English Dub Review: AYAKA: A Story of Bonds and Wounds “Don’t Say Such Embarrassing Things”

Overview (Spoilers Ahead):

Yukito is on a mission to bring Jingi back.

Our Take:

Yukito is determined to bring Jingi back to life. He hasn’t been absorbed by the ley energy, so there’s still a chance to save him. Yukito’s father even helps him find Jingi. The episode does have some nice moments and it’s cool to see Yukito getting to talk with his father.

I’m not a fan of a character dying only to either not really be dead or be brought back to life. It’s usually referred to as the “Disney death,” and it’s a trope that can work depending on how it’s executed. However, it’s been used so many times that I’m sick of seeing it. Plus, I just don’t care much for Jingi. He has his moments, but I don’t find his drunken deadbeat shtick very charming.

There’s also a fight in this episode that might as well not even be there. The main point is bringing Jingi back to life. I might not like the trope, but it’s kind of nice to see Jingi reunite with everyone. He’s the same slacker he was, but everyone seems to appreciate him a little more now.