TLDR;
This episode of the Dub Talk podcast provides a detailed examination of the English dub of the 2018 anime series "Cells at Work!". The hosts discuss the ADR direction, scriptwriting, and voice acting, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the dub. They also share their personal opinions on the show's overall quality and its effectiveness as both entertainment and edutainment.
- The dub is praised for its solid direction, witty script adaptation, and informative narration.
- The voice acting is generally well-received, with particular praise for the performances of Billy Kametz as White Blood Cell and Jeremy Lee as Red Blood Cell.
- Some criticisms are raised regarding the show's tone, the repetitive nature of certain character traits, and the sympathetic portrayal of the cancer cell.
Intro and Disclaimer [0:01]
The podcast begins with a disclaimer, advising listener discretion due to potentially unsuitable language and subject matter for younger audiences. Spoilers for discussed anime are also warned. The opinions expressed are those of individual speakers and not necessarily of the Dub Talk podcast as a whole. Listeners are reminded to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, including maintaining a safe distance, wearing a mask, and following up with the podcast in 7 days.
Introduction to Cells at Work! [0:53]
Dr. Spaceman Hardy MD introduces the episode's focus: a detailed examination of the English dub of "Cells at Work!", an Anyplex and David Productions series from 2018. The show is described as a story about the inner workings of the human body, where 37.2 trillion cells work tirelessly. It follows a red blood cell as she navigates the body with the help of various other cells like white blood cells, killer T-cells, neurons, and platelets, all to maintain health.
ADR Direction, Scriptwriting, and Narration [3:55]
The hosts discuss the team behind the dub: Christina Mont as the ADR director, Blair Rowan as the scriptwriter, and Karen Strassman as the narrator. Christina Mont has directed shows like Sirius the Jaeger and One Punch Man season two. Blair Rowan has written shows such as Blood Blockade Battlefront and Kakegurui season 2. Karen Strassmann has been heard in shows such as Lucky Star and Monster. The dub is noted to be less comedic than the Japanese version, which is seen as a positive. The script takes liberties with the content but maintains the original meaning, with Blair Rowan adding humor. Karen Strassman's narration is praised for being consistently reliable, informative, and not monotone, effectively explaining the characters and their functions with pop-up title screens and watercolor images.
General Impressions of the Dub [9:24]
The hosts share their overall impressions of the "Cells at Work!" dub. One host finds the show a mix of shonen and slice-of-life, comparing it to "My Hero Academia." The dub is considered solid with a fun cast and energy. The writing takes liberties, adding jokes and name-calling that might not be in the original Japanese. Karen's narration is described as sweet and gentle, similar to a PBS or National Geographic documentary. One host expresses boredom with the show, finding it more like an educational cartoon than anime, while acknowledging the dub did well with the material.
Villains in Cells at Work! [26:19]
The hosts discuss the villains in "Cells at Work!", including pneumococcus, staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas, bacillus cereus, and the cancer cell. Ben Diskin plays pneumococcus, Christina V plays staphylococcus, Bill Rogers plays pseudomonas, Joe Zieja plays bacillus, and Koidau plays the cancer cell. Ben Diskin's voice with the digital effect is likened to Skeletor. Christina V's bad girl voice is noted to not be overly villainous. Joe Zieja's cracked out Hisoka-like performance is found funny. Koi Dao's portrayal of the cancer cell is highlighted as one of the best-acted parts, conveying a sense of hiding something.
More Discussion About Villains [31:41]
The hosts continue discussing the villains, with Christina V's staphylococcus performance compared to her mosquito girl role in One Punch Man. Joe Zieja's bacillus cereus is described as hammy and all over the place. Koi Dao's cancer cell is praised for his dynamicism, emotion, and complexity, making him want to survive. One host expresses discomfort with the sympathetic portrayal of cancer, given personal experiences with the disease. Joe Zieja's bacillus cereus is described as queer coded and campy. Ben Diskin's pneumococcus is compared to Ratigan from The Great Mouse Detective.
Mast Cell, B Cell, and Eosinophil [46:51]
The hosts discuss the roles and voice acting of Mast Cell (Maureen Price), B Cell (Eric Scott Kimmer), and Eosinophil (Kaylee Mills). Maureen Price's Mast Cell is described as smart, level-headed, and calm. Eric Scott Kimmer's B Cell is energetic and gung-ho, with a tone of voice reminiscent of Speed-o'-Sound Sonic from One Punch Man. Kaylee Mills' Eosinophil is sweet, gentle, and reminiscent of Alice from Sword Art Online: Alicization. The dynamic between these characters, particularly during the allergy episode, is highlighted.
More Discussion About Mast Cell, B Cell, and Eosinophil [52:16]
The hosts continue discussing Mast Cell, B Cell, and Eosinophil. Maureen Price's Mast Cell is described as normal-sounding and by-the-book. Eric Scott Kimmer's B Cell is full of himself, like a shonen protagonist. Kaylee Mills' Eosinophil is praised for her crowning moment of awesome, with a dynamicism of being downtrodden and then flustered by compliments. One host describes B Cell as sounding like a bad anime shonen protagonist and Vic Mignogna. Mast Cell is noted for not going the sexy nurse route. Eosinophil is described as sounding young and inexperienced.
T Cells: Killer T Cell, Helper T Cell, and Natural Killer Cell [1:01:54]
The hosts discuss the T cells: Killer T Cell (Robbie Daymond), Helper T Cell (Ray Chase), and Natural Killer Cell (Morgan Berry). Killer T Cell is described as a drill instructor, Helper T Cell as running operations from behind the scenes, and Natural Killer Cell as willing to kill on a whim. Robbie Daymond's performance is praised for showcasing his versatility, while Ray Chase's is noted for his wizard-like range. Morgan Berry's Natural Killer Cell is a favorite, with a husky voice and quips.
More Discussion About T Cells [1:11:14]
The hosts continue discussing the T cells, with one host expressing a strong attraction to Natural Killer Cell. Morgan Berry's Natural Killer Cell is described as badass and sultry, with liberal translations adding to her appeal. Robbie Daymond's Killer T Cell is debated as to whether he is a chad or a himbo. Ray Chase's Helper T Cell is described as authoritative but approachable. One host expresses not sensing sexual tension between Natural Killer Cell and Killer T Cell, but rather childish competitiveness.
Macrophage, Senpai Red Blood Cell, Kohai Red Blood Cell, and Platelet [1:25:23]
The hosts discuss the female cells: Macrophage (More Post), Senpai Red Blood Cell (Kira Buckland), Kohai Red Blood Cell (Genie Tirado), and Platelet (Xanthe Quinn). Genie Tirado's Kohai Red Blood Cell is mature and intelligent. Kira Buckland's Senpai Red Blood Cell is a big sister figure. Laura Post's Macrophage is soft-spoken and maternal, with a borderline yandere personality. Xanthe Quinn's Platelet is cute and adorable.
More Discussion About Macrophage, Senpai Red Blood Cell, Kohai Red Blood Cell, and Platelet [1:32:34]
The hosts continue discussing the female cells. Xanthe Quinn's Platelet is praised for her cute little girl voice. Kira Buckland's Senpai Red Blood Cell is noted for her nice speaking voice. Laura Post's Macrophage is described as having a high, breathy voice with a joyful laugh when killing things. Genie Tirado's Kohai Red Blood Cell is wooden in the first episode but more out there in the second. The transfusion red blood cells at the end are criticized for having stereotypical southern accents.
White Blood Cell and Red Blood Cell [1:48:51]
The hosts discuss the two main characters: White Blood Cell (Billy Kametz) and Red Blood Cell (Jeremy Lee). The dub is noted for making the show applicable to a widespread audience. Jeremy Lee's Red Blood Cell is perky, clumsy, and sympathetic. Billy Kametz's White Blood Cell has two modes: kill everything and neutral nice guy. The dynamic between these two characters carries the entire show.
More Discussion About White Blood Cell and Red Blood Cell [1:54:18]
The hosts continue discussing White Blood Cell and Red Blood Cell. Jeremy Lee's Red Blood Cell is described as chipper, hard-working, and determined. Billy Kametz's White Blood Cell is calm, cool, and nonchalant, with two modes: neutral nice guy and kill everything. One host expresses a strong fondness for Billy Kametz's performance.
Final Diagnoses and Recommendations [2:07:38]
The hosts give their final diagnoses. One host recommends spacing out the episodes rather than marathoning them. Another finds the show slow and dull, but the dub solid. A third host suggests watching Grey's Anatomy or Cartoon All-Stars instead. The final host had a good time and recommends checking out the dub.
Outro and Social Media [2:15:49]
The hosts provide their social media handles and thank their patrons. They also urge listeners to take care of their health, practice safe procedures, wear a mask, and be considerate of others. The episode concludes with a farewell and a reminder to go taku on.