This is a good headcanon.

If Mei was in my Saber/Symphogear crossover, I'd probably have this as an eventual part of it tbh. It has the potential to be a very fun dynamic to work with.

It works great for me because, in a lot of ways, they're the most self-aware and emotionally healthy members of the cast. They're both sure of themselves, and happy with their choices, and willing to argue for their happiness. More than that, though, they want to help the people close to them find the same self-confidence and self-acceptance that they have. It's good that they have each other to lean on!

I initially didn’t recall much of this episode, until last night when I remembered Mei trying to change Bacht’s mind through social media. Why would you do that? As someone on Facebook put it.

Bacht: You’re right, Yuri. Humans have changed. They’ve somehow become worse.

Next time, I’ve got a lengthy post lined up.

I agree, a rather sparse episode of events, from which the attempt to introduce Falchion to social networks is most memorable. I think the show decided to slow down and more clearly define the current status quo of all the characters. As for Kento, only someone who has gone through the same thing can convince him, not Touma. But it's too early to give up on him, the guy still reached out to Ikazuchi.
The end of the fanfiction is very funny.

Fish Sandwich also watched Kamen Rider Saber Episode 37

The thing I'm probably always going to remember most from this episode is Touma telling Kento not to just selfishly decide how the story ends, and before I can even finish thinking "That's rich coming from you, Touma!", he's already spouting off the catchphrase as he interrupts Kento's big chance to finally make good on the whole matrydom complex. For good and for ill, it's a very definitively Touma moment.

I can sort of broadly see how Die might be tired of Kento's brooding and Touma's utter inability to stop attempting to convince him with big heroic plaititudes he knows aren't going to work, but for me, this episode was still thoroughly engaging, in a lot of different ways. I don't think I was as exhausted by the Touma/Kento stuff, in part because I just like how relentlessly honest it is for their respective personalities, like I just said above, and also in part because I wasn't worried about how much longer the show would try to pump this well.

The way I see it, this episode basically *is* Kento hitting rock bottom? It's the one where he finally makes his grand attempt to heroically get himself killed, and gets *this* close to going through with it, only to have that opportunity denied in the end. It's like, what's next for the guy now, you know? I was asking that question with more eager optimism than Die maybe is, but you know, when it comes to these things, I can be a bit of a Touma myself sometimes!

Beyond that, there's also a million smaller things that made this episode super enjoyable for me. Mei and Bacht are great together, because of course. Finally seeing Rintarou and Kento together again for some one-on-one time was great. And Touma's fight with Ren is probably the standout of the entire thing for me. There's a bunch of things about the approach the show takes there that are just so totally Saber. This is only one part of it, but I adore how, in this episode about Touma utterly refusing to let Kento have his way, he still speaks of Kento's motivations to Ren with this sort of reverence. Because again, these characters are never enemies. Touma knows Kento is doing what he's doing because he'd give anything to save a friend, and Touma has to stop Kento because Touma would do the same thing in that position, exactly like he says here. These two are very much the proverbial immovable object and unstoppable force. Like, I don't know, I guess it was starting to get repetitive watching quiet brooding versus HEROIC SHOUTING by this point, but I feel like this episode still gave me plenty new to think about on that front anyway. Enough that I accidentally looped right back around to talking about that, at least!

I guess the one last thing I really want to make sure I mention from this one is that quick flashback of Kento talking to Ren about how he cares about being strong enough to protect what matters to him, but not about being the strongest. It's just kind of a great sentiment, for one thing, and it's something fun for our favorite hotheaded ninja to ponder in his arc, but it's also a super poignant reminder of how much of a good kid Kento is at heart. He's been sulking around in that potato sack for long enough by now that the stark contrast with a point in his life where he was holding together okay is extra strong. It's like, I just wanna see the poor dude looking that happy again that much more, after seeing that.

I recall the last time a mother substitute showed up was Shizuka from Kiva, who was a very different character. Sophia's a lot more involved with the Swordsmen and it's cool how she's always been more of a parent to those guys before a boss. The only reason why she got imprisoned for a dozen episodes was that she was too reckless in trying to help them and she even risked her life to protect them during the Northern Base siege.

For sure, I love the whole scene with Mei, Yuri and Bacht. Like what Mesnick said before about the 1000 year-old guys lacking a Rintarou on their team, well they didn't have a Mei either and it's cool how Yuri sees how invaluable Mei is to the heart of the current team, despite not having any powers. Yuri really wants to see if there's any hope left for Bacht after he rejected Touma's offer, so Mei is totally the last resort for redeeming him. If Bacht doesn't see the importance of humanity in a person as warm and caring as Mei, then at least they can say they tried their best. It's a cute scene anyway!

Touma does like Ren, he's one of his important friends that helped him to master the power of Arthur. It's just difficult to win an argument against him unless you can manage to fit "strength", "justice", or "fight" in every sentence. Touma's wise enough to realize that Ren isn't as receptive to preaching as the others, so there's no choice but to let him reach his own conclusion.

Kento isn't a lost cause. Touma can clearly see his hesitation and his lack of resolution. Kento's willing to sacrifice himself as he thinks it's the only way to save both Touma and the world. He wants to believe in Touma, but he's scared of the future that will lead to, the future he can't see. The scene where he thrusts Kurayami in the ground was from the flashforward we saw in Episode 26, so this was his big chance to sacrifice himself and now Touma's cut that path off, literally. Kento only has two options left, it's Touma's way, or wait for the end of the world. Only one of those has any kind of hope.

Want to check out my new thread?

I'd say that Mei was actually annoyed by Yuri for legitimate reasons, as his lack of humanity knowledge in present time can make him tactless or do outright questionable decisions. But now lately she seems to be happy to be needed by him here compared to before, focusing more on her being seen as important by the SoL other than just the basekeeper? Otherwise, it's a good scene for Mei to make use of mundane human stuff to try dealing with a supervillain (though for some reason, Bacht didn't try to attack those 2 there), though it'd be something that easily backfire to use social media, as actually it's deemed as something that exposes humanity's true nature, making Bacht even more hateful of humanity (though here Instagram is the one represented, if it's Twitter...).

Guess I'll take back my previous words about the Shindai siblings for now. They aren't on redemption path yet, they were just fighting the other traitors, in Isaac before. Only that Isaac is actually a deserving target unlike the main cast. It was only a temporary teamup between enemies against common threat previously. Thus it clearly explains why Ryoga is still standoffish to them, as regardless of Isaac he still sees them as traitors. Touma's terrible pitches here is slightly fought back by Rintaro who insists that the Shindai siblings may have their own reasons and beliefs to continue on their path, instead of how others should follow Touma's path of forming power of friendship.

About Ren though, actually it's not often that someone beat some sense on him, thus I'd like Touma explaining something to him better, as actually yes, the more important thing in justice is compassion for others, power is only the means for an end or just something that allows you to stand up against threats instead of quickly getting killed. Having only power would corrupt, even in Ren who is an SoL member and is someone who doesn't care about civilians' fate and only about proving his strength by beating others, enemies or allies. Though ofc, Touma should only give him some clues here but not keep doing it later on.

Sophia has said in earlier part of the series that recklessness is not bravery. I'd say that what Sophia says here is something important to note that being a hero (or at least, die heroically in a redemption for Kento here as he has been an anti-villain so far) isn't necessarily about sacrificing yourself and that it's ok for them to take care of themselves. As some people (irl) would think only sacrifices would count as one, or even thinking that taking care of others means you can't ever take care of yourself. I think that regardless of failure to sway Kento, Rintaro would want to protect him thus he'd join him in the fight to ensure his safety from his self-destructive ways, even if Kento would still be hostile.

Now I wonder how you'd feel regarding the next series, regarding this, if you'd want the part of that people who don't want to be helped can't be helped (which is true as trying to force it upon them will only make them push back), and that this is the bad consequences of trying to do good, becoming overly nosy, to think that what you do is for what you think is the best outcome for them. Personally I wouldn't mind for this stuff to be told to children, as I'd think presenting this stuff in purely rose-colored glasses way of this always succeeding can make them eventually being disillusioned of good when it doesn't go the way they hoped/expected from this show. And that it should be known that not taking action doesn't mean that they're apathetic or doesn't care about those people.

Perhaps it also can be that Mei's attempt is also half-hearted and isn't unnoticed where Mei finds Bacht scary (she can be shallow at least earlier, but this one's for good reason) and would be not anywhere near him and she stays as far as possible from him when trying to convince him. And that she only agrees to convince him due to Yuri's orders (albeit she did a fine job in that). About her role as the heart, not only Mei, need the defense for that in general as that role is often dismissed by the audience as useless or insignificant.

Mei's an optimist! She'd definitely rather think of social media as a way to connect with people than view it as a source of pain. Or maybe she's just lying to Falchion to get him to join the team and defeat Solomon? You pick!

Thanks!

Ha ha, SAME! I sort of couldn't believe the show had the guts to try and block Kento's single-minded determination and inability to consider concede with Touma's somehow different and more heroic single-minded determination and inability to concede. It's a bold choice!

As funny as it was, it worked for me because it's Touma basically shouting that he'd do the exact same thing as Kento, and he's not judging him for that, but they both need to find a better alternative than sacrificing their lives for their friends. It's a little hypocritical, the way Touma's saying it, but I feel like it's more about these two knuckleheads having the exact same instincts when it comes to saving their friends, and that's why they can't find a middle ground in this scenario.

Well - and I like Mei a whole lot - she's also one of the only non-swordsmen that Yuri knows. If he's trotting out a representative of humanity to convince Falchion that people have changed, it's basically Mei or Sora. I think Mei's the better choice, for sure, but it's not like the roster was very large.

If I find time soon, sure! (And if it's a non-Saber thing, you can always PM instead of putting it in the thread here. I might get backed up and not get to it right away, but I'll always get around to it. Thanks!)

Yeah, I think it's more that Isaac has moved to the top of their List Of Asses To Kick, and Touma's crew has just moved a little further down.

The message has been sent.

I think it's fair that Mei was a little skittish around Bacht at first, but the more she spoke, the more she got in to it. When she and Yuri showed off their pins, they got pretty close to him. Mei likes to feel useful, which Yuri tactfully uses to persuade her to help, but she sometimes underestimates what she can do compared to the Swordsmen. I think Yuri observed how brave and resourceful she could be when thrown in a sudden scenario and was right to place his faith in her, regardless of the outcome.

Even the heart can feel eclipsed by the heroes that shine so radiantly in battle, but it's important for people to remember that those heroes can only shine like that thanks to the constant support that heart gives them. It's an invisible superpower, which is why Ren who only seeks strength for its own sake fails to comprehend why he lost to a less experienced fighter like Touma. The reason why Elemental Dragon exists is that Touma finds strength beyond raw power in the heart he gives to others and the heart he receives from people like Mei.

If Yuri had picked Sora for the job of convincing his genocidal best friend not to commit genocide, I doubt Ogami would've been too thrilled about that. Although, Bacht did have a child of his own once, so maybe it would've had an effect on him. But yeah, Mei has experience being in dangerous situations and being an adult is a more credible representation of humanity in general.

KAMEN RIDER SABER EPISODE 38 - “RULING OVER ALL SACRED SWORDS, THE SWORD OF COSMOS”

https://kamenriderdie.com/images/kr/saber/saber38a.png

Solid episode!

I don’t know that I loved this one. I did enjoy it, mostly without complaint. It’s awesome to see every Rider show up for a big battle against Solomon. I liked the finale, even if it leans heavier on Touma’s speechifiying than I really dig. (I… boy, I don’t love his speeches in this series? Too many of them to my ears are just the heroic Rider equivalent of NUH UH, where he’s insistent the universe will honor his effort, and faith will always be more powerful than whatever crisis is transpiring. It’s thematic, but it’s not a theme that’s ever gonna super resonate with me. Also, so much shouting!) Xross Saber – a form that autocorrect is going to fight me on every time, so I’m glad it’s only debuting now – is very pretty, and a testament to Touma’s thesis that only a united humanity can push back darkness and create a better future.

My favorite part, weirdly, was the stuff with Kento and his dad, Kaido. (I’m not double-checking to see if I’m right about that name.) Kento’s a dude who has always been looking for permission to feel even a modicum of joy, but he wouldn’t trust anyone who gave him that permission. If you thought he should lay down his burden, it just meant that you didn’t understand the depths of his guilt/pain/shame/etc, and weren’t to be regarded as trustworthy. There was only one person who could let Kento stop being a ghost of himself, and it was a literal ghost.

That would be his dad, Kaido. (Not a literal Ghost, mind you; that’s Takeru, and I believe we’ll be catching up with him tomorrow.) Luckily, Kaido was only just now able to gather enough of his ethereal Wonder World energy to intervene in his son’s slow-motion suicide, a plot development that practically begs you not to ask WHY ALL OF A SUDDEN INSTEAD OF ANYTIME OVER THE LAST FIFTEEN YEARS AS KENTO’S LIFE WAS SPIRALING INTO DESPAIR, so we will honor those wishes and refrain. It’s a touching scene, because Kaido’s actor is one of the best to ever do it. There’s this captivating mix of stern authority, playful banter, and bottomless regret that makes all of the structural nonsense of the plot fade away, leaving only a scene of a father begging a son to stop trying to atone for someone else’s past and just go be happy already.

It almost shouldn’t work, after how many times Kento’s pushed back on similar requests from literally everyone he’s ever fought alongside, but Kaido sells the ridiculousness of Kento’s obstinance, and cuts through it like a sword. Kento’s always wanted to be the stalwart friend, but he kept thinking of what his dad did, or how his dad suffered, or what his dad was hoping to do; he never let himself do what he wanted, even if he always knew what that was. It’s a single scene of his dad saying Just Go Be Yourself, and you can see how quickly Kento’s weight evaporates. It’d feel cheap, if it didn’t feel so true.

That’s the part that landed for me, not all of the pyrotechnics at the conclusion, or Isaac’s non-series-finale mandated escape. (He gets blasted off like Team Rocket or something? Not the smoothest plotting!) It’s an episode that – Kento’s memorable Bring Your Ghost Dad To Work Day outing aside – delivered the beats I was expecting, in about the configuration I assumed. I don’t know that Touma’s big speech was anything too special to me, because at this point, I find most of Touma’s big speeches to be not super exciting. (Elemental Dragon, yes, for sure.) But the smart character work with Kento, and the warmth of the rest of the cast? That carries this show pretty goddamn far.

—

LOVE STEALS US FROM LONELINESS

https://kamenriderdie.com/images/kr/saber/saber38b.png

Despite everything, it was nice to come back to this roof.

It was all right where Kento had left it, which was a surprise. The stage, the wagon; even the inflatable globe was still rolling around the fenced-off platform. It had been difficult to think, these last few weeks, and it was a relief to go back to the place where he always found clarity.

Which wasn’t to say he often (or ever) found happiness here. Just clarity. As he looked to the glowing book in the sky – its pages disintegrating the city below, he considered a future that was becoming less certain by the minute.

It was Touma that his thoughts turned back to, like always. He was doing all of this for Touma, after all. The sealing of the Sacred Swords. Being an outcast from the people he loved. Even trying to eliminate Solomon at the cost of his own life; all for Touma. Either one of them could save the world, but only Kento could save Touma.

Touma wouldn’t allow that, though. Kento should’ve known better. Ever since Touma became a swordsman, became Saber, Kento was reminded anew of how alike they’d always been when it came to protecting their friends. Kento was trying to save Touma, but Touma would never stop fighting to save Kento. It was ridiculous. It was aggravating. It was the kindest gesture.

Kento found it hard to stay mad at Touma, even if Touma was making everything so much more dangerous. Touma just couldn’t accept the truth of the situation, couldn’t accept the certainty of the future. It always came back to Touma’s belief that a better solution could be found, or that the impossible could be made real if only enough people could see it.

Kento was even starting to see it.

There’d been too many unexpected victories lately for Kento to deny. One might’ve been a fluke, or merely irrelevant. This many Touma victories, though… it was starting to feel like a pattern. It was starting to feel more like fate than the thousands of futures that Kento had experienced. He wasn’t sure which to believe anymore: a defined future, or a desperate hope? He needed there to be some sign out there that could give him the clarity he expected from a trip to this roof. He needed something to believe in.

He heard Touma approaching behind him.

Well. That might do.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Fukamiya Family Reunion for as short as it was. Definitely a highlight in the episode if I'm being honest. I was really wondering if this was going to land for you or not given your apprehension towards Kento last episode.

That being said, Xross Saber. Our first Final Form since Wizard to give us a Final Form exclusive weapon (thank you Saber's toyline for basically forcing that upon us) and it being rather simple all things considered. I do like that though, given of course the sword's only going to do an aesthetic change and not a full change if it's only using Brave Dragon.

Xross is pretty cool in that it basically takes what people said was the secondary gimmick (The Seiken) and makes it the "all in one form" technically. I like the idea that he can just call upon other swords and do cool combos with them now. But I also just really love how the suit looks? They basically had to hand-paint the entirety of the suit so if that doesn't scream dedication then I don't know what does. Also hey, we've got an insert song sung by Touma, Rintaro, and Kento's actors! Always a great time!

Anyway while Bahato is toast, don't think we're done with Falchion yet... especially given that final shot of the episode.

The short story was nice, always a fun time to revisit the brooding roof and also a nice summation of Kento's potential thoughts before Touma shows up.

Next we've got... a video. Turns out someone managed to put this up on Youtube too.


Desast Walk #16:

"Hello, humans.

“I'm Dessert.

You know how there's always a shadow behind the sun?

If the light is too strong, then the shadows turn completely black.

It's like hell."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B10k40LyO3M

What, you thought I was done?

Because if I'm reading the schedule right... we're not moving to Episode 39 yet... thus... it is time for a TTFC Teaser Tweet courtesy of Desast.



Desast Walk #12:

"Hello, humans.

I'm Dessert.

In spring, many flowers bloom, don't they?

They all bloom by burning their limited lives.

Maybe that's why they're so beautiful.

Hey.

Something's supposed to bloom tomorrow."

http://www.tokunation.com/forums/att...1&d=1677382505

The suit is GREAT. The sword... it's very toyetic, which only appeals to me if I like the toy. I don't, so I'm going to focus all of my affection on what's basically Cosmic Brave Dragon. It's such a fun way of illustrating not just his godlike power, but how he creates universes as a writer. And, as Mei, pointed out, it's glittery and gorgeous!

So I haven't been commenting much because a lot of these episodes blur together in my memory. I will say that I was never a huge fan of Xross Saber because, I mean it's just Saber's base form painted blue with some glitter mixed in, isn't it? It's a very nice and sparkly blue, but it always felt to me like something that was thrown together on the cheap - especially compared to the Dragon suits (Primitive, Elemental, Emotional, -ic Knight). I tend to dislike it when final form suits get too busy, but this one swung too far in the opposite direction for me.

This was another of the 4th saber writer, Hiroki Uchida's episodes! Which was always really funny to me, that the last writer to join the team was given Both of the final form power up episodes. I think both are good, but they both do kinda give me the feeling that they are considering things from an angle that wasn't quite what anyone before shared.

Ghost x Saber time! Honestly, as someone who hasn't seen Ghost myself, I found a lot I enjoyed about those specials... it's great they were able to leverage a returning writer in this way too. And also...?

also my favorite wolfbugskull guy got himself a new sword <3 love to see it

Alright, I promised you big, and I mean big.

We get our final form item, the Xross Saber. And unlike previous final forms, which lock the Rider out of using a form changing gimmick (the only ones that don’t that I can think of are Deadheat Mach, Deep Specter and probably Brave Legacy Gamer). The first suit we see, Xross Saber is a homage to the original final form Stronger Charge Up (which considering that was a few blobs of silver, whereas this has an entire constellation image painted by hand because computers are incapable of creating this detailed an image), I think there’s a clear winner here)

But enough gushing, here’s the toy video, which is once more made personally.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=KinT_KvbiS8

Supreme King Sword, Xross Saber! The Genesis Cross! The shining stars lend a miracle as aid! Noble power, flames of bravery! Xross Saber, Xross Saber, Xross Saber! Link the 10 Swords!

Wonder! Xross! Wonder! Multiply! The escalating two books’ super power! Hy-! Hy-! Hy-! Hy-! Hybrid Saber! Saber! Suggested Reading!

Crimson Saber! Emerging from the edge of space! Expand upon the cosmos! Revive the world once more! Light, truth, love, hope, and long-gone space-time! Rock on! Xross Saber 3! Luxury Volume 3!

Dra! Dragon! Lion! Senki! Ah! Alangina! Bonds will guide the way to the promise of victory. Collaborative work! Featuring Saber! Three volume special edition!

3 things to note:

1. The official books for Hybrid Saber are Brave Dragon and King of Arthur, but I didn’t have that at the time.

2. The reason certain parts are bolded is because they’re the shortened versions that you can switch to by holding down the trigger as you turn it on (which you can see an example of below).

3. There’s another jingle, but I’m waiting ‘til next time to show that off.

And now, for some relevant miscellany.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=WY406uX_pas

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...8/IMG_0961.PNG

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...2/IMG_1185.JPG

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...8/IMG_0838.JPG

I mean, Touma is generally one of the most disliked/hated main protagonists (not here but in general fanbase). Yeah this'd be one of the reasons to hate him, like his speeches. Or that he's the one who embodies the "generic" complaint of goody two shoes the most like his vows to protect everyone, or keep holding on hope, or his friendship speeches (yeah, this episode is power of friendship kind. one of the most mocked concept in media for good reason, also in this episode with Touma harming Bacht untransformed with his Rekka). I'd think that for this episode, it seems often that series won't differentiate between people who are just dour (I'm not into Mei telling people to just smile either, but there are acceptable ones like Luna telling she'd see Touma again), or people who use their sadness as an excuse to do bad things. Bacht is the latter, but this part frames him like the former. It'd probably be better if Touma's speeches is about Bacht venting his sadness in a less destructive way, especially to others.

Though I'd say that, Xross Saber is one of the better final form debuts, fighting wise, and so far would be my favorite for Reiwa's. Albeit yeah, that performance is set out for disappointment IMO, even though the series established that honing your swordsman skill is important, as usually they'd only show off the Rider's actual powersets in their debut, but going with good-ol-fashioned way in their subsequent appearences (even in final fights...), such as Ex-Aid's Brave Level 50 debut. As shown here, Solomon using Arthur's sword is simply his choice, as he reveals more of what he can do with his power such as summoning robots which gets overwhelmed by Xross Saber.

So what it takes to finally get Kento to snap out from his fatalism is his own dad, of which at first Kento brushes off his apology. I guess as Kento tries to carry Hayato's will, while also 'correcting' his ways, though Kento still doesn't accomplish that in his extreme ways too, thus what's needed is her father's opinion and advice on this. It's a relief that Hayato manages to be saved and appear to snap Kento out, but that'd mean it's a nigh-unsolvable solution otherwise if anyone else can't get through him, even the beloved childhood friend. Or that perhaps they still can, if they remember that Kento tries to carry Hayato's will, and have the others learn about Hayato more especially from his former comrades Ogami and Daishinji, making Daichi's will progress for a bit longer. About Hayato mentioning his height, people may not notice this (while people notice the shorter Ace from Geats...), but Kento's one of the tallest Kamen Riders, standing at 188 cm like Touma.

Kenzan joins the fight, with others as usual assuming he'd help them, but obviously Kenzan only joins them to prove his strength. That way I'd think the cast perhaps should acknowledge Ren's might makes right philosophy better, while not banishing him due to that view, but there can be better way to convince him to help them, like making a point that conflicts with his view such as not beating someone strong yet in a common enemy, which can lead into him fighting them and unwittingly helping them. Albeit Kenzan still has limits in how he recognizes that Solomon's strength doesn't represent justice. The Shindai siblings acknowledge their duty to protect the world as swordsmen, which either had them on midway for redemption path here or just also their limits which is revealed now after focusing on blindly following SoL's orders.

I thought that the heart role is eclipsed particularly because there are Riders in the group who can fight as well as acting as the heart of the group, such as many of the main Riders, due to their want to take care of others' emotional needs too, making the heart in normal people just an unnecessary "discount"/"bootleg" of that. But I guess the heart means more about uplifting the team's spirits high, and Mei's the one who is incurable optimist, more than Touma too, as said in ep. 31 and the flashback of dour Touma meeting her. I'd think that Touma simply beat Ren because of his upgrades outclassing base Kenzan, like Blades beating Sabela in his upgrade, though how Elemental Dragon existed is from the heart. It can be dismissed as just the plot favoring the MC by some people too though (including them always getting all the upgrades, for KR), especially with how Touma can fail to convince others with his speeches.

As I said, Kento can only be convinced by someone who has experienced the same thing as him. The most interesting thing is that if my memory serves me right, the appearance of Fukamiya Sr. was hinted at in the show itself, albeit very vaguely. In general, I remember the conversation between father and son with its touching and soulfulness.
Also, the debut of Xross Saber! This final form caused a lot of controversy at the time due to the fact that this repaint, even if more effort was spent on it than on some new costumes. Also, since it's a sword and not a book, it makes sense that only the color of the armor changes. Be that as it may, the shape is very beautiful, the functionality is chic, swords flying into space are something.
And also the song performed by the three main swordsmen is the best in the show. At least in the main show.
Isaac was beaten but not defeated. I don't think the show should be angry that they didn't finish off such an interesting villain right away. Solomon's defeat should be dedicated to him, and not used to demonstrate the coolness of the final form.

Fish Sandwich also watched Kamen Rider Saber Episode 38

https://i.imgur.com/Vlt61v3.jpg

Gosh, I was just pretty much in heaven by this point in the series?

Not only had we gotten the crossover of my dreams out of nowhere, but the answer they came up with for what Saber's final form could be was pretty much the best answer they could've found to make me happy. Saber's got that thing going on where no matter how cool the suits get, Brave Dragon is always kinda still the coolest, so like, just do that again. Give it a blue color scheme so I'll like it even more! Give it an even bigger headsword, which I'm sure Die really appreciates too! Make it all sparkly as heck, for a bit of that Mugen vibe! Tie it all together with that cosmic theme to justify everything, because stars are sorta the ultimate fire, so it's still on-brand! Spell it "Xross Saber" in English and make sure to give the sword the usual kanji reading in Japanese, just to maximize the awesomeness factor.

Really, there's basically nothing I don't love about Xross Saber. (Big shout out to how slick Asai always makes working the gimmicks on the sword look, by the way.) There's even the whole super clever reason Kyomu isn't counted among the 10 swords that make it up, even though it is part of them, but I'm not smart enough to explain what the sefirot is off the top of my head. Needless to say, a lot of thought was put into this.

The debut episode itself then, I adored no less. There's a lot of really really smart decisions I think it makes in how it summarizes the themes, the way your final form debut generally does, for sure. I adore the way Bacht is given the real emotionally weighty confrontation, and how that contrasts with Solomon being exactly the false swordsman I made him out to be, someone who dresses himself in the same way superficially, but is the fundamental antithesis of all these people, all at once.

More than that, though, I remember the episode as sort a party, more than anything. I mean, Kento's even back! Everything starts going real right for the heroes for the first time in a good while here, and we celebrate that with just, the most absurdly cool fight scene imaginable. 38/39 were Shibasaki's last episodes of this show before he went to go get Revice off the ground, and I'm reminded of the adage "quality over quantity" when it comes to his work on Saber. All the heavy special effects stuff in this one is legit glorious, from swords raining from the heavens, to swords dancing around Touma in a crazy long transformation sequence, to swords swinging about in the air, cutting up giant robots made of swords... there's a lot about swords, as you might expect! And it's all so much fun. One of the best bits of action in the entire series, and all scored by a new insert song with lyrics by Shouko Fujibayashi, because Saber would not let me stop winning. I'll remind you that not too long after this, I got the crossover of my dreams *again* as if the first time wasn't enough. But uh, I guess that's a conversation for the next couple days, isn't it?

Seiken Sefirot tree and corresponding PToH (Why did I do this)
Kaiji - Malkuth - Morgana
Kurayami - Yesod - Futaba Sakura
Hayate - Hod - Ann Takamaki
Nagare - Netzach - Ryuji Sakamato
Ikazuchi - Tiferet - Yusuke Kitagawa
Suzune - Gevurah - Haru Okumura
Rekka - Chesed - Makoto Niijima
Kyomu - Da'at
Noroshi - Binah - Sumire Yoshizawa
Gekido - Chokmah - Goro Akechi
Saikou - Kether - Ren Amamiya

You don't like the sword?! Haouken Xross Saber is the first Final Form weapon in years and it even uses the same awesome sliding feature as the Zanvat Sword! I know I said Suzune was my favorite Seiken Sword, but really, that's excluding Xross Saber, as that sword is just too awesome to be in the same league. Even its name is cool, making clever use of the kanji in Saber's name. What don't you like about it?

oh and about Xross Saber

Every time I look at it I feel bad for the people designing the figures for it. Hypothetically it'd be easier since it's all the same forms as base Saber... but that mottled star-y texture is obnoxiously hard to replicate with production scale painting. So far we've seen figures that had to go with severely reduced, underwhelming paint jobs, and the so-do using frighteningly large swaths of stickers for it. We did at least see a figuarts prototype recently, hopefully that can get it right...?

It looks pretty in show! It just produces so many issues on the toyetic side of things...

Understandable! In Heisei, this would've probably been a mid-season upgrade form: a slight power boost before the more ornate late-series suit. In Reiwa, though... we're really going to keep getting Final Forms that are just Base Form Plus, and I guess I'm okay with it? I almost always like the Base Form suits the best, so I can't really complain about them being given a new lease on (repainted) life. I certainly like Xross Saber better than Realizing Hopper, I'll tell you that much.

It'll be interesting to see what Desast does with Falchion's sword. I have literally no idea where this story could go, which is a nice feeling!

Dang! Thanks so much for providing all of that info!

Ha ha, I actually sort of liked his rant to Bacht? The speeches I dislike are usually the ones that are more... like, emotional pleas to ignore evidence in favor of believing impossible outcomes. It's all thematically appropriate, but it tends to consist of a lot of shouting (A LOT OF SHOUTING) and very little that would sway me, personally. It's very earnest and emotionally vulnerable, but I tend to just think You Are Not Offering A Real Alternative Here. I usually want something a little more than just a rallying cry.

The Bacht speech was sort of fun, because there are occasionally people where Touma's just like Quit Being A Selfish Baby, and I find that hilarious. Touma is furious that Bacht would spend a thousand years not changing or growing, to the detriment of his own mental health. The idea that you wouldn't take ownership of your own sorrow and find some way to either push past it or use it to help others... like, that is a red line for Touma.

It's the best! I've been waiting for Kaido to make his inevitable return to the series for a long while, and it did not disappoint.

Is it? So much of the battle was at night that I didn't even notice! That, or I'm coming down with some sort of headsword-related Stockholm Syndrome and I can't even get mad about those elements of the suits anymore...

Yeah, as much as I didn't care for Touma's big All Swordsmen speech to debut Xross Saber, I kinda liked how the initial point was that Solomon wasn't even worth debating or deconstructing, because he doesn't have a coherent philosophy or point of view. He's literally not worth engaging with, just defeating. That is one of the sickest burns you can get in Kamen Rider!

Thanks! I don't get the significance, but I appreciate the info!

I just... I don't like the sword toys. I just don't. Drivers, collectibles? Yes, maybe too much. But DX weapons, I can't really get into. So seeing Saber debut the Hot New Toy and all of its functionality... not for me! I don't care about it.

Purely subjective, and nothing I can justify more than saying that it doesn't excite me. Sorry if you were hoping for something deeper!

It is! The Xross Saber is a bit longer than Rekka (it even hilariously pokes slightly out of the Swordriver's buckle when it's sheathed), so the replica of it poking out of Touma's head is itself a bit longer to match.

I'll have a whole thoughts list on Saber later. As much as I do enjoy learning stuff I didn't know in my initial watch as the show aired (seeing the Desast updates were fun, so thanks whoever posted those!), but I've been busy.

So, first off, I've just loved every Saber Rider form. Saber and Blades had some really good ones, like King Lion Daisenki with its cannons and sci-fi look, to Tategami Hyoujuu and it's mane, it's just so good! Then there's Saber with Dragonic Knight being the most knightly form in the show, Primitive Dragon with its animalistic behavior, something I love about this Berserker Form, nothing against Elemental Dragon, but Primitive was kind of better, and of course, the sheer audacity of Xross Saber being just a space recolor of Brave Dragon, which I don't mind, since I love Brave Dragon.

But the thing that I adore the most, is the Transformation Jingles for Dragonic Knight and Xross Saber. They're just SO GOOD! Dragonic Knight having a heroic knight's choir, and Xross Saber having a medley with the second verse reminding me of a sci-fi show opening, they're absolutely magnificent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVyB3L7xfqc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-N2Se2DwwY

And of course, I can't forget all the other great forms from Espada, Calibur (Love how he had an upgrade of his own at the first quarter), Slash, Buster, Kenzan, Saikou, Durandal, Sabela, all good designs that I'd love to gush more about, but that'd take too long.

Anyway, I'll catch you all later!

KAMEN RIDER SABER X KAMEN RIDER GHOST

https://kamenriderdie.com/images/kr/...aberghosta.png

What is it about Kanon that makes so many dudes act like weird creeps?

This was definitely Movie War Against Weird Creeps, but in a more digestible Episode format. Desast is in it, representing the Saber side of the antagonists, and he's a repellant creep throughout. I could wave it away as him not caring about Kanon’s autonomy because he doesn’t see her as real enough to bother not dragging her away screaming, but the optics on it are still very not appealing. The Ganma Guys are a non-descript bunch of chuds; deranged cultists from the Specter movie that I am incredibly grateful (*wink*) that this episode decided to recap, since I barely remember any of it. (I mean, that Omega Drive, forever.) They’re similarly creepy, dressing up Kanon in Chloe’s Gothic Lolita outfit and getting way too close to her while singing some unsettling lullaby. It’s a full episode of Kanon being imperiled and possessed and maybe brain damaged, and it’s just… boy, it’s not a very fun way back into Ghost?

Luckily, the non-Kanon parts of this Ghost resurrection are delightful. I’ve never been a huge fan of Takeru’s post-show non-dyed hair, but I liked it here. He’s a fully-grown adult now, and he looks it. There’s still that bit of swagger he always had, but now it’s seasoned with a bit more calm and seriousness. He wears it well! Also, Javert is here to be Fill-In Onari, and I thought he acquitted himself as well as Onari ever did. I mean it as a compliment, but your mileage may vary.

The Saber stuff was fine, if not exactly what I’m most going to take away from this. I like anytime the spotlight can stay on Mei and Touma, so them kicking around through this story of distressed damsels and brawling monks was an effective representation of Saber’s chemistry. The new Legend Rider suit was, uh… I didn’t like it. Grateful’s never been my suit, and I super didn’t think the parka version added to Brave Dragon was a good look. Fun to see Saber and Ghost bust out synchronized Musashi moves, but I definitely don’t need to see that suit ever ever again.

This one was a real mixed bag! Didn’t love how they wrote Desast, and I am not thrilled with an entire plot of Kanon somehow being less of a character than when she lived in her brother’s pocket for a dozen episodes. But! The other Ghost characters were fun, and the humor was well-executed. Optimistic for the second chapter, despite it all!

—

THE GHOST OF YOU LINGERS

https://kamenriderdie.com/images/kr/...aberghostb.png

Ren looked up from his Cup Noodle, and saw Desast returning. “Where have you been?” he asked.

The devil swordsman slumped down against the wall, and sighed deeply. “It’s a long story. I saw this fake girl running around, and I thought it’d be cool if she hung out with us, but then Saber wanted to fight, and I kicked his ass, but then the girl kicked my ass, and I teamed up with some cultist, and I got my ass kicked by a ghost, I think. It was a long day.”

“Whatever. I ate your lunch,” Ren said.

~

Narita looked up from his sweeping, and saw Takeru returning. “Where did you go?” he asked.

The former ghost slumped into a chair, and sighed deeply. “It’s a long story. I tracked Kanon to some Danton cultists, teamed up with a Kamen Rider named Saber, and saved Kanon from some sort of devil swordsman. I think they said his name was ‘Deadass’?”

This story was honestly weird... I feel like the Blades x Specter special coming up tomorrow provides better clarity for things in this special. But yeah I get where you're coming from with your complaints.

I'm just amazed this even happened, and I'm even more amazed that we actually got a sequel even if the ending scene after the credits made that somewhat clear.

Though to be honest, given TTFC's habit of deciding to put post credit stinger scenes/cliffhanger-like endings... I assumed this would end up the same as a one and done deal. Granted it looks like they plan to do wrap up on a lot of those given Outsiders is a thing, so who knows.

As for the story, short, simple, and to the point.

Now for our next out of order Desast Walk and with that we should be good in terms of Desast Walks.


Desast Walk #15:

"Hello, humans.

I'm Dessert.

I don't need any friends.

I just need someone I can really fight with.

But if you're made like me, then maybe you can be my friend.

...That doesn't sound right.

I've had some strange fantasies of my own."

So there is an extra reason Kanon was a central character here- her actress had just returned for her second Toku role, Sayo, Kirameiger's Kiramapink! (Sayo is great, love Sayo, she's this more confident, mature genius doctor who keeps saying "Oh, mood.")

That's also the motivation behind the final picture in that Desast's Walk by the way- remember how one of Desast's suit actors had just played Kiramared? That's them doing Kiramared's signature pose together, "Hiramaking!"

In defense of Desast in this one- I do kinda like him here actually? The framing definitely plays into the weird way both shows have dealt with ~sisters~, and I wish it would just Not do that, but to me that's somewhere I'm annoyed with the writers before the character.

So, leaving the above annoyances to be doyalist instead of watsonian- I do like how this reflects what's going on with Desast? I think the relevant Desast's walk shows that angle well. It's been an ongoing thing that he's been looking for people Like Him, which is pretty sympathetic- with Ren, and now with this new unknown artificial being! I see it more as him just wanting to get to know her by playing along with whatever weird thing she's doing, that not going well because of the weird monomania thing this special decided to give her, then things spiraling as team Saber arrives. And I can't even think he's entirely unreasonable for not thinking it'd be good to leave her with them when Touma accuses him of not having feelings unprovoked- real Touma does Not know what he's talking about moments :P.

I was surprisingly okay with the callbacks to Re:Birth Specter, despite the whole “Makoto and Kanon are eugenic super soldiers” never really sitting with me. It just felt like it was going against the show”s “everyone has the potential to be special” by saying that these two were genetically made to be special. And the movie itself points out that the part where they’re supposed to be perfect gets contradicted by the fact Kanon’s death is a major inciting incident early on.

Anyway, enough complaining about V-Cinemas. Here’s what I came here to do. Show off the Legend Ridebooks, which cover every Heisei Rider, plus Ichigou and Zero-One (there is a book for someone else, but I”m holding off on that).

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Q09eRFFSMP8

Wielding the God-Beast/Clad in the Animal/Turning the Story Legend Rider! (Rider)! One Legend Book! The sword is imbued with more power from the heart of justice!

When the time comes for the legendary Riders to cross, the sword is empowered by the heart of justice! Legend Rider! (Rider)/(Rider)! Two Legend Books! The book of justice uses more power to slash through evil!

When the legendary Riders gather the sword of justice cuts through evil! Legend Rider! (Rider)/(Rider)/(Rider)! Three Legend Books! The Legendary sword with a heart of justice is here and now!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0qVAw91oCXI

https://youtube.com/watch?v=UWOjmWxYc1Y

Kamen Rider Ichigou of the Beginning: A certain man running through a fight for the sake of freedom and peace against evil.

A New Legend Kuuga: With the birth of this warrior, legends were rewritten and a new history came to be…

Golden Dragon Agito: Once, a man with no memories awoke as a golden warrior…

Ryuki in Mirror World: Once a ferocious battle for life took place within the mirror…

Faiz Human Evolution History: Once, the chosen human race’s evolution was upon them…

Insect Game Blade: This sword that seals life forms can unleash their power!

Ongeki Legend Hibiki: Once, there was an Oni who fought with a disciplined body and sound…

High-Speed Kabuto Phrases: This man’s time pointing to heaven brings forth a new wisdom…

Den-O Fairy Tale Complete Works: A certain story going over time to encounter multiple other stories…

I am Kiva: This bat’s bites bring forth the king of the demon world on the moonlit night…

Decade (Neo) World Travel Guide: A certain passerby who completely destroys worlds with a myth…

Double Detective Diaries: A city full of incidents hunted in the story of a two-in-one detective…

OOO Animal Combo Log: This desire is granted the power of three different animals…

2011 Fourze Odyssey: A single student saving his buds, his school, and space…

The Dragician of Hope, Wizard: There used to be a warrior who obeyed the dragon and became the last hope…

Sengoku Gaim Tapestry: Once, the end of the battle for a fruit saw a samurai become a god…

Drive Police 24 Hours: None can escape when this gear is at the top…

Ghost Luminary Record: Burn your life with the soul of a great man who once lived in history…

Ex-Aid Medical Log: A certain illness which people are saved from by the rise of a genius gamer…

Pandorabbit no Build: These two powers mixing will bring love and peace to the world…

Zi-O Advent Calendar: At the end of a certain era, the greatest, kindest King ascends….

Zero-One AI Development Log: At the beginning of a new era, take off toward a dream with AI.

(Key: yellow = story books, blue = animal books, red = monster books)

And as promised, here’s the last Xross Saber jingle (the canonical books for which are Ghost, Build and Zi-O)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0arWRWIFznY

From the beginning in Showa, crossing through Heisei, opening the door to Reiwa! Henshin! Kamen Rider! Always keep justice within your heart… 50th anniversary!

I feel that as this is the part of making Kanon the female lead of Ghost's subsequent appearences replacing Akari, perhaps due to her actress Mio Kudo's popularity, but also that Kanon's quite a hated character previously, they seem to reframe Kanon's character here to what they think will appeal the audience, without regard of her hated original characters.... (other than keeping her surface trait of her big brother worship). Thus they make Kanon here, other than her being turned into a fighter (as girls are often measured by how strong/useless they're), her personality is also turned into the standard cold and merciless type, like attacking Touma for trying to help her, to further frame her as "tough" and "competent" (I thought the gothic lolita outfit is meant to emphasize her "toughness" here particularly the boots). Basically making her like Reika (including her recent flanderization) because it's the type the audience likes.... though for me dunno what'd happen in the next specials yet.

About Takeru using Grateful here instead of Mugen, it happens because one of the tie in novels has Takeru sacrifice the Mugen Eyecon to resolve it at the climax of the story meaning he no longer has that form. A display of Takeru fighting untransformed here, for prolonged time too.

Though Mei'd step in to defend Kanon, even standing up against Desast, it seems that Mei retains her superficial traits here, as she kinda puts down Javert here for being useless and failing to help in his attempts. My suspect about how Mei treats people who aren't charming is sort of right here... Desast's antics here is pretending to be Kanon's onii-chan for unknown reason, of which Touma won't buy that, but wonder if that's actually the truth.

I'd've been more shocked if this had been the only part, since the whole story is Kanon looking for Makoto... and Makoto never appearing. You gotta have him show up!

Ha ha, yeah, Touma's sort of randomly an asshole to Desast here, isn't he? Not to say Desast doesn't deserve it -- he's abducting a confused young woman -- but Touma's just like SHE'S MORE REAL THAN YOU and it feels a little mean-spirited.

I don't know if even the Desast's Lonely of it all really covers for how creepy he is here. All of the stuff with Ren was about giving Ren an option for a different path. Here, it's Desast sort of creepily declaring himself Kanon's big brother, and dragging her away forcefully. It's... I feel like it's a much darker level than the Ren storyline in the main show.

Holy crap! Thanks for doing all that!

I honestly think it's just to sell the continuity with the Specter movie? Visually, it makes her seem more like she's connected to the Danton plot.

Interesting! Thanks!

I mean, Javert is useless here. He's comedically useless. That's the joke. It only has a punchline if Mei complains about his uselessness.

Once again, I’ve come to a point of unveiling in terms of my expansions

I went in to this special expecting a fun crossover between two of my favorite Rider shows, so I was surprised how much Desast focus there was, even giving him more rivalry and interaction with Saber than in the show, reminding me of the early fights between Ghost and Specter.

Personally, I think Desast's a pretty intriguing antagonist here. I mean, yeah, his creepy stalker behavior is kind of misguided, but it shows how beneath the surface of the lovable free-spirited thrill seeker is actually a lonely man. He has his freedom, looking for fights, going to all kinds of places on Twitter, but he really just wants to find somewhere to belong and people who will accept him. He's like Rintarou in a way. So then Desast picks up the mysterious scent of this fellow artificial lifeform, lost and orphaned, been to hell and back. Just like him. He sees an opportunity for them to help each other, but his overly simple solution doesn't work for Kanon. She doesn't want a big bro, she wants her big bro, she wants Makoto. Desast doesn't understand that family isn't something that can be easily replaced, which is painful for him who never had a family.

I still think it's a little weird to see Takeru without his classic blonde hair, as his hair color is literally a plot point in the novel. Other than that, I'm always glad to see Takeru, love that guy. Kamen Rider Ghost is tragically underrated, so I have to respect Nishime for not letting that discourage him as he keeps coming back for the fans who do appreciate him.

Nice to see that Jabel got his promotion to head monk, he deserves it a lot more than those two incompetent apprentices. With Onari busy running his detective agency on the side, Jabel has a lot more responsibilities now and you can already see how much his training has developed, offering onigiri to Desast just like Onari did to him before. It's not quite as effective on Desast, but it did make a good diversion.

How'd Desast even get Kanon to co-operate for his blog? :lol

Yeah, yup, definitely fair. Framing...!!! (shakes fist at heavens.)

Some thing that I think is also part of it for me, is what an Abnormal entity they end up portraying this Kanon as. Like, Desast isn't really right in assuming she could be a Fellow Kaijin Playmate, but team Saber isn't really on the mark for what Distressed Damsel they think she is. This really is a special of no one being particularly on the ball to me- so I end up filing it closer to a misunderstanding.

Well, look forward to what you think of part 2 anyways!

On the contrary, I really liked Dezast here. That is, in fact, it was a special of the Ghost, until Dezast impudently got into it, dragging Toma and Mei along with him. Also, as Sh Ranger already noted, Fukuda enjoys the fact that he is the author of both shows and continues to develop the Dezast`s line, as if the special is part of the main show. And here I will repeat once again that late viewing has certain advantages.
The fanfiction was funny.

It's always fun to see Takeru come back. It's just nice to see him, he's such a friendly presence, and tying into the Spectre movie rather than just being a random "Oh yeah Ghost is here to help us fight" is an equally nice touch. Maybe it's because I'm a simp for callbacks like this, but I feel it makes the older Riders matter more, and like the story cares. Even if my memory of the Danton stuff is less than optimal - Spectre said something about Lust while screaming about Takeru's dad I think? Good times.

Dezast... yeah, he doesn't come off too great here. Unlike the Ghost stuff which is a deep cut, he's more here to be a vague menace and give us somene we don't feel bad detonating. It's also not really anything we've seen before - Dezast's story isn't really about wanting a family, he ends up with Ren because they're both losers, not really out of a filling a void of loneliness? Maybe he really did just want a family all along and Ren never asked.

Oh and yeah I forgot to talk about Xross Saber! He's Brave Dragon, but space-themed! He's neat! I don't really get calling it "lazy" which is still a dull take I see often, because it's clear there was thought put into why it was done that way, and it does allow for some nice thematic ties that I won't mention because I don't remember if they've been done yet.

I think it's easier and more difficult at the same time. Dezast does not know what he wants, but feels that he is missing something. This makes him a very flexible character, but also allows him to look different in different situations. Therefore, when he gets into fights that do not concern him, it looks funny, and when he pursues a girl who is interested in him, it?s creepy.

Fish Sandwich literally made the discussion thread for Kamen Rider Saber X Ghost

This thing is like, the cornerstone of my theory that I was secretly a producer on Saber the whole time.

Just to start off this post, I'm going to relate to you all the story of how I found out this was even happening to begin with. I happened to be coming onto the forum to write a post giving my thoughts on the MetsubouJinrai V-Cinema, in about the melancholic mood you'd expect having just seen that film, and as I'm poking around that thread? You see that box over on the right of the page labeled "Tokunation News & Rumors"? The latest item in there at that exact moment happened to be a thread simply labeled "Kamen Rider Saber X Kamen Rider Ghost", and I think my brain refused to even register it for a second. Like, what the heck could that possibly be? Even after I accepted that my eyes weren't playing tricks on me, my best assumption was like, some kind of merchandising tie-up deal. Maybe P-Bandai has some new T-shirts or something, I don't know.

There's no way it would actually happen. No way.

But then I actually go click on that thread, and see that, not only is it exactly the crossover I dreamed of, there was already a trailer for it, which is good, because even reading it in text would still not have been enough to convince me. My immeditate reaction to the news was as follows:

If I wasn't on Saber's staff without my own knowledge, my only other theory is that I must've straight up inadvertently willed this thing into reality like Sougo in those episodes of Zi-O about Kamen Rider Kikai.

There's kinda only so much about the actual special I even feel like talking about right now, because it's like... what do you even want me to say that wouldn't be obvious? (Or that I didn't already say in that post about it from back when it was new?) Of course I loved it, of course I watched it at least twice, and of course I was extremely glad to see Fukuda and all the other people who worked on Ghost maintained enough love for what they'd made years down the line to find this excuse to go back to that world for a while. This special was an utter delight, and I felt that way about it before I even realized I'd only seen half of it yet.