Okay, let's talk about Attack on Titan, specifically Season 4, Episode 1, but in *English dub*. I know, I know. Sub purists, please don't @ me.
But seriously, did anyone else find themselves a little… lost? It felt like walking into a party where everyone knows each other and you’re just awkwardly holding a cheese platter.
Remember how we left off? Eren, Mikasa, Armin – Team Titan-Slaying Extraordinaire! Now suddenly we’re dropped into a completely different war? I was like, “Wait, who are these guys?”
The Marley Arc: A Culture Shock
This isn’t the Attack on Titan we knew! This is…Marley. Gone are the familiar walls of Paradis Island. Instead, we're thrown into trenches and explosions. Basically, it's World War Titan.
And honestly, the first time I watched it, I was confused. The names, the places, the motivations… it was a lot to take in! Especially in English dub, when you're focused on processing the voices and the new slang.
New Characters, New Problems
We meet Reiner, Zeke, and a whole crew of new Warrior candidates. Who are Falco and Gabi? I was asking myself this question! Are they friend or foe? My brain hurt.
And Gabi! Oh, Gabi. So determined, so… intense. Someone get that girl a chill pill, stat. The English dub really brings out her fiery personality, doesn't it?
I will admit, though, the voice acting is pretty darn good. Props to the voice actors for capturing the nuances of these new characters. Even if I didn't quite understand what they were doing half the time.
My Unpopular Opinion (Maybe?)
Here it comes: I think the English dub of Season 4, Episode 1 actually *adds* to the confusion… in a good way! Wait, hear me out.
The disorientation you feel? The “whoa, what’s going on?” sensation? It mirrors the feeling of the characters in the show. They're in a completely new situation, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and ideologies.
The slightly clunky dialogue (at times) in the dub? It almost highlights the cultural differences. It reminds us that these aren't just nameless soldiers; they're people with their own language, customs, and beliefs. Even the accents bring another level to the understanding the world of Marley.
Of course, the Japanese version is amazing too. But sometimes, being a little bit lost in translation can actually be a good thing. At least, that's what I tell myself!
The Verdict
So, did I love the English dub of Attack on Titan Season 4, Episode 1? It's complicated. I’m not sure.
Did it make me feel slightly overwhelmed and disoriented? Absolutely. But did that add to the overall experience? I think so.
Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm secretly a masochist who enjoys being confused. But hey, at least it's entertaining! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go rewatch it for the tenth time and try to figure out what Zeke's master plan is.
Wish me luck!
