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04-28-2020, 11:48 AM | #591 |
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It’s also one the show has spent 45 episodes leading up to. We’ve seen Shinji try to balance his Rider Should Not Harm Rider ethos with an ever more deadly cast of adversaries, and the ticking clock of Yui’s Worst Birthday Ever is the most terrible consequence yet.
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I’m probably not going out on a limb when I speculate that, with four episodes to go in a series defined by the innate humanity of Shinji Kido, we aren’t going to get a conclusion where Shinji hacks his way through Ren and Kitaoka to save Yui’s life. That… I feel like that’d be an unsatisfying ending? I didn’t really love it in that 13 Riders special, after forty-odd minutes of story, and I can’t imagine it’s going to land better after 40-odd episodes of story.
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Other than that, now as Shinji knows the true nature of the war, he gains a new suspicion about Shiro (oh well, he's already suspicious of him anyway, the only one among Riders) but it's clearer to him here. About how Shiro may deceive the Riders that even if any of them win, Shiro would still use the wish granting power for himself to save Yui anyway. Shinji should've tried to tell others that too, someone who isn't Ren, dunno if his suspicion is true or not, as likely an effective way to stop others from fighting as all their bloodshed are potentially futile. Quote:
For the battle part (really wanted to talk about this before the previous episode is a setup but it's actually happening here), again Tiger employs his impractical Final Vent on Zolda, who simply just frees himself by shooting Destwilder (bravo long range!). If Tiger doesn't have Final Vent like that, probably he'll win numerous battles by sneak attacking others with those one-hit-kill Final Vents. But with Final Vent like that, probably Tiger can't win any battles ever, with the victim would just free themselves from the attack. And Tiger's Strike Vent can be used as a shield against Ouja's Heavy Pressure (Metalgelas) Final Vent? This is the first time we see the battle between a Rider and a purely CGI monster (commonly for huge non-humanoid creature, or flying ones, or both), and it seems that Zolda is just powerless against Venosnaker (either that or the CGI effects giving that vibe)...while other Riders have fought and killed Contract Monsters sometimes like Volcancer (yeah the weakest) or Psyco-Rogue. So would that mean Advent AP aside... the strongest (or rather, most untouchable) monsters are those purely CGI ones here? I wonder how Knight would even defeat Dragreder, back then based on this Zolda fight, yet Riders can fight humanoid Contract Monsters fine. The other wild monsters Rider fought and defeated are never those of huge non-humanoid creature and/or flying ones. I would like to see how Riders will defeat those kind of monsters.... Other than that, don't kill me, but this is also another of my favorite Ouja scenes... the bastard deservingly being in anguish after being hurt by his own monster: So after failing this is somehow Toujou's crazy tactic (sacrificing his own car! uhh do you remember it's Toujou's car Asakura stole) to defeat the Riders, by exploding it while the Riders leave Mirror World via the window. And getting rid of other Riders would also truly make him closer to be a hero, as its his wish and it will be granted if you are the last Rider standing. Kitaoka and Toujou really shows their companionship here, neither wants to leave each other and risking their lives for each other. Shows Kitaoka and Goro are less of a master and servant, they're practically equals, each other's trusted friend who is loyal and caring, mostly done by Goro as his caretaker, but now Kitaoka got his chance here too. If Goro lets Megumi and Shimada follow Kitaoka, even better secretively, they would've gotten the answer of Mirror stuff with Kitaoka's henshin for the 3rd way battle. Quote:
I am counting Toujou out, however. As he pats himself on the back for killing between zero and three Riders, he sees a truck bearing down on a father and son. A father and son that remind him of Professor, and Son of Professor. In a moment, he pushes them out of the way, saving them by sacrificing himself.
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And that's the thing, the Mirror World stuff didn't, like, ruin the show for me. It's not like "Character stuff great, Mirror stuff dumb, C+." I spent a bunch of time talking about my disinterest in the Mirror World story because the show was definitely cranking up that lever, clearly ready to spend a bunch of time on Mirror stuff, so I felt like it was time for me to address my feelings. And, you know, I don't like it! I don't think it's a strength, at all. But this show has so many strengths that I don't really give a shit if this part (maybe a major part!) doesn't work for me. It's generally pretty easy for me to ignore the Mirror stuff, from the series as a whole. It is less easy in certain episodes, and 45 was one of them. Even if the series pushes in on Yui and Shiro as What It Was All About (doubtful, but possible), it still wouldn't wreck the experience I had watching it.
Like, I loved watching Gaim, but I'm still colossally angry at how the ending was two men fighting over a woman as a prize, as an object to be bestowed upon the winner. I hate that so much. But Gaim is still a great series! Also regarding the Gaim ending, how do you feel about something in this series here like Ren just fighting simply to save Eri? |
04-28-2020, 11:52 AM | #592 |
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Yeah not trying to spoil anything (especially since you’ve actually overtaken me on the homestretch. I was planning to start it tomorrow). But if I remember some things from the three-part miniseries that aired last year (and I probably don’t remember it that well, since I only watched it once), I don’t think the final choice will be Shinji’s to even make.
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04-28-2020, 12:12 PM | #593 |
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I really wonder what would have happened if Shinji, while in this state, managed to find Asakura, or Toujou if he was still alive.
Even though I know some people, including myself sometimes, aren't too invested in Shinji, but this episode really only works because we've seen him for the last 46 episodes hold so steadily to his code to not take a life, even when that code seemed impossible or pointless. Even though you know he won't actually do it, Shinji actually choosing and getting himself ready to strike Ren down is an intense moment because it's so counter to who he is. The ending might feel like Shinji is just right back to where he started at the beginning of the episode, but I think it very solidly confirms for the last time that killing is not the answer Shinji will turn to no matter how bad things get. No matter what happens from there on, I don't think he would or should have any regrets about that at least. |
04-28-2020, 01:03 PM | #594 |
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So after failing this is somehow Toujou's crazy tactic (sacrificing his own car! uhh do you remember it's Toujou's car Asakura stole) to defeat the Riders, by exploding it while the Riders leave Mirror World via the window. And getting rid of other Riders would also truly make him closer to be a hero, as its his wish and it will be granted if you are the last Rider standing.
To the real point, though, killing the other Riders wouldn't've helped Toujou be a hero. That's the whole point of the episode? Taking those steps, acting out of rage and hatred, trying to become a hero through villainy, it's never going to work. Even having a wish granted by Shiro, it's not real heroism, and it never will be. Heroism is selflessness, and wanting to be a hero is selfish. Quote:
I probably feel like your complaint is that those stuff can just be used as the series' beginning monologue that kickstarts the war right? But I think the reason this stuff is placed near the end (with some foreshadowing before) is that actually, it's not simply only the "ON button" of the series... It's necessary to keep the series going on until now, and as a show of how Shinji actually stops the Rider War.
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Gaim, it's too much to get into here, but the way the female lead becomes literally, in-story, a prize for two men to fight over, it's insane. It's the sort of regrettable plotting that usually exists as subtext in Kamen Rider, and Gaim just did it in capital letters.
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04-28-2020, 01:09 PM | #595 |
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Yeah not trying to spoil anything (especially since you’ve actually overtaken me on the homestretch. I was planning to start it tomorrow). But if I remember some things from the three-part miniseries that aired last year (and I probably don’t remember it that well, since I only watched it once), I don’t think the final choice will be Shinji’s to even make.
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I really wonder what would have happened if Shinji, while in this state, managed to find Asakura, or Toujou if he was still alive.
Even though I know some people, including myself sometimes, aren't too invested in Shinji, but this episode really only works because we've seen him for the last 46 episodes hold so steadily to his code to not take a life, even when that code seemed impossible or pointless. Even though you know he won't actually do it, Shinji actually choosing and getting himself ready to strike Ren down is an intense moment because it's so counter to who he is. The ending might feel like Shinji is just right back to where he started at the beginning of the episode, but I think it very solidly confirms for the last time that killing is not the answer Shinji will turn to no matter how bad things get. No matter what happens from there on, I don't think he would or should have any regrets about that at least. I have a tough time with this show sometimes, where I feel like a huge change has occurred and the show has to evolve, but then things slide back, regress. I want this to be the final word on Shinji's morality, on the limits of what he'll do for a friend. I don't know if it is, and it'd maybe bum me out if it isn't, but I want to think it is. I want this ending to be definitive. Rolling it back... ugh. It'd really cheapen a super-solid episode.
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04-28-2020, 01:22 PM | #596 |
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I want this to be the final word on Shinji's morality, on the limits of what he'll do for a friend. I don't know if it is, and it'd maybe bum me out if it isn't, but I want to think it is. I want this ending to be definitive. Rolling it back... ugh. It'd really cheapen a super-solid episode.
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04-28-2020, 01:25 PM | #597 |
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"Ha ha, this is so fun! And easy! I'm glad I gave it a shot before it was too late!" Shinji adorably trips over the slain body of Ren, he gets embarrassed, Shiro and Yui laugh, roll credits.
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04-28-2020, 03:21 PM | #598 |
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I hate to break it to you, but Shinji's body count by the end? Bigger than Asakura's. It's actually impressive. Some of them weren't even Riders!
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04-28-2020, 04:56 PM | #599 |
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To the real point, though, killing the other Riders wouldn't've helped Toujou be a hero. That's the whole point of the episode? Taking those steps, acting out of rage and hatred, trying to become a hero through villainy, it's never going to work. Even having a wish granted by Shiro, it's not real heroism, and it never will be. Heroism is selflessness, and wanting to be a hero is selfish.
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I see what you're saying. Shinji's story is tough to tell without the constant interference of Shiro. And I don't know if the Mirror World plot would play better to me if it'd just been a title-sequence voiceover, or if they'd made the investigation into Shiro's plans more of a going concern.
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And it’s totally Shinji’s episode. Ren exists on the sidelines, worried about Shinji but unable to convincingly muster an argument against killing. (I’d love to see it, though. It would either be poignant or hilarious, and I’m good with either.) Yui’s around, typically marginalized as others fight and suffer on her behalf, but she serves a crucial role in the end. Everyone else is in little bits and pieces, asking questions that’ll be answered later.
Okubo now becomes the latest to wear the apron and watch over Atori (oh, or others never truly watch over and only him? truly a chief everywhere), fully repaying Yui who took his place when he went away for check-up before. And the only one to be unwelcome at Atori due to Reiko, finally getting the documents but discussing it (Shiro Takami's death.. again, why go back there, you have learned "Shiro Kanzaki" right?) inside Atori where Sanako's there. Quote:
Every time Shinji gets Ren on the ropes, he hesitates. The consequences of his choices overwhelm him, cripple him. So he opts to stop overthinking it, stop torturing himself and worrying his friends, and just go with his gut and murder the other Riders to save Yui. Easy peasy!
Except, y’know, Shinji’s not really a killer deep inside, this is not a snap decision, and he’s coming apart at the seams because of it. His enthusiasm is too forced, his casual way of challenging someone to a death-duel is wildly out of character, and it’s all so uncomfortable to watch. It’s classic Shinji but inverted, broken. Quote:
Even when he wants to fight, the universe pushes back, refusing to give him an outlet or an excuse. Kitaoka won’t fight him, dealing with his own nagging conscience, and tips off Ren and Yui to Shinji’s slow collapse. A quick monster wrap-up later, It’s time for Shinji to see if he can choke down his misgivings and save Yui.
That monster was Destwilder, Tiger's Contract Monster. I mean when Tiger dies his Deck wasn't destroyed right? Yet the monster also went... well, wild. Also again Shinji Rider Kicking the monster (along with Ren). Quote:
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Centering the final string of episodes on this dilemma for Shinji, I think it’s the best move the show could make. The machinations of plot, some dumbass Time Limit from Shiro or whatever, I don’t care that much. But basing your finale in character, grounding it in moral choices, I love it. Super compelling.
Like I said before, Shinji's not someone biased, in contrast to Ren ("So even if it's for Yui, you are against fighting?"). He doesn't give more to someone just because they're closer. So yeah, Shinji just wouldn't kill other Riders, not necessarily Ren as close friend. Last edited by DreadBringer; 04-28-2020 at 05:06 PM.. |
04-28-2020, 06:09 PM | #600 |
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MASKED RIDER RYUKI EPISODE 48
It only took them forty-eight goddamn episodes, but I'm sincerely overjoyed that this show is actually spending some time on the plot point that, hey, maybe Yui should get a vote in what happens to Yui? I've mentioned it a few times, but Heroic Men Make The Decisions To Keep Women Safe is... it's not my favorite look on Kamen Rider. I don't find any dramatic value in stories about dudes unilaterally declaring what needs to be done to protect women, and I certainly don't find it to be a heroic attribute. Maybe it's a cultural thing, maybe it's just a type of storytelling that was still the expectation of audiences in that time, but it's rough watching some of the Mirror World stuff in 2020. Like, the show seems to get it, here in the end, that it's not just Shiro who's being an asshole to Yui. And, yeah, he's a colossal prick here, probably at his most villainous. Even when Yui's like I Would Rather Die Than Be Saved This Way, Shiro feints towards reconciling before going Ha Ha PSYCH I Need You To Live No Matter What I'm Sending You To Your Room Happy Early Birthday. There's no ambiguity to what he's doing. It's wrong, and it's so wrong that it actually starts to change the minds of Shinji and Ren. Well, Shinji faster than Ren, since Shinji's already realized that he can't save Yui through fighting. He's able to take his lesson from last week, that seeing her friends fight because of her is destroying her faster than her Mirror Malady, and use that to try and find another way to help her. Ren sees her pain, but he's gone so far on saving Eri at the cost of his soul that he can't really consider Shinji's view that maybe, just maybe, Yui should get to decide what's a reasonable cost for her life. (To be fair, Ren's argument introduces the idea that a life contains possibilities, while a death doesn't. It's a way of suggesting that Yui could get over the enormous guilt of all her friends killing each other to keep her alive, which, I can certainly see Ren thinking that.) Shinji rides off to confront Shiro, to try and free Yui, while Ren grumpily commits himself to winning the Rider Battle. It seems like, despite some new ideas, we're back to the standard Shinji/Ren debate. But there's a great swerve in this one, and it's because of a Kitaoka/Ren scene. I really enjoy these, and they're a rare delight in this series. There's something so simpatico about Kitaoka and Ren, the way they seem too cool for feelings but you know they're just hiding them. That their motives in the Rider Battle may be selfish, but they're growing as people, and it's largely thanks to the example of Shinji. Kitaoka asks after Shinji, leading to a quick crack that he got over his crisis so fast because he's an idiot, and just as Ren's about to defend Shinji as an idiot but a great person, Kitaoka cuts him off. Kitaoka already knows it. And, he agrees with it. The fact that Ren and Kitaoka, terrible men, have become slightly less terrible over the last year, it's because Shinji offered them another way to live. To value people, to value caring about people, to fight for noble causes and offer hope. They may not always feel like following that example, but they're starting to be aware of it as a path. And I like that scene as nice bit of writing and acting, but I love it for how it changes Ren's mind, gets him to fight Shiro alongside Shinji. It's not that Ren doesn't think Yui should live, or that he's sworn off fighting in the Rider Battle. It's just, if Shinji believes in it, and Shinji's the best of them, maybe what Shinji fights for is worth Ren fighting for, too. I'm really into that version of Shinji's heroism, that awful people can start to gauge their decisions by how Shinji behaves. That what Ren discounts as indecisiveness, as an inability to commit to a goal, is Shinji's boundless empathy and hope, his need to never stop trying to help everyone, all the time. It's Ren viewing Shinji's flaws and seeing their benefit, and I really like that that's how the episode brings them back into partnership. I still don't love how it took this long for Yui to assert some level of autonomy for her life. I get that we're supposed to find Shiro's goal selfish, his methods abhorrent (shit, I hope we're supposed to), but it's still a story where Yui's a pawn to such a degree that even the heroes need to have their eyes opened. It's not, y'know... it's just a frustrating construction to the story, for me. It's nice for our heroes to figure it out in the end, and I'm into the idea of Yui getting to feel integral to the conclusion of the series on an actual character level, but I wish they didn't have to take so long to figure it out.
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