English Dub Review: 86 EIGHTY-SIX: “Real Name”

Overview: Lena (Suzie Yeung) reels from the angry hateful display that was dished out to her by Theoto (Casey Mangillo) and is forced to come to terms with how she treated the unit despite her best intentions. 

Our Take: The fallout of what the processor Laughing Fox, Theoto, said to Lena about not caring about human lives with something as simple as learning one’s true names haunts Lena. While not damning by any means, it is an effective device in a continuing effort to show the divide between them and the rest of the nation. But much more than that, it further shows how atrocious the military presence on Lena’s side is as whenever an opportunity arises there is a constant dehumanizing of the 86 that is present. 

But it is also incredibly fascinating to see the overall societal complacency and comfort that has ridden San Magnolia and it is especially evident with Lena’s friend, Henrietta. Their conversation about treating them as human beings showcases a self-preservation in Henrietta and about the conflict of war and what side of it they are fortunate to be on even if others must suffer in the process. It is a saddening selfishness to watch unfold and yet another well written example of not only how poorly and cruelly the 86 are viewed and treated as a whole by the toxic propaganda enforcing military but one that is not unlike that of those around the world. 

The dual complexity of both sides is also effectively made apparent too with Laughing Fox and the rest of Shinei’s unit understanding that she is not to blame, specifically and not the right target for their hatred and anguish. But at the same time, I also like how they don’t just fully accept her despite that. They can’t fully come into terms with someone who hasn’t been on their side and is ignorantly bliss. Although they still accept Lena to some degree and enjoy her company. That is the intricacy I mean. While the 86 are most certainly in the right for hating San Magnolia and everyone who is protected behind their walls, there is no absolute black and white on either side with even Spearhead coming to terms with that. This all forms a conflicting cocktail of a relationship that will undoubtedly become more complex and interesting as the drama and hardships progress. Lastly, we’re given a quick glimpse/tease of Shinei and his backstory with his older brother, which will most assuredly set up the leader’s harsh trials and tribulations that made him as stoic as he is. 

“Real Name” continues 86’s already phenomenal output by putting more of the conflict between Handler One and Spearhead on full unadulterated display with excellent writing, worldbuilding and complexity.