English Dub Review: The Drops of God “The Pegasus in the Heavens”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

Shizuku gets help with Takasugi’s challenge from Issei Tomine.

Our Take:  

I’m not sure whether to be surprised by the fact that Shizuku is getting extra help from his primary rival.  I guess it just depends on the perspective of the previous episode, which kick-started yet another wine challenge for Shizuku to conquer.  This time, it came from none other than the brand-obsessed Takasugi.  This continuation sees Shizuku answer Issei’s riddle and receive a bad 1975 Margeaux, which plays a key role in the episode’s reflection on wine brands and their different tastes.  It’s been previously stated that just because a certain brand looks superior doesn’t mean the taste will be as well, which was admittedly one of the more interesting facts I’ve heard about wine.  I usually go by what sounds good and move on from there, but seeing the fact unfold in Drops of God convinced me to reconsider the types of wine, especially regarding brands.

“The Pegasus in the Heavens” further emphasizes this fact through the challenge’s conclusion regarding the two different-branded wines.  While Chateau Chasse-Spleen ranks lower than the other great Chateaus, the wine actually has superior taste, underscoring the classic phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover”.  Additionally, the episode explores Takasugi’s reasoning for his obsession with brand-name wines: he was humiliated by a rich girl for giving her a regular watch.  Note to self: never date picky rich girls obsessed with expensive brands.  This is another solid episode that explores the history of wine through its anime essence, as well as how wine affects people’s lives, especially its ability to heal one’s sorrows.