Drive Episode 18-19: Learning about Gen was really interesting. I felt there were a couple past Kamen Rider references in these episodes with the Button being a slight nod to Nago from Kiva and as I know the name Tachibana has been used commonly in Kamen Rider just hearing him be called Tachibana-San reminded me a lot of when Blade would speak to Garren lol. I really liked Gou in these episodes with how he was focused on destroying the Roidmude he was still just being a hero with saving the guy who ended up being the Judge and also jumping in front of the blast to block it from hitting Shinnosuke. I also like how both Shinnosuke and Gou learned how to use Dead Heat, and Mach is kick ass in Dead Heat I like it a lot more on him. I also loved how him and Shinnosuke both stopped Gen and Tachibana at the end out too. Chaser stealing Mach's bike was interesting and I love how Mach didn't bring his bike next time. Yeah them being able to share bikes is definitely a detriment for the time being but it's also something very interesting to the series too.

The original Kamen Rider is really a different beast. It still does alot of things very differently that later shows do better. They were still figuring out how to do shows like that on a weekly schedule. Its certainly interesting to watch to see where it all started.

Just started watching Gaim last month but I am VERY slow finishing series.

Watched a few more episodes of V3 and I am REALLY digging this show. The characters are great and the stories a lot more engaging than the usual Showa era stuff. Seeing V3 getting his ass kicked in episode 3 and getting used to his powers was a pleasant surprise. If it keeps this up it could very easily become one of my all time favourites.

You're in luck, then, because V3 is one of the most consistent Showa era series. The main hero cast remains the same throughout the entire run with the only real change being Joji showing up near the end. The overall quality remains solid throughout, too. The only real low point for me was the Archbishop Wing era, where they reused some plots from the original series. That only lasted for about six episodes, though, and Riderman came on board not long after. I may be biased, though, because Wing replaced Baron Fang, who is one of my favorite Showa generals.

I wonder how V3 compares to Black. I liked Black but I felt like it dragged on in certain places.

I found Black to be a bit overrated. I'm only 5 episodes into V3 but I can safely say I'm enjoying it A LOT more so far.

Where are you watching it?

So with Kento Handa coming back again for this year's spring Rider movie and the DVD special, I kinda want to go back and watch some Faiz again.

Please talk me out of it.

Though, the last minutes of the Sarracenian rip-off episode almost made it worth it.

V3 is definitely one of my favourites. Surprisingly nuanced look at the nature of revenge too, how blind stubbornness and exclusive focus on personal grievance does not help ultimately.

I'm watching Blade at the moment, and I'm really enjoying it. They definitely don't make Riders like this anymore.