I don't think Baku does see it as the absolute best outcome though, atleast not in an emotional sense. In terms of dealing with the immediate threat to the world, yes, but in terms of his own self image and beliefs, absolutely not. The scene where Nem points out that Baku is crying despite what he says essentially confirms it.

I'm almost certain it was a substitution. Most spy stories have a moment where someone fakes their own death.

My bet is on a conspiracy of this three. Five tried too hard to portray themselves as maximally loyal to the CODE. That is, calling themselves a watchdog... Maybe it's a cultural context, but he could have chosen a more pleasant comparison.

I think Zeztz's next (final?) form will be able to create as well as destroy (hello, Geats Nine). And Baku himself will eventually become something between himself and Seven. Something like Reiji from brother's show.

I think that was kind of conveyed when Fujimi yelled at Baku over why he didn't help 5 and 6 and he told them about the plan to kill Odaka, which shut Fujimi up.

Which Fujimi and Nasuka don't even need to do anymore, since Minami knows their office is in Baku's closet.

A force of destruction acting against his true nature.... Yep, that's a Kamen Rider.

Congrats!

Take care you don't jinx it, we need Takahashi to stick the landing for once!

I agree with your takes as well. Like, I can totally understand how it might be a controversial decision for some. Baku Nightmares himself and then the next scene with Visions is all like, "Hey guys, Seven's here in the real world, look how awesome he is!" And if you don't buy in to the feeling of power that Seven represents, then that tonal jump won't work. Even in the OP, the lyrics start with Baku waking up, like it's his alarm clock, motivating him to truly live in the zone, harmonize and dare to be the GOAT. Now his heart's trapped in the dark and whether that's good or bad luck is up in the air. It's way too appropriate to not play for this scene!

Catastrom is the combination of the 4 disciplines of dream manipulation, existing in a chaotic state, a reflection of the user's mind. So maybe Orderm will be unlocked when Zeztz brings all those parts of his existence in to harmony. Order and chaos are basically just the same things in different arrangements after all.

The Seven we all know and love from the dreams is kind of like that already. A competent professional agent who doesn't ask too many unnecessary questions, but will still follow his, Baku's, morals. The Seven in the real world is like "CODE's Seven", removed from the heroic ideal Seven that Baku believes in.

That part of Baku that mourns for his enemy has been sealed. Specifically, everything after the bad dream is from Seven's perspective.

Fujimi didn't get mad at Baku for killing Nox either, so it seems like he's accepted that Nox had brought the tragedy upon himself by killing CODE agents. It's a rational conclusion that Baku would've been next, so he acted in self-defence.

Yes, the parallels between Toei's two ongoing shows are very interesting and amusing. Baku dreams of being who Reiji is, while Reiji pretends to be who Baku is. Or, rather, who he was until recently.

I generally enjoyed this episode, and I'm mad at myself for not calling out Nem possibly being the Lady's daughter. And it makes sense, because how does Nem jump between so many people's dreams? I was definitely getting Eleven (Stranger Things) from this interaction.

Speaking of Stranger Things, a secret organization taking on supernatural threats is not too surprising. But finding out it's not just Nightmares, but other supernatural and alien threats as well was.

I'm still leaning towards this myself.

Yes, it seems Baku, his fights, and the whole war with the Nightmares are only a small (albeit very important) part of CODE's activities. Let's see what secrets unfold next.

Absolutely loving this Q2 finale arc, but it does make me a little nervous on if the show can keep this momentum up for another full half a series. This feels like the sort of plot I'd expect onthe late 30s or early 40s, and i do hope Takahashi can top it

That thought popped into my head recently. But I hope it can keep it up!

Another thing I was thinking about is the potential for another agent to pop up, but one that is a successor to Baku. A lot has happened, especially in the last few episodes, and the next episode hints at Number 3 possibly decommissioning Baku.