English Dub Review: Dragon Goes House-Hunting: “A Well-Defended Home”

Overview: Letty (Michael Kovach), Nell (Jad Saxton), Dearia (Steven Kelly) and Pip (Lindsay Sheppard) hold down the castle as Nell’s father, King Alvin and his forces attempt to seize it back and rescue Nell under the misconception of the “Flame Dragon Lord” rumors that have spread far and wide. 

Our Take: Good news everyone! Much to everyone’s surprise and even Letty’s, Dearia now has his own spin-off! In this episode. Sort of. Ok not really but nonetheless one of the joys of Dragon’s final episode is how Dearia gives a crash course on all different types of defenses that can be utilized in a home as well as that fourth wall-breaking joke. 

Dearia is nothing if not a master of his craft and he proves that through the very inventive manners in which a castle fortifications can be utilized. Creatively hilarious situations posed through his calm and dignified demeanor make all the very painful and fatal traps that more funny. Like that of him pouring scalding hot water down onto confined soldiers that Letty compares to someone nonchalantly making instant ramen. Dearia’s personality, ironically, but also voice actor Steven Kelly, comically brighten up all of his lessons with terrifically apathetic lines that remind us why we love the demon lord in the first place.  

And to think all this conflict started with a cupcake. Yes, Nell’s absurdly spoiled nature and quarrel with her father is resolved as quickly as it started. They truly have exceptional chemistry together as she is spoiled right down to the bone and he just entertains and gives into every part of her bratty self. It’s also quite cute to see how Letty continues to show how much he cares for Nell in setting up her reconciliation with her father. But also to see Nell’s walls come down and show, in what is a classic staple between tsunderes and young dragons, how they continue to get closer over time and show affection for each other. Also I find that Nell’s  pampered side also makes this quality that much sweeter. 

Lastly, as Letty learns about the tough love onset by his dad (probably, at least, but knowing his father who knows), it refers back to the positive message that has been reinforced throughout in learning about the interesting world around you at large, one that warms Dearia’s heart and mine as a result. With the wacky humor being a fun and enjoyable trademark of the series, it is these heartfelt and meaningful scenes between the two that become especially worth treasuring as a result. 

After all is resolved, Letty is given a magical placebo that will allow him to fly away with Dearia and Pip, with Nell promising to join later. So while we are treated to a somewhat saddening goodbye, it is only temporary. However, what’s most important is our dragon and demon lord duo’s final moments together soon after their escape. It executes this quite excellently by referring back to all the locations, mythical creatures and characters Letty and Dearia have encountered throughout their house-hunting adventures. Then finally when Dearia comes to the realization that both he and Letty arrived at the same conclusion about the world as a whole, his being with Varney, it is an endearing and joyful moment cementing their bond and friendship and acting as an amazing cultivation of their wondrous journey. While it may be the end and a bit heartbreaking, similar to the thematically well placed sunrise, it is just the beginning of their adventure and I hope to see much more of it in the future.