We’ve got some major high-power crafting in this episode!
First I want to mention some new dialogue from Nikki about Tsukasa that wasn’t in the manga:
“I’m sure you guys know how strong Tsukasa is. But it’s not just him. The people around him are formidable, as well. I suppose he’s got some grandiose vision for the world. He’s been gathering capable people from all over.
Sure, not all of them worship Tsukasa, but once they get a taste of Tsukasa’s might and charisma, they all nod yes. His right-arm and left-arm men-- although he definitely doesn’t consider them such-- are the ones he considers his most capable allies.”
Here Nikki gives us some insight about Tsukasa’s motives, though without much details. Last episode we got a quick anime-only look at life in Tsukasa’s Empire around the campfire, and another thing Nikki says here gives us even more. An idea of what it might be like to meet Tsukasa, and his relationship to Hyoga and Ukyo. We don’t actually see Tsukasa interact with Ukyo much if at all. This helps set up two things – Ukyo’s betrayal, if he does indeed sense that Tsukasa doesn’t see him as a partner, and Chrome’s meeting with Tsukasa.
Everyone is supposedly victim to Tsukasa’s charm, but Chrome isn’t bedazzled by Tsukasa even one millimeter when he meets him. So not only are we getting a more fleshed-out vision of the enemy side, but also seeing Chrome’s ten billion percent loyalty to the Kingdom of Science won’t be wavered, even if it means his death. This really comes through in his bratty voice, which I love in this moment more than ever. There is a real badass behind the YABE! (Meanwhile Tsukasa sounding more like a JoJo character than ever)
One more line that Nikki only said only in the anime:
“You’ve already met Hyoga.”
Again, this is another one of those additions that I think is intended for new viewers who might have missed Season 1. Or is it really just a reminder since we had to wait so long for Season 2?
We get some real dialogue from Ukyo finally, and he’s so upbeat. How could this polite little guy really be part of the Empire of Might? Seeing Chrome almost die must have had a serious impact on Ukyo. He would have had no say about the decision to save Chrome from the fall, which reflects the line about Tsukasa not seeing him as a left-hand man. This and the previous episode do a lot to set up his appearance and make him an important part of the story.
Back at the village, an interesting addition in the anime was Gen recalling fetching the honeycomb. He mentions it was originally intended for making plastic (another reference/reminder of Season 1). Or maybe it was just another opportunity for an Anpanman reference.
But we get this additional info:
“We didn’t need it because we ended up with a simpler shape for our cell phone.”
So the original plan for the cell phone may have involved making cast molds for parts.
More is added to the explanation of the car building than was in the manga. Wax is used in lipstick and crayons. Gen asks more questions. We see more of the process of the wax and plaster mold, including taking apart the mold to reveal the new metal parts.
In the manga it uses very few words to describe the neck-swing engine (in the anime they call it a wobbler engine), but we get a quick lecture on how it works like an engine. In neither the manga nor anime do they explain anything about how the power of the engine transfers to the turning of the wheels, which would have completed the picture. However there are a few shots in the particular order showing the engine, which turns the gears, and the wheels beginning to spin.
We get a lot of fanfare for the completion of the car including a CGI all-around view of the operating vehicle, a first for Dr. Stone as we reach this new level of progress. All of this gives me a lot of hope for future science creations in the anime! I mentioned in last week’s review that suspenseful moments feel a bit rushed in the manga. I also feel the same way about some of the crafting scenes, that they are over too quickly without seeing enough of the building, or even the use of the finished product. If this is what we get when a short anime season takes a year and a half to complete, I’m on board ten billion percent. I won’t complain anymore, TMS Studios!
I have to take a moment to mention the sound design so far. With bigger machines, a constantly-operating hydroelectric plant and level 3 furnace, we’re hearing a lot of clanks and machinery noises throughout the show. Imagine growing up in quiet Ishigami village, and now the daily noises of science always in the background. All I can think is that it must really feel like Senku has taken over. Also, isn’t it crazy to hear racing car sounds in Dr. Stone?!
Yes, we must talk about the train scene. It’s a strange but exciting mix of feeling like we’ve moved forward in time but also back in time. We’ve reached 1800s transport technology, giving the Kingdom of Science a luxurious ride to Tsukasa’s Empire with all of their science goodies. The train, and the fact that everyone aboard is dressed the part, represents that the Kingdom of Science has become an unstoppable force.
Senku continues to push towards Tsukasa’s Empire, building up to a very exciting showdown! Getting these great characters to change sides is worth cheering for as well, so let’s see how it goes next week!
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