English Dub Review: Raven of the Inner Palace: “The Jade Earring, Part 1”

Overview: With the help of the Raven Consort, Shouxue (Alexis Tipton), Emperor Gaojun (Christopher Wehkamp) investigates the death of a consort while looking for evidence against the foul previous empress, Dowager (Linda Leonard) for a proper execution. 

Our Take: Raven of the Inner Palace is a fantastical take on ancient China with an emperor seeking the help of a mystical woman known as the Raven Consort Shouxue. Emperor Gaojun seeks to figure out the identity of the spirit who dropped a notable jade earring starting an intriguing supernatural case led by the mysterious Shouxue, who delights in how adorably bashful yet determined she is, which is even more impactful in how isolated she seemingly is. Shouxue is also a genuine beauty in how pure she is in payment though the simple delicacy of red bean buns. She has a charming dynamic with her patron, Gaojun in how honest and flirty he is with her. 

The case establishes an engaging imperial world as Shouxue learns about it through disguising herself as a palace attendant. The Raven Consort meets the palace attendant, Ban Yingu, learning about the emperor’s tragic, reclusive past in his mother being murdered by the preceding empress, Dowager. Shouxue’s reconnaissance also serves as a look into the harsh lives of consorts and how they live comparatively to royalty, being confined to a palace for eternity, taking pleasure in even the most inhumane of gossip. It serves a stark difference from Shouxue’s own lifestyle in the special allowance and authority she has and from that specific type of servitude on account of her abilities. The buns she receives from Ban demonstrate is an evocative example of deep-seated lessons of selflessness and solitude, ones she learned from her predecessor, that make her so reluctant to enjoy any indulgences whatsoever. 

Dowager’s cruelty and delight in orchestrating the murder of Gaojun’s mother makes for a compelling motivation in his inner hatred, turmoil and in wanting to execute her. Even more moving is his dedication to himself in keeping his morals untainted in not stooping to her level and forging evidence against her. 

There is no shortage to the amount of beautifully designed characters in richly colored and regal robes with Shouxue, Ban and the other consorts also standing out with gorgeous and delicately drawn features. Gaojun and his other attendants have the same style and grace as well in their royal garments. A fascinating fantasy take on historical China leaves off with an intriguing high note as there seems to be more to Shouxue in her heritage, as Gaojun is about to find out.