English Dub Review: Sparks of Tomorrow “His Brother’s Footsteps”
Overview
Before Kihachi can figure out how to fix the electric key, Kengo breaks down and confesses the secret he’s been carrying for the past three years.
Our Take
Picking up from the previous episode, the truth behind Seiroku’s fate is finally revealed through Kengo, whose lingering trauma and survivor’s guilt add an emotional layer to his character. The episode takes a more serious and restrained approach, allowing the backstory to carry real weight while showing how deeply Seiroku’s legacy continues to affect those around him. Kihachi and Inako also continue to grow closer, with their mutual support standing out as another highlight.
The mystery surrounding Seiroku’s Catalog takes an interesting turn as Kihachi and Inako work together to access his hidden collection. While the elaborate electric lock feels a little too advanced for the era, the sequence is still a fun showcase of Seiroku’s ingenuity and the trust he placed in his brother. Kihachi’s eventual decision regarding the completed Catalog is especially surprising, raising questions about what he hopes to accomplish next. Inako also looks stunning in her Western-style outfit, while her father’s continued interference remains frustrating.
Overall, this is one of the series’ strongest and most mature episodes so far. Kengo’s emotional backstory, Kihachi and Inako’s developing relationship, and the mystery surrounding Seiroku’s legacy all come together nicely without letting the comedy overwhelm the drama. Despite a few questionable technological details, the stronger focus on character and serious tone make this an especially compelling episode, leaving plenty of intrigue for what comes next.
