English Dub Review: Doreiku the Animation “Abuse”

A grim, violent episode of Doreiku explores SCM use beyond its familiar faces.

OVERVIEW (SPOILERS BELOW)

I certainly didn’t see that coming.

Forget everything you think you know about the structure of a Doreiku episode. “Abuse” casts Eia and Yuuga’s story aside in favor of worldbuilding; while this show has never struggled to convey its distinct setting, I’ll never say no to the opportunity to learn more when it comes to sci-fi. Subsequently, we’re introduced to Shiori and Taiju, who illuminate dynamics that I hadn’t even considered among SCM users such as dominant/submissive. This example forms an interesting contrast to the relationship seen in “Shackles”, but the discussion here has even greater implications for the show as a whole. What percentage of slaves entered their position willingly? How many other reasons are there for people to use SCMs? I’m impressed that the latter question doesn’t feel remotely close to being answered definitively.

Although Doreiku has been disturbing in the past given its premise, this week took things to a whole new level. Shiori goes through some serious shit within a matter of minutes, yet this never feels like unnecessary violence or cruelty towards the character. In fact, there’s a powerful and timely message about personal agency in the contrast between the ends of her two duels which the episode should’ve made more overt; this might be uncomfortable viewing, but I once again found that the suggested consequences made it rewarding.

“Abuse”’s one downfall is that Shiori and Taiju’s story is immediately preceded by a sequence directly continuing from last week. Seiya lacks the personality to make his internal conflict compelling (or indeed, noticeable at all to an audience), causing the episode to drag when he becomes the focus. Eia and Yuuga are unfortunately given even less to do, which feels like a missed opportunity. Thankfully, this opening does serve to foreshadow an effective last-minute plot twist that hints at a much bigger role for an otherwise minor character.

OUR TAKE

It’s strange that the scenes featuring Doreiku’s ostensible leads were easily “Abuse”’s weakest, but also a testament to how immersive this week’s standalone narrative is. Emphasizing how widespread and sinister SCM use has become is a clever direction for future storytelling, and hopefully, this momentum can be continued without sacrificing any more of Eia and Yuuga’s story. Regardless, the show’s willingness to attempt such a bold departure this early in its run suggests that it will be consistently intriguing if nothing else.

Score
7.5/10