English Dub Review: Bungo Stray Dogs “Dogs Hunt Dogs”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

The Detective Agency is framed for the brutal murders of several government officials. As a result, its members are on the run from the Military Police.

Our Take:

The agency’s latest murder case landed them in hot water in last week’s episode. Nikolai, the Decay of Angels member, has successfully framed the agency for the deaths of the government officials he captured through the reality manipulation book. As a result, the agency members are now the prime suspects in the murders, and their reputation is up in smoke. This is enough to consider the Decay of Angels a threat to the world and the agency.

The episode goes for an approach similar to 1993’s The Fugitive, with the agency going on the run from the police after being falsely accused of murder. Meanwhile, Fukuzawa is seemingly apprehended by the police, while Atsushi struggles with getting his foot out of the ground before being saved by Kyoko. With my knowledge of Bungo Stray Dogs being minuscule, it’s still concerning that I couldn’t get attached to the agency members, even when they’re on the verge of death, mainly Akiko, the team’s medic. Thankfully, the episode provided enough stakes and entertaining action to get me interested in their fates and kickstart the fourth season’s crucial chapter.

Additionally, “Dogs Hunt Dogs” introduces us to the Hunting Dogs, a military team of gifted humans hired by the government to find and execute the Detective Agency. The members consist of its commander Ochi Fukuchi, Saigiku Jono, vice-commander Teruko Okura (the team’s only female member), and Tetcho Suehiro. The Hunting Dogs also has a fifth member but are off on a different mission. It’s pretty suspicious if you ask me. So far, the only member that’s more threatening than others is Tetcho, whose ability, Plum Blossoms in Snow, allows him to cut everything with his sword from a distance. He can also control the trajectory of his blade, meaning it will be pretty challenging for the agency to dodge Tetcho’s attacks.

Overall, “Dogs Hunt Dogs” is a thrilling continuation of season four that sees the agency running from the law. It also did a decent job introducing me to the Hunting Dogs regarding the threat level toward the agency and the episode’s mixture of action and humor. Additionally, the action sequences and supernatural abilities were once again portrayed beautifully by Studio Bones regarding the animation. With another team joining the Agency Hate Club led by the police, it’s only a matter of time before the Armed Detective Agency may face a casualty or two for one of their own.