English Dub Review: Liar Game “Counterattack”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Kikuchi uses his natural advantage to get the upper hand on Akiyama.

Our Take:
I once wondered whether a Poker match between Akiyama and Kikuchi would be as intense as Akiyama’s battle of the minds with Yokoya.  Thanks to this episode and Kikuchi’s keen vision, we may have that answer sooner rather than later.  It’s not just their strategies that make Seventeen Poker more thrilling than regular poker.  Instead, it’s the players themselves, especially Nao’s strategy of saving everyone from debt.  Nao certainly has a kind heart, not just in her honesty but also in her generosity in trying to free the opposing players.  However, it also comes with a risky plan to ensure that everyone has an equal share without being manipulated by the LGT’s conditions.  While it worked for the players from the Contraband Game, the West team is much harder to convince, especially Kikuchi, who’s willing to win big with his method and kinetic vision.
“Counterattack” continues the Seventeen Poker round with another series of back-and-forth deals between the two players, with Akiyama recognizing Kikuchi’s kinetic vision.  However, it’s also about the conflict outside the game, mainly Nao’s own strategy.  Kikuchi’s refusal to follow Nao’s plan forces Nao to realize that some people may be beyond saving because their greed consumes them.  Of course, it also makes players doubt each other, blurring the line between a lie and the truth. It further highlights the show’s depiction of how people’s obsession with money and mistrust may lead them down a path of no return.  Additionally, the voice actor behind Kikuchi really knows how to hammer in on the character’s goofy expressions throughout the entire match.  While the exposition still downplays it a bit, this round still delivers some winning hands through its tense moments.