English Dub Review: Saga of Tanya the Evil “Campus Life”

It’s six months later after Tanya Degurechaff (Monica Rial) has left the front lines. The episode picks up in Unified Year 1924. The WWI or WWII vibe is particularly strong with this episode, and Saga of Tanya the Evil “Campus Life” offers a bleak feel.

Spoilers Below

“I can’t seem to get the stench of blood and gunpowder out of my nose,” Tanya says to herself. In military university, Tanya consults with General Zettour (Mark Stoddard). Degurechaff predicts that the war will evolve onto a global front. Moreover, Tanya plots out a strategy for the empire. Her idea aims to keep losses low.

General Zettour is pleased with Degurechaff’s military prowess and expertise. Particularly, “Campus Life” has a decent mix of elements. There’s witty, dry humor Tanya brings in her internal dialogue. At the same time, Tanya is incredibly reverent for her the military.

The absurdity of Tanya, a child, in the military is highlighted. One moment she’s cleaning her rifle, the next she’s in the academy library straining for a book on a high shelf. Her small stature prevents her from reaching it. As it turns out, Degurechaff is reading about Hannibal’s military dominance. “I’m certain that this conflict will inevitably turn into a full-fledged world war,” Tanya tells Zettour. Later, Tanya meets with Captain Uger but he’s more worried about his family, not the war.

“Campus Life” shows the true scope of the war. Tanya’s internal dialogue remains enlightening. While her spoken word relays confidence, her thoughts exhibit self-doubt. At times, Tanya even surprises herself. While many moments throughout the show portray Degurechaff as a talented military leader, and she’s certainly that, “Campus Life” shows more depth. I quite appreciate this continued character evolution. While initially Tanya appeared cold and calculating, she’s a much more likeable character with her thoughts made evident.

The alternate history aspects are definitely evident in “Campus Life.” As the episode opens, Tanya listens to an update on the radio, and passing a cafe two civilians discuss the latest wartime happenings. When Uger meets with Degurechaff, he’s concerned with his family. At a time of war, this seems a logical sentiment.

Animation is excellent, and excels in this episode. During a conference in the war room, shots pan to the floor showing officers’ boots and an ornate oriental rug. There’s a show of a dining room meeting that pans through a window. These lend a cinematic feel. Additionally, I like the music quite a bit.

“Campus Life” sums up everything that Saga of Tanya the Evil does well. There’s a lot of complexity, like the dynamic of a small child that’s graduating from military university but consulting with older, and much more seasoned officers. It’s also hilarious how Tanya’s notion of a world war completely backfires. Rather than the safe position she idealized, she’s pit in charge of a mage battalion. This is a much more dangerous placement. And ironically, Tanya gets an influx of applications. Most surprisingly, Degurechaff gets Viktoriya assigned to her as an assistant. Viktoriya and Tanya’s relationship blossomed in “Deus Vult,” and with the finale of “Campus Life,” this promises to grow as the season progresses.