TLDR;
This podcast episode celebrates the 10th anniversary of Dub Talk by launching a "Dub Talk Retrospective" series, revisiting past anime dubs with fresh perspectives. The inaugural episode focuses on the English dub of "Death Parade." The hosts discuss the ADR staff, writing, directing, and voice acting, highlighting standout performances and the show's unique episodic nature. They analyze the characters, their emotional depth, and the philosophical questions raised by the series.
- The podcast celebrates its 10th anniversary with a retrospective series.
- "Death Parade" English dub is the focus, praised for its strong performances and direction.
- The hosts discuss the show's themes, characters, and its impact.
Intro [0:00]
The Dub Talk podcast starts with a warning about mature language and spoilers. Stephanie introduces Aman and Gigi, and they briefly discuss anniversaries. The podcast is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025 with a special series called "Dub Talk Retrospective," where hosts revisit previously discussed series with new insights. The first series revisited is Death Parade.
Death Parade Intro [0:28]
The hosts discuss the opening of Death Parade, noting its misleadingly upbeat tone compared to the show's dark themes. A summary of the series is provided: when two people die simultaneously, they are sent to a bar between worlds where they must play games to determine if they will be reincarnated or vanish forever. Decim, the bartender, is an arbiter who judges souls, but his black-and-white view is challenged by a mysterious woman. Stephanie expresses her excitement about revisiting the series and introducing it to new listeners.
ADR Staff [11:38]
The hosts discuss the ADR staff for "Death Parade," including Bonnie Clinkenbeard and Blair Rowan as scriptwriters, Chris George as assistant ADR director, and Zack Bolton as lead ADR director. Bonnie Clinkenbeard also wrote for Alison zoku fire force and yurian ice. Blair Rowan wrote for blood blade Battlefront CLE the right answer. Chris George directed Dr Stone season from season 3 onward, life lessons with uramichi Onan and Snow White RW hair. Zack Bolton directed Dimension W, Peach Girl and Psychopaths. They praise the directing and writing, noting the challenge of creating distinct characters for the show's episodic format.
Directing and Writing [13:21]
The hosts discuss the directing and writing of "Death Parade," highlighting the challenges of creating compelling characters in the show's episodic format. The dub is described as a quintessential FUNimation dub, with a faithful translation and well-chosen casting. Bonnie Clinkenbeard's writing is praised for its faithfulness to the original adaptation and its ability to handle the show's dramatic and emotional beats. Zack Bolton's casting choices are also commended, with the hosts noting the strong performances from the voice actors. Chris George directed the last third of the show.
Episodic Characters [28:22]
The hosts discuss specific episodic characters from "Death Parade," focusing on episodes 4, 6, and 8-9. Gigi discusses episode 4, "Death Arcade," highlighting the performances of Ian Sinclair as Yosuke and Monica Rial as Misaki. Aman discusses episode 6, "Cross Heart Attack," praising Leah Clark as Mayu and Jesse James Gley as Harada. Stephanie discusses episodes 8 and 9, "Death Rally" and "Death Counter," focusing on Todd Haberkorn as Shima and Kent Williams as Tatsumi.
Episode 4: Death Arcade [34:35]
Gigi praises Ian Sinclair and Monica Rial's performances in episode 4, "Death Arcade." Ian Sinclair plays Yosuke, a recluse, and Monica Rial plays Misaki, a reality TV star. Gigi highlights Monica Rial's screaming about wanting to get back to her children, calling it a master class in acting. The characters don't know each other, and Ian's character is coerced into playing the game by Monica's character.
Episode 6: Cross Heart Attack [48:10]
The hosts discuss Leah Clark and Jesse James Gley's performances in episode 6, "Cross Heart Attack." Leah Clark plays Mayu, a fan girl, and Jesse James Gley plays Harada, a pop star. Gigi says that Leah Clark did a really good job. Jesse James Gley is amazing. The episode is more lighthearted than others, with gags and jokes.
Episodes 8 and 9: Death Rally and Death Counter [1:03:29]
The hosts discuss Todd Haberkorn and Kent Williams' performances in episodes 8 and 9, "Death Rally" and "Death Counter." Todd Haberkorn plays Shima, and Kent Williams plays Tatsumi. Stephanie says that Kent Williams' portrayal of Tatsumi is so dark. The episodes are padded out a little bit.
Side Characters [1:19:15]
The hosts discuss the side characters in "Death Parade," including Nona, Ginty, Oculus, Clavis, Quinn, and Castra. They praise the voice acting for each character, highlighting their unique personalities and motivations. Zach Bolton as Clavis, Anastasia Munos as Quinn and Morgan Laray Garrett as Castra. Jeremy Schwarz as Oculus, Robert McCullum as Ginty and Jade Saxton as Nona.
Clavis, Quinn and Castra [1:22:54]
The hosts discuss Clavis, Quinn, and Castra. Zach Bolton as Clavis is charming and funny. Anastasia Munos as Quinn is a delight. Morgan Laray Garrett as Castra has the least amount of screen time.
Oculus [1:31:30]
The hosts discuss Jeremy Schwarz's Oculus. Gigi says that he creeped her out. Jeremy Schwarz is transparently off.
Ginty [1:35:06]
The hosts discuss Robert McCullum's Ginty. Gigi says that he's a [ __ ] dick. Robert McCullum is so good at playing an angry sexy man. Ginty is stubborn.
Nona [1:44:00]
The hosts discuss Jade Saxton's Nona. Jade Saxton wasn't commonly associated with characters like Nona. Nona is a very odd character.
Decim and Chiyuki [1:53:29]
The hosts discuss the two leads, Decim and Chiyuki. Alex Oregon voices Decim, and Jamie Marchi voices Chiyuki. Alex Oregon and Robert McCullum are antagonistic forces to each other in two shows, this and Psychopaths.
Alex Oregon as Decim [1:55:39]
The hosts discuss Alex Oregon's performance as Decim. Gigi can't unhear Lloyd Forger now in Alex Oregon. Alex Oregon is able to portray that very well.
Jamie Marchi as Chiyuki [2:06:10]
The hosts discuss Jamie Marchi's performance as Chiyuki. It doesn't sound like Jamie. Jamie steps up to meet that challenge.
Final Thoughts [2:13:52]
The hosts share their final thoughts on the English dub of "Death Parade." Alan says that the show wouldn't get made now. Gigi says that the dub is like a classic FUNimation dub. Stephanie says that the show and the English dub still hold up today.
Outro [2:25:31]
The hosts provide information on where to watch "Death Parade" and how to support the Dub Talk podcast. They thank their patrons and share their social media handles. Aman provides a Dusty Old Song recommendation.