TLDR;
The Dub Talk podcast discusses the English dub of the 2019 anime "Stars Align," praising its grounded performances, writing, and handling of heavy themes like child abuse and gender identity. The hosts highlight the work of the director, writers, and voice actors, analyzing individual characters and their portrayals. They also touch on the show's troubled production history and its impact.
- Grounded performances and realistic portrayal of characters.
- Strong writing that balances faithfulness to the material with natural dialogue.
- Tackling heavy themes with sensitivity and depth.
- Standout performances from the voice cast, particularly the leads.
- The show's troubled production history and incomplete ending.
Intro and Rules [0:00]
The podcast episode begins with a humorous introduction, setting the stage for a discussion about the anime "Stars Align." The hosts lay down a few ground rules, including listener discretion due to potentially unsuitable language and spoilers. They also clarify that the opinions expressed by the tennis players (the characters) do not reflect those of Dub Talk. A reminder is given to be good role models to children, avoiding exploitation or abuse.
Introduction to Stars Align [2:00]
The hosts introduce "Stars Align," a 2019 anime about a middle school soft tennis club, directed by Kazuki Akane. The summary from ANN describes the club as a joke, with lazy members except for the frustrated captain, Toma. When the student council threatens to cut funding if they don't win a match, Toma seeks help from Maki, a childhood friend with his own issues. Despite the bright art style, the anime deals with serious subjects and is not a happy, wholesome show.
Production Issues and Content Warning [8:36]
The production of "Stars Align" was troubled, with the episode count slashed in half late in production, forcing the director to end the story prematurely. The hosts plan to review the 12 dubbed episodes, acknowledging that it's only half of what was intended. They also issue a content warning for child abuse and other heavy subjects depicted in the show.
Direction and Writing [14:22]
The hosts discuss the director and writers of the English dub, including Jerry Jewell, Ophelia Youmans, Mike McFarland, Jared Green, Jessica Cavanaugh, and Howard Wang. They praise the direction for allowing natural performances and the writing for balancing faithfulness to the material with realistic teenage dialogue. The use of slang is well-done and believable.
Grounded Performances and Heavy Themes [21:59]
The performances in the dub are praised for their grounded realism, especially considering the heavy subject material like child abuse, gender identity, and parental expectations. The show handles these themes well without over-saturating the story. One potential flaw is the casting of a male voice actor for a trans character, but this may be due to a lack of information during production. Jared Green is highlighted as the MVP for writing the show as one of his first full-time projects.
Supporting Characters: Arashi and Kinuyo [32:07]
The hosts discuss two supporting characters: Arashi Ogiwara, voiced by Austin Tindle, and Kinuyo Yokosuka, voiced by Tia Ballard. Arashi is the ace of another middle school's tennis team, portrayed as hot-headed and arrogant but also providing comic relief. Kinuyo is the student council president with a complicated home life, depicted as refined and proper but also harboring a meritocratic worldview.
Shingo and Tsubasa: The Loud Duo [50:33]
The hosts discuss Shingo Takeuchi and Tsubasa Sugah, voiced by Adam Gibbs and Rico Fajardo, respectively. They are the loudest members of the team, initially interchangeable but later distinguished by their family dynamics. Tsubasa's strained relationship with his soccer-obsessed father is highlighted, while Shingo's more carefree attitude is noted.
Now and Taiyo: The Meek Members [1:15:31]
The hosts discuss Now Suki, voiced by Matt Shipman, and Taiyo Ishigami, voiced by Dallas Reid. Now is a pathological liar due to his over-controlling mother, while Taiyo is a nice but unremarkable boy. Matt Shipman's performance as Now is praised for its subtlety and portrayal of a character coping with trauma.
Rintaro and Itsuki: Complex Characters [1:40:01]
The hosts discuss Rintaro Futsu, voiced by Garrett Storms, and Itsuki Aoshima, voiced by Derick Snow. Rintaro is the vice president of the tennis club with self-worth issues stemming from being adopted. Itsuki is a snarky but troubled boy who resorts to violence due to his difficult home life.
Yuta and Conoco: Supporting Roles and Representation [2:09:32]
The hosts discuss Yuta Osku, voiced by Brandon McInnis, and Conoco Meets Away, voiced by Rachael Messer. Yuta is the team manager who is non-binary and faces bullying for being gay. Conoco is a grumpy girl who likes to draw and becomes the team's artist. Brandon McInnis's performance as Yuta is praised for its warmth and sensitivity.
Toma and Maki: The Main Pair [2:37:30]
The hosts discuss Toma Shinjo, voiced by Josh Grelle, and Maki Katsuragi, voiced by Justin Briner, the two lead characters. Toma is the captain of the tennis team who struggles with his mother's rejection and his brother's legacy. Maki is a boy who has moved around a lot with his single mother due to his abusive father.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations [2:58:00]
The hosts give their final thoughts on "Stars Align," praising its grounded performances, writing, and handling of heavy themes. They recommend watching the show and supporting it through official channels. They also thank their patrons and provide links to their social media accounts.