English Dub Review: Akudama Drive: “Akudama Drive”

Overview: The properly named titular episode, “Akudama Drive,” sees Swindler (Macy Anne Johnson) and Courier (Jonah Scott) risk it all for Brother (Daisy Guevara) and Sister (Laura Stahl)

Our Take: I’d venture to guess there’s nothing more exhilarating than giving the middle finger to those in power who would dictate and oppress the general populace. And that’s exactly what Swindler did. She finally fully embodied her criminal persona Swindler defies the fates forced upon the children and in doing so nicely is in keeping and fortifies her character arc of realizing those in power do not always have the best intentions, of the people they’ve sworn to protect, at heart. It was also a nice touch in how she finally got her own stylistic Akudama intro further signifying her complete progression. Sacrificing herself in momentous fashion, she is forsaken to death but not before seeing a vision of the kids, believing Kansai has gotten what it deserved. There are also some phenomenal shots of strong religious imagery evoking that of Jesus Christ very much playing into the idea of her becoming a martyr. Rebelling against the system one last time and pulling off one last perfect swindle. I love how this time around, Swindler, actually intending to so, fooled the entire city into raging against the Executioners. While she was technically labeled as an Akudama, she was without a doubt an innocent person merely looking out for others. This is an aspect that chillingly mirrors real world issues in that of regular people being killed by authorities and law enforcement. It acts as a very grounded lens into the brutal truth. Because of this the dramatic and sudden aftermath of this scheme feels much more authentic and realistic than that of the previous uprising. Along with Swindler’s demise, it is also due to how the story set up Kansai, the police and the executioners as cruel and vicious threats and their recent violent transgressions previously. 

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a thousand times but playing the anime opening theme during the last episode of a season and/or series is a sure fire way of being badass. No two ways about it. Does every anime series in the entire cosmos do it? Abso-freakin-lutely. But is it effective, especially when each song is different and the scene it’s utilized with can vary along with the timing? Yes. Yes it is. However, even with that, in the huge destruction of the tower, CG acts as the building blocks (pun intended) for this scene as beams topple like Jenga. While not mine or probably most others’ preference, it makes sense with the nature of how CG works better for moving 3D objects. Does it look good though? Ehhh. It looks alright enough. It is jarring though due to how the motorcycle and character model of Courier, Brother and Sister are also CG when more often than not they’re in traditional 2D fashion. The show usually makes the backgrounds CG with those in the foreground hand drawn in these kinds of sequences. I think that would have served this scene better. After what happened to Swindler, it didn’t become hard to guess what would happen to Courier. Of course, Courier went out with a bang and really f***ed shit up and in classic Courier style did it with his bike! These scenes put that tower one to shame animation wise. With bright vivid colors popping off the bike’s beams, great integration of CG and 2D and fast paced sky combat, it was a fitting and rad as hell finale to the stoic delivery boy. Perhaps it was because of the lucky coin he was given. And here I thought he left feelings out of work. I suppose Swindler isn’t the only one who underwent a major change throughout the course of the series. 

And with all the bloodshed and sacrifice that drove them there, Brother and Sister at long last make it to Shikoku. There are little clues here and there that allude to what possibly may await them that were enjoyable to pick up on. The few cherry blossoms and piercing bright white light possibly implying a great positive change perhaps? Their fate is left in question…for now at least. While Akudama Drive ties up some loose ends, it oddly enough leaves plenty more undone though like Pupil’s storyline and the fate of Kansai. Who knows maybe Courier and Swindler are just badly wounded and survive? A guy can dream, right? I’m very curious to watch the director’s cut of this finale as it cut five minutes for broadcast time and would like to see what it chose to elaborate on and if it rectified any of these issues with more closure. While it is unable to give a proper closing to all characters and plots, Akudama Drive, nonetheless, creates a strong ending for the remaining core cast with characters being fully fleshed out, has cool sequences to boot, and creates enough intrigue for a possible second season or continuation.