English Dub Review: 86 EIGHTY-SIX: “I’m With You”

Overview: Vladilena (Suzie Yeung) discusses her past experiences with Shinei’s (Billy Kametz) brother, Shourei Nouzen. After being attacked by special drones known as Black Sheep, Lena learns of a new developing threat from Shin that could alter the tide of the war entirely. 

Our Take: One of Vladilena’s most unique and strongest qualities is her overwhelming desire to treat all human life with the respect it so rightfully deserves, including that of the 86. Despite what her commanders and compatriots may believe, she has been dogged in her ideology. While her father is a big contributing factor as to why that is, there is more beyond that as revealed through her past connection to Shin’s brother, Shourei, and how he saved her life despite their difference in status. 

This was a plot element that definitely didn’t throw me for a loop. It was an aspect that was easily predictable based on the timeframe in which it occurred and how it made logical sense both for Lena’s beliefs and in forging a bond with Shieni as well. That doesn’t mean it fails however. Shourei makes a good first impression as a warm soul yet weary of war as a whole. Not to mention it provides a stronger base for Lena and her determination as stated earlier. It’s also a relief knowing this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we will learn about Shourei besides knowing how benevolent he was and how he longed to see Shieni and his family again, if the ending is any indication. 

Besides the characters themselves, there is also growth in Shin and Lena’s relationship as well. It’s refreshing to see them talk about more than just war tactics and topics in lighter moments. Besides discussing more about Shourei, it was intriguing to learn that Shieni had something of a life in his early years in District 1 of San Magnolia. Even with being used as an instrument in Magnolia’s war, I never tended to link the two closely together based on how distant they are. Hopefully, just like with his brother, there is more to this later on allowing for more complexity on Shin’s viewpoint regarding San Magnolia. 

The legion, for the most part, while dangerous, have been relatively manageable enemies. “I’m With You” establishes this as a fallacy by making strides in making them a lot more menacing than before with assimilation of dead soldier’s damaged brains and even some having healthy leaders, known as Shepherds, to adapt and progress better in battle, not to mention it adds a chilling tinge of horror into the mix as well. And with the concept of an already complacent San Magnolia reinforced, the Black Sheep and Shepherds imposing nature is escalated nicely. Lastly, the series has done an excellent job of teasing what’s to come with compelling flashbacks. This episode continues that trend, foreshadowing a haunting and violent past experience between Shieni and Shourei, not to mention Shin’s potential death as well. 

86 only continues to escalate in terms of quality with exceptional world-building and proper cultivation of the series’ robotic antagonists and crucial characters.