English Dub Review: Tokyo Revengers: “Open Fire”
Overview: Takemichi (AJ Beckles) along with Chifuyu (Adam McArthur) and the rest of Toman prepare for war against Baji (Lucien Dodge), Hanma (Zeno Robinson) and the rest of Valhalla.
Our Take: With a new domino effect problem around every time-ridden corner, poor Takemichi is always running around like a chicken with his head cut off. This time it presents itself in that of Baji, who Hanagaki has to do his damndest to keep alive from Kazutora for the sake of Mikey’s soul. The show has set up a lot of believable time roadblocks for Takemichi that would have severe adverse effects if left unchecked. Thankfully, this one is no exception with the murder of Baji being an undeniably harrowing scar on Mikey with their friendship.
More romantic scenes with Hinata and Hanagaki is another highlight, especially with how touching and down-to-earth Revengers has shown to be able to characterize their relationship. I can only hope for meatier scenes between them later down the line instead of these quick one-offs that will show more of their adorable chemistry. Baji’s Valhalla misdirect is also called into question to keep audiences debating his motives, but based on his reaction to be accused it’s probably nothing more than that and he actually is deceiving Hanma and his goons. Not to mention Baji visiting Shinichiro’s grave seems like enough evidence in and of itself to point to his grief and to his real allegiance.
Mikey’s kind morals, while nothing new, are a new development in how he will handle Baji, in trying to bring him back to Toman. This is especially intriguing as it plays into Kiseki’s hands seemingly so how events unfold from here and how they differ, if at all. And of course, the pointless side plot of Mikey killing Takemichi if he failed without any hesitation further showcasing how utterly contrived of a motivation it served and also an uncharacteristic decision for Mikey being as understanding and caring as he is. It is also nice that the formality of the fight rules and regulations were dropped because I thought Toman and Valhalla were gangs that were going to beat the shit out of each other, not engage in a fencing tournament. With the next episode jumping into the ensuing battle without hesitation, it will surely make for an eventful brawl.
