TLDR;
The Dub Talk podcast revisits and provides an in-depth discussion on the 2018 Studio Trigger original series, SSSS.Gridman. The hosts discuss the show's origins, its connection to previous Gridman projects, and the creative team behind it. They praise the English dub, highlighting the ADR staff, voice direction, and the performances of the voice actors. The hosts analyze the characters, including the Gridman Alliance and the villains, and explore the show's themes, such as depression, human connection, and the impact of the digital age. They also touch on the show's references to other works, such as Neon Genesis Evangelion and Super Samurai Cyber Squad.
- The podcast provides an overview of the SSSS.Gridman anime series, its origins, and its connections to previous Gridman projects.
- The hosts praise the English dub, highlighting the voice direction, script, and voice actor performances.
- The podcast analyzes the characters, their motivations, and their relationships with each other.
- The hosts explore the show's themes, such as depression, human connection, and the impact of the digital age.
- The podcast touches on the show's references to other works and its overall impact.
Intro [0:00]
The Dub Talk podcast introduces a retrospective episode focusing on the 2018 Studio Trigger series, SSSS.Gridman. The hosts, GridJet, Jamore Jackson, and Ultra Handy, will discuss the anime in detail, including its origins and connections to previous Gridman projects. They acknowledge the absence of a regular host due to an emergency.
SSSS.Gridman Origins and Influences [1:46]
The discussion begins with the origins of SSSS.Gridman, tracing it back to the Japan Animator Expo where Akira Amemiya, a director from Trigger, wanted to create something with the Ultraman people but was given Gridman instead. This led to a 5-minute sequel to the original Gridman the hyper agent took show, which was well-received and eventually led to the creation of the 2018 series. The show also has connections to a cancelled Gridman project called Gridman F, with some characters being repurposed from that series. The project became more ambitious, leading to the involvement of Mr. Hagawa, a renowned Ultraman writer. The hosts describe the show as accessible yet made by "feed freak otakus," blending cool elements with deeper themes.
Synopsis and Tokusatsu Background [6:20]
The hosts provide a brief synopsis of SSSS.Gridman, detailing the story of Yuta Hibiki, who awakens with amnesia and the ability to see things others cannot. He encounters Gridman and is pulled into a battle against monsters. The hosts discuss their familiarity with Tokusatsu, with varying levels of experience with shows like Power Rangers and Ultraman. They express appreciation for the genre and its influence on SSSS.Gridman.
ADR Staff Discussion [9:34]
The podcast shifts to discussing the ADR staff behind the English dub of SSSS.Gridman. Clifford Chapin served as the voice director, with Clayton Browning as the lead writer and Howard Wang assisting on episode 8. The hosts express familiarity with Chapin's work, noting his rising career and passion for the show. They praise his directorial style and the quality of the dub, highlighting the balance between grounded character drama and bombastic action.
Direction and Script Analysis [13:09]
The hosts continue to praise Clifford Chapin's direction, noting his understanding of the source material and his ability to balance different tones. They discuss the script, highlighting its natural-sounding dialogue and clever oneliners. The hosts also touch on the show's pensive moments and its unique take on depression, distinguishing it from other anime like Evangelion.
Neon Genesis Junior High Students [20:30]
The podcast transitions to discussing the Neon Genesis Junior High students, who are Gridman's allies and can transform into weapons. The hosts describe each character: Samurai Caliber, Max, Borr, and Vit, highlighting their unique personalities and roles within the team. They also mention that their names are taken from the dub of Super Samurai Squad.
Voice Actors of Gridman's Allies [22:38]
The hosts discuss the voice actors behind Gridman's allies: Ian Sinclair as Samurai Caliber, Chris George as Max, Afia Lou as Borr, and Chris Burnett as Vit. They mention some of the actors' previous roles and discuss their performances in SSSS.Gridman. The hosts analyze each character's personality and their contributions to the show.
Vit, Max, and Borr Analysis [23:41]
The hosts analyze the characters Vit, Max, and Borr in more detail. Vit is portrayed as laid-back and relatable, while Max is the mature and supportive member of the group. Borr is described as a sassy and scene-stealing character with a knife, who is always hostile and ready to fight.
Samurai Caliber Analysis [29:08]
The hosts discuss Samurai Caliber, highlighting his unique entrance and physical comedy. They praise Ian Sinclair's performance, noting the challenges of portraying a character with a stutter. The hosts also discuss Caliber's role as a mentor figure and his ability to connect with others despite his social awkwardness.
Caliber's Character and Influences [35:51]
The hosts continue to analyze Samurai Caliber, describing him as a tired, messy, and scraggly adult man. They discuss his potential influences, comparing him to a wandering samurai or a Yakuza character. The hosts praise Ian Sinclair's performance and the character's overall contribution to the series.
Villains Introduction: Akane, Alexis, and Anti [37:05]
The podcast shifts its focus to the villains of SSSS.Gridman: Akane Shinjo, Alexis Kerib, and Anti. Akane is described as both the show's villain and protagonist, responsible for creating the kaiju and the world they inhabit. Alexis Kerib is a mysterious alien who aids Akane, feeding on emptiness. Anti is a kaiju created by Akane who sees himself as Gridman's rival.
Voice Actors of the Villains [39:55]
The hosts discuss the voice actors behind the villains: Lindsay Seidel as Akane Shinjo, Barry Yandell as Alexis Kerib, and Stephen Fu as Anti. They mention some of the actors' previous roles and discuss their performances in SSSS.Gridman. The hosts analyze each character's personality and their motivations.
Alexis Kerib Analysis and Influences [40:49]
The hosts analyze Alexis Kerib, noting his design similarities to Inferno Cop and the villain from the original Gridman series. They discuss Barry Yandell's performance, comparing it to Tim Curry and highlighting his ability to play an enabler to Akane. The hosts also touch on the character's unsettling interactions with others.
Anti Analysis [48:15]
The hosts discuss Anti, highlighting Stephen Fu's performance and the character's evolution from a feral creature to a more thoughtful individual. They analyze Anti's relationship with Akane, describing it as abusive parenting and familial loyalty. The hosts also touch on Anti's onetrack mind and his eventual turn to helping Akane.
Akane Shinjo Analysis: Lindsay Seidel's Performance [53:23]
The hosts discuss Akane Shinjo, praising Lindsay Seidel's performance as the best of her career. They note her film background and how it contributes to the character's complicated and subtle emotions. The hosts analyze Akane's design, her role as the center of her world, and the moments when her mask starts to slip.
Akane's Character and Fan Service [57:02]
The hosts discuss the fan service in SSSS.Gridman, particularly in relation to Akane. They analyze how the camera loves Akane and how the fan service is used to emphasize her self-centeredness. The hosts also touch on Akane's cracked glasses and phone, symbolizing her readiness to crack at any moment.
Akane's Seduction and Dream Episode [59:01]
The hosts analyze Akane's attempts at seduction towards other characters and discuss the dream episode, where Akane creates a perfect world for herself. They explore the theory that Akane is trying to create the perfect anime man and that the real Akane is closer to Rikka. The hosts also touch on the inciting incident between Akane and Rikka and Akane's desire to fix their friendship.
Akane's Struggles and Life Lessons [1:05:33]
The hosts discuss Akane's struggles with depression and anxiety, and the life lessons that can be gained from watching the show. They analyze the show's themes of human connection and the impact of the digital age. The hosts also express their love for Akane as a character and Lindsay Seidel's performance.
Gridman Alliance Introduction: Yuta, Rikka, Utsumi, and Gridman [1:07:32]
The podcast shifts its focus to the Gridman Alliance: Yuta Hibiki, Rikka Takarada, Utsumi Shō, and Gridman. Yuta is a boy with amnesia who becomes Gridman. Rikka is a classmate of Yuta and a close friend of Akane. Utsumi is a friend of Yuta who is also a Kaiju and Ultraman fan. Gridman is a warrior who has come to Akane's world to defeat the Kaiju and save Akane.
Voice Actors of the Gridman Alliance [1:08:41]
The hosts discuss the voice actors behind the Gridman Alliance: Brandon McInnis as Yuta Hibiki, Jill Harris as Rikka Takarada, Greg Ayres as Utsumi Shō, and Robert McCollum as Gridman. They mention some of the actors' previous roles and discuss their performances in SSSS.Gridman. The hosts analyze each character's personality and their contributions to the show.
Gridman Analysis: Robert McCollum's Performance [1:09:48]
The hosts analyze Gridman, praising Robert McCollum's performance and his ability to sound like a noble and honorable hero. They discuss Gridman's simple character and his role as a superhero. The hosts also touch on Gridman's amnesia and his mission to save Akane.
Gridman as a VTuber/Digimon and Kaiju Design [1:11:46]
The hosts jokingly debate whether Gridman predates the VTuber boom and whether he is more like a VTuber or a Digimon. They discuss the computer-based jokes in the show and the references to the original Gridman series. The hosts also analyze the design of the Kaiju, noting that they move like people in suits and that the CG is intentionally wonky.
Utsumi Analysis: Greg Ayres' Performance [1:18:31]
The hosts discuss Utsumi, praising Greg Ayres' performance and his ability to play a good dude who is also a relatable otaku. They analyze Utsumi's role as the character with lore knowledge and his stubborn emotional idiocy. The hosts also touch on Utsumi's crush on Akane and his ability to recognize that her perfect world is too good to be true.
Utsumi's Role and Tropes [1:21:31]
The hosts analyze Utsumi's role in establishing and subverting tropes. They discuss his function as a vehicle for Super Raya to advertise the Ultra series and acknowledge the tropes of the genre. The hosts also touch on the philosophical questions that get raised in the show and how they are addressed.
Yuta Analysis: Brandon McInnis' Performance [1:24:24]
The hosts discuss Yuta, praising Brandon McInnis' performance and his ability to play both the awkward teenager and the heroic superhero. They analyze Yuta's amnesia and how it is used as a mystery rather than a crutch for being an audience insert. The hosts also touch on Yuta's crush on Rikka and his role in the Gridman Alliance.
Rikka Analysis: Jill Harris' Performance [1:27:02]
The hosts discuss Rikka, praising Jill Harris' performance and her ability to play a softspoken but not timid character. They analyze Rikka's role as a counterbalance to the other characters and her ability to bring out a lot in them. The hosts also touch on Rikka's relationship with Akane and her understanding of Akane's sensitivity.
Rikka's Character and Relationships [1:30:10]
The hosts analyze Rikka's character and her relationships with Yuta, Akane, and Anti. They discuss her annoyance with Yuta's amnesia and her role in taking care of Anti. The hosts also touch on the love confession between Rikka and Yuta before the amnesia and Rikka's role in saving Akane.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations [1:33:52]
The hosts share their final thoughts on SSSS.Gridman, praising the show's aging like fine wine and its great dub. They discuss the new things they have learned to appreciate about the show and its themes of human connection and the impact of the digital age. The hosts also recommend that viewers check out the show and its sequel, Gridman Universe.
Plugs and Outro [1:38:08]
The hosts provide their plugs, mentioning their social media accounts and other projects. They also give a shoutout to their patrons and thank them for their support. The episode concludes with the hosts signing off and encouraging viewers to check out SSSS.Gridman.