Recap: Lights, Camera, Pika!

The time has come to talk about one of my favorite Pokémon side stories ever. Yes folks, it's finally time to talk about the Pikachu movie special!

Our first portion opens on Ash, Serena, Bonnie and Clemont coming across a large compound with a bunch of Pikachu dancing in a meadow.

As Pikachu joins Ash, another man comes up and says he's the one he's been looking for! The man, named Frank invites everyone into his house, where everything inside is Pikachu-related!

He is a filmmaker, and his granddaughter Jean is his faithful assistant. Then, one year to the day after OR/AS launched, we get the appearance of the cosplay Pikachu in the anime in all their forms! While Professor Pika, Idol Pika and Belle Pika are not without their charms, the ones I went with were Rocker Pika in Omega Ruby and Pikachu Libre in Alpha Sapphire. Everyone agrees to help Frank with the production of his movie, about Super Pikachu! While the script is not complete yet, Clemont agrees to help Frank finish it while Bonnie gets some rest. So, in addition to being a fun side story about making a movie, it also gives a wink to the current obsession with the superhero film.

Anyway, Jean tells Ash that Frank has loved Pikachu since he was a child, as I have. They also fill the mouth flaps by having Frank say "Pika" in the dub and "Chu" in Japanese, and I like both his voices. The next segment is entitled "How to Make a Pikachu Movie: Ready, Action!"

Production has begun, with some of the Pokémon helping with DIY special effects and chroma key. It's also useful for getting to Delaware in a pinch!

Of course, what's a movie star without a good stunt crew? Good thing Ash has Hawlucha to help with more elaborate stunts. Just snap on a Pikachu costume and he's good to go!

Even the behind-the-scenes antics are amusing, with Serena filming everyone on lunch break as Clemont coyly eats!

You're welcome, GeekChicShippers.

Anyway, Frank once again compliments Ash's Pikachu as he tells his story. He tells of how Pikachu were able to help him get through illness and his journey. They were there when he married his wife and helped him come to terms with her death. As time goes on, the film is shot and edited, adding special effects and putting together scenes in the right order in post; and even doing ADR work! As for this lovely lady on the mike? That's Ikue Ohtani, who's been doing the voice of Pikachu since the franchise's inception.

We then get to see the movie in all its glory: "Lightning Brave! Fast and Strong! Super Pikachu!"

The film opens on the 20th anniversary of Pikachu Land, which is interrupted by Pikachu Libre and his goons! Super Pikachu swoops in and tries to fight, but is quickly outmatched! He then fights Pikachu Libre again on the bluffs, and is victorious! Sometimes, you just want a feel-good superhero movie.

Frank thanks everyone for their participation in the movie, but that's not all! Let's watch some bloopers! Anything to get a good chuckle: line flubs, Pikachu actors not being on their mark, equipment malfunctions, Clemont getting nervous on camera, Bonnie getting messy with the makeup, and Pikachu being quite literally left hanging!

This was a great special to introduce the Cosplay Pikachu, and a fun movie-based special overall. I still submit that this anime does adhere to the games and is just as valid as more "serious" takes such as The Strongest Mega Evolution. The decision to make the film a superhero movie was a clever way at poking fun at the industry's obsession with the big-budget superhero blockbuster. At the end of the day, it's just a fun little side story, and that's all that really matters. I plan to watch this again and again. 

Before I go on vacation, I want to thank everyone else doing Pokémon-related material all around the web. Now, go write your own story. Bang.

Recap: Lights, Camera, Quack-tion!

Hello everyone. With me going to see my father later this month, I thought I would take a breather from finishing my coverage of Code Geass R2 and do something I have been considering ever since I looked at "Go West Young Meowth." Let's open up "Lights, Camera, Quack-tion!"

After the opening theme, everyone decides to do some training outside Pallet Town. Brock has also made some “chili” for lunch, which is actually curry. While they are both spicy, they’re not the same thing; and I’m thankful that more recent seasons aren’t making these mixups anymore.

They also come across a young woman named Katrina. While Brock tries to hit on her, she instead wants to battle with Ash; and he agrees! When Team Rocket tries to interfere and steal Pikachu, they instead bag Katrina’s Raichu by mistake! They then hear someone shout “cut!”

It turns out that the whole thing was being filmed by director Cleavon Spielbunk, a sort of non-union Japanese equivalent to Steven Spielberg! He also comments that he’s won the Golden Growlithe award, though he’s clearly standing in front of an Arcanine. Consistency? What’s that?

Ash and Misty have apparently never heard of him, causing Spielbunk to bemoan that kids "only watch crazy cartoon shows!" Well, those and effects-driven tentpole blockbusters. Brock, however, knows who he is, citing that he apparently produced his favorite film, "I Saw What You Ate Last Tuesday." Uh, 4Kids? That film you're alluding to isn't a kids' movie; and that's coming from someone like me.

Anyway, Spielbunk wants to make a film with a cast made of Pokémon; but is having problems with a sort of prima donna Wigglytuff that caused an Abra to Teleport off the set in disgust.

I don't care if she's someone who can inflate her body to match her ego! I worked with Katherine Heigl, for corn's sake!

So, this leads to an audition to help find more Pokémon to star in the movie; including a song and dance competition!

In addition to a brief mishap with Jigglypuff, there's also a bit with Meowth on the ukelele, referencing the "Meowth's Party" ending from the Japanese version. There was even going to be a GameCube game spinoff in the vein of Mario Party or Wario Ware; but it never got released.

 

Misty tries to send out Staryu, but Psyduck pops out instead! The real kicker, however is that Wigglytuff loves that goofy borderline kappa, much to everyone's surprise! The new co-star has been found!

The movie is set to have a mix of action, drama and romance; and Spielbunk hopes that it will bank $50 million in its opening weekend, or roughly 1/4 the opening of Black Panther in today's money.

While this episode may predate the whole "Hot Skitty on Wailord Action" meme, I actually don't have a problem with it from both the perspective of a 7-year-old and a 26-year-old. It may not be traditional, but damn it: it doesn't matter if they're a Wigglytuff and a Psyduck, they can still be together!

While Arbok and Weezing couldn't cut it in auditions for extras, Jessie; James and Meowth have ulterior motives to try and sabotage the movie! You could start by moving it to August, or cutting your losses against another one you can't compete with.

Spielbunk decides to film the ending first, "so he knows how it ends." Interesting, wonder how that would affect reshoots. Forgive how this next bit is kind of dated, but next thing you know; they could replace Psyduck with Christopher Plummer.

Naturally, this big battle is already a big mess; but it's still not the most troubled production I've seen for a video game-related movie. The stories of the infamous Super Mario Bros. movie are well-documented, and apparently the 1994 Street Fighter movie was as insane to make as it was to watch.

Team Rocket returns and tries to use a crane to abscond with most of the Pokémon, sans Psyduck. Misty then lets out a line that always amused me whenever I watched this episode, and still does: "Don't you even know the right way to get kidnapped?!"

As the production gets to be a bigger mess than the reshoots of Justice League, Psyduck's face gets red and its eyes start derping! You know what that means!

That's right: Psyduck's headache lets off a powerful Confusion attack that frees all the Pokémon from the crane and sends Team Rocket blasting off! The whole thing has also been filmed, with Spielbunk saying he has more than enough footage for the movie, much to everyone's delight!

We close on the Pikachu's Jukebox segment for this episode, set to the track "Together Forever," which I have been listening to quite extensively as of late. Four months to Pokémon Let's Go!

"Lights, Camera, Quack-tion" is a great companion piece to the following episode, "Go West Young Meowth," and the ideal episode I need to unwind before I get on the plane to see my father in California next week. I also find it to be a relatively amusing way to get ready for the potential dub of Everyone's Story, the Detective Pikachu movie and Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution next year. I only have a few more episodes in mind that I want to cover before my retirement later this year, but I have a solid idea of how I want to approach them. I'm also going to a gathering for my brother's 21st birthday tomorrow, so what I have next will be out before I catch my flight on the 27th. See you. space cowboy.

My Thoughts on #PokémonLet'sGo for Nintendo Switch (2018).

Hello everyone. I have been wanting to make a post about this for a while, but things have been getting in the way. That said, I shall now present my thoughts on #PokémonLet'sGo for the Nintendo Switch!

With development of Generation VIII on the Nintendo Switch, while speculation remains high for the next big installment in 2019; this remake of Pokémon Yellow will be launching on November 16.

Even though there is an isolated segment of the fandom that is skeptical of the idea, I personally think the games look quite fun. Much like my 3DS before, I definitely plan to get the Switch for this game; since I'm definitely eager to see how this will play out. My plan is to pick up the Pikachu version first with the Poké Ball Plus accessory, then pick up the Eevee version at a later date.

Overall, while I consider the idea of remaking a video game in itself to be a bit of a crapshoot; as it often is, but I am eager to see how this will work. I submit that with games such as Colosseum and Gale of Darkness on the GameCube, that we have done full 3D RPGs with console-level processing power before, we can definitely do it again. With the game making a solid launching-on point for new fans that are younger and coming in from the Pokémon Go mobile game, we are looking at a proverbial "blue ocean" of new fans in addition to people who have been there from day one like me. I even admit to finding the Stadium games on N64 and Battle Revolution on the original Wii fun. If all else fails, I can't imagine it being as bad as a "bulk standard" Ben 10 or Barbie game.

As an aside, I am glad that this year's Pokémon Go festival has gone better than last year's, and before I begin work on the remaining Pokémon recaps I have in mind for this blog; I will say this about next year's movie being a reversion of Mewtwo Strikes Back, known tentatively as "Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution" (thanks to Dogasu for letting me know): all I want for it is to be good. Hopefully it will be a better "Evolution" than Dragonball Evolution.

That will be all for now, I will ideally have the next couple recaps I have in mind out before I go see my father in California. I will be getting on the plane on July 27, and I will come back on August 6. I just need a little breather before my next recap of Code Geass R2, and this is my way of taking it. Bang.

Recap: Final Battle Tokyo II

Previously on Code Geass R2: the UN resolution has gone south because of a senile tyrant and constant betrayals and infighting between allies! No, it's not politics today; it's just what this anime has come to in this hopeless mess of a story! With the infamous FLEIJA story upon us, let's open up the word salad title "Final Battle Tokyo II!"

After the tonally-inappropriate theme song, Zero addresses the Ikaruga to prepare for battle. To be honest, I wish I was playing that game instead.

Knowing what lies ahead, this will make Euphemia's demise seem trivial by comparison. Rather than merely rescuing Nunally, now Zero wants her arrested! That's nuts, even for this anime. They also plan to accomplish this before Schneizel and his reinforcements arrive. Not exactly Lord Nobunaga, fellas.

So, with Nunally and Kallen still in the imperial compound, Schneizel orders the Lancelot deployed. (Sighs) Believe me when I say that I have some choice words for what comes next. While they claim they're prepared to not have to activate FLEIJA, that wording immediately tipped me off to the outcome of this episode. Honestly: it's one of the biggest ways to tempt fate in media outside of making love in a horror movie, then getting killed by a blade-wielding nut job in a hockey mask.

Rolo is also still being planted among the military. Much like Shirley, I can't really joke about it; knowing what lies ahead.

Zero orders Rolo to have Nunally taken alive, and Suzaku comes to face him. Again, if they just kept the focus on the main conflict between Lelouch and Suzaku and kept the political theater in the background, maybe this would have been a better follow-up for me. That said, hopefully the remaster and third season will be better.

Jeremiah confronts Suzaku in the Siegfried, and this element is one I never really enjoyed as much as others. I never understood why people liked "Orange" so much. Personally, I prefer Rowsdower and his infamous jalopy.

Guilford is also still affected by the Geass, and it's still really fracking stupid. In the first season, the Geass was handled with care, and it was used relatively sparingly. Now, it's treated like the epitome of deus ex machina. Not as bad as the character in Future Diary, but it's close.


To be fair, the mecha action in this episode is actually not that bad. The animation and editing actually make it so I can tell what's going on. There are some exceptions, such as when Rolo kills some of the enemy soldiers; and when Lelouch seems to be doing a keyboard solo at the controls of his mech.

Moreover, actual damage reports of "40 million liters" barely register amid all the noise onscreen. Further proof is how Rolo actually plans to kill Nunnally himself, and Sayoko is in the building somehow. With everyone else fighting on the surface, Lohmeyer is also the only one guarding Nunally left. I cannot possibly understate how I would keep children well away from this woman.

Apparently, before Lohmeyer can have Kallen excecuted, Sayoko is rescuing her! Conveniently, not only can I not tell what's going in the story; but the darkened hallways also make it so the visual information barely registers! Almost seven years since I first saw this episode, and I still can't tell what the Hell just happened. Moreover, they've also brought her Knightmare Frame and flight suit. It would have been nice to see this being set up, but personally; I'm just glad she doesn't have to wear that godawful cocktail dress anymore.

The "Gefjun disturbers" are destroyed (there goes another plot thread in the trash), and with reinforcements from the Empire coming; the Knights of Round, led by Sir Bradley confront Zero in a trap with very unsubtle symbolism. Neon Genesis Evangelion: it is not.

As Kallen boards the reactivated Guren, the Emperor's flagship also arrives at the battle. Almighty bomb: this is another episode that has enough material for several; and it's crammed into this one! We still have another 10 minutes to go, too!

The Guren is not only able to free Zero from his bonds, but this also allows Kallen to confront Sir Bradley, the self-proclaimed "Vampire of Britannia." Yeah, and I'm Trevor Belmont!

As much as I dislike this episode and Sir Bradley, I do kind of like this swipe he makes at being given "permission to destroy the Guren." "Irrelevant: killing is all one should do on the battlefield!" OK, that's actually kind of funny.

Still, it's not enough, because Kallen thankfully grants my wish by flash-frying Bradley in the midst another winded speech that has less nuance than a Star Fox 64 boss death.

Suzaku then reenters the space, and Gino Weinberg asks "why don't we just enjoy this?" I most assuredly will not, and even with seven minutes left, that ship has sailed.

Cornelia also tries to escape from her prison cell, and before she cuts herself free; she's naturally positioned like she's posing for an overpriced body pillow. That's not just a joke: those things are real, and they make ones of male characters too. Really says something when the merchandise tie-ins are more consistent with fanservice than the actual show is.

So, the "final battle" touted is a total barrage of sight and sound that barely registers; and with no options left, Suzaku activates the FLEIJA weapon; causing the exact kind of collateral damage that they foolishly assumed they could avoid, with Nunally nowhere to be found and no doubt numerous casualties. All because of the "live on" Geass that Suzaku is cursed with.

In that flash of light that ends this episode, I realized that any chance of salvaging this anime ended up being quite literally shot down in flames. With another six episodes of this remaining, "Final Battle Tokyo II" is honestly the most misleading title since "The Neverending Story." Not even a somewhat funny line and some admittedly well-choreographed mecha action can save this episode or this anime. The series is all downhill from here, and my goal is to finish it before my retirement. I also have some stuff I've been wanting to do before I go see my father on the 27th, and I will do my next recap of R2 after I come back on August 6th. That will be all for now, I'm going to watch my usual Toonami tonight. See you, space cowboy.

Recap: The Taste of Humiliation

Previously on Code Geass R2: the Emperor has somehow survived the attempt on his life, CC has lost all her memory, the characters further lose ability to make coherent decisions and I further lose ability to care about any of this! Man, I missed that running gag! Now that I have that out of the way, let's open up "The Taste of Humiliation!"

As Lelouch goes to meet Suzaku, I am glad to say that awful theme song isn't playing this time!

Unfortunately, we are given a truly atrocious mecha battle with Waldstein in its stead. Honestly, it's like playing Zone of the Enders on light speed.

Worse, Princess Kaguya has the gall to claim that "this is the decisive battle." Not with eight episodes left it isn't. Also, apparently the meeting place for Lelouch and Suzaku is where they first met. Seriously, this is the most compelling this anime gets, and they still find a way to screw it up.

They cut back and forth between their meeting, Area 11 and more of that pompous ass Sir Bradley. Would it have killed them develop the characters they already had instead of cramming in more than Super Smash Brothers Ultimate? At least that game looks more fun than this mess.

Of course, Schneizel has an ulterior motive, as per freaking usual; as Lelouch meets with Suzaku. Can you imagine what this anime would have been like if they went with their original idea of being a conflict between a commander and master? We may never know for sure, but it might have been more interesting than this.

CC is also admiring a bandage on her ring finger, still suffering from amnesia. Oh fuck off.

As for Suzaku being understandably livid about the death of Shirley and Euphemia, I can't really elaborate further; knowing what comes next.

While Kallen is still wearing the incredibly-revealing dress, Waldstein attacks Xingke in the "Excalibur." Honestly? I'm more enthralled by the tale of Sir Robin than this slog.

After Suzaku rejects Lelouch’s apology, he asks why he gave him the Geass to “live on.” Good question, and the first one in this episode that actually makes sense. Unfortunately, this just results in some blanket statements about the first season and more faux philosophy nonsense rather than any compelling storytelling. Since the remaster is being licensed, I hope it’s not as big a slog as this.

Of course, all of this was pretense to bait Zero into a trap. Admiral Ackbar says hi.

Moreover, one of the officers has the gall to claim the war is over. Not with 7.5 more episodes ahead, it isn’t. Seriously, fuck all you guys in the ear hole.


Can we please stop cutting to Kallen in the cocktail dress? It’s not adding anything else to the story, and the T&A is having the opposite of the intended effect.

Back at the battle, Sir Bradley is attempting a suicide attack! Stop. Please. Think of the children.

Of course, Suzaku is displeased at what happened; and Lelouch rejects a plea deal from Schneizel. Do you even care what’s going on? The writers obviously don’t, and neither do I. They should have spent less time on retreads and plot twists and more on developing consistent characters and a coherent story. If I am so disinterested in this 17th betrayal, how the Hell am I supposed to trust anything else in this arc?

Oh God, it’s this part: not only has Lelouch factored Guilford into his plan for escape, but Schneizel also forged incriminating evidence against Zero. Heaven forbid a story thread unfold logically instead  of going through more twists than a game of Twister!

So, we close on Zero going to confront Schneizel at Area 11, and as Suzaku makes his own preparations, there’s a half-hearted line that outright explains how illogical the previous half hour was. (Sighs) Seventeen episodes down, only eight more to go; thankfully.


Even though I am on the homestretch of my coverage of Code Geass R2, it doesn't change the fact that "The Taste of Humiliation" is a foul-tasting hot mess of an episode. It's like they tried to cram a whole season's worth of material into this episode alone; and the mecha battles do little to compensate for how the narrative cohesion of the series has seemingly gone out the window.

Whatever the case may be with the remaster, I honestly hope the series can help undo the damage caused with the executive meddling of the series. Sorry if I come off as more cynical than usual, but this month marks the third anniversary of my friend David's passing. Still, knowing what lies ahead for this anime; finishing my work on it is one of my goals before retirement later this year. The next episode hopefully will be done before I go see my father later this month, as well as a surprise or two that I've been wanting to do for a while. That's all for now. Bang.

Recap: A New Yo-Kai Watch (2018)/Hailey Anne and USAPyon’s Rocket Part 1: The Engine

Hello everyone. Well, after the last episode of Yo-Kai Watch I covered here; this week is going to be the real litmus test for the new dub cast. I have much to address, so let's open this up and get started.

Our first segment is entitled "A New Yo-Kai Watch," and I will forgive you if you're wondering if I have already done this part a couple years ago. I'm wondering the same thing, to be honest.

Apparently, Steve Jaws has resigned for lying about the creation of the Yo-Kai Watch; leading to him being replaced by Mark Orckerberg of the Slippery class. I will just deal with this as it comes.

First off, I am thirty-five years old, I am divorced, and I live in a van down by the river!

All joking aside, the new voice cast actually isn't that bad. I'm not a big fan of the franchise overall, but most of the new voice actors seem to at least be trying to match their seniors while also develop their own performances, kind of like with Pokémon a few years back. Whisper definitely gives off a sort of nice "upper-class twit" voice; and at least the actor they picked for Orckerberg does a better impression of Zuckerberg than they did for Steve Jobs; even if it is as awkward as his senate hearings.

Anyway, the real reason for this livestream is revealed to be for the new Yo-Kai Watch Model U!

(Laughs awkwardly)  You are no match for my "stoyle!"

It turns out that the initial run is not open to the public, but fortunately, Hidabat was able to broker a deal to get the watch so Nate can use it! Once again, sorry about this joke, but... Hidabat, please come out of the closet!

However, Nate remains unimpressed by the watch, much to Whisper's chagrin; to the point that Whisper hits him twice! It also turns out that despite being a 10-minute sales pitch for this toy, there hasn't been anything else released here as of this writing; though the watch has shown up in European markets such as France and Spain (arguably the series' most-successful non-Japanese markets).

Yo-Kai Watch Model U has not yet been announced for US release?
"Shit, Pokémon makes this look so easy."

I must also note that it's not like the previous cast has totally gone away, since they're still working on some of the songs and are contractually obligated for the games; and I will address that further in a moment.

For now, I'm honestly surprised they kept this bit with the expandable SD Card slot, which appears to have been omitted from the Hasbro version of the watch in favor of doubling down on the infamous "Yo-Motion" gimmick that contributed to the toy's less-than-stellar performance.

So, the segment ends with Nate deciding to keep the old watches in addition to his new one, and is even given a new medal from the source of his fourfold disappointment: Cornfused! Yes, really.

To think people are so down on Trubbish and Vanillite.

Overall, despite some folks on social media being disappointed by the new cast; overall, they seem fine to me. In spite of the #NotMyWhisper tag, even though I didn't immediately recognize their names, I did recognize the new cast's work from checking their filmography. This time they actually hired voice actors, not some random guys in a bar.

The next segment in this double dip of crazy is Hailey Anne and USAPyon's Rocket Part 1: The Engine, roughly translated. While some people heard "Invader Mode" instead of "Vader Mode" (as well as read it in the closed captions), I honestly don't want to turn this into an even dumber version of the "Yanny/Laurel" thing; especially with how many Pokémon pronunciations we've had.

The first part of the rocket model is an engine, and they have to find Blazion to power it! I'm just going on record that I never really thought really highly of these segments in Japanese, but I have seen worse.

While USAPyon believes Blazion is at the tennis court, Hailey Anne correctly insinuates he's at the concert hall! As an aside, if USAPyon thinks idol singer fans are crazy, he should try partying with deadheads sometime.

Anyway, after a bit with a language barrier that had to be heavily rewritten and re-edited for the dub, Blazion grudgingly agrees to give them his medal. Both Abdallah and Sergio from Level-5 seemed to agree that if the third game is ever localized, is that mission will definitely have to be reworked; if not outright cut entirely in my case. They've already had to walk back some of the changes of the previous seasons in this one. As I said before, there isn't really much point in changing the onscreen text when the other 90% of each shot roars Japanese. The less I say about how badly they handled Whisper's backstory, the better.

By jove, I declare this inconsistent dubbing is balderdash, codswallop and tommy-rot!

So, we close on Hailey Anne and USAPyon completing the first 20% of the model, with more installments to come! By the way, I'm not doing the infamous beach episode; and they're actually calling the dub title words to that effect.

While this may not be the worst episode I've covered here, there's just something about the Yo-Kai Watch series that never really seems to reach the same heights of most other anime like it. Using Nate and Whisper's arguments about the watch as an illustration in this episode, I think the basic argument is this even if the big ones are still ongoing: it's not the worst series; but it's been struggling because it's not universally-loved or as easily-accessible as Pokémon is. The animation is bright and colorful, and the voice acting is somewhat better than before, but it's still not something I can value as much as others.

It also turns out that Nintendo still hasn't unveiled their full slate of releases for 2018, so there are still unconfirmed reports of an official localization of the third game. Moreover, both Reggie Fils-Amie and Shuntaro Furukawa have reaffirmed their support of the 3DS through 2020 and begun talk of another new version. So much for a handheld that's sold 73 million units "dying." It's almost like people are capable of learning, despite claims otherwise!

Still, it will be interesting to see how this plays out over the remainder of the year, especially with how competitive this season will be for gaming. It will be a major challenge for Yo-Kai Watch to rebrand itself amid Pokémon continuing its dominance. I submit Blasters will be the real litmus test to break out. Given the changes to the game and launching against the PS4 Spider-Man game, however, I submit they still have an uphill battle on their hands. On that note, I shall start work on more recaps before I go see my father later this month. See you, space cowboy.

Recap: United Federation of Nations Resolution Number One

The time has come for my next recap of Code Geass R2, and wouldn't you know it, the introdump is officially making it so I can pull my "previously on Code Geass R2" running gag out of mothballs! Just like that, we get yet another unnecessary refresher on the events of the past few episodes; with Zero's latest coup, the deaths of VV and Shirley and CC's amnesia being the key highlights before the intro sequence! With that out of the way, let's open up "United Federation of Nations Resolution Number One!"

Our proper opening is on some more political hogwash about the Emperor's disappearance and Schneizel taking his place! Oh, you spoil me, Taniguchi! Moreover, they want to use this as pretense to launch another attack on the Chinese Federation! Nice to know that the world was going every bit as mad in a fictional version of this time period as they are in this one. Total coincidence: no disrespect intended!

I can still say that the role that Lohmeyer and the Knights of Round play in this scene as well as this anime could have been handled much better. I am now more than 3/5 of the way into this show and none of them have gone beyond a single character dimension.

Not that the established characters are much better, given how Lelouch has gone from being distraught at CC's memory loss to being pleased that he's apparently further destabilized the Empire! Moreover, he seems amused at the fact this has happened, which completely undermines the ending of the last episode!

As the other Black Knights inspect the Knightmare Frames, it turns out they've also taken Cornelia hostage from the raid of the last episode! It really says something when both the Black Knights and the Empire aren't buying this anime's plot anymore!

Understandably, meanwhie, Kallen is livid about the events of the past few episodes as she manhandles Suzaku, all while still dressed like a waitress at some weird club. Seriously: the French maid outfit would actually be less stripperiffic at this point; and it would get more or less the same effect storywise.

Back with Zero, we get his announcement of the United Federation of Nations from the title; and once more with all the zest of a political roundtable on CSPAN. This may not be the worst episode of R2 I've covered, but it still is only marginally less entertaining than watching a blank wall for the same runtime.

There's also another broadcast with Milly Ashford in Ikebukuro, which just reminds me of how much potential was wasted with her character, and how I'd rather be watching Durarara. In fact, I think I will go watch Durarara!

(Goes to watch Durarara, will return in 3 seasons)

Lelouch is apparently trying to win over the amnesiac CC with some pizza, which she at least remembers she likes. She also at least remembers how to eat, so he at least doesn't have to get a funnel. Dang, I like the funnel.


There's also a scene in the courtyard with Suzaku with him and Anya, which is interrupted by a knife with a message from the Chinese Federation!


Actually, it's the Knight of Ten Sir Bradley, who's back from the White Russian. Also, dude, "Chinaman" is not the preferred nomenclature, "Asian-American," please.

We also have a fight between the two broken up by the Knight of One, Waldstein in the Galahad! Christmas, we're sixteen episodes in and we're still introducing new characters? What kind of YA nonsense is this? Slow your roll, fellas!

Sir Bradley then comes to visit Nunnally in Kallen's prison chambers, addressing the latter as the "vampire of Britannia." We are roughly ten minutes into this episode, and I'm already sick of this asshole. He's been onscreen one minute, and I already hope he dies.


Sweet Arceus, we've come to the infamous FLEIJA story thread. As everyone debates how to use this weapon, I shall let everyone know in advance that I have some choice words for how poorly this element is handled.

Also, this scene contains two more things I dislike from this season: Lloyd, and the "strategic vs tactical" debate. Seriously: fuck those in the ear.





Then, Nina mentions how destructive FLEIJA is; furthering how badly this story will go. I don't blame her personally, as she's only one character in a series full of ones that are seemingly incapable of making logical decisions. On the other hand, she'll be perfect for any other cabinet posts.

Enough of that shit: we need this scene of the Black Knights partying and getting drunk! HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! SHOTS!

Disregarding my feelings toward Rivalz, this scene of him watching the livestream of the press conference is a might awkward, given a mention of the EU being broken up in light of the real-world problems they're facing. I digress: I'm not here to comment on current events, just this mess of a storyline.

So, in the span of less than a minute, the notion is ratified and Rolo is able to slip into the council; but we unfortunately still have 10 minutes left in this episode.

This also means that the Black Knights are taking up the role of their military in the stead of the 47 nations that make up this pact. Can we not have one plot that gets bogged down in semantics trying to sound more complex than it actually is? I mean, it's not as pretentious as Ergo Proxy or Steins Gate, but it is every bit as insufferable given the potential it had.

Naturally, the next plan is to retake Japan. Here is the Code MENT clip once again.

Somehow, the Emperor is back; and even he dismisses Zero's antics as "annoying." That's not a good sign. Not exactly Killmonger.


He also has the gall to insinuate his conflict is "simple and clear." Like bull it is: it's one of the most needlessly convoluted and complicated spats I've ever seen!


Also, I haven't mentioned this, but the animation seems "off" in this episode; especially in terms of facial expressions. It's most egregious with Lloyd and the Emperor. The former seems even more needlessly chipper than usual, and the latter looks like a mixture of Jay Leno and the infamous Drake of the 99 Dragons.

Naturally, Lelouch starts mugging and formulating a plot to rescue Nunnally AGAIN. Honestly, he's making Ron Burgundy seem sane at this point.


I'm not even going to mention the next scene with him and CC, since I've got enough problems with this episode as it is. All I will say is that despite their intentions, these two have so little chemistry I don't even think Professor E. Gad could find it.


As if to further the use of my Anchorman joke, we close on a "tense" phone call between Lelouch and Suzaku, with Lelouch demanding that Suzaku keep Nunnally safe. He agrees, on the condition that Lelouch come to Area 11 alone to meet her. (sighs) Sixteen episodes down, nine to go.


"United Federation of Nations Resolution Number One" is an episode that may not be the worst I've seen from this anime, but it is astonishingly dull; even if it was eerily prescient about what would happen for real politics in 2017 and today.



I am already making plans for my next recaps. Happy Independence Day to my readers in the US. Bang.

Recap: USAPyon is Here

Hello everyone. Well, after some delay, the third season of the English dub of Yo-Kai Watch has begun airing on Disney XD. It will be rejoining the channel's anime block alongside Beyblade Burst Evolution and Pokémon the Series Sun and Moon: Ultra Adventures, as well as prepping for the release of Yo-Kai Watch Blasters in September for 3DS. While I don't know how the game will do based on the middling performance of past installments and the amount of competition, I do know that with the new cast for the dub; the series is more or less back to square one here. That said, I still have plenty to address regardless, and I'm honestly surprised how this first outing of the new season turned out. So let's talk about it. Let's open up "USAPyon is Here!"

We open on a toy shop, where Hailey Anne Thomas (Inaho Misora in Japan) is dismayed she could not get her hands on a "Sailor Cutie" toy for her collection. This is why I check availability online before I even head out the door. It always irritates me when I'm looking for one item in particular and I can't find it. I will also point out that the actress they've cast, Erika Harlacher is actually an experienced VA for not being much older than me. Her credits include roles such as Videl on Dragon Ball Super and Mrs. Mankanshou on Kill la Kill, and she actually does a decent job of capturing her counterpart's mannerisms; but also making her less insufferable! Not bad, considering she was originally a character that made Tingle look like frigging Rambo.

Goodbye moonmen...

That's not to say that she isn't without merit in other versions, as her manga counterpart apparently fantasized about blowing up the shop with a rocket launcher! I'm not going into too much detail, given recent events, but I am going to make this reference to the Heavy.

I am Heavy Weapons Guy. This is my weapon.

As she dejectedly tries to leave, she's instead beckoned into buying a "Space Watch" by a mysterious voice and a hastily-thrown together display, which apparently is written in Comic Sans. Chintzy font aside, I still don't see much point in changing the symbols to English when every other part of each frame just screams Japanese. I will admit at least that it's more subdued compared to previous seasons.

Once again, I'm skipping the campy Swampy Marsh intro, which they're apparently still using despite it being outed that the "Jinsei Dramatic" intro has been dubbed for the new game. Maybe they'll switch when it gets closer to coming out, but we'll see. So, here's something else instead.

So, after returning to her apartment and greeting her mother and somewhat bratty brother, Hailey Anne takes the watch and says "it's unboxing time." Personally, I prefer Ashens: I love that British man with the doctorate who looks at all that strange tat on a beat-up sofa.

The instructions are also in Comic Sans, and Hailey Anne even wonders if the toy is a knockoff; much like some boots she commented on earlier that apparently gave her a rash. Ugh. Disregarding how that wasn't in the original, the less I know about her athlete's foot, the better.

Does it also have instructions in Klingon, Aqualish or Laskavarian?

Hailey Anne also continues to hear strange voices at school the next day; to the point where her classmates wonder if she's crazy. Well, she could have a future in politics, or at the very least making an idiot out of herself online. ... Too soon?

So, after a very strange day at school, Hailey Anne decides to find the source of the voices in her head in her bedroom; and sure enough, they find her. 

My backpack's got jets! I'm Boba the Fett! I bounty hunt for Jabba Hutt to finance my Vette!

As for the joke about "tentacles": I'm not touching that one at risk of compromising the TVY7 rating. Get your mind out of the gutter!

With a new crew in addition to a new cast, I am glad that there isn't as much mugging as before; as well as better lip-syncing as we are formally introduced to USAPyon.

Ain't no one like me but me!

Their repartee moves so fast that it makes Rick and Morty look like House of Sand and Fog, though out of all the jokes not in the original; I do kind of like how Hailey Anne scoffs at his comment that "Yokai are better than aliens."

Yeah right, Jazz Jackrabbit! Next I suppose you'll tell me they're better than Pokémon!

As for their vocal performances: the new cast is OK, save for a couple holdovers from the previous dub. I also don't care about the pronunciation of "USAPyon," since Pokémon has been through this more times than I have known in my life. Again, it reminds me of the whole "Saruman/Aruman" conundrum in the 1978 Lord of the Rings movie.

Hailey Anne also apparently has some form of undiagnosed ADD, as USAPyon gets so irritated asking for her help that he triggers his "Vader Mode" and starts firing his blaster! OK, that's a somewhat easy gag as Disney owns both the network that broadcasts this anime and Lucasfilm; and I will address the roadblocks Blasters might face later, and not just with Sony either. I will also deal with whatever Disney has planned next as it comes.

To think people gave Ron Howard a tough time for Solo.

Apparently, USAPyon was once a short-eared rabbit known as "Chibi," who was killed in an accident from an experimental rocket prototype from someone called "Dr. Hughley." I can understand that he has a tough time, and it is somewhat more effective than how the dub initially handled Jibanyan's backstory; but it still feels jarring to try to give a tragic backstory in the midst of all the wacky comedy. It's analogous to splicing the ending of Million Dollar Baby into the middle of National Lampoon's Vacation. It also makes me wonder how they will translate future episodes, and not just with the release of the third game still being in limbo.

I also know this is supposed to be a sad scene, but it doesn't help that the way Hughley's colleague addresses him seems to unintentionally reference the "crash wasn't your fault" meme.

Yet. somehow, USAPyon is able to get through to Dr. Hughley, holding a model rocket by his hospital bed as he calls out to "Chibi" softly. Not phenomenal, but definitely not horrible either. It's just OK, but the animation is still the best aspect of the show.

We then close on a brief scene with Whisper, Jibanyan and Nate; and I honestly think that these Canadian VAs aren't that bad; but I guess next week will be the real litmus test, short of annoyed fans taking to social media with the tag #NotMyWhisper.

I'm not your friend, buddy!

While I'm still not a big fan of Yo-Kai Watch overall, "USAPyon is Here" makes a passable first impression for the new cast. As merchandise-driven monster series go, you can do worse, but you can also do far better. I did contemplate including my usual gag about the toy plug, but so far; the next wave of merchandise has only been released in Europe, and Hasbro had nothing to show for the series at Toy Fair this year in favor of their bigger franchises. I also don't know how much longer Disney XD will support the anime, given how it hasn't pulled the same ratings that Pokémon and Beyblade have for the network; let alone any other show in their wheelhouse.

As for the games: that's something else entirely. Yo-Kai Watch 3 still has no confirmation of a Western release, and Yo-Kai Watch Blasters had to face extensive changes in order to avoid legal problems with Sony. Not only did the title get changed from the original "Busters," but the suits the yokai wear were changed to sweater-vests; Whismellowman was totally redesigned, and their car was redone be a less blatant knockoff of the Ectomobile.

Beyond all this, however, is the same problem the main entries have faced so far: competition. Even if I were to remove Pokémon Let's Go and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate from the equation, September alone has numerous big releases on the calendar for all three major consoles. Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Dragon Quest XI, and a direct launch against Insomniac's Spider-Man game. So, the benefit of giving it breathing room in between a new Pokémon game is once again being undercut by releasing it the same time as a game that many people, myself included have been wanting play for ages. It will be interesting to see how the series continues, as it will in its native Japan. Shadowside is definitely better than the original anime, but I don't how the fourth game will perform. 

I will now state this: I will wait until September 29, one year after the release of Psychic Specters in the US for an announcement of Yo-Kai Watch 3 before I decide how I will end my coverage of the series. I'm definitely not covering the fifth movie. I am contemplating getting a used copy of Psychic Specters, but I am primarily focusing on saving up for a Switch and Let's Go Pikachu.  I will address the show further next week, but next time will be my next Code Geass R2 recap. That's all for now. Later.

Pokémon Highest-Grossing Franchise Ever, Pokémon Go At Highest Popularity Since Launch.

So, the concert last night was fun. Getting lost trying to find our parking spot and cleaning up the mess the dog left; not so much. Now that I have that out of the way, I will address a couple things before I start work on my next recap.

It seems that at $59 billion in lifetime sales, the Pokémon franchise is the highest-grossing ever, surpassing the likes of other big series such as Star Wars, Mario and Hello Kitty; so cue the music!

I can expect to see more stuff going on with the series, with more content coming for the Switch and on mobile platforms. On that note, as of the newest update; Pokémon Go is currently at the highest popularity since it launched in summer 2016. August 11 will officially mark two years since I started playing, and I credit all the fun I've had with it for helping me lose the weight I put on in my freshman year of college. Its success has also inspired many new and upcoming games such as ones based on Harry Potter, Ghostbusters and Jurassic World. As a Level 33 Mystic working on my next quests, I shall say this before tomorrow: Your move, Yo-Kai Watch World. Bring. It. On.

So, anyone who wants to join me, my trainer code is 4334 6674 5428. Regardless of what happens, I have enjoyed my time on this blog, and definitely have much to address in the next six months. You should see my look at some of Yo-Kai Watch season 3's dub not long after it airs tomorrow, followed by my next Code Geass R2 recap while I'm house-sitting. That's all for now, later.