestly, Nanomon's ability to make Copy Children is interesting enough to sustain a whole arc by itself.

The dub... Yeah, no, this was another low-effort hack job. The dub's always been hit or miss but they really threw quality-control out the window with the Nanomon two-parter.

There are a few scenes that are basically perfect. Captures everything from the original that needed capturing, in their own voice. But for this episode, the dub's lows are incredibly low.

[koushirouizumi]

{D I G I M O N} Adventure/tri {+2020 as AUs} ~ Short Clip Preview x "MY Kind of 'Perfect" {+Aspec!}/{Demi-pan!} Koushiro {Asexual spectrum and/or - Demiromantic Pansexual (Full Main Canon) {+Tri}; - or Panromantic Demisexual (many of my Spinoff A.U.s); - or AlloAro-spec, Demi-pansexual!Koushiro [Allosexual Aromantic]} [either way, its a DemiPan-involved Identity/Headcanon] x (Queer!/MLM!) Taichi (M-spec, Multi Gender Attracted spectrum) {KouTai}; Koushiro{u} Izumi x Taichi Yagami (Bonus appearance of Tri!Jou Kido); {Ketsui Spoilers} Music (C) David Archuleta + Jive Records D I G I M O N (C) Toei Animation NO $$$ is being made off this Fanwork

by Me/@hikari-m/@izzyizumi {DO NOT RE-POST} {DO NOT COPY} {DO NOT RE-PRODUCE WITHOUT MY PERMISSION UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES}

{Please read banner BEFORE Interacting}

[seventeenlovesthree]

Digimon Doodles Masterpost 2023

Since Tumblr seems to be broken as of right now when a post contains too many links, I need to come up with a contingency plan!

General:

Taishirou: [The Beginning - Valentine’s Sap] [March 4th Anniversary] [Recharging] [Gentleness] [Taikouvember Cover] [Pride Month Dance] [The Beginning Countdown - UsaMamo Redraw] [Taikouvember Countdown]

Taiora: [Hug - Revisted]

Koukari: [Doll Kisses]

Taichi Yagami: [Official Art Redraw] [Crest Test Doodle]

Sora Takenouchi: [Workout]

Koushirou Izumi: [Corrupted]

Hikari Yagami: [Dolls]

Groups: [Baby Digimon + Items] [Baby Digimon + Items, Team Light/Team Hope edition] [Taikourato Harem] [The Beginning - Partner themed shirts]

Others: [Koromon doodle] [Fei Commission] [Colour Theory - Taichi Yagami] [Colour Theory - Koushirou Izumi] [Bakuten Shoot Beyblade - Reimax Doodle] [Hotaru Izumi - OC Taishirou Lovechild] [Dai/Ken vs. Barbie/Ken] [Miraculous Ladybug - Marichat Birthday Art] [Art Summary 2023]

Comics:

Taishirou: [The Beginning - Reassurance] [The Beginning - Senpai] [Reboot English Dub - Baby’s First Crush]

Others: [Taichi + Motimon: Belief] [Koura - Romantic Chronicles] [Gomamon is pro Pan/Polysexuality] [Jyoumato - matching haircuts] [Jyoumato - matching haircuts II]

Character / Ship weeks:

Taichi Yagami Week 2023: [Thank You]

Koushirou Izumi Week 2023: [Izumi Family Reunion] [Four AU Concepts] [Headcanon Musings] [Hugs For Senpai] [Confessions]

Taikouvember 2023: [Canon vs. AU: Miraculous AU] [Past & Future: Future Family Bonding] [Trauma & Healing: Self-Sacrifice] [Visible & Invisible Signs of Affection: Goggle Kisses] [Brave Knowledge & Curious Courage: Semiconductor Proposals] [Free Day: Light of Hope - Beginning Spoilers] [Free Day: 2023 Collage]

Taiora Week 2023: [Theatre] [Pirates]

2021

2022

2024

[g2gamermatters]

7 Best Mackenyu Movies and TV Shows

Since the release of One Piece live action series, Mackenyu's popularity has been soaring. His portrayal of Zoro in One Piece gained a massive following, mostly from women who just couldn't resist his charm.

Mackenyu himself has etched his name in the entertainment industry a long time ago. First appearing in Kamen Rider Drive: Surprise Drive, he was 17 years old when he debuted. Starting from small roles, his talent continued to spike interest from directors and producers.

Born as Mackenyu Maeda, his breakthrough role was the portrayal of Arata Wataya in the Chihayafuru trilogy. In fact, he loved the character so much that he decided to use Mackenyu Arata as his stage name.

As a son of the famous Japanese actor and martial artist, Sonny Chiba, it's no surprise that Mackenyu followed in his father's footsteps. Now, with over 40 credits in acting roles, Mackenyu continues to rise in his stardom.

Besides One Piece, there are a lot of Mackenyu movies and TV shows to get to know him better. Here are the recommendations!

1. Chihayafuru Trilogy

Mackenyu's breakthrough role in the Chihayafuru Trilogy was what catapulted him into stardom. The trilogy is based on the manga series "Chihayafuru" by Yuki Suetsugu and follows the story of Chihaya Ayase, a young girl who becomes deeply involved in the competitive world of competitive karuta, a traditional Japanese card game.

In the trilogy, Mackenyu Arata played the role of Arata Wataya, a childhood friend of Chihaya and a skilled karuta player. His return to the town after some years of absence rekindles Chihaya's passion for karuta, and he becomes a central figure in her journey to become a competitive karuta player.

Arata's presence and influence serve as a driving force in the story, motivating Chihaya and her friends to form a karuta club and pursue their dreams of becoming champions. Arata also represents one of the love interests in the series, creating a love triangle with Chihaya and another main character, Taichi Mashima.

If you want to explore Mackenyu's other role beside One Piece, Chihayafuru Trilogy is a great way to start!

2. Over Drive

Mackenyu portrayed the character Hiyama Naozumi in Over Drive. Naozumi, the wild and unpredictable Supika Racing Factory hotshot, is no stranger to chaos. Despite his troublesome nature, he possesses exceptional driving skills and aspires to advance to the World Rally Championship.

Towards the end of the film, Naozumi undergoes a remarkable transformation and becomes more focused on his goals in rally racing. This journey takes him from lone wolf to a team player, from troublemaker to disciplined driver. Mackenyuy's portrayal brings Naozumi's passionate evolution to life, promising an engaging and impactful character arc that's worth watching.

3. Pacific Rim: Uprising

In the epic "Pacific Rim: Uprising," Mackenyu Arata takes on the role of Ryoichi Hatayama. Although not the central character, Hatayama's role as a Pan Pacific Defense Corps cadet and co-pilot of the formidable Jaeger, Saber Athena, adds depth to the storyline.

Even as a supporting role, Hatayama stands alongside lead characters, like Jake Pentecost (played by John Boyega), and takes on a vital part in the thrilling battles against the Kaiju monsters.

While not in the spotlight, Mackenyu's appearance in this international blockbuster allows him to showcase his acting skills. His performance enriches the action and the overall dynamic of Pacific Rim: Uprising.

4. Our 30 Minute Sessions

Expanding his role, Mackenyu portrayed a musician in Our 30-Minute Sessions (サヨナラまでの30分). His character, Aki Miyata, a musician who passed away one year before the events of the film. Despite his untimely death, his bright and positive personality continues to influence the lives of those who knew him.

On the other hand, a character named Sota discovers a mysterious tape recorder which allows him to listen to Aki's voice from the past for 30 minutes. During this time, Aki takes over Sota's body, leading him to meet his former girlfriend.

As the plot unfolds, Sota not only learns more about Aki's life and struggles but also undergoes personal growth and self-discovery. The story delves into themes of friendship, grief, and the healing power of communication and connection, even beyond death.

5. Peach Girl

In the 2017 Japanese romantic comedy-drama "Peach Girl," inspired by Miwa Ueda's beloved manga series, Mackenyu Arata takes on the role of Kazuya Tojigamori. This story revolves around the intricate romantic and dramatic journey of the central character, Momo Adachi.

Kazuya, one of Momo's dearest friends and a fellow classmate, embodies kindness, care, and unwavering support. He's a character marked by unrequited love for Momo, a sentiment that sparks emotional conflicts and intense drama. As Kazuya grapples with these feelings, the movie explores the complexities of friendship and love.

6. Knights of the Zodiac

Enter the fantastical world of "Knights of the Zodiac," where Mackenyu steps into the role of Seiya. In this cinematic take on the beloved "Saint Seiya" franchise, created by Masami Kurumada, adventure and destiny collide.

Seiya, a street-smart orphan, embarks on a perilous odyssey to rescue his kidnapped sister, Patricia. His journey tests his mettle as he confronts formidable challenges. His fate becomes intertwined with the legendary Knights of the Zodiac, warriors chosen to safeguard the goddess Athena's reincarnation.

Mackenyu's portrayal is more than a mere performance. It's a journey through Seiya's determination, a tour of his emotional evolution from ordinary to hero. He weaves his essence into the action and drama, crafting a Seiya that captivates and immerses us in the "Saint Seiya" universe.

7. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable - Chapter 1

Perhaps Mackenyu's most peculiar acting role, "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable - Chapter 1" saw Mackenyu Arata taking on the character of Okuyasu Nijimura. This film is based on the Diamond Is Unbreakable story arc of the popular manga and anime series "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" by Hirohiko Araki.

Okuyasu Nijimura possesses a Stand, a supernatural ability that grants him unique powers. His Stand is known as "The Hand," and it wields the extraordinary power to erase or scrape away anything it touches with his right hand. Initially introduced as a member of a group with antagonistic motives, Okuyasu's character undergoes a transformation as the narrative unfolds.

Looking into his diverse acting role, it seems like Mackenyu doesn't plan on stopping any time soon. His career will continue to evolve, and with his legendary portrayal of Zoro, more directors and producers may see the potential he has.

Finally, some of Mackeyu's movies are available to stream online on Apple TV, such as "Knights of the Zodiac" and "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable - Chapter 1". To watch them, you'll need a paid subscription available through Apple TV.

And here's a tip to make it even more convenient: purchase your subscription using iTunes gift cards from OffGamers.com. With over 200 payment methods, secure transactions, and global accessibility, OffGamers.com makes getting your hands on those iTunes gift cards a breeze.

So, prepare to journey into the mesmerizing world of Seiya and Jojo, right from your screen!