So basically an interesting episode plays out in the background while we instead focus on a criminally unfunny goofball comedy starring the worlds worst detective and the worlds most obnoxious and useless side character.

This has to be like the worst episode I could have caught up to a series on.

Those were my thoughts.
The Haruto and Wiseman thing could have filled the entire episode, easy.

Hey Rinko, just get yourself fired. I know finding a new job will be hard but at least you won't have to pretend you're a remotely competent detective any more.

Very meh episode, although the brief Haruto/Wiseman exchange was fun. Looks like when they properly cross blades Wizard is going to get owned.

And considering what a crucial moment for the series this marked, it was down played to such ridiculous extremes you might blink and miss it.

The handling of the villains in this series has been meh in general honestly. Gremlin turned out to be a far more interesting character than Phoenix which only makes it seem even worse that they awkwardly killed off one of the Generals half way through the series for another one to come out of nowhere.

But even then both Medusa and Gremlin have yet to really impress in their Phantom forms with neither having a particularly memorable unique power or fighting style, unless crappy CGI hair and scissor swords does it for you. Honestly that has been true of every Phantom for me, with their human form, personality and gimmick being far more interesting than anything offered on the Phantom side.

I just hope that when Wiseman actually becomes relevant to the show he is the main villain in, he actually gets to do something memorable in his Phantom form.

I really found the most interesting part of the episode that Wiseman transformed into his Phantom form before confronting Haruto.

Anyway, none of the villains have been doing it for me, with Phoenix being the only design to wow me.
I'll agree that their human sides tend to be the more interesting point of the Phantoms.

I just hope Wiseman and the White Wizard don't try to pull some last minute twist.

A lot of slapstick comedy between Rinko and Shunpei. I like Rinko a lot (despite her imcompetence as detective) and I think it's a bit refreshing to see episode focus on her for once. I rate it excellent because I got a kick out of seeing Rinko and Shunpei fighting with each other. It's also nice to see Wiseman dispatching Haruto so easily, even when he's in the Infinity form. The villains in this show are definitely not a pushover like Kyoryugers.

I really wished I hadn't guessed the twist with the Phantom, it's an interesting idea but turning it into a twist that's so easily figured out ruined it for me.

Not just that right but they actually ruined the twist. The concept that animals could become Phantoms raised really interesting possibilities, especially when you think of villains like Caitsith.

But nope, they just have the power to turn into a very specific bird. I mean they could turn into a cool predator bird or something but nope...just this bird, here.

Wow.

But the problem arises when you simply ask "Why is Shunpei intentionally sabotaging Rinko?"
I know he wants to her to accept his apology, but what is going through his mind when "There's the arsonist! Let's push and trip the detective, who's job rides catching him, just so the same detective will accept my apology for putting her in this mess to begin with!"

Anyway, I'm still disappointed that the gate wasn't the arsonist.

Reason #37423647236736637462742786 why Shunpei is an awful character.