#that's a wrap on digimon adventure OVA basically

[slutpoppers]

Digimon Adventure OVA (1999)

[tobiasdrake]

Digimon Adventure 01x31 - Raremon! Assault on Tokyo Bay / The Eight(sic) Digivice

Previously on Digimon Adventure: The Chosen Children set course for Odaiba! After much consideration, they promptly went the wrong way and got lost in Shinjuku. There, they made multiple public spectacles, threw all their money at McDonalds, pooped in a child predator's car, and then jumped off a bridge. Thus proving once and for all that children are feral and Jou cannot be trusted to rein them in.

Now, at long last, we're home. Welcome to Odaiba.

We open basically where we left off. After spotting the Chosen Children on Ikkakumon, PicoDevimon reports his finding to Vamdemon using these cellphone gadgets they stole from the Batcave.

Vamdemon: What did you say? Mammon and Gesomon have been killed? PicoDevimon: Yes, sir! The troops that Tailmon brought with her are practically useless! Hehehe-- Vamdemon: WHAT'S SO FUNNY!?!? PicoDevimon: N-Nothing, sir! Vamdemon: In any case, keep searching. Find the Eighth Child! PicoDevimon: Y-Yes, sir! Understood!

The dub is the same, but spicy.

Myotismon: Defeated!? You say those little punks beat Mammothmon and Gesomon!? DemiDevimon: Right! Gatomon really bungled it when she hooked up with those nincompoops. I guess she's no better than the rest of us! Hehehe-- Myotismon: THINK THAT'S FUNNY!?!? DemiDevimon: Of course not, boss! Myotismon: Then knock off the chatter and find the Eighth Child before i lose my patience! DemiDevimon: Aye-aye! Myotismon rules! You'll see!

Most of this works but "Myotismon rules! You'll see!" is a weird thing to say to Myotismon. Don't know what was going on with that line.

I guess the kids split up and headed home after arriving in Odaiba, because we join Taichi and Koromon headed home alone.

Koromon: I wonder if Hikari-chan's over her cold yet? Taichi: When we came back earlier, Hikari remembered what happened four years ago. You don't think she's the Eighth Child, do you?

A valid concern. Showing that this has crossed Taichi's mind; He just didn't want to bring it up in front of the others. You can see the nervousness on his face as he speaks; He doesn't want his sister wrapped up in all this.

In the dub:

Koromon: Gee, Tai. I sure hope that your sister Kari's over her nasty cold! Tai: Me too! You know, it's really weird. The last time we were here, she remembered what happened four years ago. Oh, wow! Do you think it's possible that Kari's the Eighth Child!?

Well, she should be over that cold given that the dub cut that plot point. Kari very specifically did not have a cold when Tai was here last.

In contrast to his Japanese counterpart, Tai sounds excited at the prospect that Kari will be joining us.

Back home, we find Hikari in her bedroom putting out a saucer of milk for the family's pet cat.

Hikari: Here you go, Meeko!

Suddenly, the door opens out in the living room. Her mother Yuuko and father Susumu have returned.

Yuuko: We're home! Susumu: We're back! Hikari: Welcome back, Mom and Dad!

Hikari goes out to greet her parents, leaving Meeko alone in the bedroom. From her low vantage, Meeko is able to spot Hikari's Digivice lying under the bed.

(Did Hikari move it? It was on the living room table last we saw it.)

An interesting note: This is the first time we ever see Yuuko and Susumu's heads. The OVA is shot from a child's perspective, and used the classic perspective trick of only showing the lower bodies of adults.

Hikari: How was Grandma? Susumu: It was nothing serious. She said she fell while walking down a slope and sprained her ankle. She went to the hospital to have it checked out. She'll be out in two or three days.

We know from the OVA that Susumu's an alcoholic. We see him come home late at night, drunk as shit and loudly screaming for his children - Not in a mean or abusive way, he's a jolly drunk, but it's still not good behavior when the kids should be asleep so it turns into a tiff with Yuuko.

True to character, he goes straight to the fridge and pops open a beer first thing when he gets in. While he's talking, Hikari gets him out a glass, which she hands off to him. Meanwhile, Meeko takes Hikari's Digivice and slips outside onto the balcony.

Hikari: That's great! (hands Susumu a glass) Here you go! Susumu: Thank you! (takes a drink and vibrates gleefully as the burning hits his chest) Yuuko: Your grandmother was more worried about your cold, Hikari. Hikari: I think my cold is gone now. Susumu: Oh? Let's see!

Susumu feels Hikari's forehead to test her temperature.

Susumu: Your fever's gone down!

Great news for the Yagami family! And also Meeko is outside making bad choices.

Farewell, Hikari's Digivice. We are at least five stories up. Why are cats like this? Sincerely, affectionate cat owner.

Fun fact about Meeko. So, as Hikari starts to be part of this story, we're going to see more and more about how she's... Hikari has a touch of destiny and holiness about her, even moreso than the other Chosen Children.

We've already seen a bit of it. Hikari, whose name literally means 'light', was the first to receive a Digimon. That Digimon was involved in the event that connects all eight Chosen Children. Hikari's Digimon participated in the event that called them all at... Hikarigaoka, or "The Light on the Hill".

Hikari is a very special child.

Meeko's name is spelled out as ミーコ. It's "Miko" but with a vowel extender in the middle. That's what that horizontal bar is; It's the letter "Vowel of the last letter but longer". ミコ is the katakana spelling for "miko", a shrine maiden who tends to Shinto shrines.

It should probably be translated Miiko for literalness, but that looks super weird. Maybe it's just me.

Also, because Japanese is so gender-neutral with its language, she's never explicitly identified by a gender. However, she has a pink collar, is named after shrine maidens, and has a -ko on the end of her name which is a common naming convention for girls. So there's a lot of signifiers that she's a female kitty-cat.

In any case, Hikari is the light, born to a special destiny, and that cat is her miko. It's a cute little name pun.

Alright, enough about nominal priestesses. The dub continues committing to the retcon that Kari was sick.

Kari: Here, Meeko! (milk bowl) Yuuko: (coming in) Hello, Kari! We're back! Susumu: Is everything alright, sweetie? Kari: Hi! Everything's just fine! (Kari goes out to the living room) Kari: What was wrong with Grandma? Susumu: She took a bit of a fall, that's all. She sprained her ankle when she was out for a walk, but it's not serious. She has to stay in the hospital for a day and she's HOPPING mad 'cause it cuts into her dancing lesson! Kari: That's Grandma! (hands Susumu a glass) Here! Susumu: Thanks, Sweet Pea! (takes a drink and vibrates gleefully as the burning hits his chest) Yuuko: Grandma was worried about your cold and said Daddy should remember your sweater next time. Kari: I feel back to normal now! Susumu: Oh? You look much better, but let's just check to make sure. (puts his hand on Kari's forehead) You feel about as cool as a cucumber!

Again, this is really good. They hit all the important points and also add a bit of spice. Grandma passive-aggressively blaming Susumu for Kari's cold got me. XD

I was totally expecting Susumu to pull out that beer and be like, "Ahh, nothing like a tasty Coca-Cola!" but nope, he gets to drink a beer. I guess alcohol is fine for adults, just not for Adult-stage Digimon.

They also choose Meeko watching helplessly as the Digivice plunges to the earth as the spot for their commercial break cliffhanger, which is hilarious and I approve.

Taichi returns home.

Nobody pays any attention to Meeko sprinting out the front door in a panic.

Taichi: I'm home! Yuuko: Taichi!? Shouldn't you be at camp? Taichi: O-Oh, it got cancelled because of the snow. Yuuko: Snow? Huh, I wonder what's been going on with the weather lately? (notices Koromon) What's that? Taichi: I-It's a souvenir for Hikari! Yuuko: That's very thoughtful of yo--

Suddenly and without warning, Taichi throws himself into his mother's arms and cries. She doesn't understand. She doesn't know what he's been through "at camp today". But we do.

And he got to go home for an afternoon/several months of it, so Taichi got off light. Imagine how the other kids are feeling.

Koromon is seen sitting on the ground while Taichi's hugging his mom, so I think he fucking dropped him.

In the dub, Meeko's dialogue is different. In that she has dialogue. When Meeko races out the door in the original, we hear the bell on her collar ringing frantically. There is no bell in the dub, but she lets out a frantic "MROWR!!!"

Dub Yuuko is much less interested in Koromon.

Tai: I'M BAAAACK! Hi! Yuuko: Tai? Why are you here? Meeko: (whips past) MROWR!!! Tai: Camp was cancelled because it snowed. Yuuko: Snow? Who would have thought at this time of year? The weather's getting so unpredictable these days. (notices Koromon) EUGH, what's that!? Tai: I brought Kari home a present! Yuuko: ...great. Give me your dirty clothes so I can wash them-- (Lost Child Hug Attack)

Poor Koromon. Nobody likes Tai's bunny cabbage.

Taichi throws himself into his mom's arms and cries.

Taichi: Mom.... Yuuko: Huh? What's this all of a sudden? Susumu: What's wrong? Taichi: Dad!

Susumu and Hikari approach. Taichi, seeing his father, lets go of Yuuko and hugs Susumu next. His voice breaking as he says their names.

Susumu looks to Yuuko for explanation but she has no idea.

Yuuko's a little more inquisitive in the dub.

Tai: Mom! Yuuko: Tai!? Did something happen!? Tai: I'm glad you're here. Yuuko: Of course I am. What's this all about, son? Susumu: Oh, is something wrong? Tai: Dad! (switches hugs)

Not a substantial change but still enough to be worth noting. As usual, the dub is more verbose in the quiet emotional moments. It doesn't detract from the scene, however.

Outside, the misadventures of Meeko continue. Another cat makes off with the Digivice, forcing Meeko to give chase.

At the Izumi household, Koushiro's mom is on the phone with a friend or neighbor.

Kae: Yes, that's true. Neighbor: In any case, your Koushiro is such a smart and polite kid. I'm so jealous of you. Kae: Aww! Neighbor: Next to him, my little brats just look picky and selfish! Child: THAT'S MINE!!! (hard smack, followed by another kid screaming and crying) Neighbor: HEY!!! Mizuki, do not hit your little brother! (another hard smack and now Mizuki starts screaming and crying too)

Gee, I wonder where Mizuki learned to be violent. Truly, it is a mystery. This woman has three lines of dialogue over a phone and I already hate her.

Koushiro enters through the front door, announcing himself.

Koushiro: I'm home! Kae: Oh! Koushiro: Camp was cancelled. Kae: Oh, was it?

Koushiro suddenly realizes something and wipes his gloves on his shorts. Or frantically checks his pockets? I'm not entirely sure what he's doing here, to be honest. But he concludes the action by bowing respectfully to Kae.

Kae: What is it? Koushiro: (bows; politely) I'm sorry for worrying you. Kae: (struck speechless)

Then he turns around and goes into his room. As he leaves, we can hear the woman on the other end again, as well as the sounds of even more smacking and more screaming and crying from the two children.

Neighbor: BE QUIET!!! Ahem. (into phone) I'm sorry, hello? Izumi-san? Hello? Kae: Ah, I'm here!

Truly, Kae's son is a model child compared to those two. I can't possibly imagine why.

So, obviously, the dub wasn't going to let the implied child abuse fly, right?

Kae: Really? I'm sure your kids aren't that bad. Neighbor: I'm telling you, you're so lucky to have a boy like Izzy! He's a perfect example of a gentleman, and so smart! Kae: (embarrassed) Ahahaha.... Neighbor: You know, my little rascals are always fighting all the time and never listen to a word I say! Male Child: Mom, tell Billy to give me back my truck! NYEEEEEEEH!!! Neighbor: Franky, don't stick your tongue out at your brother!

Mizuki got gender-flipped in this version. One of the two kids starts crying after their mom yells here but it's not clear which. It's possible she smacked one of them, but there's no hitting sound so probably not.

Then, as Izzy enters, we hear screaming sounds of exertion, like the boys are tug-of-warring over the truck.

Izzy: I'm home! Kae: Izzy? Izzy: Hi, Mom! I came home ahead of schedule. Kae: Didn't you like camp? Izzy: Huh? (ambiguous glove motion) The food was inferior. Kae: That's all? Izzy: (bows) And then it snowed so they cancelled everything. Kae: (struck speechless, shocked Pikachu face; Izzy leaves)

Over the phone, we can clearly hear both boys crying now. Their mom is just... ignoring them now, I guess?

Neighbor: (into phone) They never think about how I feel! I just wish they were as considerate as your Izzy! Kae: Sometimes he's too considerate.

Without the explicit sounds of child abuse happening, it's super ambiguous as to what exactly the boys are now screaming and crying about.

Meanwhile, Izzy and Kae's parts suffer from that thing that happens sometimes in dubs, where the blocking of a scene doesn't fit with the new dialogue. Izzy bows to Kae for seemingly no reason at all, and then she does her stunned face over... the fact that it snowed, I guess?

I have no idea what part of this exchange was "too considerate". This scene is a mess in the dub.

Once he's in his room, Koushiro opens the window to let Tentomon fly in.

Kae: (from outside the door) Koushiro! Koushiro: (panics and ushers Tentomon into the closet) Y-Yes!? Kae: Is anything wrong? Koushiro: Nothing at all! Kae: ...okay....

Kae doesn't enter, but instead uncertainly takes Koushiro's answer. She leaves, going to the kitchen and beginning to boil a pot of water for cooking. Koushiro rifles through his desk for coins then tries to head out the front door, leaving Tentomon in the room.

Koushiro: I'm going to Taichi-san's place for a bit! Kae: !!! (goes back to the hall) Now? Koushiro: I need one of his reference books. I'll be right back!

Koushiro leaves without another word. Kae returns to the kitchen to resume cooking while Koushiro goes to the KaKuetsu Supermart. Not quite what he told his mom he'd be doing.

Kae continues cooking dinner while a TV news report talks about the mysterious events happening around Tokyo, showing footage of Ikkakumon's fight with Gesomon.

Anchor: It certainly does appear to show two kaiju, but are these creatures really kaiju? We're very interested to learn whether they're related to the giant elephant and firebird that rampaged in Hikarigaoka. And now sports! Koushiro: (from the hall, opening and closing front door) I'm home! Kae: Welcome back!

XD TV news is like that though.

In the dub, the convenient fact that Tentomon doesn't have lip flaps when he speaks allows for some extra dialogue from him.

Tentomon: So why can't I use the door? Kae: (from outside the door) Izzy? Is something wrong? Izzy: (panics and ushers Tentomon into the closet) Hide! Tentomon: What am I, a Molemon!? Kae: Izzy, are you alright? Izzy: I'M FINE, MOM!!! Kae: Huh? (walks away uncertainly) Huh.... (Izzy grabs coins and heads to the door) Izzy: Seeya, Mom! I'm going to Tai's house for a while! Kae: Huh!? (goes back to the hall) Right now!? Izzy: Yeah, I'm borrowing one of his reference books. I'll be back in a nanosecond! (Izzy goes to the supermarket while Kae cooks) Anchor: A suspicious lifeform has been spotted in the bay. There's speculation that it is some kind of monster. It's possible that it could be a whale, but it seems very unlikely. There may be some connection between this monster and the giant elephant and bird that attacked a nearby town. Time for sports, starting with baseball! Izzy: I'M BAAAAACK!!! Kae: Dinner's almost ready!

The anchor begins with baseball because, in the footage, a baseball player appears over the word "SPORTS" on the news screen. The dub plays the Major League Baseball theme over it, which on the one hand is a perfect reference but on the other hand we're in Japan. So that's another point of Washingtokyo.

The weird part is that the Anchor describes Ikkakumon and Gesomon as a suspicious lifeform, singular. Given previous extremely visible errors caused by the animation and script teams seeming to do their own thing, I actually wonder if the dub writer was trying to foreshadow Raremon, rather than talking about Ikkakumon and Gesomon.

I mean. It's weird to describe either of those two (and especially those two together) as a whale. But it kinda makes sense to say "A strange whale-like creature has been spotted in the bay" if you're talking about Raremon.

Cut to Koushiro's room, where we see just what he got from the Supermart.

Koushiro installs a deadbolt lock on his door, then sighs.

Koushiro: I really didn't want to do this. Tentomon: Then why did you? Koushiro: We'll have trouble if my parents come in and find you while I'm gone. Tentomon: (resigned) That's true. Oh! By the way! Koushiro: What? Tentomon: Some amazing smells have been coming in since we got here. Your mother must be cooking something delicious! She must a very nice mother! Koushiro: :) Mhm! She's a really good mom, but....

Koushiro flashes back on that conversation he overheard, when he learned he was adopted.

Kae: Dear, when are we going to tell him the truth? Masami: Let's wait a little longer. Just a little longer. It would be too much of a shock to Koushiro right now. Kae: But what if he already knows that he's not our real son. That he's adopted.... Masami: Did something happen? Kae: Nothing specific. It's just my intuition....

Kae's intuition is a self-fulfilling prophecy. She should return it and get a refund.

Cut back to the present, where Koushiro just sort of zoned out mid-sentence.

Tentomon: But what? Koushiro: ...no, it's nothing. (Knock at the door) Kae: Koushiro? Koushiro: Eep! Y-Yes!? Kae: Dinner time! Koushiro: I'll be right there! Kae: By the way, do you have a friend over?

Koushiro and Tentomon both freeze up, their eyes bugging out in panic.

Kae: Maybe I'm hearing things, but I thought I heard someone else's voice in your room. Koushiro: I-I WAS PRACTICING MANZAI!!! THERE'S A TALENT SHOW COMING UP AT SCHOOL!!! Kae: ...Manzai?

Manzai is basically the Japanese equivalent of your classic theatrical comedy duo, with a straight man befuddled by a wacky loon, spitting out puns and misunderstandings and lots of fun wordplay. Basically, he's saying that Kae heard two voices because he's in there reciting Who's On First by himself.

In the dub:

Izzy: My parents won't appreciate this but I think it's imperative. Tentomon: Why? What's the big deal, Izzy? Izzy: We'd be in big trouble if my Mom and Dad came in here and discovered you. I'm positive that they'd never comprehend our situation. Tentomon: I guess you have a point there. Oh, by the way! Izzy: What? Tentomon: I don't know too much about humans, me being a Digimon and all, but I can tell you one thing for sure: Your mom is a really kind lady and, if you don't mind me saying so, she's not bad looking for a human! Izzy: Mhm! I have to say, I completely agree. She's cool!

Tentomon's last line up there is written so badly that Izzy ends up agreeing that his mom is hot. Thanks, dub team! We started with a beetle boy hitting on Izzy's mom and then it got worse!

Tentomon hasn't even seen Izzy's mom. The original line is about the great smell wafting through the door crack! Why the fuck is he talking about her rockin' bod?

Additionally, Izzy's final line fails to present a transition into the flashback. He suddenly starts thinking about his adoption unprompted.

Izzy's flashback has no changes in the dub. Then he returns to the present.

Tentomon: Yoohoo, Digimon to Izzy! Izzy: Huh? I'm sorry, pal, I guess I kinda zoned out. Kae: Izzy? Are you in there? Izzy: GUH!!! What is it!? Kae: Dinner's ready! Izzy: JUST A MINUTE!!! Kae: If you have a friend over, he can join us too! (Izzy and Tentomon freeze up and bug out) Kae: I thought I heard someone speaking to you in a funny-sounding voice. Is that what I heard? Izzy? Izzy: OH NO NO NO, MOM!!! That was me! I'm practicing my new comedy act! Uh-huh! They're having a talent show at the children's center and the winner could win a new computer! Kae: YOU TELL JOKES!?!?

The punchline to this version is amazing. XD Izzy's mom fucking roasted him in three words.

Outside, Meeko continues her pursuit of the cat who snatched away Hikari's Digivice. Back in the Izumi apartment, Koushiro now has to put his comedy where his mouth is over dinner.

Koushiro (Goofball): When I scared the old man at the fish store, guess what he shouted? Koushiro (Straight Man): Oh, what did he say? Koushiro (Goofball): GYO!!! Koushiro (Straight Man): Cut that out!

Koushiro's joke here is a bit of basic wordplay. "Gyotsu!" is a Japanese exclamation of shock or startlement. However, gyo by itself means "fish". Thus, the man at the fish market shouted "GYO!!!"

Koushiro's joke gets no laughs from his mom and dad, the latter of whom has arrived home.

Koushiro: I'm sorry it wasn't funny. Masami: Th-That's not true at all! Kae: It was very funny! Masami: (claps) The best ever! The best! Kae: It's true! Hahaha! Masami: Hahaha the best! I never would have thought you'd take up manzai! Kae: You sure surprised me. Koushiro: Sorry about that. Masami: No no, there's no need to apologize. Kae: Yeah, it's a happy surprise! Koushiro: O-Okay!

They are absolutely humoring him. But offering encouragement to your kid even when they're just starting out at something and are kinda shit at it is a parent's job.

Suddenly, Koushiro remembers that poor Tentomon is starving in the closet.

Koushiro: Um, could I eat the rest of my dinner in my room? Kae: I won't mind if you leave whatever you don't like on your plate. Koushiro: N-No, I don't dislike any of it! I love everything you make, Mom! Kae: Oh....

Kae falls silent, unsure how to Koushiro's sentiment. Then Koushiro continues.

Koushiro: Thank you, Mom! I'm really grateful for everything you do!

At first, Kae seems touched by Koushiro's words. But then, as he says that final sentence, her expression breaks. She looks wounded and confused.

In the dub, that pun isn't going to work, so they rewrite the joke.

Izzy (Einstein): Why was Newton surprised when he was hit on the head by an apple? (sudden straight man voice without moving positions) Gee, I dunno. Why? Izzy (Einstein): (over on the other side now) He was sitting under a pear tree! Izzy (Straight Man): DOHHHHHH!!! Izzy (Einstein): What's black and white and green? Two skunks fighting over a pickle!

This is a bit janky in terms of blocking. They want to use the "GYO!!!" with shocked face exclamation for the straight man's reaction to the bad joke, but that means he has to start the joke in his inexplicable Einstein impression for the gooofball then change characters without moving spots, then continue the joke as Einstein in the position that the Straight Man was in from the original.

Then he still has one more line to go, so they turn that into a new joke, extending his line into what was supposed to be his parents' stunned silence.

Fortunately, his parents remain as encouraging in the dub.

Izzy: I'm sorry. I guess I'm not very funny. Masami: What do you mean? You were hysterical! Kae: I can't believe it's my son! Masami: My boy, the comedian! Who would have known? You're a chip off the ol' block. Kae: You were wonderful, dear! Masami: And all this time, I never knew you had a sense of humor! Bravo, Izzy! Kae: That was a great performance for your first time. Izzy: You really think so? Masami: Sure thing! Don't quit your day job, but you were really very good! Kae: That's right! We're absolutely thrilled for you, darling. Izzy: Well, thanks! ...oh! (Izzy remembers Tentomon in the closet) Izzy: Eugh... Uhh, mom, would you mind if I ate the rest of my dinner in my room? Kae: Don't worry, I won't make you eat anything that you don't want to. Izzy: No, Mom, it's nothing like that! Really! The way you cook is gastronomically outstanding! Kae: Thanks! Izzy: I appreciate everything you do. In fact, I believe you're the most extraordinary mom there is!

Masami's a little backhanded with some of his encouragement, but they still shower Izzy in support.

Meanwhile, at the Yagami home.

The whole family's having a good time. Taichi ravenously devours a bowl of rice and some tempura while his mother Yuuko watches her son carefully, scrutinizing the pace at which he's eating. Hikari's watching TV with their father Susumu.

Yuuko: Oh! I left the bathwater running!

Yuuko gets up to go shut that off. The second she leaves, Taichi empties his entire bowl of rice and one tempura directly into the mouth of Koromon, sitting on a chair next to him. Upon Yuuko's return, Taichi hands her his bowl.

Taichi: More, please! Yuuko: What's going on here? This is three times as much as you usually eat. Taichi: I haven't eaten anything this good in so long! Yuuko: Enough with the flattery! Don't think I'll raise your allowance just because of a few compliments.

The Chosen Children's homecoming continues to be heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. Taichi hasn't had anything this good in forever, but Yuuko doesn't have the knowledge to understand what he means.

No change in the dub.

Back at the Izumi home, the aftermath of Koushiro's speech is having very different effects in very different rooms.

Koushiro is smiling from ear to ear while he watches Tentomon eat the rest of his dinner. Tentomon stops suddenly, noticing that weird look on Koushiro's face.

Tentomon: Koushiro-han, you look really happy about something. Koushiro: Do I?

While, out in the dining room, Kae is breaking down over what happened at dinner.

Kae: Koushiro thanked me... (covers her eyes and cries, voice breaking) He said, "Thank you, Mom." Masami: Isn't that a good thing?

Kae doesn't answer that. Her heart is breaking in half and she's having trouble articulating why.

In the dub, Tentomon continues hitting on Kae for some fucking reason.

Tentomon: Not only is your mom nice AND pretty, but she's an awesome cook! Izzy: Sure is! (Out in the dining room) Kae: Did you hear him? He said that he appreciated us. (covers her eyes but continues speaking in the same voice) I never thought we'd be so lucky as to have a son like him. Masami: You're right about that, honey.

No adoption drama over here! Kae's just very affected by how good a boy Izzy is.

As night falls, Meeko is still chasing the cat with the Digivice. She chases them into the back of a shipping truck, ultimately reclaiming the Digivice in a brief cat scuffle. The other cat flees the truck, but Meeko doesn't get out in time before a man closes it up and drives off.

Cut back to the Yagami apartment once more. Taichi and Koromon have retired to the children's bedroom.

Koromon: Why were you crying back there? Taichi: I'm not telling!

Hikari enters the room. Now, away from the ears of their parents, they can talk about what's really going on.

Hikari: Onii-chan, did you get everything taken care of? Taichi: No, not yet. Say, Hikari, do you remember what happened at Hikarigaoka four years ago? Hikari: Koromon got bigger and fought with a huge bird, right? Taichi: Right, that's it! Hikari: Did you forget? Taichi: Ah! Uhhh.... Koromon: Hey, Hikari-chan! You don't happen to have a Digivice, do you? Hikari: Digivice?

Taichi takes out his Digivice and shows it to Hikari.

Taichi: This. Hikari: Oh? (studies it for a second) No, I don't. Taichi: (relieved) I see. Haha, of course not! Koromon: (yawn) Taichi, I'm sleepy. Taichi: (big ol' smile) Me too! Let's get some sleep! Seeya, Hikari! Good night! Koromon: Good night.... (asleep) Hikari: Good night!

The boys fall fast asleep. Then, a couple seconds later, Hikari suddenly realizes that she's missing someone.

Hikari: Huh? Meeko? Meeko!

In the dub, they don't talk about Taichi crying. He's just down for some reason.

Koromon: What is it, Tai? You seem bummed. Tai: Oh, I don't know. Kari: (enters) I'm glad you're back. I missed you when you were gone. Tai: I missed you too!

Kari, you last saw him this afternoon. Chill.

Tai: By the way, Kari, do you remember something that happened about four years ago in Highton View Terrace? Tell me everything you know. Kari: I remember that Koromon got really huge and fought with a big bird monster! Tai: And he beat him! Kari: That's something I'll never forget! Koromon: This may sound strange but do you have something called a Digivice, Kari? Kari: No, what's that? Tai: (pulls out Digivice) Like this. Kari: (inspects it for a second) Don't think so. Tai: Ah. Well, forget about it. Koromon: (yawn) Well, I'm so sleepy! Tai: (big ol' smile) Yeah, I am too! Good night! Sleep tight, sleepyhead. Koromon: Sweet dreams. Kari: You're party poopers! (They go to sleep) Aww. Meeko, where are you?

Again, there's a tonal shift in Tai's approach to Kari being the Eighth Child. Where Taichi was visibly and audibly relieved when Hikari said she didn't have a Digivice, Tai sounds disappointed.

Meanwhile, in the shipping truck, Hikari's Digivice starts reacting to something. That's probably a good thing, right? I mean, what could it be reacting to other than something good?

Oh yeah. That's happening.

Drawn by the shimmering of Vamdemon's Cosplay Crest, this massive aquatic Digimon comes to the bridge that the shipping truck is currently passing over. The creature surfaces in front of a Coast Guard ship, just under the same bridge; The woman driving it has just enough time to scream before the Digimon slams into her boat and capsizes it.

Wrong target but their heart is in the right place.

Fun fact: The dub edited out the Japanese writing on the side of the truck, which gave the name of the shipping company: Mach bin! It's spelled out as マッハ便. The first part, マッハ, is "Mach" spelled out phonetically in Katakana. The last part, 便, is bin, which means postal service.

The reason I bring it up is because the dub edits out the lettering, but they did a sloppy fucking job of it. In this scene on the bridge, the lettering is visible for just a frame or two before suddenly vanishing.

After the Digimon capsizes the Coast Guard boat, both versions take a commercial break here. Then someone else takes notice of the moving Digivice.

The shipping truck passes by a nightclub called Club Poseidon. Hanging out outside of it, PicoDevimon bemoans this shitty job they're on.

PicoDevimon: How can I find the Eighth Child when I don't even know where--

Before he can finish, the Cosplay Crest under his wing begins to glow.

PicoDevimon: Huh? (takes it out) They're nearby! Here's my chance to prove myself!

In the dub:

DemiDevimon: Talk about finding a needle in a haystack! Sheesh! (The fake Crest begins to glow) DemiDevimon: What's that? (takes it out) He's nearby! The Eighth Child had better watch out! 'Cause he's a sitting duck!

Finally, the shipping truck pulls into the loading dock of its destination. But, y'know, it's late. The driver gets out and leaves. They can unload the truck in the morning.

Back in Koushiro's room, we find Tentomon curled up and snoozing beside Koushiro's desk. Koushiro is taking this opportunity to check out all those new programs Gennai loaded on his computer.

The questionable new programs.

Tentomon: (snoozing) I'm stuffed.... Koushiro: Gennai-san added a lot of new programs to this.

The new programs are all named in English.

Kankan

Balloon

Radar

Pafu Pafu

Syogi

Koji

Love

Analyzer

Good

Attention

Some of those might need some explaining. Kankan is the one you see in the screenshot up there. It's can-can dancing, a type of old cabaret performance where women would perform a dance in these huge frilled skirts on stage, often utilizing high kicks, cartwheels, and other movements to show off their frills.

Syogi is shogi. a Japanese board game often equated to chess.

Koji has the icon of a calligraphy brush writing on a piece of paper, so I assume it's some kind of calligraphy program. But I admit, that one's new to me.

And then there's... ugh... pafu pafu. Pafu Pafu or "Puff Puff" is the act of placing your face between a woman's breasts and motorboating them, which is an incredibly inappropriate thing to load onto a ten-year-old's computer.

I am so sorry to have to tell you that the icon is probably not a pair of eyes. That is, however, so subtle that it made it unedited into the dub.

The lazy old man who drafted a bunch of child soldiers continues to be the worst mentor in history.

Koushiro: Let's see. I wonder what this one does?

Koushiro tries out Kankan first, getting an animation of Monzaemon, Yukidarumon, and Numemon can-can dancing. The purpose of this is unclear.

Koushiro: Th-That's it? Okay, how about this?

Going in sequence, he clicks the next icon: Balloon. It's another silly animation, this time of Chuumon blowing up a balloon until it bursts.

Koushiro: (groan) I don't need this! What else?

Next is Radar, which I want us all to be very happy comes before Pafu Pafu because it's the plot relevant one and we can stop clicking icons now.

Radar shows a map of the surrounding Tokyo, along with a blinking red light. A little Gennai figure shows up to explain.

Chibi Gennai: Trouble! An unidentified Digimon has arrived at Shibaura! Koushiro: WHAT DID YOU SAY!?!?

In the dub, Izzy puts the cart before the horse and compliments Gennai before trying out the shit he installed.

Izzy: Gennai made some modifications to my computer that are truly awesome! Ooh, now this looks intriguing. I wonder what it does? (Kankan) Izzy: Eugh. Too bizarre. How about another? (Balloon) Izzy: That's very demented! Here's something! (Radar) Izzy: It's a map of Tokyo! What's that indicator? Chibi Gennai: There's an unidentified Digimon lurking in the bay! You're the only one that's still awake! Izzy: AGH! TENTOMON!!!

Chibi Gennai in the original sounds like a pre-recorded alert message associated with the blinking indicator, though it could also be Gennai communicating directly. In the dub, it's clearly Gennai talking to Koushiro through the computer. The message is being sent in real-time as evidenced by the "you're the only one still awake" bit.

"Demented" is a bit harsh for the balloon animation. It's a weird thing to install, I have no idea what Gennai thought the point of it would be, but I wouldn't go that far. ...well, not for Balloon specifically.

Because of the phrasing, I'm not sure if it was intentional, but I do like Izzy's pre-emptive compliment because it creates a hilarious comedy back-and-forth.

Izzy: Oh boy I can't wait to see all the awesome stuff Gennai gave me! (seconds later) What the fuck is this shit.

I think the part of the internet Gennai was formed from is Newgrounds.

While the attacking Digimon emerges from the bay onto the harbor, Koushiro frantically tries to call around.

Koushiro: Is this the Yagami residence? This is Izumi. Is Taichi-san home? Yuuko: He is, but... (shot of Taichi and Koromon fast asleep) Would you like me to wake him up? Koushiro: No, that's okay. I'm sorry for bothering you. (Koushiro hangs up and dials another number) Koushiro: I'm sorry for calling so late. Is Sora-san there? (shot of Sora and Pyokomon asleep) Koushiro: Is Yamato-san home? (shot of Yamato and Tsunomon asleep) Koushiro: Thank you. (hangs up) Tentomon: Is something wrong? Koushiro: An unknown Digimon has surfaced in Shibaura. I tried calling Taichi-san and the others, but everyone is asleep. Tentomon: They're all tired from what happened earlier.

Every single person he called is still on Baby Cooldown. Really don't know how much help he thought Koromon, Tsunomon, and Pyokomon were going to be. But he's not thinking straight; He's freaking out and trying to lean on the older kids for support.

He noticeably does not try to call Mimi or Takeru. He's looking for guidance, moreso than reinforcement. Though he also doesn't try calling Jou-senpai. Koushiro and Jou have never been particularly close, but Taichi and Sora are his soccer club senpais and Yamato looked out for him in the Digimon World. He looks up to them.

But he's also too fucking polite to wake them the hell up. So now he's going to go try and solo one of Tailmon's mercenaries instead. He would rather be mauled to death than disturb someone who's sleeping. We gave the Radar to the wrong kid; Mimi would be sounding an All Hands On Deck emergency by now.

We get a glimpse of the attacking Digimon now emerging from the bay, approaching Club Poseidon. Their claw smashes through the building, interrupting the rave inside, and the kaiju attack begins.

Koushiro: We'll just have to go ourselves! Tentomon: Right! No matter who we're fighting, I'm sure we can handle them alone!

This is a bad plan. They are going to die.

(Honestly, they're probably fine. It's a bad plan because they don't know what they're walking into, but what they're walking into is an Adult-stage junk evolution and Tentomon can go Perfect if he must. This is basically a fistfight with Scumon. They can probably handle this by themselves, barring any complications.)

In the dub, Izzy's calls get off to a bad start when he mispronounces Tai's family name.

Izzy: Hello Mrs. Kamaya (like papaya), this is Izzy? I was wondering if Tai might be available to come to the phone. Yuuko: He's sleeping. (shot of Taichi and Koromon fast asleep) So, would you like me to wake him up? Izzy: No, I'm sorry to bother you. (Izzy hangs up and dials another number) Izzy: I know it's late, but is Sora awake? (shot of Sora and Yokomon asleep) Izzy: Is Matt home? ...I'll call back tomorrow. (shot of Matt and Tsunomon asleep) Izzy: Gee, I guess everyone's asleep. Tentomon: You should go to bed too, Izzy. Izzy: No way! Gennai just told me that there's an unidentified Digimon in the bay! With everyone sound asleep, we may have to tackle this Digimon by ourselves! Tentomon: And I was having such a nice dream! (Sludge Digimon attacks Club Poseidon) Izzy: So, are you up for a challenge? Tentomon: I'm with you, Izzy! But may I suggest I wear a disguise so I don't attract any unwanted attention? Izzy: Mhm!

This segues poorly out of the previous scene. Chibi Gennai told Izzy that everyone's asleep, but I guess he had to check for himself anyway. Still, he shouldn't sound so surprised and/or disappointed when it turns out Chibi Gennai wasn't bullshitting him.

Tentomon's final line there in the dub is meant to set up the next shot. He and Koushiro jump in a taxi, with Tentomon concealed under a green cloak to disguise the fact that he's obviously a ladybug monster.

Izzy's also quicker than Koushiro to jump to "We'll just have to handle this ourselves." Koushiro has a noticeable reluctance, which is enhanced by his soft and sensitive voice. Izzy's on-mission and ready to go.

It doesn't take the attacking Digimon long to find their target. They smash open the delivery truck. Meeko spills out, Digivice clutched in her mouth. Then she sees what's after her and runs like hell.

(Go, little kitty-cat! The fate of two worlds rests in your jaw!)

Koushiro and Tentomon catch up, and Koushiro's able to ID this creature on his Digimon Analyzer.

Tentomon: W-Who is that!? Koushiro: They're called Raremon.

Raremon is an Adult-stage Virus-type Undead Digimon. They're the final junk evolution for the original V-Pet line to appear, joining the likes of Numemon, Scumon, Gekomon, Nanimon, and Vegiemon. A melting down glop of flesh, bone, and failed attempts at mechanization. A Gazimon who dreamt of being MetalGreymon and instead turned themselves into the thing from the end of Akira.

Even their name, "Raremon" is a reference to barely cooked meat.

Narrator: Raremon. An Undead Digimon who failed trying to reinforce its decaying body with metal. Its special attack is Hedoro.

Raremon is one of the few Digimon whose attack name isn't given in English for exotic coolness points. Hedoro means sludge. They probably left it in Japanese because Raremon's visual design is based on the kaiju Hedorah, and they wanted that reference in there.

In the dub, Tentomon handles the rundown, oddly.

Tentomon: Whoa! He's about as repulsive as they come! Izzy: That Digimon is Raremon. Tentomon: (rundown) Raremon smells like rotting fish, looks like the inside of a trash can, and is someone you never want to meet in a very dark alley.

Weird choice. Izzy's reading off the Digimon Analyzer, so why doesn't he explain Raremon?

Meeko suddenly sprints past Koushiro and Tentomon. Her proximity to Koushiro sets off the Digivice tracker on Koushiro's Digivice.

Koushiro: Ah!? Tentomon: What's wrong? Koushiro: The Eighth Child is around here! Tentomon: THAT'S HUGE!!! If we lose them now, there's no way to tell where they'll turn up next! (Tentomon dramatically sheds his cloak) Tentomon: I'll handle Raremon. Go find the Eighth Child, Koushiro-han! Koushiro: Are you sure? Tentomon: We have no other choice! Koushiro: Okay. I'm counting on you! Tentomon: Understood!

The boys agree to split up, tragically unaware that they, like Raremon, are chasing a housecat. Dramatic irony is when--

In the dub:

Izzy: Huh!? Tentomon: What's wrong? Izzy: It's the Eighth Child! He's very close! Tentomon: WHOA, talk about bad timing! If we lose that signal, we'll be DOOMED!!! (Tentomon dramatically sheds his cloak) Tentomon: You search for the missing child while I take care of old Sewer Breath. I just hope his stink isn't contagious! Izzy: You can do it! Tentomon: Do I have any other choice? Izzy: Are you ready to Digivolve? Tentomon: Yep.

Again, we see Koushiro's hesitancy replaced by Izzy's mission-focused resolve. Tentomon has to convince Koushiro to split up, while Izzy's gung-ho about it the moment the idea comes up.

Tentomon evolves into Kabuterimon, and everybody launches inexorably towards confrontation.

Koushiro: (watching Kabuterimon fly) Right! (turns to chase the signal) Me too!

A funny note: What Koushiro says when he chases the signal is "Boku mo!" Boku is one of the Japanese first-person pronouns and mo is a particle that signifies mutual activity or involvement with the rest of the sentence. The implied statement being "I will also go do my part."

But because of the way the words sound and how fast he says it, to a native English-speaker, it sounds like "Yes! Fuck him up!"

Boku mo, Kabuterimon. Boku mo.

Meanwhile, Yuuko wakes Taichi from his sleep, despite what Koushiro said. She doesn't know what's going on but still knows better.

Yuuko: (shaking Taichi's shoulder) Taichi. Taichi. Taichi: Nnn... what? (wakes up) Yuuko: I just took a call from Koushiro-kun. He sounded strange. Taichi: (gasp, suddenly alert) What did he say!?

In the dub:

Izzy: Good luck! It's my turn now!

You can kinda hear "Fuck him up" in Izzy's "Good luck" if you're specifically listening for it but it's not the same. :P

Yuuko: (shaking Tai's shoulder) Tai? Sweetheart, wake up. Tai: Nnn... huh? (wakes up) What is it, Mom? Yuuko: I didn't want to wake you but Izzy called on the phone and he seemed to be nervous about something. Tai: (gasp, suddenly alert) Huh? I wonder what's up?

Tai doesn't snap into Oh Shit mode the way Taichi does, which is unfortunate.

While Kabuterimon dukes it out with Raremon, Koushiro and PicoDevimon separately chase the signal from Hikari's Digivice. Meanwhile, Taichi does the only reasonable thing to do in this situation.

Kae: (answering phone) Hello, Izumi residence. ... Oh, Taichi-kun! Thank you for looking out for Koushiro at camp. Also, thank you for lending him your reference book. ...eh!? (shocked face)

We don't get to hear the other side of this conversation. But we can probably guess what he said, and why Kae's freaked out by it.

Very minor change in the dub.

Kae: Hello, can I help you? ... Oh, hello, Tai! I hope you had fun at camp; It's a shame it was cut short. And thank you for loaning Izzy that reference book. ... (sharp gasp)

Keeping with the anime's general downplaying of the age differences between the cast, Kae doesn't mention Tai looking after Izzy, as an older kid does for a younger one. Instead, she uses that time to lament the closure.

The fight's not going so well for Raremon. They return to the bay to evade Kabuterimon's Mega Blaster.

Back at home, Kae's got some concerns now. She knocks on Koushiro's door.

Kae: Koushiro? Are you asleep, Koushiro? Masami: He must be tired from camp. We should let him sleep. Kae: You're right. I'll just grab his dishes so I can wash them.

Then she turns the handle. Her calm concern shoots up to alarm when the deadbolt stops her from opening the door.

Kae: (turning to her husband) Honey!

Again, minor change in the dub.

Kae: Izzy? We'd like to talk to you. Are you asleep? Masami: I'm sure he's very tired out from camp. We should let him get a couple of z's. Kae: You're right. I'll just tiptoe in and check up on him. (Kae tries to turn the handle but the deadbolt stops her) Kae: (turning to her husband) The door's locked!

Original Kae was going in to retrieve the dishes he took to his room, when he secretly split his dinner with Tentomon. Dub Kae wants to just peek in and see that he's alright, I guess.

Kabuterimon pursues Raremon out over the bay. This proves to be a terrible mistake. Raremon uses the water to conceal themselves, popping out only to sucker-punch Kabuterimon with their Hedoro. The sludge its its mark, knocking Kabuterimon out of the air and into the waves below.

Meeko is finally forced to abandon the Digivice when a growling dog scares her away. The dog briefly sniffs the Digivice, but doesn't want it. The dog runs off, leaving the Digivice sitting there on the ground.

Raremon pulls Kabuterimon deeper into the bay, seemingly set on drowning him.

Kae and Masami go out to the living room to talk about their son's eerie behavior.

Masami: It's probably nothing. Koushiro's entering puberty. Kae: But he said he was grateful. Is that the kind of thing a child his age would normally say to his parents? Masami: You're overthinking this. Kae: Maybe... But isn't it strange that spending half a day at camp would have such a drastic effect on his personality?

She knows something is wrong. She can't put her finger on it but she can feel how different Koushiro is now. He didn't used to be this little ball of grace and decorum, but now he's changed for no adequately explained reason.

She brings up camp as the only explanation, but she's also still obsessing over that "I'm grateful" bit earlier. She's more upset by that than the deadbolt, which plays into the real conflict between Koushiro and his parents. The problem isn't that he locked the door. The problem is that he's shutting them out.

Dub Kae is more upset by the deadbolt.

Masami: Oh, don't worry. I'm sure there's nothing to be concerned about. Kae: I know you're right, but he's acting peculiar! Izzy's never locked the door before. Masami: He is getting older now. Kae: I guess so. But he was only at camp for half a day; I wonder what happened to make him change so much.

She is also incorrectly upset about the deadbolt. Izzy could not lock the door before. He had to go to Japanese Home Depot and buy shit to install that lock. Since she's focusing on the lock, you'd think she'd bring up the fact that his door doesn't have one.

Down at the harbor, a crow picks up the abandoned Digivice and flies away with it moments before Koushiro and PicoDevimon both converge on the spot where it was lying.

Koushiro: The Child should be around here.... PicoDevimon: Huh!? YOU!!! Koushiro: Ah!

Kabuterimon turns this shit right around, attacking Raremon in their vulnerable bulging eyeballs. The attack forces Raremon to lose their grip, freeing Kabuterimon to escape the bay.

Raremon chases Kabuterimon back up, breaching the water's surface. But Kabuterimon's ready for them this time and lets off another Mega Blaster. This shot hits home, striking Raremon directly in their goddamn face and blowing them to hell.

PicoDevimon may have lost out in the Eighth Child but he'll settle for one of the seven. He lets loose a volley of Pico Darts, which Koushiro narrowly dodges.

Kabuterimon: Koushiro-han! PicoDevimon: WHAT!? (Kabuterimon flies in) PicoDevimon: WAUGH!!! Shit! You lucky bastard! (flies off) Koushiro: Thank you, Kabuterimon!

Of course, PicoDevimon would rather flee for his life than fistfight Kabuterimon, so he does just that.

This scene is heavily cut down in the dub. They censor out the Pico Darts as usual. Since the Darts are sticking out of the warehouse door in the foreground of his shots, they also have to cut shots of Koushiro with the Darts in them.

DemiDevimon leans back and prepares to throw his attack but then Kabuterimon shows up.

DemiDevimon: Oh no, it's Bug Face! I'm gonna get you next time! (flies away)

To dance around the Pico Darts, that is the only line anyone gets to deliver.

Koushiro and Kabuterimon depart the harbor, but they don't get away clean.

Live on the air, a reporter is on the scene as emergency responders cart away human casualties from tonight's violence. At the very least, Raremon's uninterrupted attack on Club Poseidon probably left some folk badly injured.

Reporter: Reporting live from Shibaura. We have yet to confirm the existence of a kaiju. Does it truly exist? ...huh? WAIT!!! (points to the sky) LOOK UP THERE!!!

The cameraman follows where he's pointing and sure enough, they catch Kabuterimon flying away into the distance. Live on the air.

Up in the sky, oblivious to the fact that they're giving Japan its first unmistakable glimpse of monsters among us, Koushiro and Kabuterimon unpack.

Kabuterimon: It's a shame we couldn't find the Eighth Child. Koushiro: But at least we know that the Eighth Child is around here, not in Hikarigaoka. This is a great find. Taichi-san was right. We should tell Taichi-san and the rest about it first thing tomorrow!

Unfortunately, he's not the only one reporting in.

Vamdemon: (into the Batphone) I see. So that's where the Eighth Child is located. We have no further business here!

Vamdemon's haunted carriage rolls out, leaving Hikarigaoka behind.

In the dub, the reporter has a bit more to say.

Reporter: I'm here at the scene of the monster sighting but the predator in question seems to have disappeared. One wonders if there really was a monster at all. ...hmm? WAIT A MINUTE, FOLKS!!! LOOK UP THERE!!! It looks like a giant flying cockroach and I don't think it's friendly.

You'd lose that bet.

The dub chooses here of all places to start playing its battle theme Hey Digimon. Uh, okay, you do you.

Kabuterimon: Sorry you weren't able to find the Eighth Child but at least we got rid of that stinking mass of blubber. Izzy: Right! I've been doing some extensive calculations! My theory is that the Eighth Child is located here in this city! It seems Tai had the right idea in the first place! We have to get back to his house right now and give him an update! Kabuterimon: Okay!

They. Go. Straight home after this. I don't know why the dub has him say they're going to Tai's place right now.

Also, uh, Izzy considers noticing the Digivice in this area and concluding that it must be here to be an "extensive calculation". Hell, if we want to be mean about it, he says "this city" which means he's assessed that the Eighth Child is somewhere in Tokyo. But I won't be that pedantic. I just think it's funny that he's trying so hard to sound smart about a discovery he tripped over.

Myotismon's scene is completely changed.

Myotismon: UNTHINKABLE!!! Is there no Digimon strong enough to defeat these children!? I will have to deal with them myself!

My dude, Raremon is the weakest of the three they've fought thus far. I don't know why you're so startled about this.

You're not even. Fighting the seven Chosen Children is not what we're doing here. You're trying to kill the Eighth Child. That's the goal here. Myotismon has completely lost the plot.

Koushiro and Tentomon creep back into his room through the window.

Koushiro: It's late, so let's get some sleep. Tentomon: Uhh... Koushiro-han? I'm sorry. I used up all my energy in that fight. Could I have something to eat? Koushiro: Of course. I'll go find something. Tentomon: Thank you.

Koushiro goes to the kitchen and fills up a plate with fruit. However, on his way back to his room, he overhears his parents talking in the living room. Once again he stops to listen in while they're talking about him.

Kae: Ever since he came back, it's like he's hiding something from us. Maybe he's doing something in secret. Masami: Even if he is, we can't blame him. We're keeping something from him too. Koushiro: (thinking) Dad, Mom... I'm sorry for worrying you. Masami: I'll try and get Koushiro to tell me what he's up to. Kae: I'm sorry. Masami: What's wrong? Kae: To be honest, I wish Koushiro would act out more often, instead of being so well behaved. I want him to tell me what he likes and what he hates! That's how children should act! Am I wrong?

It's a little complicated, but what Kae's upset about, what this has all been about, is that there's a disquieting distance between Koushiro and his parents that suddenly developed. He's behaving as if he's a guest in their home, not their child.

And, y'know, also keeping secrets and shutting them out of his room.

Something happened to Koushiro and Kae doesn't understand. She earlier tried to pin it on what happened at camp. But it's not that. Well, it's kinda that; The secret-keeping and all is that.

But the distance between them is because of the adoption. He's behaving like a guest in their home because that's how he feels. He feels like a lost child they took in out of the kindness of their hearts, and he's trying to express his gratitude for that.

She doesn't know he knows, and he doesn't know what to do with the knowledge he's cursed with. So there's a distance between them that's now growing.

In the dub, Izzy waits until they get all the way home to change plans from that bad dubbing choice earlier.

Izzy: It's very late. Maybe we should wait until morning, Tentomon! Tentomon: All that exercise made me ultra-hungry. I hate to be a pig but you wouldn't happen to have anything to munch on, would you, Izzy? Izzy: I guess you do deserve a nutrition break. I'll go look in the fridge. Tentomon: Gee, thanks! (Izzy goes and prepares a plate of fruit, but then overhears his parents talking) Kae: Ever since he got back, he seems like he's been hiding something. I just can't put my finger on it. He's keeping something inside and he doesn't want to tell us what's wrong. Masami: Even if he is, you can't blame him. After all, we're hiding something from him. It's probably just a phase he's going through. Izzy: (thinking) Oh, I didn't mean to make them so worried. I hope they'll forgive me. Masami: I'm sure he'll be absolutely fine, but I'll try to talk some sense into him. Kae: No, don't. (sigh) Masami: What do you mean, hon? Kae: Everybody thinks that he's always perfect! But that's too much to expect of him. We've got to give him some freedom to become his own man, you know? He's got to make mistakes! That's part of what it is to be a kid, don't you think so?

Dub Kae's conclusion is very different from the original's. She's glad he's keeping secrets from her because that means he's experiencing childhood correctly. I guess the problem's solved.

Over at the Yagami household, Taichi and Hikari take a moment out on the balcony.

Taichi: I wonder why Koushiro called? Hikari: I wonder where Meeko went? Taichi: She'll be back by morning. Hikari: Okay....

Suddenly, Taichi's Digivice alerts him. A second radar blip is on it and moving towards him; It's going to pass by!

Taichi: Is the Eighth Child passing by here!? (Taichi bolts inside) Hikari: Onii-chan?

Suddenly, Hikari catches a glimpse of a pink light glistening in the sky, moving by overhead.

Hikari: A shooting star?

We close out the episode on a closeup of the crow above, still carrying her Digivice in their talons.

In the dub:

Tai: I wonder what Izzy was all hyped up about when he called tonight? Kari: What happened to Meeko? He disappeared. Tai: Oh, he'll be back. (Radar blips) Tai: IT'S THE EIGHTH CHILD!!! GOTTA GO!!! (Tai bolts inside) Kari: The Eighth WHAT!? (Kari notices the pink light) Kari: Ohhh... What a pretty star!

Kari's confused "Eighth WHAT?" exclamation got me. XD Yeah, Taichi really did just say shit without explaining, huh?

Assessment: Gonna be honest, I had a bit of trouble following what Kae was so upset about in this episode up until the very end when she spelled it out. At first, I thought she felt guilty about the secret they were keeping from Koushiro. But no, she's weirded out by his ultra-polite behavior and unwillingness to childishly misbehave, which she implies is a recent development.

This is probably intentional, as I think they were playing Kae's scenes for intrigue. They wanted the audience guessing what she's on about until the end.

The dub tries to wrap it up with a happy conclusion but this isn't meant to have one. It's setup for Koushiro's arc to come. There's a wedge now between him and his family, which will be further explored in later episodes.

Nonetheless, the dub is pretty good for this one. They missed some of the nuances of Kae's scenes but they do hit most of the important stuff, and they have a couple of really good laugh lines to boot.