English Dub Review: Akudama Drive “Reservoir Dogs”

Overview:

As Black Cat (Daisy Guevara) explains it’s master plan to Courier (Jonah Scott), Doctor (Britanny Lauda), Hacker (Y. Chang) and the rest of the misfits, they are soon interrupted by some uninvited guests that may just throw a wrench in their plans. Then later, as the akudama regroup, the Black Cat plans to incorporate Swindler (Macy Anne Johnson) into their scheme.   

Our Take:

One throughline throughout the entirety of not only “Reservoir Dogs” in particular but this series in general is how it tips its hat to films. Although only now have I begun to realize just how it does this for movies in general. Each adventure’s plot is related to its titled film in some way but beyond that each one is very much a self contained romp in and of itself. If it continues with this sort of pacing it will allow for a nice complete experience each week with fun witty writing and great action sequences that it has maintained thus far. 

This episode introduces that of an interesting foil for the akudama in the form of executioners, who are assassins tasked with the specific job to exterminate akudama. Without needless exposition explaining the role of them and the concise nature of character names, they are instead given a stylistic intro and dialogue that clearly exceptionally defines the relationship between the two agents in Master and Pupil. I appreciate this subtlety that I feel is sometimes lost especially with anime as flashy and action packed as this, but also the simplicity too. 

What proceeds to take place is once again truly awesome animation as the executioners ambush the group. To my surprise (and enjoyment), Brawler, similarly to his previous fight with the bots, has great energy and vigor as he relentlessly lashes out at Pupil. There is also a great display of how Courier battles as well. It’s interesting to see how he differs from his criminal peers by utilizing his quick wits and tech such as his specialized gun and tricked out motorcycle. 

Lastly, Matt Shipman gets the spotlight as he joins his fellow akudama as the notorious criminal, Cutthroat. Having only a small amount of screen time in the initial episode, Shipman really brings his A-game as the slasher with his creepy demeanor and yet has such an alluring charm as he takes such animalistic pleasure in his gruesome handiwork. His chemistry with Ordinary is also great fun due to how much their personalities differ from one another.