English Dub Review: Hand Shakers “Blade and Dagger”

Hand Shakers season one episode three, “Blade and Dagger” continues the Hand Shaker evolution and further explores Tazuna (Justin Briner) and Koyori’s (Lara Woodhull) relationship.

After a brief check-up, Dr. Makihara (Anthony Bowling) concludes that Tazuna can let go of Koyori’s hand for up to fifteen minutes. Additionally, Koyori may now consume real food. Koyori and Tazuna encounter Hayate (Aaron Roberts), a business man that Tazuna helped earlier and his boss the Chizuru (Sarah Wiedenheft). Chizuru, on account of her short stature, is often mistaken for a child. Hayate and Chizuru invite Koyori and Tazuna for a meal at the restaurant their company runs.

The characters in Hand Shakers remain likable. Notably, Hayate gets more screen time as does Chizuru. Hayate is adorably awkward, whereas Chizuru is more sarcastic. The two share a dynamic that functions well. Plus, there’s a brief flashback to exhibit their relationship. Although Chizuru critiques Hayate, it’s clear she cares about him deeply.

Artwork throughout “Blade and Dagger” is similarly gorgeous. Colors, whether in the real world or Ziggurat, pop. There’s definitely a lot of CGI and while I’m a bit partial to hand drawn animation, the CG in Hand Shakers is more subtle. Environments feel lifelike, and even the backdrops are works of art: A vividly blue sky dotted with clouds, a parfait with candied corn. Attention to detail is top notch.

Although I’ve rather enjoyed the soundtrack, and still do, it’s at times a bit overpowering. The jazzy and calming piano riffs are pleasant, albeit at times rather unnecessary. Some scenes feel could really do without the perpetual soundtrack. Musical numbers occasionally detract from the dialogue.

Moreover, a bit of fan service permeates the series. Earlier, there was the bathtub sequence where Tazuna helps Koyori bathe. In “Blade and Dagger,” there’s a brief scene where Tazuna aids Koyori getting dressed. This feels almost like too much fan service, as her reliance on Tazuna for almost everything has been covered. Additionally, Hand Shakers is really happy go lucky. Sure, not every show must be Nightwalker: The Midnight Detective dark, but Hand Shakers gets a bit predictable because of the continual happy endings.

During this episode, another pair of Hand Shakers appear and battle Koyori and Tazuna. It’s neat to witness their abilities, as each Hand Shakers has a unique skillset. Yet I’m not sure how these Hand Shakers identify Koyori and Tazuna as fellow Hand Shakers. Possibly from holding hands? But if that’s the criteria, then wouldn’t every couple be mistaken for Hand Shakers? Although this point isn’t revealed in this episode, perhaps a later show will clarify how Tazuna and Koyori were outed as Hand Shakers.

Despite the slightly uncomfortable fan service and at times overbearing score, “Blade and Dagger” is a solid episode. I like learning more each episode about the Ziggurat and Hand Shakers, yet being left with lingering questions. There’s the simultaneous satisfaction of plot advancement and added mystery. In “Blade and Dagger,” it’s revealed that time passes differently in the Ziggurat. How? That’s not clear. But presumably, in a future episode, that information will play a prominent role. Artwork, likable characters, and a balanced plot ripe with humor and action ultimately compensate for the awkwardly-timed music and unnecessary fan service.