| Episode 6: Cat vs Dog |
| Review It seems that Team Satomi has taken a lot of time off, so it would make sense that they would be ready for this race. Things can be very unpredictable, however, especially at the high speeds that the races demand. This is the one of few episodes where we see absolutely not preparation between Andrei and the team. That leaves the episode open for a lot of things. This episode does two things right. One of them is the jokes. This is probably the funniest episode I've seen so far. Now, I wouldn't call it laugh-out-loud funny, but the timing in the humor is well placed, and the script allows for some interesting comments. We find at the beginning of the episode that Luca has taken a liking to Liz's body as a bed. She freaks out, claiming she hates cats. Takeshi tells her that Luca's just part of the team. Good point. Then, as he tries to pick Luca up, Luca just walks away. Amy think Luca doesn't like boys. This being anime, it would make sense to have someone's head get really huge and start yelling, like Liz. Or maybe for some random facial gesture from someone. However, IGPX doesn't seem to utilize the craziness found in most anime. That is what makes this show great. It keeps the humor realistic. It's funny to see crazy faces and bulging out eyes, and stuff. However, I find it more admirable that this show doesn't really utilize any of that stuff and still pulls off a few laughs. The other thing that this episode does right is the race against Team Edge Raid. The races get more intense with each episode, but this race in particular is short, but sweet. The race only lasts about eight minutes, but considering how much one can in with eight minutes, they really pulled off a feat with this race. This race is really well thought out. Instead of just attacking, both teams consider their actions and then execute them. In the case of Takeshi, he just runs ahead. We don't know what he's got planned. Team Edge Raid unleashes their attack on all three team members, though particularly knocking back Takeshi. His teammates are right behind him for support. Amy suggests a move that goes against what their plans were for attacking solo. However, they learn just what teamwork can do for them. Amy makes it known that her machine is slowing down, and at this point the race gets intense. We know that Team Edge Raid will catch up and take her down. In we go, to the Revolution Tunnel, where it seems Amy's attacker awaits his move. Just as it seems that it is hopeless for Amy, Takeshi and Liz come from behind her and pick up the Bjorn and Sola's mech. They drag it into a pole where it collapses. Before all of this, Takeshi reminds Liz that Andrei said that you have to think like a winner to win. Andrei nods his head in agreement. Liz interjects saying to just simply race, and Mark Ramsey nods to that. This not only shows that there is two ways to look at racing, but also the ironic humor in their remarks. Yet another funny part of the episode. Now the race was still a little short, but it does show what the creators can think of, even in the short timeframe. At the end of the race, Liz tries to tell Takeshi about a person like him that paid for his bad attitude. Just then, Sola comes and eats her hot dog. Liz tries to speak wisdom, only to be foiled by seemingly random occurrences in life. For the last time, the episode shows charm that some can see humorous. This is not the first time that Liz has had her hot dog eaten. In fact, going into the race, she was mad at Sola for eating her hot dog at a restaurant. She claimed that she knew why River gets all worked up. She feels that River is on the same page as her. That they both have to work to achieve their goals. She realizes it, while River may not. She also feel bad that Takeshi doesn't seem to do anything-that he is born with it. This was a good time to shut her up, considering that we all have to work for things in our lives, even if it seems that some have it easier. Sola eating her hot dog shut her up, which also acted as a humorous moment. Of course, the episode does so much more than the race and the humor. It advances the conflict with River. We are inadvertently informed of his leaving at the beginning, when Satomi says that if that's what he chose, then good luck. We don't know what that is. In case you hadn't figured it out, River is leaving the team. Last episode's ending says a lot now. He thinks he can beat Takeshi, just in simulation though. River tries furiously to beat Takeshi everyday in Iaido. Takeshi always wins. But today is different. River is leaving, and this may be his last chance to beat Takeshi before he will try to beat Takeshi in a real race. Once again, River loses. "Bang", he says with a gun-shaped finger pointed at Takeshi. River thinks that he will win against Takeshi someday. Takeshi admires his determination. It's a good thing that he does. This episode ends with a bang. Literally; River talks to Takeshi after the race, and after Takeshi, Liz and Amy find out about River leaving. River tells Takeshi that he didn't leave because of their match that day. That's what Takeshi may have thought. After all, during that match, Takeshi didn't know that River was leaving, while River did. River says he left because he finally wants a chance to take Takeshi on for real. The determination that Takeshi admires is now backfired on him, and Team Satomi. River has a vengeance, even if it's friendly. Takeshi has to figure out why River wants to beat Takeshi. River never heard what Liz said, though-about how she thinks Takeshi is born with it. Well if Liz is right about her and River being alike, River may think the same thing. One can't blame River for his decision, even though it may have been a bit rash. Andrei even informs River before Andrei finds out about what River is doing that River will find more trouble once he gets to the top. River doesn't quite get why he's saying that, but at least he keeps that in mind. Takeshi would know about being at the top, simply because he is. It's not easy, but River has to find out for himself. Like Liz says near the end of the episode, River is a big boy. Some people who watch this episode may not be ready to accept what this episode tells us. No matter what you hear, people don't get somewhere overnight. It takes work and perseverance. More importantly, though, it takes solid teamwork ideals and trust that you can accomplish things more easily with your team. But what is most important is that you have to believe in yourself. This episode does a great job realizing these fundamentals of life, and this episode leaves me with a bang. |
| Sola of Team Edge Raid gets her own commercial, too. |
| Bjorn takes pride in his dog, Sola. |
| Team Edge Raid maintains a confusing formation for Team Satomi. |
| Additional Pictures |
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| USA original air date: December 3rd, 2005 |
| Japan original air date: November 9th, 2005 |
| Original Japanese Title: Cat vs Dog |
| Summary After a much needed break from racing, Team Satomi finds out that their next competitor is Team Edge Raid, who also uses a cybernetic pet for racing. The team has been in the IG-1 League for five years, and is not about to let up on Team Satomi. Will the cat prevail over the dog? Or will her bite get the most of Team Satomi? This episode features the first race against Team Edge Raid, and a commercial for Team Edge Raid's dog, Sola. This episode also features the first look at the Revolution Tunnel on the race track. |
| OVERALL SCORE: 8 out of 10 |
| Additional Information |
| Toonami Version Differences -No cuts are made, but on an interesting note, the opening of the dog commercial features additional animation. Instead of just seeing the commercial, we see IGPX City and the original animation placed on the big TV screen. The animation of the city was likely recycled from a different episode. |