English Dub Review: Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut: “The White Rose of Sangrad”

Overview: Lev (Stephen Fu), Rosa (Kimmie Britt) and Mikhail (Jonah Scott) compete for being the first cosmonaut assigned to space flight for the fame that comes with it. 

Our Take: While Lev has risen up and succeeded in being chosen as one of the final three cosmonauts to go into space, his job is far from finished. He was the third one chosen, with the first one being awarded all the credit for the flight with he, Rosa and Mikhail all vying for that spot. 

As more intensive tests are conducted, some are already starting to buckle under the pressure with Rosa freezing up during a skydive drill and Lev coming to her rescue. Deciding to bow out of the competition, this allows for a moment of intimacy between her and Lev in opening up and showing her insecurity in being alienated and counted against as a female officer in a male driven military as well as her true kindness. It makes for a compelling motivation and stark contrast for her cold attitude up to this point. This also applies especially in regards to Irina in recognizing her bravery and talent. 

Lev’s friendly rapport with Rosa does not sit well with Irina with her feeling jealous without knowing the full context and eventually when Lev tells her the news of his victory, it shows how they have grown even closer. Irina’s tsundere attitude about the results of the cosmonaut candidate test leads to some playful chemistry amongst her, Anya and Lev, showing how comfortable and playful they have all become. 

With Irina leaving for a new mission assigned by the UZR along with her and Lev having a day off, it makes for great anticipation for their romantic date. Especially considering that Anya ‘forgot’ she made prior arrangements and Irina is upfront in admitting her appreciation for her ‘other appointment.’ With their date just beginning, here’s hoping for some sweet smooch to seal the deal and their relationship.