English Dub Review: Ensemble Stars “Rift”

Overview (Spoilers Below)

With Trickstar disbanded, things are looking grim for our protagonists. Everyone is in low spirits, especially Subaru, who’s unwilling to let go of the unit just yet. With the DDD competition coming up (the contest announced by Eichi in last week’s review), it looks as though Trickstar has become a thing of the past and one of the latest victims of the Student Council’s ruthless ambition. However, with help from Anzu (as well as support from peers), Subaru is eventually to overcome his sense of hopelessness to work to bring Trickstar back together.

Our Take

This episode, as if it wasn’t insinuated before, really allowed Subaru to shine as a character, and more importantly as a protagonist. Up until now, he’s been portrayed as the pollyanna of the unit — often too saccharine and happy-go-lucky for anyone’s liking. To see him so defeated and remaining loyal to Trickstar is emotionally stirring. You can’t help but feel for the poor guy.

Additionally, he’s forced to “grow up” in a sense, becoming a childlike denialist into the force that will ultimately bring Trickstar back together. Granted, we still have to see how the execution will turn out, but for now, we can find ourselves cheering for Subaru as he works to bring his beloved unit back together.