English Dub Review: Infinite Dendrogram “The Movement on the Board”

Overview (Spoilers Below)

In a moment of introspection, Marie, Hugo, and Veldorbell remember the past experiences that led to them playing the titular Infinite Dendrogram MMO game in the first place. The flashbacks themselves kinda play with expectations a bit but it’s easy to see why the characters would use the game either as an escape from their problems, an opportunity to correct past mistakes, or a chance to live out their idealized self. It might seem cheap, but hey, that’s the power of escapism for ya.

While Veldorbell uses his ability to manipulate sound in an effort to lure Marie into a trap, Franklin takes the unconscious Elizabeth outside Gideon and instructs Hugo to keep everyone, except Ray, from leaving the city. As Franklin steps outside the city, he is attacked by the Royal Guard, commanded by Liliana, but he summons a monster to decimate them. Ray and Rook reach Hugo, who agrees to let Ray confront Franklin, but not before Ray and Hugo attack each other only once. As Rook remains behind and fights Hugo, The episode ends when Ray reaches the city’s outskirts, but his troubles are far from over…




Our Take

This was quite a backstory filled episode for three specific characters in particular. It’s an interesting way of mixing up some of the characters in Dendrogram and easy to understand why they’d use the game as a literal escape from their world and a way to realize the dreams that couldn’t be done within reality. Still, more half the duration of this episode was simply devoted to the character motivations of three particular characters which wouldn’t feel unnecessary for the narrative if they explained them in earlier episodes but why now?

Also, I have a bit of trouble accepting Franklin’s obsession with Ray. What does he want from Ray? Why is he so interested in him? The show didn’t do a good job of developing this particular relationship, but future episodes could hopefully change that.