English Dub Review: Tokyo Revengers: “Rechange”

Overview: Takamichi (AJ Beckles) talks some sense into Draken (Sean Chiplock) and Mikey (Aleks Le) in order for them to put aside their differences, come together and keep the Tokyo Manji Gang from tearing apart. Later, Hanagaki and Hinata (Lizzie Freeman) go on a double date with Draken and Emma for a brief reprieve before learning that the internal conflict within the gang may not be over.

Our Take: Takamichi’s role in the drama amongst the Tokyo Manji Gang becomes increasingly clear with each entry with this episode being no exception either. He acts as a strong moral compass for Draken and Mikey while also keeping them honest as well. At the end of the day, Hanagaki can’t fight exceptionally well and he is not notably stylish either. He was an embarrassment to watch flail around and then him breaking down crying definitely didn’t do him any favors either in his pleading for Draken and Mikey to stop their conflict. But that was the entire point. And the latter half of this episode encapsulates that better than anything. 

But in the wake of all the bad blood, to see Tokyo Revengers have a more hearty focus on light and levity with a fun playground scene featuring the main cast was a breath of fresh air. Especially with all the heaviness as of late. And that was just to start. The double date scene between Hina, Hanagaki, Emma and Draken acts as a heartwarming and romantic counterbalance to what comes after. 

After learning that the some disgruntled gang members are after Draken from his seemingly all knowing plot spewing friends, Takamichi does what he always does and charges headfirst. When he learns of a plot to stab Draken, he is caught, assaulted and bound with duct tape. But worse than that was what took place before that. The regression of his character back to his scared, helpless self with him groveling and asking for forgiveness even though he knew it was wrong was more painful than any gruesome blow. To add salt to the wound, Hina is the one who finds and unties him. The character’s emotional breakdown solidifies Takamichi as one of the most relatable yet tragic characters to come recently. AJ Beckles gives a heartbreaking performance that puts Takamichi’s frustration and raw pain with his inept ability to develop and change on full display. Hanagaki, while physically incapable, is very heartfelt and honest. It took Hinata and her belief in him when he had none, to pick himself up again. This too also showcases the smart storytelling with her acting as the warm and uplifting beacon of hope for Hanagaki. Just as he does for others all making for one of the best beautiful and touching scenes of the show thus far as she finally kisses him lifting up the crybaby hero once again. Lizzie Freeman is also extraordinary with her kindness radiating and bursting at the seams as Hinata. Lastly, a potentially grim fate awaits Draken as perhaps the conflict continues to evolve and show nothing is set in stone yet. 

“Rechange” is the best episode of Tokyo Revengers thus far with phenomenal English voice acting performances, beautifully written scenes not to mention strong, sympathetic character moments and chemistry.