Nude female voodoo doll in kneeling position, bound and pierced with thirteen pins. Found in a terracotta vase with a lead tablet bearing a binding spell (katadesmos).
Greek, 4th century BC
Voodoo dolls (or kolossoi as the Greeks called them) were also quite popular in the Greco-Roman world.
According to the survey of all known voodoo dolls, set specific criteria – the dolls must meet at least 2 of the following criteria to be included:
(1) the doll’s arms or legs are twisted behind its back as if bound.
(2) the doll is transfixed with nails.
(3) the head or feet or upper torso of the doll has been twisted back to front.
(4) the doll is tightly shut in a container
(5) the doll has been inscribed with a victim’s name
(6) the doll has been discovered in a grave, sanctuary or in (what was) water
Greece is where they’ve mostly been found, but in 1979/1980 some were even found in Bath, England. (Which once upon a time was Aquae Sulis, a Roman province of Britannia).
Wonder if this was meant for like, the restless dead or something. I dunno if the Ancient Greeks were as into precautions against the undead as the Medieval Greeks but you'd be surprised.
After the heartwarming moment mentioned in the previous post, let’s move on to some… other news regarding Greek TV.
(Alternative title: Evidence Greece is rapidly becoming a less and less democratic protectorate #6372819094737627193)
There is intention for making a new public TV channel, curated by the “Team of Truth”. The Team of Truth is a group of people, who are paid by the Greek government to counter the opposition parties and spread the Greek government’s narratives to the people. This is happening in the open, by the way. It is fully established that these people are paid voters (with state money) and blind supporters trying to manipulate the public opinion. And somehow life goes on in Greece. So, after their extensive presence in social media for years, they now plan to also make a tv channel, apparently targeting older ages, who are, if you ask me, way more vulnerable to propaganda.
Tony Blair, the UK’s former prime minister, just became the senior advisor of Antenna, one of Greece’s most prominent TV channels.
Donald Trump expressed his intention to make a Trump-friendly TV channel in Greece, which will focus on the themes “religion” -“fatherland” - “family”, in short all the values Trump forgot every time he “partied” with Epstein. The nightlife diva that he has sent to us to fill in the position of the US ambassador, Kimberly Guilfoyle, is already working towards this direction, I mean, whenever she is not too busy being in a gala or a nightclub.
Personally I feel that as a country we are on a never ending, torturous freefall from a cliff that is so high that we cannot see when and where we will finally land and meet our end, but we know that it will inevitably happen. This is how I feel.
How on earth did those Καισαριανή photos end up where they did? Weird story to wake up to honestly, even aside the trash throwing their tantrum.
It took me some time to process this, first because I am not in my best form health-wise at the moment and second because my mind refused to accept some of the reactions I was seeing.
Some very general context for potentially interested foreign followers: A few days ago some old photos popped up on eBay, apparently by somebody in Belgium. The photos, which were never seen before, were pictures of 200 Greek political prisoners (communists, in other words) a little before their execution by Nazi Germans in Kesarianí, Athens, May 1944. Obviously, uproar has ensued in Greece and the Greek government is about to try to buy the photos, because there was not any known visual evidence of the incident prior to these images, and the documents associated with the mass execution are still kept in the confidential archives of the Greek state.
Why, you may ask. Well, because the Greek puppet government the Nazis established in Athens during their occupation of Greece was basically the one which provided the Nazis with expendable Greeks to kill, as most of those were political prisoners even before the invasion of the Nazis. So, often when Nazis wanted to punish or take revenge against the Greek people and especially the Greek guerillas fighting against them (the Greek resistance against the Axis Powers was massive), they would retaliate by killing provided political prisoners.
What I could not wrap my mind around is that apparently there are, even today, some ¨Greeks¨ (they usually self-identify as passionate patriots hahahhaha) who lost their marbles because the incident now also gets visual proof (which is pure insanity because it is literally standard knowledge that the biggest resistance in Greece was organised by the left EAM or that the Nazis targeted everyone, however leftists even more than the rest). It should be known that the vast majority of the members of the puppet government and its associates did not meet consequences after the Germans were gone, neither did other Greek traitors and collaborationists of Nazi Germany, and all those people immediately contributed and participated to the first free government post-war and then to the civil war which followed, and reproduced, and apparently their biological and / or spiritual descendants live very much among us, and once again show that they would happily change the narrative or excuse Nazi terrorism if it meant some Greek communists fall dead. A few (Greeks!) try to prove that the pictures of the prisoners (Greeks about to be executed by the Nazis!) are fake but it's already backfiring because a few people have come forth, recognising men in the pictures as members of their families.
By the way, there is a lot of talk that a considerable portion of the powerful Greek families in politics and economy nowdays may descend from such collaborationists, but I have not read about this enough, so I cannot say whether it could be true or not and who it is about in specific.
(This fits my recent post category "Evidence the Greek state hates the Greek people #65835629385")
This was a small introduction to the quite probably darkest and most hidden part of Greek history; the civil war and its origins.
As for your question Anon, I suppose a Nazi or a collaborationist took these photos with him when he left Greece, he did not publish them for whatever reason, and now his descendant was in need of some money and with zero care and historical sensitivity he / she randomly posted them on eBay. This is the only thing I can assume but who knows...
Below are some of the photos of the 200 Greeks who were executed by Nazis in Kesariani:
It is without doubt that most Greeks and definitely all the sane Greeks are deeply moved by these pictures, as with all the other evidence of the Greek fight against totalitarianism and fascism.
Two famous songs, which are actually poems that were set to music later, favourites of mine, pay tribute to the events of Kesariani:
In Federico Garcia Lorca, poet Nikos Kavvadias wrote: "They brought us to the wall of Kesariani from behind and raised a pile* tall like a man's height…"
*pile of dead bodies, he means
In Malamatenia Logia, poet Manos Eleftheriou wrote "And out in the open, the camions will unload in Kaisariani…"
Καλή χρονιά και καλά Φώτα! Μακάρι ο Κούλης να μην πετάξει άλλη μπαρούφα τετοιού επιπέδου φέτος για διεθνή δίκια!
Επίσης! Καλά Φώτα! Εύχομαι ένα καλό 2026 σε προσωπικό επίπεδο και εύχομαι να γίνει καλύτερο και σε συλλογικό επίπεδο γιατί ξεκίνησε λίγο περίεργα…
But I am gonna switch to English for the political comment because I had already taken many screenshots, intending to make a post about it, so now I am gonna put them here instead.
So, guys, if you follow this blog closely, you might know I have been calling Greece a protectorate and the Greek politicians as servants of Americans western powers and that as a result the Greek government usually prioritises foreign instead of national interests to the detriment of the Greek citizens, in several sociopolitical analyses I have made. I have also spoken about the lawlessness of the Greek politicians. Do you mayhaps want some good evidence for it? @alelx2194 refers to the most recent example of the situation and I took screenshots of it and I will let them do the talking.
This is the latest statement by the Greek PM and some replies by people. Enjoy.
Unfortunately the comments in Greek were far more enjoyable and colourful but I am just giving you an idea.
A Greek one that made me sneer;
“Wise statement coming from the prime minister of a country of 10 million people with a neighbouring country of 85 million people who make territorial claims.”
Meanwhile the Danish prime minister has warned that Trump’s actions against Denmark’s sovereignty will be the end of NATO (and quite probably the EU’s too, might I add - which is just a ghost already anyway). What will Mitsotakis say if such a thing happens, since Greece is both in NATO, in the EU and a loyal dog to any American president (he was to both Biden and Trump, which is why Trump does not give a shit about him no matter how much Mitsotakis licks his boots)? Do you realise how much he ridiculed himself and the country internationally?
His “legality does not matter” statement (imagine a European state leader literally saying that!!!) is being featured in Turkish media. Our PM literally opened the door to Erdogan with this…to the guy who threatens Greek sovereignty at least once a week for good luck… Everyone knows Mitsotakis is connected to countless financial and other scandals. What if Erdogan or Putin pull a Trump move and be like “I am saving Greece from its criminal prime minister and I am gonna be governing it from now on”? Then again it feels lately like the government REALLY wants to get Greece caught in the fights - following orders I suppose - it seems that if an EU country becomes the next Cold War playfield (after Ukraine and as it seems Venezuela), it could be us. Don’t write it off.
The Foreign Affairs of Venezuela just called Mitsotakis a Nazi in response . Not that Maduro’s government aren’t horrible criminals, and I am glad Venezuelan people are happy Maduro is gone, but I am afraid this does not mean their situation will get any better. Venezuela is in danger of becoming the field of American, Chinese and Russian conflicts now, if not also civil ones. Let’s hope none of this happens.
My point is, our prime minister is stupid and dangerous and at this point everyone worldwide can tell.
Το Europa Universalis 5 αναγνωρίζει το μεγάλο αριστούργημα της Βυζαντινής φιλολογίας!
Ἡ δικαίωσις ἦλθεν ἔστω καί ἀργά!!!
Βέβαια υπάρχει μια ιστορική ανακρίβεια εκεί που λέει ότι γράφηκε το 1256, αφού ξέρουμε ότι το αριστούργημα αυτό γράφηκε προσφάτως από τον τελευταίο εν ζωή απόγονο των Καντακουζηνών!
Οι βάρβαροι όμως γράφουν ανακρίβειες διότι δεν αναγνωρίζουν το κληρονομικό δικαίωμα αυτού το ελπιδοφόρου ηγέτη!!!! Δυστυχώς για εκείνους δεν έχουν συνειδητοποιήσει ότι
A Greek driver only obeys the speed limit if he's 5-10 kms from home, or (maybe) in their village roads. Beyond that, they add 20-30 kmph in cities, and 30-50 kmph in the big roads. (If they're somewhat responsible at least.)
The closer you look, the more you see… The apocalyptic frescoes in the Church of Saint Nicholas in the village Kastánia or Kastanéa of Mani, Greece. The art dates from the late Byzantine period, mid to late 15th century, while the church itself dates from the 13th - 14th centuries.
Some notable details: the Devil and the Whore of Babylon in the first picture, the Theríon (the Beast of Revelation) in the third one and the very intriguing breastplate? / chiton? of Archangel Michael in the fourth one.
Bruh, we're getting smoke from Turkey blown over here, the hell is going on nowadays (hope our neighbors are safe too)
Again?! Oh no... Are you in Thrace perhaps? I read there is a fire in Adrianoupolis (I think it's called Edirne in Turkish?) and it threatens to pass the borders!
But all of Greece has fires too today... I just... I just have grown cold to the bone... Our PM said it in the parliament a few days ago, did you see it? He said "don't expect all these burnt areas to get reforested because we have to put the wind turbines somewhere"... so... he more or less confirmed what we have been speculating all this time. He has stopped keeping up the pretenses at this point.
Bruh, we're getting smoke from Turkey blown over here, the hell is going on nowadays (hope our neighbors are safe too)
Again?! Oh no... Are you in Thrace perhaps? I read there is a fire in Adrianoupolis (I think it's called Edirne in Turkish?) and it threatens to pass the borders!
But all of Greece has fires too today... I just... I just have grown cold to the bone... Our PM said it in the parliament a few days ago, did you see it? He said "don't expect all these burnt areas to get reforested because we have to put the wind turbines somewhere"... so... he more or less confirmed what we have been speculating all this time. He has stopped keeping up the pretenses at this point.
Digimon Adventure 02x36 - The Steel Angel, Shakkoumon / Stone Soup
Previously on Digimon Adventure: Even though everyone else thought BlackWarGreymon would just murder him, Iori made the heroic choice to put faith in other people and try to appeal to his humanity. BlackWarGreymon responded by trying to murder him. The moral of the story is that sometimes the haters are right.
As another school day comes to a close, the Chosen Children race for the Computer Clubroom. The fifth grade trio makes it there alongside Miyako, though Iori hasn't arrived yet. An email chime marks our transition into the room, where we find Miyako seated at the computer.
Miyako: It's an email from Ichijouji-kun. "I'm running a little late, so go on ahead. I'll meet you over there."
Hikari: Iori-kun is late.
Daisuke: Agh, what's keeping him!?
Takeru: He'll be here soon.
He'll be here now. As if on cue, Iori throws open the clubroom door and dashes inside.
Iori: I'M SORRY!!!
Daisuke: You're late!
Upamon: You're late-dagyaa, Iori!
Iori: I was on cleaning duty in the teachers' office!
Daisuke: Which do you think is more important: Saving the last Holy Stone or cleaning the teachers' office!?
Takeru: (flatly) What sort of question is that?
Hikari: Miyako-san!
Yeah, Miyako's done with this conversation too. Iori's here, so she raises her D-3 and opens the Digital Gate.
Miyako: DIGITAL GATE, OPEN!!! CHOSEN CHILDREN, LET'S ROLL!!!
Daisuke isn't wrong, but cleaning duties are typically handled by classes of students, not individuals. It'd have been difficult for Iori to sneak out. It takes about 15-20 minutes so he's not too too late, at least.
In the dub, Davis establishes the stakes right at the start of the episode, while everyone's running for class.
Davis: Dudes, we can't just stand around! There's only one Destiny Stone left! We gotta find it before BlackWarGreymon does and totally loses his cool!
Kari: Yeah, well, I'm gonna lose my cool if you keep calling me "dude"!
(Team enters Computer Clubroom)
Yolei: Looks like Ken has to help his mother clean. He says go on ahead without him and he'll join up with us when he finishes vacuuming the chimney.
...vacuuming the chimney?
The dub specifies that Ken's cleaning to set up a later punchline, but vacuuming the chimney? The Ichijoujis live in an apartment complex.
Kari: But what happened to Cody?
Davis: Do you think he got pushed in a locker!?
T.K.: I hope not.
(Cody enters)
Cody: Sorry I'm late.
Davis: Well!?
Upamon: We were worried about you!
Cody: I was helping clean up the teachers' lunchroom. It was my turn!
Davis: You should be helping us find the last Destiny Stone! I mean, between you and Ken, we must be running a cleaning service here!
T.K.: (flatly) Sheesh, talk about getting dramatic.
Kari: Yolei!
Yolei: Right!
(Yolei opens the Digi-Port)
Yolei: DIGI-PORT OPEN!!! We can't waste any time! LEEEEET'S GOOOOOO!!!
In the original, Upamon scolds Iori right alongside Daisuke. Dub Upamon takes a softer approach.
I'm not sure it fully comes across that Cody was doing a mandatory school-assigned duty and not just. Like. Volunteering because he's so helpful.
But I'm also not sure there's really space to convey that distinction without just having Yolei record-scratch freeze-frame and pull the audience away like "Hey kids, so, in the Japanese school system...."
Cutting to the Digital World, it's a nice, peaceful day at what appears to be an oil refinery?
Well, peaceful for about eight seconds, anyway.
BWG smashes down the wall of a warehouse, raging.
BlackWarGreymon: Where is the Holy Stone!? BLACK TORNADO!!!
His attack pierces four large fuel tanks, causing them to explode.
I dunno, man. Can't you sense it? You tell me.
There's something almost comical about the way BWG suddenly and dynamically enters the scene going "ABAGHRBAGHR!!!", but the dub gives away what's about to happen by having him start talking from the moment the panning shot begins.
BlackWarGreymon: My mission is clear... That Destiny Stone is here somewhere and I'm going to find it if I have to destroy everything in my path!
(BWG explosively enters the scene)
BlackWarGreymon: Now, where is it!? BLACK TORNADO!!!
He's doing the same thing Davis was doing earlier. He's establishing his goals and intentions for the audience in case you're just joining us. But it takes away the punch of his arrival.
From the dune buggy, Arachnemon watches the devastation through binoculars.
Arachnemon: Oh, what beautiful carnage....
Mummymon: What.
Those words hit Mummymon like a ton of bricks and he panics immediately.
Mummymon: (whining) Arachnemon, you can't be falling in love with BlackWarGreymon!
That remark prompts Arachnemon to smack him in the back of the head with her binoculars.
Arachnemon: DON'T SAY STUPID SHIT LIKE THAT!!!
Mummymon: Ehe... what a relief....
That's all Mummymon can get out before he passes out and falls forward onto the car horn, causing it to blare. Arachnemon pulls him off the wheel and stuffs him back in his seat, then resumes monitoring BlackWarGreymon.
Arachnemon: (frustrated) Seriously....
In case you were worried that we weren't going to get any sexual harassment scenes for Arachnemon this episode, we're getting it out of the way in the first three minutes!
In the dub:
Arukenimon: Why can't you be as powerful as him, Mummymon?
Mummymon: Huh? But I've got charm and class! Come on, don't tell me you're falling for that prefabricated hunk of shrapnel!?
(Arukenimon bops him good)
Arukenimon: I don't have time to bother with all that nonsense!
Mummymon: I'm glad, that's such a big relief....
(Mummymon passes out on the horn)
Arukenimon mutters nothing to herself when she pushes him back into the chair.
In the original, Mummymon just started throwing a fit because of an innocuous comment Arachnemon made. Here, Arukenimon provokes him on purpose. Consequently, her "EW WHAT DIE DIE DIE" response in the original is completely justified, while here she just comes off like a bully.
"Prefabricated hunk of shrapnel" is a pretty sick burn on BWG though, credit where it's due. If there's one thing Americans are phenomenal at, it's being racist.
As Arachnemon returns her attention to BWG, she finds him frantically looking around the wreckage.
BlackWarGreymon: It has to be around here... Where is the Holy Stone!?
He leaps into the air, coming Arachnemon's way alarmingly fast.
Arachnemon: Ah! If we stay here, we'll get blown up too!
Whipping around, she shakes Mummymon frantically, trying to rouse him from his unconscious state.
Arachnemon: Mummymon! Mummymon!
Half-conscious, he opens his eyes and sees Arachnemon. Out of nowhere, he tries to kiss her.
Mummymon: Ahh, Arachnemon!
...and gets clocked with the binoculars again.
Arachnemon: WAKE THE HELL UP!!!
Mummymon: Owwww....
Suddenly, the sound of a loud crash brings him back to his senses. Ahead, BlackWarGreymon swings a massive steel tower around and brings it down towards the buggy. Mummymon kicks the car in reverse, escaping at the last second, then drives himself and Arachnemon away to safety.
IN CASE YOU WERE WORRIED THAT WE WEREN'T GOING TO GET ANY--
Ahem.
In the dub:
BlackWarGreymon: Where is it!? I still don't see it! I should just destroy everything here!
Arukenimon: Where'd he go!?
(BWG leaps into the air, coming down closer to the car)
Arukenimon: Ohhh, if we don't get moving, that bucket of bolts is going to incinerate us! Wake up, Mummymon! I need you!
(Mummymon suddenly tries to kiss her)
Mummymon: I thought you'd never come around! Give us a kiss!
(SMACK)
Arukenimon: Anyone ever tell you, you have bad breath!?
Mummymon: Why, that's impossible. I think I brushed my teeth at least a year ago.
(BWG tries to crush them)
They take their first commercial break as Arukenimon and Mummymon speed away from BWG.
I'm actually surprised they didn't censor out the part where Mummymon tries to force himself on Arukenimon.
Instead, they again have her inadvertently provoke the reaction by saying "Wake up, Mummymon! I need you!" This choice of words allows the audience to come away thinking he just misunderstood what she said.
Fleeing BWG's wrath, they keep driving until the arrive just outside of a large Chinese gate.
Mummymon: We should be okay here.
Arachnemon: Whew.
Their relief is interrupted by an unfamiliar Digimon ringing the gong inside. The Digimon plays an erhu, a Chinese stringed instrument also known as the spike fiddle or Chinese violin. Their music rings out all the way to the gate, where Mummymon and Arachnemon are listneing.
Across the room, Digitamamon is preparing a pot of soup.
Digitamamon: The smell of Chinese soup will entice....
They do not specify what kind of soup. It's just 中華スープ Chuuka Suupu, literally Chinese Soup.
In the dub, they splice in a later shot of the gate to establish where we are as we come back from commercial, complete with a gong sound. Which feels redundant when we're about to literally have a gong alert us to where we are anyway.
Mummymon: Face it, the guy's not a rocket scientist. BlackWarGreymon will never find us in this place.
Arukenimon: ooOOOooo
Very strange noise just emerged from Arukenimon's mouth.
(GONG, then erhu playing)
Digitamamon: What you want is some delicious Chinese soup! Oh come on, try it. It's my specialty: EGG DROP!!! Ahaha!
An egg pun that's Chinese-themed and on-topic? Gold star. That was good. XD
Outside, Arachnemon and Mummymon get out of the car to take a closer look at this place.
Mummymon: Hmm... This is the Digital World's China--
Arachnemon hits him with the binoculars again for mansplaining.
Mummymon: Owie!
Arachnemon: Anyone can see that! Don't say it with that dignified look on your face!
The gag here is that Mummymon declared this to be Digital World Chinatown as if he was sagely imparting some clever deduction to Arachnemon, which is why he got hit. I wasn't kidding earlier; It's literally for mansplaining.
In the dub:
Arukenimon: Well, I suppose I could do a bit of shopping while I'm here in Chinatown. What I really need is a nice pair of sandals.
Mummymon: Hmm... That could be hard, considering you have eight sticky feet.
(SMACK)
Mummymon: They're nice!
Arukenimon: Well, I don't need any comments from you, Sticky Tape Boy. You know that I'm sensitive about my feet; I'm a spider!
The dub rewrites this whole gag. Here, Mummymon is punished for pointing out that spider claws don't fit well into sandals. It's an odd joke since she clearly intends to wear them in her human guise anyway, and she feels the need to explain "I'm a spider!" at the end in case anyone got confused by the "eight sticky feet" remark.
Not one of their best.
Finally, Mummymon is fed up and protests all the abuse he's suffered this episode.
It does not go well.
Mummymon: Cut it out with the BAM BAM BAM!!! (whining) You're gonna make me stupi--
Arachnemon: Quiet!
Arachnemon claps her hand over Mummymon's mouth. Then she smells the delicious odor of Digitamamon's Chinese soup wafting over.
Arachnemon: That great smell of Chinese food....
Suddenly, she realizes she's suffocating Mummymon and lets go.
Arachnemon: You take a sniff too, Mummymon.
He does so, sending him off fantasizing about a delicious ramen bowl.
Mummymon: Arachnemon, shall we get some ramen?
Arachnemon: Of course! A hearty meal will fortify our strength and prepare us to fight the Chosen Children!
Mummymon: My thoughts exactly!
They hop back in the car and take off for Digitamamon's Chinese restaurant all the same.
In the dub, they're still talking about Arukenimon's feet.
Mummymon: I'm just giving you a compliment! I love your feet! Even your pointy toes--
(Arukenimon silences him)
Arukenimon: Eugh, enough with the feet!
(Delicious smell wafts in)
Arukenimon: Hey! What's that tasty aroma? Yum!
(Arukenimon releases Mummymon)
Arukenimon: It's incredible! What is it?
(Mummymon sniffs, sending him and Arukenimon into imaginary land)
Mummymon: Chinese soup! Let's go and get some!
Arukenimon: Good idea! Maybe we can even get some extra hot soup to go and give it to BlackWarGreymon so he can scald his mouth when he eats it! Ehehe!
Mummymon: When you're hot, you're hot!
(The pair depart)
Arachnemon spends the imagination section making excuses like a punch-clock worker. We're definitely going to the Chinese restaurant for reasons that absolutely still pertain to the job we're doing. Trust me, bruh.
Arukenimon wants to use the Chinese restaurant as an opportunity to prank BWG. Which is the worst idea anyone's ever had in the history of food. He will absolutely murder them in the blink of an eye. He already barely tolerates them as it is.
Entering the restaurant, Arachnemon and Mummymon seat themselves. The small Digimon from before approaches their table.
Digimon: Roast pork ramen.
The Digimon just says those words neutrally, as if they're supposed to mean something. This is Bakumon.
Bakumon is a Child-stage Vaccine-attribute Holy Beast Digimon. It's based on the Japanese mythical creature 獏 baku. These are chimeric beasts that combine an elephant's trunk and tusks, a rhino's ears, an ox's tail, a bear's body, and a tiger's paws.
The baku is a guardian spirit that watches over people as they sleep. They're considered benevolent creatures who eat your nightmares out of your dreams and drive away wicked youkai.
This is what the Pokemon Drowzee and Hypno are based on too. If you, like I have, ever wondered why the game has psychic tapirs that put people to sleep and then eat their dreams, the answer is that they're 獏 baku.
This is the third-to-last of the Nightmare Soldiers Digimon to appear in the anime, and the last Nightmare Soldier we will be seeing in the two original Adventure series. The two remaining ones, Candmon and Boltmon, will debut in other anime series. Bakumon is the Vaccine Child for that V-Pet, evolving into Hanumon, Garurumon, Meramon, or Wizarmon.
And yes, that is a Holy Ring on their left foreleg. There are some Digimon who have them outside of the angels.
Narrator: Bakumon! A Child-stage Digimon in the form of the 獏 baku, which is said to eat dreams. They use the same special attack as Digitamamon, Nightmare Syndrome.
Arachnemon: ...
Mummymon: ...
I don't know why they have the same attack. They aren't even....
Like. You can "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" any Digimon to be related to any Digimon. But Digitamamon isn't from the same V-pet and doesn't share any common evolutions with Bakumon. I have no idea why they share a signature move.
Whatever the case, Arachnemon and Mummymon stare in confusion at the little Bakumon. Helpfully, they offer clarification.
Bakumon: Wonton ramen!
Arachnemon: ...
Mummymon: ...
Arachnemon: Ah! I'll have some of that.
Mummymon: Me too.
In the kitchen, Digitamamon jumps for joy.
Digitamamon: COMING RIGHT UP!!!
Apparently this is just how the menu works. Bakumon, sounding completely stoned, rambles off menu items until you hear one you like.
In the dub, Mummymon expresses how American his writing is as they walk through the door.
Mummymon: Gee, I hope they have fortune cookies. They're my favorite!
They probably don't, Mummymon. Ironically, fortune cookies are actually Japanese.
The 辻占煎餅 tsujiura senbei is a Kyoto specialty still sold to this day. A familiar-looking rice cracker with a fortune slip tucked inside. They were brought to the United States by Japanese immigrants.
Around the early 1900's, these Japanese-Americans started opening up Chinese restaurants because there wasn't an appetite for Japanese cuisine back then like there is today. They got away with this because it's not like white people can tell the difference, and they distributed 辻占煎餅 tsujiura senbei with their meals.
But then WWII happened and we rounded up all the Japanese people and put them in internment camps. Chinese-Americans stepped in to fill the void, and they retained the practice of including these Japanese treats with the meals. Thus, the fortune cookie became a Japanese staple of American Chinese food.
Tapirmon: So, what'll it be?
Tapirmon: (rundown) I'm Tapirmon and I'll be your waiter. You'd better leave me a big tip or, next time, you'll have a fly in your wonton!
Arukenimon: ...
Mummymon: ...
Tapirmon: Want some soup? It's our specialty.
Mummymon: ...
Arukenimon: Yeah! Extra flies for me.
Mummymon: Just hers.
(In the kitchen, Digitamamon jumps for joy)
Digitamamon: FINALLY, A CUSTOMER!!!
First thing's first, the name. Tapirmon is a fair localization of Bakumon. The word 獏 baku is also used as the Japanese word for the tapir due to its uncanny resemblance to the mythical beast. In Japan, tapirs have become associated with the 獏 baku legend for that reason.
The dub throws out Bakumon's eerie menu item bit. They just talk to Arukenimon and Mummymon normally. They still seem weirded out by Tapirmon due to the animation, but it's no longer clear as to why.
Arukenimon requesting extra flies references the American stock joke of calling over a waiter to complain about a fly being in your soup. Arukenimon wants flies in her soup because she's a spider, and this time they just let that sink in instead of awkwardly explaining it.
Like the egg drop soup gag, this is a good bit. Mummymon's reaction cements it. XD
Out by the gate, the Chosen Children arrive. Daisuke's following BlackWarGreymon's signal on his D-Terminal.
Daisuke: BlackWarGreymon seems to be somewhere around here, but how will Ichijouji know?
V-mon: Stingmon is with him, so it'll be fine.
Daisuke: Yeah, you're right.
I'd say it's more because of his D-3 than Stingmon. If we haven't added the BWG tracker to Ken's D-Terminal, then his best bet is going to be following his Digivice Radar and tracking us directly.
But enough about that. It's time for the ad read. Miyako offers Hikari a bottle of mineral water.
Miyako: Need a drink, Hikari-chan?
Hikari: Sure! Thank you. This water always tastes amazing.
Tailmon: Mhm!
Miyako: (proudly) This product comes recommended from our store!
Hawkmon: (proudly) It's packed full of minerals and good for your body!
Miyako and Hawkmon's flagrant sales pitch is punctuated by the chime of a cash register. KA-CHING
Miyako: Next time you're out shopping, please remember to drop by the Odaiba I-Mart!
Hawkmon: Please remember to drop by!
Tailmon: Well done, you two!
Hikari: Seriously!
Miyako and Hikari laugh, and so does Daisuke who stopped tracking BWG to watch that. Which is probably the highest praise a salesperson can receive, when people who weren't even the target audience drop what they're doing to listen in.
But Iori and Takeru watch from the sidelines. Iori isn't laughing.
Iori: They're getting to know each other a lot more now that they can Jogress Evolve.
Takeru comes up behind Iori, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Takeru: It won't be long until we can do it too, Iori-kun.
Iori: Takeru-san...?
Takeru: Patamon and Armadimon feel like they've already Jogress Evolved.
He directs Iori's attention to their Partners, who are playing nearby. Armadimon has Patamon on his shoulders and keeps tossing him into the air while they cheer different names.
The Digimon are ready to Jogress. It's only a matter of time now.
In the dub:
Davis: Uh-oh! BlackWarGreymon's in close range! I hope Ken put away his dustrag and is able to find us.
Veemon: Give Ken a break. After all, cleanliness is next to Digi-ness.
Davis: Hehe, okay!
Veemon here is quoting a corrupted version of the phrase "cleanliness is next to godliness".
Yolei: Hey Kari, want some mineral water?
Kari: Sure, thanks! Mineral water, huh? Gee, Yolei, since when did you get so healthy?
Gatomon: Mhm!
Yolei: Since our family started selling it in our store!
Hawkmon: It's full of vitamins and minerals for good health!
Yolei: Next time you're in my family's grocery store, be sure to pick up a bottle or two.
Hawkmon: That's right!
Gatomon: What is this, a commercial?
Kari: Haha, Yolei!
Gatomon spells out the gag outright. Unfortunately, it's not a very good rendition of it.
Yolei only calls it a new product and not a recommended product, but that's a lateral change; Both are worth advertising.
As is typical of sound effects, the cash register chime doesn't make it in.
But what's glaring to me is that she recommends Kari buy a bottle next time she's at I-Mart, instead of that Kari come to I-Mart and buy a bottle. Yolei, are you hawking the water or are you advertising the store?
...
Ha! Hawking! Miyako taught Hawkmon to shill products. Oh, I don't think that pun was intentional but it's great.
Cody: Ever since those guys have been able to DNA Digivolve, they've become much closer friends.
T.K.: Don't worry. Soon you'll DNA Digivolve with the best of 'em.
Cody: Think so?
T.K.: Patamon and Armadillomon have been practicing hard and they're about to master it at any moment.
(Cut to Armadillomon tossing Patamon)
Armadillomon: ARMAPAT!!!
Patamon: Hahaha!
Armadillomon: PATA-ARM!!!
Patamon: Hahaha!
T.K.: Ahahahahahahaha!
The dub grasps the idea behind Patamon and Armadimon's goofy moment. But for their version, they... fucking forgot that Digimon names end in 'mon'. How do you even.
Suddenly, Hikari notices that delicious smell in the air.
Hikari: Oh, what's that great smell?
Miyako: Huh?
Miyako takes a moment to sniff the air as well.
Miyako: You're right! It smells like delicious Chinese soup!
Suddenly, Daisuke and V-mon's stomachs grumble.
Daisuke: (sheepish) Ahhh, I'm starving....
V-mon: Me too....
Takeru: Well, since we happen to be in the Digital World's Chinatown, let's grab some Chinese food!
Takeru's suggestion stuns Iori, who turns on him in shock.
Iori: Takeru-san!?
Daisuke: It's settled!
Excited and laughing among themselves, the team heads into Chinatown. All but Iori who remains outside the gate, shaking with anger.
Armadimon: What is it, Iori? Is something wrong?
Iori: Going to get Chinese food before fighting BlackWarGreymon!? They aren't taking this seriously! It just... It makes me so angry!
Armadimon: I-Iori....
Iori looks up to see Armadimon holding his stomach in pain. Armadimon's stomach gurgles like Daisuke's did earlier.
Armadimon: I'm starving too-dagyaa.
Iori: (gently) Ah! Armadimon.... I've been told that I'm too strict. Maybe that's what's stopping me from being able to Jogress Evolve with Takeru-san.
Still doing nothing but overhead swings, Iori?
Iori just sees the team as goofing off here, which is why he's shocked that Takeru goes along with it. But while they may have a spring in their step as they go in, there is a point to this. As Armadimon makes him realize, they aren't going to be able to fight BWG on empty stomachs.
It's not that they aren't taking it seriously; It's that he's taking it too seriously. He's single-mindedly focused on BWG and not thinking about the needs of himself or his team.
In the dub:
Kari: Hey! Check out that scrumption smell!
(Yolei sniffs the air)
Yolei: Mmm, that's awesome! My stomach is growling with sheer delight!
(Davis and Veemon's stomachs growl)
Davis: Mine's growling with sheer hunger!
Veemon: Mine too!
T.K.: Well, I'm not gonna pass on good food. And besides, it's not often we find ourselves in Digi-Chinatown so we may as well enjoy it.
Cody: Huh?
(Cody turns on T.K.)
Cody: Right now!?
Davis: YES!!!
(Team heads in)
Armadillomon: Cody? Is there something the matter? Aren't ya hungry?
Cody: BlackWarGreymon is out there looking for the last Destiny Stone like we should be! Instead, they're all in there! Eating! Stuffing themselves with egg foo young!
Armadillomon: But Cody....
(Armadillomon's stomach growls)
Armadillomon: Thing is, I love egg foo young!
Cody: (gently) Huh? Armadillomon.... I have a bad feeling that the reason you and Patamon haven't been able to DNA Digivolve is because I'm too serious all the time. But I'll try to lighten up by the time dessert comes.
This is pretty good. My one nitpick is that Armadillomon gets through to Cody by liking the random dish Cody used as an example, rather than by expressing how hungry he is.
I don't feel like "I don't want to miss out on a favorite dish" is as compelling a counterargument as "Are you really going to make me fight BWG on an empty stomach?" But he still has the stomach gurgles so the implication is still there nonetheless.
Inside Digitamamon's restaurant, Arachnemon and Mummymon enjoy their meals.
Mummymon: This ramen is soooo gooooood!
Arachnemon: And the soup is SOUPERB particularly exquisite!
Mummymon: Mhm!
Mummymon raises his hand to get the waiter's attention.
Mummymon: Hey, Boy-san!
Bakumon: (approaching) Cantonese ramen.
Mummymon: What do they use to make the soup here?
Bakumon: Tenshinhan.
Mummymon: What are the ingredients!?
Bakumon: (excited) Zhajiangman!
Arachnemon: We can't talk to you! Get your manager out here!
Bakumon: Ramen?
To be honest, I don't know what Mummymon expected to happen here.
In addition to the ramen dishes, Bakumon also offers tenshinhan and zhajiangman, which are also Chinese dishes. Digitamamon did not murder a Dragon Ball character and put him in the soup. Though, to be fair, it's not like Dragon Ball was really using him anyway....
In the dub:
Mummymon: I have to say, this soup is magnificent!
Arukenimon: And full of flies! It's the best!
(Mummymon raises hand)
Mummymon: Waiter!
Tapirmon: Need something, sir?
Mummymon: Tell me, my good 'mon. What is this tasty soup made of?
Tapirmon: Lots of noodles.
Mummymon: Well, I know that. What else?
Tapirmon: Even more noodles.
Arukenimon: This isn't getting us anywhere at all! This guy's got noodles on the brain! I want to talk to your manager!
Tapirmon: Of course.
I'm still sad that they didn't even try with Bakumon's schtick but "Even more noodles" did get a laugh out of me. XD
As requested, Digitamamon comes out to see Arachnemon and Mummymon.
Digitamamon: I'm Digitamamon, the owner and chef.
Arachnemon: What are the ingredients for this delicious soup?
Digitamamon: I can't tell you that.
Mummymon: (threateningly) YOU WHAT!?!?
Digitamamon: (threateningly) IT'S A TRADE SECRET!!!
Arachnemon: (threateningly) Who do you think we are!?
Suddenly, the door opens. Following that delicious smell, the Chosen Children enter and see Arachnemon and Mummymon threatening the chef. I'd say it's not what it looks like but at this point it's exactly what it looks like.
Children: HUH!?!?
Arachnemon & Mummymon: The Chosen Children!?
Daisuke: TCH-- What? Digitamamon? You run a Chinese restaurant too?
Digitamamon: Oh no, the guy running the Western-style restaurant is a colleague of mine. They told me all about you guys. You Chosen Children are--
Arachnemon: Yeah, yeah, that's enough introductions!
Arachnemon and Mummymon morph into their combat forms. Talking's over; We're fighting now.
What follows is two straight minutes of evolution sequences. It takes so long for XV-mon, Aquilamon, Angemon, Ankylomon, and Nefertimon to evolve (in that order) that Show Me Your Brave Heart gets through an entire verse and is well into the second by the time the fighting actually starts.
In the dub:
Digitamamon: I'm the owner, Digitamamon. What's the problem?
Arukenimon: That stupid waiter wouldn't tell us what this delicious soup is made of!
Digitamamon: Sorry. It's a secret recipe.
Mummymon: (threateningly) WHAT!?!?
Digitamamon: (threateningly) If I told you my recipe, it wouldn't be a secret anymore, now would it!?
Arukenimon: (threateningly) What insolence! Do you have any idea who you're talking to, buster!?
Digitamamon: MORE GUESTS HEHEHE!!!
Digitamamon sees the DigiDestined before they enter but that actually makes sense because they're facing the direction of the door. No psychic premonition here.
They also have a sound effect to mark the kids coming in! The original uses the sound of a sliding door being opened. The dub doesn't have that, but they do have a bell jangle.
I don't know if every country does it but at least in the U.S., a lot of restaurants have a little bell on the door so that the arrival of new customers can be easily heard from any part of the building.
DigiDestined: HUH!?!?
Arukenimon & Mummymon: OH RATS!!! THOSE KIDS!!!
Davis: RRRRRGH-- Digitamamon!? It's nice to see you again but I've kinda lost my appetite!
Digitamamon: Eh, don't worry about it. Just remember, there's always takeout. When you're feeling better, you'll have a little moo shu, maybe a little pu pu, or just for fun I'll even throw in some almond cookies.
Arukenimon: How about a nice trip to the moon!? Would you like that!?
The original explains that this is a separate Digitamamon from the one we know, but that they do know each other. Digitamamon describes themself and the other as 仲間 nakama. In this case, they aren't part of a team so to speak, but rather they are fellows in their goals and activities. They're two Digitamamon running separate culinary businesses and so run in similar circles.
The dub skips over that and kind of implies that it is the same Digitamamon. Davis greets them as though they are, and Digitamamon doesn't correct him.
The five consecutive and entirely uncondensed Digivolutions are worse in the dub just because Show Me Your Brave Heart at least plays continuously from the moment it begins, and is a fun song to listen to. The dub uses a short snippet of the opening theme for Digivolutions that's timed to end when a given Digivolution does, so they have to just play this same snippet on repeat five times.
This is hardly the first time they've had a too-long extended evolution sequence for each individual character, but they often also have shortened evolutions to skip us through as quick as possible. There are a lot of ways to condense them, like doing a shorter version, having multiple Digimon evolve at once, or doing a shorter version with multiple Digimon evolving at once.
The extended one-by-one full-version sequences are usually a sign that they needed to stretch it out to hit runtime.
As soon as the evolutions are finished, the team goes on the attack.
The boys' voices are a cacophany of violence, but to no avail. Mummymon effortlessly blasts them.
The whole team looks shocked that our Adult level asses couldn't handle these Perfects as we go to commercial. Not the best commercial break cliffhanger the series has had. I fully expect to Jogress the second we return. Ken may not be here but nothing's stopping Sylphimon from powering up.
In the dub:
Aquilamon: BLAST RINGS!!!
Nefertimon: QUEEN PAW!!!
Arukenimon: ACID MIST!!!
(Arukenimon drops Aquilamon and Nefertimon)
Angemon / Ankylomon / ExVeemon: HAND OF FATE!!! / TAIL HAMMER!!! / VEE LASER!!!
Mummymon: SNAKE BANDAGE!!!
(Mummymon shoots down the other three)
The dub also takes its second commercial break here.
Mummymon calls shooting his gun as Snake Bandage.
The big notable difference here is that in the original, all of the attacks are interrupted before they can finish calling them. Here, they finish calling the attacks but then don't shoot, making it feel weirder that they were intercepted like this.
They lost a quick-draw in both versions, but that lands better when they're interrupted mid-callout.
Returning from evolution, we immediately go to Jogress because of course that's what we do.
Daisuke: Jogress Evolve!
XV-mon: But Stingmon isn't here....
Daisuke: DYAGH!!! Crap, you're right! What the hell is keeping that jerk Ichijouji!?
Miyako: Hikari-chan, you and me!
Hikari: Right!
Daisuke's fucked, but Nefertimon reverts to Tailmon and completes her Jogress with Aquilamon gets as far as the point where the two are supposed to combine, only to suddenly rewind and separate.
Girls: EH!?!?
Miyako: One more time!
Hikari: Right!
Second verse, same as the first. They reach the point in the evolution where they're about to fuse, then suddenly rewind as the music fizzles out and dies. There will be no standing up to the fight today.
Takeru: Aquilamon and Tailmon must not have the energy for Jogress Evolution because they're too hungry!
Iori: I-It can't be....
YEAH, Iori. What do you think of THAT, huh? Tangible proof that you were, in fact, the asshole a few minutes ago.
In the dub:
Davis: DNA Digivolve!
ExVeemon: I can't! Stingmon's not here!
Davis: Ngggh, I forgot! What happened to Ken!? Did he decide to become a maid!?
Yolei: We'll bust up (?) and then take 'em both down!
Kari: Yeah!
I.... don't remember that being a slang term when I was their age. I may have forgotten, though.
There is no alternative version of the Digivolution theme that fizzles out into uselessness like there is for Beat Hit.
(Digivolve Failure 1)
Girls: Huh!?
Yolei: Let's try again!
Kari: ...right.
(Digivolve Failure 2)
T.K.: Well, this proves one theory: Digimon have to have plenty to eat before they're able to DNA Digivolve. Better think of something real fast!
Cody: UMMM, I'M THINKING!!!
T.K., that's not a theory. We have very thoroughly established the necessity for Digimon to be well-fed in order to evolve/Digivolve over the course of two series. It's facts.
Iori/Cody may have forgotten that detail in his haste to throw hands with BWG, but it's been a pretty consistent element of Digimon evolution/Digivolution.
On the plus side, I love that there's a little hesitancy in Kari's voice for the second fusion. She doesn't actually think it's going to work but is willing to try it anyway. It's a neat subtle detail.
With the Chosen Children unable to hit Perfect, Arachnemon and Mummymon have them cornered. They laugh triumphantly.
Arachnemon & Mummymon: Huhuhahahahaha!
Digitamamon: HELP ME!!!
Wait, what? While Team Rocket's distracted, Digitamamon and Bakumon flee out the door and run for their lives down the street.
Bakumon: PORK BONE RAMEN!!!
Flipping back to their human forms, Arachnemon and Mummymon chase the pair out the door.
Arachnemon: AHH, JUST A SECOND!!!
Mummymon: WHAT STOCK DO YOU USE FOR THE SOUP!?!? TELL US!!!
Arachnemon and Mummymon leap into the dune buggy, taking off after Digitamamon. They have way more important business to attend to right now than fighting Chosen Children.
As soon as they're gone, Ken shows up with Stingmon.
Ken: Was that...?
He hurries into the restaurant to check on the others. Inside, the children are huddled around the smashed up diner, cradling their downgraded Digimon.
Ken: Motomiya-kun!?
Stingmon: V-mon!
Daisuke: Arachnemon and Mummymon got us....
Ken: I knew I recognized that buggy....
It's kind of amazing that the rest of the team didn't. It was parked right outside the door. We really were just tunnel-visioned on the mesmerizing smell of ramen, weren't we? The moral of the story is to pay attention to your goddamn surroundings.
In the dub, Digitamamon doesn't scream for help in the middle of the laugh. Instead... she's reacting to something else.
Arukenimon & Mummymon: Ahahahahahaha-- Huh?
(Digitamamon and Tapirmon flee)
Digitamamon: Let's get out of here!
(Arukenimon & Mummymon chase them)
Arukenimon: We de-digivolved!? What happened!?
Mummymon: What's in that soup!? They won't get away with this!
(Arukenimon and Mummymon chase Digitamamon; Ken shows up)
Ken: Something's up! Hurry, let's go!
Stingmon: Right!
(Ken enters the restaurant)
Ken: Hey! What happened!?
Davis: I'm not sure but if I were you, I wouldn't order the soup!
Ken: I don't get it!
Out of absolutely fucking nowhere, the dub suddenly introduces the plot point that Digitamamon poisoned everyone with some sort of de-Digivolution toxin in the food.
A poison that is so potent that it somehow also affected our Digimon even though we haven't eaten anything yet.
In the process also claiming that when Arukenimon and Mummymon transition between their human and Digimon forms, they're undergoing a temporary Digivolution like the Partner Digimon do.
This scene is wild for all the details they just made up on the spot like that.
With Arachnemon and Mummymon getting away, Ken urges us to action.
Iori: Our true enemy is neither Arachnemon nor Mummymon. In order to defeat BlackWarGreymon, we'll need to store up our energy so that we can Jogress Evolve. Let's have some ramen!
Takeru: (smiling) Iori-kun....
Daisuke: You're totally right, Iori!
Patamon & V-mon: (excited) Ramen! Ramen!
Ken: (silent nod)
Hikari: Ah! But Digitamamon and the other Digimon ran away!
Boys: Ack!
Miyako: We'll cook it ourselves!
Tailmon & Hawkmon: Let's do it! Let's do it!
Cutting to an exterior shot of the building, a cacophany of voices mixed with the sounds of utensils clattering and ingredients being cooked rings out. As the Chosen Children eagerly make use of Digitamamon's kitchen, a delicious smell once more wafts from the building.
Iori here demonstrates a mistake made, new insight gained, and then lessons applied in record time. Good for him.
In the dub:
Ken: What are we waiting for!? Let's follow them!
Davis: Yeah!
Cody: No, wait!
Team: Huh!?
Cody: We should be focused on what's more important and chasing them isn't what we need to be concerned with! Right now, we all have to replenish our energy. That way, we can DNA Digivolve and be ready to meet BlackWarGreymon!
Stingmon: I could use a snack.
Cody: What do you say? Let's have something to eat!
T.K.: Cody's right.
Davis: Hey, dudes, I'm not complaining!
Patamon & Veemon: We need food! Let's eat!
Ken: Mhm!
Kari: Wait! We don't have anyone to cook for us. Digitamamon left!
Boys: Oh no!
Yolei: We're not helpless. We'll cook for ourselves!
Hawkmon / Gatomon: We'll do our share and set the table! / Hahaha hee hee!
During the cacophany of voices part, a couple voices rise above all the others and are clearly audible.
Kari: Yeah, I used it to make fried cheese-- (inaudible)
Davis: Hey, maybe we can add some onions and mushrooms. How about some tuna fish? How do you turn on the stove?
However, there are no sounds of feverish cooking being done. Just a bit of talking and lots of miscellaneous laughter.
Arachnemon and Mummymon chase Digitamamon into a bamboo forest. However, the buggy suddenly lets out multiple loud pops and bursts of smoke.
Mummymon: GAH!!!
Arachnemon: What's wrong!?
Rattling, the car comes to a stop.
Mummymon: Well, I was trying to speed up but it looks like I overtaxed the accelerator.
Arachnemon: Moron!
That's all she gets out before the engine explodes.
Mummymon: AHHHH THE ENGINE WILL BURN UP LIKE THIS!!! WATER WATER WATER!!!
Mummymon flees into the bamboo forest searching for water. Arachnemon gets out right behind him.
Arachnemon: (cough cough cough) I'M COMING WITH YOU!!!
She too flees into the bamboo forest.
Digitamamon can rest easy knowing that their pursuit has been thwarted by Mummymon's sheer incompetence.
In the dub, there are no loud pops. Instead, the car makes increasingly louder and louder rattling noises, which are subtle enough that you might not hear them until Mummymon draws attention to them.
Mummymon: Nyagh!
Arukenimon: What's the matter?
Once Mummymon stops the car, then there's one loud pop.
Mummymon: I don't know. It can't be the radiator; I just put water in it five years ago!
Arukenimon: Lovely.
(Engine explodes)
Mummymon: THE ONLY THING THAT WILL SAVE IT NOW IS WATER!!! YAAAAAAAGH!!!
(Mummymon runs into the bamboo forest)
Arukenimon: (cough cough, cough cough cough) I'M COMING TOO!!!
(Arukenimon runs into the bamboo forest)
A small contextual change, but in the original, the car breaks down because Mummymon stressed the engine too hard chasing Digitamamon. In the dub, it breaks down due to maintenance neglect; It's been due to explode and today just happens to be the day.
As Arachnemon enters the woods, she searches for Mummymon.
Arachnemon: Mummymon? Mummymon! MUMMYMO--
Mummymon: (suddenly pops out in front of her)
Arachnemon: UWAHHHHHH!!!
Mummymon: Quiet.
Arachnemon: Don't scare me like that!
Mummymon: Shhhh.
Arachnemon: (silently) Huh?
Arachnemon quiets down and so does the music. The forest is so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Or something else.
Mummymon: (quietly) I hear it.
Arachnemon: Hear what?
Mummymon: The sound of waterdrops.
Arachnemon: Eh?
Arachnemon listens for a moment. Then she, too, hears a drop of water.
Arachnemon: You're right....
Mummymon: Over there!
Arachnemon and Mummymon dash off into the woods, chasing that sound.
In the dub:
Arukenimon: Mummymon, where are you!? This isn't funny at all! Mummymon--
Mummymon: (suddenly pops out in front of her) Quiet!
Arukenimon: AHHHHHHHH!!! What's the big idea, you twit!?
Mummymon: Shhhh!
Arukenimon: Huh!?
While the bamboo forest in the original is silent, the dub uses chattering of rainforest birds to give it a geographically inaccurate soundscape.
Mummymon: I can hear it.
Arukenimon: What is it?
Mummymon: Water dripping.
Arukenimon: (intrigued) Oh?
(Arukenimon listens and hears it too)
Arukenimon: You're right, Drippy!
Mummymon: The sound's coming from over there!
(Mummymon and Arukenimon chase the sound)
Arukenimon: Hey! Wait for me!
Apart from the rainforest noises, this is all pretty firmly on-script.
Soon, the source of the waterdrop sound comes into view.
Mummymon: Huh!? W-What the hell is that?
Together, they approach a small spring filled with brown, murky liquid with a sign identifying it.
Mummymon: This wonderful smell....
Arachnemon: It says "The Spring of Chinese Soup". That delicious Chinese soup....
Mummymon: This is where that Chinese restaurant gets its ramen soup from.
Fleeing to the source of the proprietary ingredients was not a smart move on Digitamamon's part. Arachnemon and Mummymon have lost their quarry but they've completed their objective all the same.
In the dub, Mummymon and Arukenimon get a couple throwaway lines while they're following the dripping sound.
Mummymon: We're almost there! Just a little farther!
Arukenimon: Oh! Great! A swimming pool! I'm going to stink after this.
(They reach the spring)
Mummymon: That smells good enough to eat! What is it?
Arukenimon: That sign over there says it's the Chinese Soup Spring. We're looking at a jumbo pot of soup!
Mummymon: This is where that irresistible soup was made, and my stomach's telling me I've got to have some!
Solid.
Mummymon gets down on the ground and sticks his tongue out to lap up some of the soup. However, this provokes an unexpected retaliation.
Digitamamon and Bakumon erupt from the bushes, landing on Mummymon's head and back.
Digitamamon: You can't drink from the sacred Chinese Soup Spring!
Mummymon: NYAAAGHAAAAAGHAAAAAGH!!!
Mummymon twitches in pain from biting his tongue. Arachnemon ignores him.
Arachnemon: This is where you two were hiding out!?
Digitamamon: Look over there.
Digitamamon directs their attention to the sign once more. In small DigiCode text beneath the spring's name is a message.
Arachnemon: "It is forbidden to drink the sacred Chinese spring's soup without permission. Drinking without permission will result in punishment."
Mummymon: That just makes me want to drink it more! How about I punish you two!?
The moral of the story is, never try to tell villains what they can and cannot do. Their response may unpleasantly surprise you.
In the dub:
Digitamamon: NO SLURPING!!!
(Digitamamon and Tapirmon jump Mummymon)
Digitamamon: What, don't you have any manners!? No slimy tongues allowed in the soup!
Mummymon: OWWWAAAAAGH!!!
Arukenimon: What's the big deal!? Is there a law against drinking soup around here!?
Digitamamon: As a matter of fact, there is!
(Digitamamon directs Arukenimon to the sign)
Arukenimon: "Drinking this soup is strictly forbidden and you don't want to know the consequences." Hmph!
Mummymon: That's baloney! It makes me want to have some of it even more! And you're not going to stop me!
As usual, they strip out the word 聖なる seinaru, which means holy or sacred. No reference is made of the soup spring being holy, which masks the foreshadowing of its connection to something else that's holy.
True to his word, Mummymon wraps Digitamamon and Bakumon in Snake Bandages so they can't stop him, then resumes trying to drink from the holy spring.
He laps up a little bit of it with his tongue, exclaiming with delight:
Mummymon: YUMMY!!!
Unfortunately for him, as he was warned, his transgression provokes retaliation from the holy spring. The soup waters erupt into a geyster that comes down on Mummymon, pulling him under.
Arachnemon: Mummymon!
This is the last we ever see of Mummymon. A humiliating and well-deserved end. He will not be missed.
In the dub, Mummymon says "yummy" with anticipation before he tastes it.
Mummymon: Yummy....
(Mummymon laps up soup)
Mummymon: Nya ha hahahaha!
(Ground shakes; center of spring bubbles)
Arukenimon: I hope that's not a giant fly seeking revenge!
(Spring captures Mummymon)
Arukenimon: (sarcastic) Oh, nice time for a swim!
There's nothing wrong with using it in anticipation necessarily, but it does leave them with nothing to put in his mouth during the big shot of him opening his mouth wide and exclaiming something.
Arachnemon is freaked out by what's happening and sounds afraid for Mummymon when he gets pulled under. Arukenimon takes this as an opportunity to quip, offering no indication that Mummymon's in any serious peril.
Suddenly, from the center of the spring, something emerges.
The seventh Holy Stone rises into the air with Mummymon clinging to its Holy Ring for dear life.
Mummymon: Ahhhh!
Arachnemon: (curious) Mummymon?
Struggling to pull himself up, Mummymon ends up sliding the Holy Ring right off the Stone. He falls with it back into the soup spring. Levitating in the air and now free of the Ring, the Holy Stone glows with bright turquoise light.
In the dub, the quipping continues.
Mummymon: Either this is a Destiny Stone or it's a giant matzo ball!
(Stone rises into the air with Mummymon)
Arukenimon: Hold on!
(Ring slides off, Mummymon falls, Destiny Stone glows)
Arukenimon: I hope you're satisfied! Now you've ruined the soup and the Destiny Stone!
The dub takes its third commercial break here.
I didn't understand that last comment from Arukenimon. She quips that Mummymon "ruined" the Destiny Stone but the goal is to smash them, right? Is she worried it's going to provoke a Digivolution like MagnaAngemon a couple episodes ago?
It's a joke, but I didn't get the punchline.
Back at the Chinese restaurant, the team finishes their meal.
Takeru: That came out pretty well, huh?
Daisuke: The soup is really good!
Miyako: We're pretty talented ourselves, too!
Iori: It was truly delicious.
Armadimon: So good!
Today, the new kids get to have a taste of what it was like to be on that original DIgimon adventure. What's this? A fully-stocked kitchen? Well we're starving so let's just help ourselves and deal with the consequences later!
Iori glances over at Takeru and, for a moment, makes eye contact. They exchange smiles. Then Takeru puts his chopsticks down on his bowl.
Takeru: Iori-kun... Maybe now we'll be able to Jogress Evolve. That's the feeling I get.
Takeru feels they've gotten to know each other enough over these past two episodes to be able to forge that connection.
In the dub:
T.K.: Heh... Not bad for a bunch of kids!
Davis: It's a good thing the chef left broth!
Yolei: Maybe so but we added a special touch!
Cody: Yeah! Everybody's hands went in the soup!
Armadillomon: Tastes better that way!
That's gross, guys. All of you are gross.
T.K.: There's something strange about this soup, Cody. I have this weird feeling that we'll figure out how to DNA Digivolve. Must be the MSG!
Continuing along with the whole poisoned soup causes de-Digivolution thing, T.K. claims that magic soup is going to give them the ability to DNA Digivolve now.
Not the emotional bond and understanding they've forged over the last two episodes. Magic soup.
To be fair, the magic soup comes from a sacred spring housing a holy artifact that has been known to facilitate Digivolution in the past. So there is a logic to the idea of this weird Digivolution-manipulating magic soup.
But it's still. Like. Replacing the hard work and understanding the characters have undergone with magic soup.
I can't even keep a straight face while saying magic soup.
Suddenly, the room is bathed in turquoise light. The time for levity has passed.
Daisuke: Th-That's....
Ken: The Holy Stone's light!
The Chosen Children see it.
BlackWarGreymon sees it.
Up close and personal with it, Arachnemon definitely sees it.
Arachnemon: This is where the Holy Stone was!?
Finally, the Holy Stone stops glowing. But it's too late. Everybody is on their way to it now.
In the dub:
Ken: Why'd it go dark!?
Ken: That's the light of a Destiny Stone!
(BWG sees it too, then cut to Arukenimon)
Arukenimon: A perfect turn of events! How lucky. Now the Digital World will be my oyster!
(Destiny Stone's luster fades)
Arukenimon: Now I need my black pearl....
Weird metaphor, Arukenimon. That makes it sound like you're planning to keep the Destiny Stone intact and claim it as yours.
Still caught up in the roiling soup waters, Mummymon cries out for help.
It does not go well, which is richly deserved. XD I could watch that GIF forever.
Mummymon: ARACHNEMO--BLRRB--HELP M--GLAARGH--ARACHNEMON!!!
Arachnemon: SHUT UP!!!
(Arachnemon throws a fucking rock into his hands)
Mummymon: TOO HEAVY!!!
(Mummymon sinks)
This is the last we ever see of Mummymon. A humiliating and well-deserved end. He will not be missed.
Mummymon: Help! ... I've got a mushroom ... up my nose! ... HELP!!!
Arukenimon: Oh, can it!
(Arukenimon throws a freaking rock into his hands)
Mummymon: DWOOAARGAHGH!!!
(Mummymon sinks)
Sad that they didn't have a funny line for Mummymon to say as he went down, but I did like the mushroom up the nose. Dub Team remembered that he's drowning in soup and had some fun with it.
Once Mummymon's been properly disposed of, BlackWarGreymon arrives.
BlackWarGreymon: The last Holy Stone.
Arachnemon: (surprised) BlackWarGreymon!
BlackWarGreymon: I'm going to destroy--
Daisuke: HOLD IT!!!
Arachnemon skedaddles out of the way as the Chosen Children approach, standing between BWG and the Holy Stone.
Daisuke: We're protecting the Holy Stone!
BlackWarGreymon: How many times must I break you until you're satisfied?
Over by the side of the spring, Mummymon has finally managed to emerge from the soup.
Arachnemon: Those stubborn brats... BlackWarGreymon! Finish them off and be done with it!
BlackWarGreymon: I DON'T TAKE ORDERS FROM YOU!!!
Forming a small energy ball on his hand, BWG fires it at Arachnemon. The ensuing explosion sends Team Rocket blasting off again.
In the dub:
BlackWarGreymon: The final Destiny Stone.
Arukenimon: I hope you came for the soup!
BlackWarGreymon: I'll shatter it to pieces!
Davis: STOP!!!
(DigiDestined get in the way)
Arukenimon: Figures! Those nosy kids always show up at the wrong time!
Davis: Don't try it or we'll turn you into a heap of sardine cans!
BlackWarGreymon: You just never seem to learn your lesson, do you?
Arukenimon: Obnoxious parasites. Show 'em what you're made of, BlackWarGreymon!
BlackWarGreymon: I don't need YOU to tell me!
(BWG blows up Team Rocket)
I'm not sure why Arukenimon said "I hope you came for the soup" when BWG showed up. It's a quip, but I couldn't make out what the joke was.
Once the interlopers are out of the way, it's time to begin.
Takeru: Iori-kun! It's finally time to debut our Jogress Evolution!
Iori: Right!
Ankylomon: I'm looking forward to it, Angemon.
Angemon: Let's do it, Ankylomon!
Daisuke: Ichijouji!
Ken: Motomiya-kun!
(Paildramon Jogress Evolves)
Miyako: Hikari-chan!
Hikari: Miyako-san!
(Sylphimon Jogress Evolves)
Despite what Takeru just fucking said, it is not yet time to debut their Jogress. Close, but not immediately right now. Paildramon and Sylphimon Jogress together while Takeru and Iori hang back with their Digimon.
In the dub:
T.K.: Cody, I think the time has come for us to put that big guy away!
Cody: Yep!
Ankylomon: I'm ready whenever you are, Angemon.
Angemon: I am too! Let's let 'er rip!
Davis: Payback time!
Ken: Save some for me!
(Paildramon DNA Digivolves)
Yolei: Let's get him!
Kari: I'm with you!
(Silphymon DNA Digivolves)
Tonal shift. All of the dialogue was punched up into aggressive lines about fighting BWG instead of expressions of their respective connections with each other.
It's not a major change but you can feel the way the dub's more comfortable with the parts of the show that are about hitting bad guys with rocks than the emotional intimacy.
I do think it's funny that Ken says "Save some for me" to Davis when his guy and Davis's guy are the same.
Once two out of three Jogresses are complete, the fighting begins without Takeru and Iori.
BlackWarGreymon: GAIA FORCE!!!
BWG takes the first shot, forcing Paildramon and Sylphimon to scatter.
Paildramon: DESPERADO BLASTER!!!
BWG sidesteps Paildramon's shots, evading it entirely.
Sylphimon: TOP GUN!!!
For Sylphimon's Top Gun, he deflects the attack with his Dramon Killer.
Takeru: Iori-kun!
Iori: T-Takeru-san!
Takeru: Have confidence.
Iori: Right!
Finally, just a minute and a half late from when Takeru said they were going to do it, ANKYLOMON AND ANGEMON JOGRESS SHINKA!!!!
Takeru & Iori: Sh-Shakkoumon!? WE DID IT!!!
BlackWarGreymon: (gasp)
Daisuke: This battle has just begun!
That's right! We're only getting started!
...next episode! In case the fact that we skipped the formal rundown wasn't a hint, we're leaving off here with the debut of Shakkoumon. Tune in next time to see him actually do something.
In the dub:
BlackWarGreymon: TERRA DESTROYER!!!
(Paildramon and Silphymon evade)
Paildramon: DESPERADO BLASTER!!!
(BWG dodges)
Sylphimon: STATIC FORCE!!!
(BWG deflects)
T.K.: Ready?
Cody: Yeah, let's go!
T.K.: Give it all you've got!
Cody: Yeah!
(Shakkoumon DNA Digivolves)
T.K. & Cody: Wow! Shakkoumon! WE DID IT!!!
Davis: Whoa! Way to go, guys! Shakkoumon's a totally awesome Digimon! BlackWarGreymon's gonna have a major challenge on his hands! This is it! THE FINAL BATTLE!!!
Narrator: Will Shakkoumon be able to defeat BlackWarGreymon? Don't miss the battle of the century on Digimon: Digital Monsters!
Shakkoumon is pronounced Shah-koh-mon but the dub pronounces it Shah-ku-wa-mon. It's super distracting.
Davis spells out what you're supposed to be feeling from the roaring sounds of Beat Hit and that little gasp BWG made.
Narrator promises an answer on whether Shakkoumon will be able to win this impending fight. Which is a good promise to make. That's certainly something that we'll likely see answered next episode.
Assessment: Magic soup!
No, it was not the magic soup that let them Jogress. It's because of the work they've put in over the last two episodes and some even in this one. Iori did take one last step closer to Takeru in the Chinese restaurant, after all.
For such a critical episode, this is surprisingly goofy. And yet I could use a bit of goofiness. So much of this arc is spent just going to the place and fighting, occasionally stopping for Iori and Takeru to emote at each other. It was refreshing to have a wacky episodic Digital World plot to go with this Holy Stone.
Though a consequence of dragging out Shakkoumon's evolution so much is that now that the time finally comes, it just can't be as climactic as what went down between Daisuke and Ken or between Miyako and Hikari. Iori and Takeru basically just nod to each other and get it done. It's a little anticlimactic.
But we'll see what happens once the fighting gets its chance to start.
Man sometimes you really just wanna tell the kids "You know that one more Perfect to the pile really isn't gonna do anything to a constantly roiding Ultimate, you know?". No wonder they decided to grab a bite first before going through the formality of losing yet again.
