I mean, given that Simone takes up like 80% of the episode, with Kendo Boy being barely there and Kanako not getting fleshed out until next episode, I wouldn't say the episode was about the group as a whole, really.

I wouldn't either! I meant Kanako.

I felt this one was primarily saved by the way that it ended.

The episode focuses on Benio; the RA who up until now was known as Scarlet Kiss, the girl who could control people by kissing them.

We get the backstory not only on her, but also her two friends who help form Filament, her section of the Glittering Crux Brigade. And if you don't know who they are, well, they were among the first Cybody users beaten by Takuto.

The overarching theme of the episode is examining how people might fight to regain what they feel they've lost. Whether it be the ability to pilot a Cybody, family honor, or even just interest in a hobby. As well as how obsession over perceived loss can be rather detrimental overall.

One fear I had throughout the episode was that it was going to try and paint Benio as sympathetic, or elsewise someone to feel sorry for. But to my surprise, it didn't. It simply showcased what her motivations were and didn't make any attempt at hiding all of her negative qualities. This in turn made her eventual development, which tied into the ultimate lesson of the episode, all the better.

Basically, it boils down to learning from the punches life throws at you; Either in terms of how to overcome, or to simply let go of something long gone and find a different means of moving forward. And if you wanna primarily go by this episode in itself, it's a major reason why Takuto and Sugata are as strong as they are. Takuto can adapt to whatever situation he finds himself in, and Sugata has been learning to not let his past or family name confine him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B57_WxY9aeQ

But as I said, the primary focus is Benio, and while she does have her own theme, I struggle to think of a single time I ever heard it play in-show. Thus, I instead present the theme of Filament, the group that she leads, which has played a few times throughout the show. It captures the general vibe of all three of its members rather well I feel. And you know, it helps that the battle theme remix of it is so good too.

Anyway, I won't say the episode is out and out perfect, but I did overall respect it for what it gunned for.

How fitting that this is the episode I watch on the same day I'll later be going to see Venom 3.

I think this episode also serves to kinda showcase what I meant when I compared Star Driver to Power Rangers back when this rewatch started.

It really is in the overall structure of this one. Most of the episode is school life stuff. With Mizuno and Takuto being cast in an upcoming school play wherein they share a kiss scene, and that suddenly becoming the talk of the entire town.

It's to the point that the far more serious matter of the repair of Ayngott, Marino's' Cybody, almost feels like an afterthought. But yet it's the climax of the episode and what more directly connects to the show's' overarching plotline. Both in terms of progressing it and deepening a mystery with Marino.

Power Rangers has often done the same sort of thing with its plot structure so as to always be able to fit in its staples such as the Megazord action(something I've noticed alot of "fans" have either forgotten or not picked up on). Yeah, you'll never see content as racy in Rangers, but Star Driver still embodies the core of the whole "school life meets superheroics" ordeal that made the PR franchise what it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSv4lUPShF4

This episode is also what brings in the second opening sequence for the show, "Shining Star" by 9nine. And I'll be honest, I almost entirely forgot about this OP, and having now seen it again, I entirely get why: It is very stock anime. Both in terms of song and animation. Other than the visuals containing a pretty key spoiler, almost nothing about either especially stands out; especially not in comparison to what came before it. Neither are bad, but they're definitely a major downgrade from before.

Overall, this episode was a nice way to kick off our second half. The mystery with Marino is very interesting, and the episode in turn showcases that this show has the ability to deliver on its plot threads in a very cool way, and thus, the introduction of even more of them is not unwelcome.

Marino can only protect Mizuno so much.

The whole episode is basically the worst day that Mizuno could possibly have, with no one able to save her.

She realizes that Takuto doesn't feel for her the same way that she does for him, her abusive mother suddenly returns to the island, and worst of all, she discovers that her being a Maiden means she has no real way to escape.

While the episode almost entirely pure suffering, what makes it works so well is just how likable Mizuno has been up to this point. I really feel for the poor girl because she's never once been annoying, overbearing, or otherwise an unlikable character to me. So seeing her get put through the ringer hurts, but in a good way.

And of course, there's that final shot at the end, which signals a great change coming for everyone who's a part of this conflict.

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

Like before, since we did the second opening last episode, we'll do the second ending today, and it's overall a bit of an odd trade off. The song is "Pride" by SCANDAL, and as a song, I like it more than the previous ED. But on the other hand, the visuals of the first one were not only better, but they fit the song that accompanied them alot more. So I guess technically the first ED wins?

Anyway, it's clear that the twins' story is coming to its climax, and I very much look forward to it.

Takuto and Mizuno have more in common than things first appeared.

Both were abandoned by their parents at a young age, and both struggled to regulate their emotions for a long while afterward, until a guiding hand inspired them.

But wait, it was Marino who was affected most by her mother's' disappearance, wasn't it? And not Mizuno, who remained optimistic? Well see, the thing about is, Marino technically doesn't exist.

Yeah, as it turns out, Marino is actually a piece of Mizuno's' psyche that got split off from her due to the trauma of her mother's' departure. It's why Marino is dedicated to keeping Mizuno stress free, and it also means that, technically, both girls are the West Maiden.

So what's up with Takuto then? The guy has been almost nothing but cheery this entire show, right? Sure, but this is where alot of that subtle foreshadowing from earlier on in the show starts to come into frame. Head mentioned how Takuto was searching for his dad way back in episode 1, and Takuto is often seen staring at the painting of a young looking girl at Sugata's' mansion.

It's all but outright stated that Takuto has been putting on a strong face for those around him, but even despite his own self doubts, he keeps going as a means of carrying on the legacy and dreams of a dear friend of his. Heck, he even took the kid's' catch phrase. And despite being initially shaken by the new power that the Glittering Crux have gained via breaking the Western Seal, these feelings are what allow Takuto to upgrade Tauburn to a new form, and win the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-DI0nMf6b8

I was originally going to highlight "Galactic Pretty Boy" here, as it's a triumphant theme that typically plays with emotionally high moments, and is infact used wonderfully in this episode. But alas, it seems that no one has uploaded it. So instead I highlight Head's' theme, which has notably been playing with the various scenes where he talks with Sugata. And let's just say that those scenes, combined with that fact that Head is a GPB himself, well, keen viewers might be queuing in on something right about now.

Overall, this was a very emotionally powerful and satisfying episode that ends the current arc and gets us ready for the next one, and I really have no complaints about it.

Head's' true colors begin to come more to light as the Third Phase begins.

The tone of this one is a bit weird, because sandwiched inbetween two bouts of rather serious and straightforward storytelling is a wacky beach episode.

Not to say the beach aspect is out and out useless or anything, since it does establish the personalities of two new characters, but it almost feels out of place with the rest of the episode.

Because really, the majority of the episode is about Head and how he pulls a coup to make his group, Vanishing Age, the leads of the Glittering Crux Brigade. They'll be the ones to not only try and take out Tauburn, but also attempt to break the seals on both the East and South Maidens at the same time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EHm4z6002s

And while this is normally where I'd plug Vanishing Age's' theme, it hasn't been uploaded(the song from the PSP game is totally different). So instead, have "Glittering Star" which is a song that tends to just play for the Brigade in general, rather than any sort of specific group. Very theatrical in its sound, just as the group itself is in all that they do.

This was overall very much a "first episode" to our current arc, but I did overall enjoy it. If nothing else, it was totally worth it just to see Takuto fire himself like a missile at an enemy Cybody.

And yes, it turns out that even girls can be Galactic Pretty Boys.

On the one hand, it's an interesting setup episode, on the other, it's clickbait.

Because like, yeah, technically this episode is our first somewhat bigger insight into Keito, but at the same time, she's barely in it.

Infact, a majority of the episode is actually more about Takuto learning more about the childhoods of Sugata and Wako and, granted, Keito is a part of that, but the title would lead one to believe that she's the main focus when she's so not.

Heck, if we're to ignore the plot stuff, most of the episode is actually more school life antics involving the two new girls of whom I don't much care for. But thankfully I don't think the viewer is exactly meant to like them either given no other characters really do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOHJNkKeCM0

As such, the song I chose this time around is "Temptation" which is another song that usually plays during more light-hearted moments; typically involving school life. Or a Wako fantasy. Or both.

Still, for what it's worth, the few bits of insight we get into Keito and the mask that she wears are rather interesting, and they do make for a great building block for future episodes. I mainly just wish that the title of the episode was different.

Oh, and I can't provide a screenshot here because it would break the rules, but let's just say that as "mundane" as this episode is in comparison to many others in Star Driver, it landed itself into meme status for a long time due to a very infamous line that the group doing the subs while the show was airing added to it. It's during the scene where Keito goes to check on a sleeping Sugata. If you know, you know. And sorry to say that the more modern subs do not include it.

You see, Gridman? This is how you justify a stabbing!

Anyway, color me surprised at how simple yet how telling this episode was in terms of its characters.

It's an episode taking place during Wako's' birthday, and while the primary focus is on the main trio, Keito does show up briefly and she's no slouch either. As much as I don't care for the lesbian antagonists right now, they served a good purpose here.

I just really loved the scene where the two take over the bodies of Sugata and Takuto, only for Keito and Wako to immediately see through the rouse and act accordingly. Not only does it show how well Wako knows Takuto, but also shows that Keito hasn't totally given up on Sugata(and possibly Wako) either.

That said, I imagine what will be the biggest takeaway for many viewers on this one is the episode's' ending, wherein we get an answer as to what Wako decides to do with her love life, though in a pretty subtle way. Essentially, it's implied that she decides she wants the three to be a thruple. And while those are becoming more and more common nowadays, they were pretty unheard of back in the early 10s, let alone in the world of anime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFCWkLK-lPY

And since the Trio is the primary focus, and we've already looked at the themes of two of them, I feel it's only fitting to look at the last: Takuto's' theme. It's a pretty upbeat and inspiring sounding song, which not only plays during moments with him, but more happy moments in the show too. Very fitting, and the woodwind bits really stand out to me for some reason.

Anyway, a solid episode. No major complaints.

Never would've expected to get big feelings for the Eyepatch Guy.

He's the main lens through which the majority of this episode is seen through, and as it turns out he's alot more connected to everything going on than it seems.

And yet despite that, it's not really the main point or overarching theme of the episode. The whole story is about love triangles, and the dark sides of them that alot of other stories featuring them tend not to talk about.

At best, they typically end up with atleast one person having wounded feelings. And at worst, it's one of the key players who are actively causing damage without a care in the world. Such was the case with Head, AKA Tokio Tsunashi, who has been and always will be a manipulative scumbag.

We get alot of backstory on Head and Takuto's' mother Sora in this one, and lemme tell ya, the atmosphere does a ton of heavy lifting in this department. The moody music combined with the drab looking visuals make for a set of scenes that I was really drawn into. Thus I felt it only right to choose a song that helped fit that mood for this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHB-fGX0a7g

It's not solely about these three either, as we also get some insight into how Takuto's' own triangle is affecting him. He's not completely over his feelings of being a third wheel from early on in the show, and it's not like Wako ever keyed him in on the idea of the three becoming a thruple either. And most surprisingly, it's the sort of situation that lets him bond with Keito a little. To the point that she even saves him from a viper's' venom.

There were alot of pieces being moved about in this one, all while the viewer gets an interesting look into the past events that had an effect unto the present day. Just like with episode 4, the fantastic use of the music score and visuals, in tandem creating a wonderfully thick atmosphere really drew me into this one, and I think it might be one of my favorite episodes to be sure. As dumb as Star Driver can look on the surface, it's great to see it be able to pull off something like this.

I have some rather mixed feelings on this one.

On the downside, this episode primarily focuses on Madoka(one of the lesbian antagonists), and the mecha side of the show.

And while the idea the episode presents: A scenario inwhich Takuto might have no other option than to kill someone, is interesting, it's resolved in a rather sudden way and it comes at the cost of eating up screen time that other characters could've really used, like Takashi(Kendo Boy), who at first seems like he'll be important only to not be. Like at all.

Which is a seriously missed opportunity given the emphasis that the start of this arc concerning how he had a natural mark and thus should still be able to summon and take his Cybody to the next level. But alas, it's not to be.

It's a real shame too because we're now in the last stretch of Star Driver, and it's starting to feel like some plans were made without entirely accounting for just how long the show would actually run. Sure, this is only one loose plot thread in a show that's been handling its pacing rather well, but still, it's notable.

But, on the upside, the small selection of scenes that focus on other characters, most notably Head, Kanako, and Keito, are all very interesting to see play out as they all highlight past regrets and how each character processes them. Kanako doesn't hold anything personally and is willing to move on, Keito is conflicted on how exactly to keep going with her current situation, and Head meanwhile still isn't willing to take any of his past reflections to heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdnvnytxnt0

So anyway here's "Fool." Not because it's a song that notably plays during this episode or anything, but because it's one heard often throughout the show, typically played during embarrassing moments. And uh, this episode also doesn't provide any real highlight songs which which to showcase, which is another strike against it.

But, yeah. Not a total wash of an episode, but it could've easily been something alot better for my tastes.

https://i.imgur.com/UUaTrOM.png
https://i.imgur.com/wHKgvEI.png

Despite his glibness, a lot of Head's scenes hint at the guy having depression. He's barely aware of how much time has passed between major events (whether that's due to his mental state or the mark's influence never really gets addressed), he has serious insomnia, and outside of his power grab he's completely unwilling to commit to anything directly. Dude even gave up his major passion for at least a decade.

That's not to say he wasn't fully responsible for virtually every screw up in his life, buuuut it does humanize him a bit.

Whether he wants to fix everything for himself or out of a sense of regret is still up in the air, but I find it to be one of the more interesting points in the show.

also Ryousuke deserved better

Dude really did get totally shafted, yeah.

This episode was a major treat upon rewatch!

We get a huge showcasing of backstory on Samekh, Ayngott, Sarina, the Vice President, and even the Star Driver universe as a whole.

And it's all presented via the play that Sarina(the drama club president) has been writing over the course of the show. Combine this tale with both that of Sam(which Sanaka told), as well as that of the Demon King(which Mizuno told), and you have this really interesting tale on the Cybodies of old.

Pretty much the entire episode is just the play, by the way, with very little between. And yet I was totally engrossed thanks to the visuals and character pieces that accompanied it. And you know, the music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJjWFY4ifGk

While the entirety of the play does have an original score, sadly only the fifth and final movement has been uploaded to YouTube. Still, the entire thing is befitting a stage production; sounding very grandiose all throughout and like the sort of piece someone would just legit play in the background during something like this. Makes me wonder if the music is actually playing in universe.

Throughout this rewatch, Star Driver has really managed to impress with with just how well it's been able to handle feeding little bits of info that gradually build over time. And I feel like this episode is a shining example of how they manage to pull it off in such a satisfactory manner. Like, it's not even just big backstory stuff with this either, as it's revealed that the reason Sugata was able to recover after using his First Phase was because Keito kept feeding him her libido.

Few shows I've seen are better on rewatch, and honestly, I think that Star Driver is very much one of them.

It was cool to see Head put two and two together given his previous talks with Sanaka.

There it is. My favorite moment in the entire show.

Takuto's' utter despise for his father is the sort of thing that I feel alot of people won't quite understand, especially with how subtle it's been the whole show.

It's the sort of thing, however, that anyone who grew up with an abusive, neglectful, or abandoning parent will be almost entirely sure to understand immediately. All of the contempt built up over the years, released at once.

And it's not even the punch itself either. It's a major part of it for sure, but it's also the fact that Takuto knows outright how manipulative Head is, and he's not having any of it. No conversation, no debate, no argument, no words. Only fists. And he's absolutely in the right for it.

But this episode isn't really about Takuto; or atleast not entirely. Infact, it's mainly about Sugata, and how the events leading up this point get him to take up Head's' offer on joining the Glittering Crux Brigade, under the codename King with the position of Emperor. Or, in other words, becoming the new leader of the Crux in one fell swoop.

I remember back when I first saw this moment play out I was a tad confused by it. But now, on rewatch, and with some hindsight, I think I get it. We've seen many times that Sugata was just sort of coasting through life, with his only real purpose being to protect Wako. Then, when Takuto comes into the picture, he begins to ask himself questions. He's uncertain about the futures of both him and those around him, and he's desperate for answers.

Add in that he's wondering just what in the world is going on with Keito, and that gives him the push he needs to dive head first into the Glittering Crux, and try to get everything sorted out once and for all. It's a bit of irony too, that at the start of the episode Sugata tells Takuto to rely more on logic, only to then have alot of his action in this very episode be driven my emotion. I could see some viewers crying foul about it, but overall I think it really works. Plus seeing him get turned into the Eccentric Tau Missile was neat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18guiZQ4bQ8

For this episode I decide to highlight "Hunger" which is a battle song which plays during more desperate situations. Which is infact seen here with Takuto having to take on three Cybodies at once. It's one of the better fight sequences in the show, and very much showcases just how skilled in combat Takuto actually is.

Is this my favorite episode overall? Probably not. But man, that punch will forever stick in my mind, I'm sure. Certainly has so far.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og2b4oG-_Ps

Keito was always my favorite of the Maidens.

Her story technically isn't over yet, as, if memory serves, there's still a little bit more of her left in the final episode. But all the major bits have been covered.

And the way that story has been told has been in such a unique way when compared to literally every other character. All throughout Star Driver, she's been there, and we've been getting little bits of her tale the entire time.

So not only is it a gradual build up with an appropriately melodramatic payoff(heck, the whole episode is full of it), but now, on rewatch, it's been so great to see all of the foreshadowing and to be reminded of just how layered her personality actually is.

She too is a "lovesick girl" as she once called someone else. And her unrequited love is the catalyst for make her a foil to Takuto and Wako. Like Wako and Sugata, she desperately wants her freedom, and like Takuto, she felt outcast by the people she loved. But unlike the Trio, who all have eachother to bring out the best in them, Keito has no one. She's all alone.

It's made thinking about her actions all the more engaging for me on this rewatch, and if memory serves, it makes a bit of what happens next episode something I'm actually excited to re-examine all over again. As it made Keito a bit of a base breaking character for those who watched the show. Will she remain my favorite by end, or will the me that has nearly a decade and a half more life experience and insight do a total 180 on the tastes of my younger self? Either way:

The explosive finale to everything, and looking back on it has been rather nice.

First and foremost, let's get what I assume will be the biggest highlight for many out of the way: Monochrome is back, but that's not all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bb6O93Ku0Y

It transitions into Wako's' Maiden Song: "Contact with the Light Filtering Through the Trees" And it's very much the song that the showrunners were convinced would be the all time favorite, given how many versions of it exist.

But I think they might've also realized that first impressions mean alot, because again, Monochrome is back, which easily became the most popular song in the anime. And lucky for them, given the flow of the episode, it does very much work symbolically: Going from a dark hour to a triumphant one.

Beyond that, this episode is action ontop of action ontop of incredibly hype mecha action and never stops to breathe the moment it starts. Seriously helping with all of that is how the animation in very fluid and very stylized all throughout, thus making this mini action movie even more visually stimulating than it would've already been.

Now, what about the characters? I did mention Keito ending up a certain way last post, didn't I? Well, here's the thing: The reason Keito became a bit of a base breaker was the idea that viewers had that her intended goal was to "corrupt" Sugata in some way. And having now rewatched the show in its entirety, I can confidently say that that's not true. Keito was selfish in wanting her seal broken so she could leave the island, sure, but at the end of the day, she was ready to follow whatever choice Sugata himself made. She had no real say in that.

Sugata himself is revealed to have been willing to sacrifice himself to seal Samekh for good, and given what is revealed about the Cybody's' backstory throughout the show, it's easy to have sympathy for the island-sized mecha. It in itself isn't evil, it's just been misused and abused by so many of its users throughout history. Even the other Cybodies acknowledge this. And Head is the latest in those looking to take Samekh over for selfish gain.

Speaking of which, Head being trapped in how past while never fully understanding nor caring about the how or why he hurt others the way that he did? Not only does it fall in line with him being incredibly possessive, but it's a much better way to both literally and figuratively achieving the "trapped in the past" metaphor than what Kamen Rider Zi-O ever managed to do. Star Driver really has surprised me in how throughout it is, now that it's been years and I have alot more media under my belt. And it makes me appreciate most of the writing of the show all the more.

There is, however, one stipulation with this episode. And that is that, well, it just kinda stops? There's not really a proper ending or epilogue to the story or characters as a whole. Don't get me wrong, I'm still overall satisfied, but man, just one more episode to better wrap things up would've been wonderful to have.

Still, we're not totally done yet. There is but one more piece of Star Driver media for me to cover, and uh, let's just say it's something not too many fans were happy with.

https://i.imgur.com/OD1TTH0.png
https://i.imgur.com/6RFzfGA.png

Takuto and Sugata now just live in space within a broken cybody, their triangle doesn't get resolved, and none of the crux members get to wrap up their business either. Except maybe prez, I guess. Nobody even does anything to Head once he gets clocked.

This show really could've used an extra episode.

Something something the adventure of life continues.

But how!? Tell me where it leads and how they traverse this adventure! Two of them are trapped in space as far as we know.

Well, here we are. At the thing that sank Star Driver as a franchise.

See, when the movie was first announced, it was advertised as a follow up to the anime proper. Something many fans really wanted.

And so the movie opens with a five minute scene of Takuto fighting Cybodies in the real world. The animation, atmosphere, and action are all excellent. And it makes for a wonderful way to open the movie and get the audience pumped.

But then what the viewer proceeds to get is a two hour compilation movie that has maybe about ten minutes worth of new footage. With alot of that new footage consisting of both the opening that I just talked about as well as the credits showing the Maidens reuniting. It goes without saying that fans were upset.

The review could easily end right there, because afterall, that is essentially what this is: A compilation movie, with all the good and bad that comes with that. And I won't lie that getting denied a proper epilogue gets under my skin a bit too, but as I've said many times before, I personally try to observe a piece of media for what I believe it's actually trying to do, rather than trying to make it my own.

As such, I'm going to judge it solely by compilation movie standards because, believe it or not, compilation movies do serve a purpose, and they can infact be done well. I've seen many of them. Heck, I still plan to watch some others that are in my backlog. Mecha shows in general are no stranger to them. Most notable in this regard is the Gundam franchise, wherein every other entry of the franchise tends to get a compilation movie or two due to just how popular the original Mobile Suit Gundam trilogy ended up being.

Handling this sort of thing can be a tricky business, however. The aforementioned Trilogy, for example, worked so well because not only was it three whole 2+ hour movies dedicated to covering the entirety of the original anime, the structure of said anime resulted in alot of dry air, dead spots, and just plain unimportant scenes that made for easy cuts or edits. You can honestly watch the movies in place of the actual anime and miss close to nothing.

On the other hand is stuff like the Zeta Gundam: A New Translation trilogy of films, which not only cuts the run time of each movie down by alot compared to the original Gundam's' movies, but also cuts out alot of context from the original anime that will leave the viewer confused on alot of fronts if they haven't seen said anime. And that's not even getting into how the movie outright retcon the ending of Zeta Gundam proper. It makes watching the movies next to useless other than if you're someone who cares solely about key events in and of themselves rather than any sort of character context.

With all that said, I unfortunately must deliver the news that the Star Driver movies is alot closer to the Zeta movies in terms of execution rather than those of the OG Gundam ones. Now, that's not to say there was a complete total lack of effort here or anything like that. Like I said, the opening of the movie is rather well executed. There are some new scenes animated for the film to make the pacing of the plot flow a bit better as a movie, and there are even some brand new or otherwise edited lines of dialogue to help in that department too. But unfortunately, this sort of thing was somewhat doomed to fail from the start. Because summing up Star Driver in one movie just feels not possible.

Now, two movies that are both about two hours long? That I could've seen working. Because there are a small handful of episodes in the show that you could almost entirely cut and not missing much. But Star Driver's' plot, while not its most important aspect, well plotted out rather well throughout its 25 episode run. As-is, so much content and context is cut that despite the effort to make things flow better, alot of stuff just gets lost. The biggest thing being almost the entirety of the second half of the show. For example, Head's' coup to put Vanishing Age on top is entirely gone, which makes him keeping Keito's' identity a secret make to sense. Heck, almost all of Keito's' arc is cut out too, which means she barely qualifies as a character in the context of this movie.

It honestly made sitting through this movie really tough for me, because all it meant was that I was seeing a way lesser version of the anime that I just got done thoroughly enjoying. Analyzing it was a bit interesting I suppose, but just like, watching it? As a viewer? For entertainment? I feel bad for anyone who decided to see this movie first. I feel like it's an example of the exact sort of thing that the people who try to skip "filler" in shows don't realize that they're asking for. Heck, even as a standalone piece, there's so little in the ways of characterization and development that it made it tough to care about anything going on. And that's a major shame because the characters really are where Star Driver shines most other than debatablely its soundtrack. And it's not like alot of the mecha fights are maintained either.

So, yeah. I really can't recommend this movie on any level, unfortunately. Maybe if you're a fan and you're just really that curious about the new footage and what edits were made, but even then I'd say watch the movie at double speed. Such a shame that this was how this potential franchise had to go out.

But hey, atleast its theme song is nice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8TonCLH4pM

FINAL THOUGHTS ON STAR DRIVER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1VJCIwhm5k

As sad as it is to say, Star Driver is a shining example of a "fad anime."

What I mean by that is that while it was very popular for its time, as time went on, less and less people talked about it, and now the show is relatively obscure.

And really, I feel like that's a total shame because there's still so much great stuff to be found here. If you want the short version of this post, it's that if you're even remotely interested in this show, you should watch it.

Because really, where else are you gonna find a Magical Boy Slice of Life Romantic Comedy Mecha Tokusatsu anime? And not once does anything about it ever feel out of place, regardless of whatever inherent tropes that comes with so many genres are played straight or subverted.

I can't state enough just how much of a joy rewatching this actually was for me. Like Samurai Flamenco, Star Driver impressed with just how smart it actually was, despite on the surface appearing to be something rather outlandish and basic. And just like Flamenco, you absolutely can just turn your brain off when watching it, but looking deeper yields its own reward.

That was for sure my experience. When I first watched the show as it was airing, I was mainly captivated by the more flashy and comedic aspects of the show, while not really paying any mind to the finer details. And now here, on rewatch, I see just how much Star Driver actually respects that the viewer is paying attention. The amount of fore thought put into the plot and character arcs is actually really nice.

But as wonderful as most of the characters are, I can't help but think that the biggest plus in all of this is the soundtrack. As I've noted before, Star Driver has one of my favorite soundtracks in all of anime. Not only because the music itself is so good, because it is, but the way that it's utilized within the show itself really makes it feel as if the music itself is its own entity within the world that SD does its best to build. It's the sort of effort that you'd only see in shows like, say, Macross. And while I wouldn't doubt that that was an inspiration, Star Driver really does make the execution of the concept its own.

Adding to all of that, the atmosphere is always on point, the action sequences are stylish, and the animation, even now, is always wonderful to look at. That's not to say the show is perfect; There are definitely some missteps here and there in terms of the handling of certain characters and whatnot, but I can honestly say that I was never bored or outright dreading an experience I was having with any given episode. Every single time I was finding some new aspect or detail to appreciate that the me of over a decade ago totally missed.

In the end, Star Driver is a show that I definitely appreciate way more now than I did when it aired, and I think it's safe to say that it's now one of my favorite mecha anime. It's a show that I think deserved some runaway popularity far more than a few other shows of its era that ended up becoming regarded as classics as time went on. Yōji Enokido and Studio Bones really outdid themselves with this one, and I think from here on out I'll be adding SD to the list of the anime that I try to make it a point to revisit every few years. Something I usually only try to do for all of my most favorite shows.

I give Star Driver: Radiant Takuto a 5/6.

This reminds me of the finale of Getter Robo Armageddon.

Given the show's' many inspirations, I wouldn't be surprised if that's where they got it from.

**blows some dust off my account**

Okay wow I haven't commented here on Tokunation in a LONG time!
Nice to see this thread is still alive so much time later

AHH Star Driver what a ride that show was, it still blows me away that Star Driver, Captain Earth and Eureka Seven supposedly all take place in the same universe

Anyway, what's next?

Hey there! Good to see you again!

So, I knew about the Captain Earth connection, but Eureka Seven? Really?

As for what I plan to do next, it's gonna be a live-action show. As for after that, I dunno. We'll see.

Just like the captain earth connection- it's mostly a fan theory
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/WMG/CaptainEarth

I won't lie, I'm sort of struggling to think about how to about this one.

It's ironic, too, because by design, Smile Precure is a very simple and straightforward show designed to make its audience feel good.

And the reason for that is that it aired during the same year as Kamen Rider Fourze, with both shows having their design philosophies in response to the earthquake that rocked Japan at the time.

Now, while that in itself is a decent starting angle, as my thoughts continue to dive deeper, I find myself essentially repeating alot of what I said about Healin' Good, which took a similar approach to its storytelling due to the COVID-19 Pandemic taking place at the time.

So, to sum that up: While Smile can certainly leave you wanting more, I think it overall works. Sure, the show could definitely dive deeper into certain aspects like the backstories of the Bad End Generals, which is really sad and definitely worth examining, the show itself is so fun and its characters so likable that I find it hard to hold too much against it in that regard.

You could also make the argument that it makes the few times the show does peak a bit deeper or darker all the more impactful. My personal favorite example being with Yayoi, the Yellow Cure for the season, and the episode wherein she deals with the lingering feelings and memories she has of her dad who passed away when she was very young. That episode was all around wonderful in the way it was done, with its stark contrast to the rest of the show being one aspect as to why.

But unfortunately it also means that, outside of maybe talking about specific episodes or moments at length, there's no real way for me to go super deep into this show with a one-off post. It just is what it is: Fun, charming, and comforting. There's nothing at all wrong with that, obviously. But outside of just the general idea of holding onto hope and happiness, Smile doesn't exactly have alot in terms of an overarching plot or theme, you know?

I could see alot of people taking that as a big negative, but frankly, I don't. Is this show the best TV you'll ever see, or one of the best seasons of Precure besides? I mean, no, probably not. Atleast not for me. But I don't regret watching it and it's alot of fun from start to finish. Thus, I'd say that it's worth watching, and honestly probably works as a solid gateway show into the franchise(another thing I said about HG, natch). While the Saban dub has its issues, I can see why this show was chosen as the one to get dubbed.

Overall, I give this season of Pretty Cure a 4/6. Great fun, but nothing mind-blowing.

Speaking of Smile Pretty Cure, are there many changes in the English dub? I mean, does it make sense to watch both versions or is the difference between them insignificant?

The dub cuts out a handful of episodes so that way it could fit into US syndication. A few of them aren't that big of a deal, but there are a couple that I felt were very important in terms of developing the core cast.

Other than that, the dub also inserts alot more humor into the show, which isn't totally out of place since Smile is a rather light-hearted show anyway, but it could be seen as too much by some.

On rewatch, this show actually held up better than I remembered. Easy 8.5/10 for me. Would comfortably get that last .5 if we had an epilogue or an extra episode for the main show. It really felt a little rushed at the end. That said, it's very fun and I'll take a lot of good gags and decent action over a moody show that fails to say anything meaningfull any day.

(you know which show i'm talking about)

The legendary awfulness of Blassreiter will never die.

I just started watching Smile Precure. I chose the show at random, but the fact that it coincided with the one recently discussed is an amazing coincidence (and this has already happened to me with Sentai). And now, under the impression, I would like to talk about the fan dubbing in which I watch it. In my native language, so, unfortunately, you will not be able to appreciate it and have to trust my words. Cure Happy didn't leave Happy and didn't even translate literally - Shastye. She was named Smeyana and this is truly brilliant, because it is not only sweet and familiar to the viewer from my place, but also coincides with Miyuki’s love for fairy tales. With Cure Peace and Cure March it turned out not so impressive, but still not bad. They were named Mira and Marta, which is similar to Mir (Peace) and Mart (March), but are also real names. At the same time, everything concerns only nicknames, and the real names of the heroines were left untouched, even if they are quite difficult to pronounce for my compatriots. Also, the cultural details were not changed, and the speech was made perhaps a little closer to the one adopted here, but without the impossible references and own inventions, which was the fault of the subtitles for the GaoGaiGar I recently completed. Which I am ready to forgive, in contrast to the jokes that are clearly not intended for the age audience of GaoGaiGar.
But I digress. It seems to me that this is exactly what every dubbing, and translation in general, should strive for. Making the original closer to the viewer, while maintaining its authenticity, rather than pretending that the action is taking place on a neighboring street.
It’s wrong to judge the anime itself after watching three episodes, but based on my impressions, I’m inclined to agree with Dreamsword’s review. I like how quickly the team assembles, but this is the rule rather than the exception. Just remembering a fun, upbeat show from another franchise, I remember the Kamen Rider Club creation in Fourze as being very drawn out. Maybe it would be different now, but if you look at it in ongoing...I think it was still not worth showing all the future participants in the opening and creating at least a hint of intrigue. But I digress again.
P.S. Later I’ll write how Cure Beauty was translated.

Happy to hear that the dubbing in your native region was done well! Hoping you continue to enjoy the show as you go through it.

Thank you.