English Dub Review: The Eminence in Shadow: “Your Life, Your Wish”

Overview: Aurora (Shelley Calene-Black) and Cid (Adam Gibbs) escape the prison with unfortunate consequences as the Shadows expand their operation on a much bigger scale. 

Our Take: It will never be hilarious how Nelson continuously chalks up Cid’s power to luck as an asininely entertaining villain. Despite the shortcomings in developing his power, Cid continuing to dominate is always a treat. The ridiculous magical feats continue to be crazy fun. The animation elevates his battle, displaying his insane sword speed. 

Their escape makes for a tragic end to Aurora in her forewarned disappearance. There is a tender, lovingness to her final moments, one that’s just as genuine for him, rejoicing over their emotional battle. However, there is also a sense of hope in her wish for her corporeal form to be found by him. 

With the development that Aurora is Diablos, Alpha’s self-assurance of Shadow’s far-reaching knowledge always evokes the “Does he though?” response funny enough. Granted, he’s perceptive when it comes to combat ability, so it remains to be seen if he knows about her true nature. 

The Garden’s influence becomes increasingly evident in their acquisition of Madlid for land and oil. Also with Beta infiltrating Rose and Alexia’s operation investigating Diablos and the Shadows, their growing connections and power are exciting. 

The Shadows’ expansion demonstrates Cid’s pivotal role in their upbringing, helping with their housing and training during their formative years. As lackadaisical as he is, his caring side adds a bit of warmth to his one-track, combat crazed mind. 

Chancellor Perv Asshat’s arrival in Midgar is imminent?! He’ll undoubtedly cause new complications to unravel for no apparent reason whatsoever. All jokes aside, the sheer shock value of his name is priceless.

Iris continues to be ignorant of Shadows and Alpha’s immense strength. Her pride makes for engrossing exploration in it, not allowing her to accept others’ earth-shattering capabilities that exceed her own. Those aspects also make her dismissive attitude frustrating, especially compared to Alexia’s open-mindedness. Alexia continues to grow, though, in her powerlessness spurring her on to become stronger making for a satisfying evolution. 

To investigate Shadow Garden and the Cult, Iris has to get backing from the people and the knights. In order to get that, she must win the Bushin Festival. Hopefully, it will provide a humbling moment for her to truly understand Shadow Garden and their shared enemy.