English Dub Review: Platinum End “World Peace”
Overview: Kanade (Griffin Burns) recollects his tragic past with his sister as his battle with Mirai (Alejandro Saab) continues.
Our Take: Kanade has not been the most compelling or unique antagonist for our main character. But perhaps that is fitting considering the same goes for Mirai as far as MC’s go with how terribly idealistic and bland he has been up to this point. Somehow, this episode manages to lower my opinion to an even greater depth than I had thought possible of Metropoliman. However, not in a sinister villain kind of way, but in the face-palm-inducing terribly characterized sort of way. It is clear now that poor characterization is not a symptom of certain characters but a systematic issue.
Kanade’s backstory with his little sister is utterly laughable, and not in a good way. Not only is it marred by an unoriginal, melodramatic sibling relationship trope seen time and time again, but it transitions into pure comical when Kanade eventually makes a villainous turn in wanting to control his sister’s life and keep her from being “tainted” by the lower and middle classes in society. This is due to how unbelievably uncompelling their relationship is and Metropoliman’s character transition is, with no development or compelling motivation whatsoever for disdain against those of less wealthier backgrounds. However, it is also due to how illogical their relationship is as a whole with how plainly deranged Kanade is, begging the question of how they could have a good sibling bond to begin with. Kanade’s God complex over poor and unfortunate societal classes with no room for complexity or evolution, make him a stereotypical and unappealing villain and character as a whole.
After Metropoliman’s tiring monologue and Saki’s idiotic attempt to connect with him, thankfully and ironically, the most sensible is Mirai. Finally thinking logically and empathizing with Nanato wanting to kill Kanade, he seems to have just a bit more grit over the course of his harrowing ideals, making him more likable as a result. While Mirai and Kanade’s showdown does progress due to them inching closer in their shootout against each other, it is disappointing the result is not shown or at least hinted at, draggin out their standoff to the next episode. The same can’t be said for my patience with this fantasy series.
