English Dub Review: The Drops of God “Made By the Hand of Man”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
The first battle over the Twelve Apostles is held.

Our Take:
The competition over the first Apostle wine continues, with Shizuku assisting Kaori in recalling its name.  I’ve said previously that the series seems to be reflecting on how a specific wine can affect a person’s life, not just on the beverage’s history.  Well, it looks like the episode has further proven this case, with Shizuku discovering, through his search for Kaori’s memories, the identity of one of the Twelve Apostles.  The wine, known as the 1999 Chambolle-Musigny, is the exact wine that Kaori and her former fiancé drank before the latter’s death, providing Kaori with the closure she needed.  Of course, this discovery also led to Shizuku winning the round, despite handing in the 2001 Chambolle-Musigny.
Like the second episode, “Made By the Hand of Man” emphasizes a character receiving closure from their rediscovery, notably Kaori’s origins of her amnesia and her previous husband.  Additionally, it shows that imperfect wines can be just as sweet as those that are, due to the history surrounding Chambolle-Musigny in both years.  It’s been said that individuals or products with flaws are unique in their own way, unlike those made to perfection.  If everything is perfect, then what’s the point of exploring them anyway?  This episode pretty much sums this theory up in a way this anime adaptation knows how to.  However, the pacing feels a bit rushed, failing to convey the artistry and emotional core it displays, particularly in Kaori’s closure.  Besides that, the episode suitably portrays that the wine competition is heating up, thanks to Shizuku’s first victory.