English Dub Review: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: “The Demon Lords”

Overview: How Clayman (John Burgmeier) conspired against Malim (Kristen McGuire) comes to light as other demon lords Leon Cromwell (Christopher Wehkamp) and Guy Crimson (Anthony Bowling) discuss the notoriety that Rimuru (Brittany Karbowski) has earned himself. 

Our Take: The strategic machinations constructed by Tempest, Dwargon, and the Sorcerer’s Dynasty Sarion are not just for show as the plot makes good on the plans as a whole showing the widespread effect they are going to have by reaching the other demon lords. And each has their own unique reaction, also cultivating distinctive characters in each one of them. Clayman is able to use Malim’s trust in her friend and subordinate, Frey, to his advantage by deceiving her into being hypnotized with a necklace. This further paints another sorrowful picture as to why Malim is enthusiastic and as wanting of friends as she was when she met Rimuru with never having many genuinely good ones. Also her toy dragon gloves she gets from Rimuru are a touching reference to her sad origin and heritage as a whole. 

Clayman, while a pretty generic villain in regards to being solely motivated by power, will be so damn fun to see get his shit kicked in. And this episode perfectly encapsulates why that is in how Clayman’s overconfidence, along with Rimuru’s genius scheming, will act as his inevitable downfall due to how he falls so easily into the slime’s deception. But it also shows how far the news is reaching with Demon lords Leon Cromwell and Guy Crimson and varying perspectives from more seasoned and perceptive ones in how they view it. The dialogue is a bit on the nose in regards to their discussion involved in talking about their personalities in a contrived manner. It does, however, get the job done in building anticipation for a potential battle with Rimuru, in how he is seemingly up to par with both Cromwell and Crimson, and amongst the two long-standing demon lords as well. This is all brought on by a new character in Guy himself who stands out as overly playful but equally so in how confrontational he is as well. While the writing between them isn’t stellar , there are great moments between them like Guy trying to come on to Leon and being swiftly rejected by his icy exterior. Also, the introduction of Veldora’s older sister, Velzard, could make for not only funny chemistry with how much they differ from one another but also an exciting matchup with Veldora becoming even stronger and Velzard probably be more than capable in packing a punch if she is his older sister. No doubt all these relationships and pending ones will come to a dangerous head at Walpurgis in the coming episodes.