Makes sense. Though in this series we're brainstorming there is one thing I want to know, why did Shroud give him the Skull Memory, like why specifically that one.

Ok...I'm only 11 episodes into Double...take it easy...

In that case, then yeah, make it happen Toei, or at least make a movie.

That could be a great thread in the show, we know people have to have high genetic synchronisation to draw the greatest power out of a Memory - so when Soukichi finds this out, he'd want to know.

Thematically, Skull represents the fact that, well, he died at the very beginning of the first episode. (that's not a spoiler, it's literally the first thing you see) In-universe, Skull is the only purified memory that kills a dopant memory user with it's Maximum Drive, so it's inherantly tied with death. It could be Shroud just wanted him to have an exceptionally powerful memory, to make up for the fact that the Lost Driver is a prototype of the W driver. Half the memories, half the strength, so she tried to make up the difference? It's totally not beyond her to force something unwanted onto a friend if it meant eventually saving Raito. Even if it took ten years of work.

Especially since Skull is so powerful, it's the only Gaia memory to KILL with a Maximum drive, instead of just doing a memory break. It's bad enough Soukichi finds Gaia Memories unethical, but he has a particularly "awful" one. Plus, Skull is the first "purified" memory to exist, and Shroud obviously didn't have the kinks out when he first used it. There could be ramifications from that.

He's less like Batman and more like the Punisher. It makes the Skull image all the more fitting.

Black Episode 3
You know every time the Golgom priests are on the screen, I can't help but think of this music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipzR9bhei_o

Oh hey look, it's the ToQgers!

So if everybody disappeared, then how did the train exit the tunnel? Or was it just the passenger who vanished?

INTERCEPTION!

Those two seem really happy to help Golgom, even if they have to risk the lives of other human beings. I know they want eternal life but I think prepping a rocket to fail and take away machines that help heal cancer is taking it way too far. That's just down right diabolical.

That was a pretty good looking transformation sequence. It sounded odd as all hell and I won't lie, the hair shooting/sliding out of his skin was a little creepy. But those aren't negatives as it helped enhance the scene. Kinda sad we didn't get to see his whole body morph though, that would have been great to see.

Shit that is one strong bat. I guess Man-Bat decided to take a vacation to Japan and do a little evil work on the side.

So if you're in the silk for too long you become a clay statue? How does that work exactly?

You know every time I see this woman I can't tell if she's face face paint or a mask. Really hard to tell.

Well that was another good episode. It had some really nice camera work, especially when Kotaro first arrived at the cave which was great looking in itself. The music kicked ass as always, the episode's story moved along well, and the acting was pretty good as per usual. The fight scene was alright, but the end of the fight seemed kinda rushed and tacky since Black suddenly was able to burst through the web. Outside of that little nitpick though, the action in the episode was great.

Another episode of Black has gone by and all I can say is that the series is hitting on all cylinders with me so far. Only 3 episodes in and it's already posed to break into my top 5 Rider shows.

Just finished the crossover bit. It was ridiculous, as these portions usually are, but mostly fun. Although the most ridiculous thing was ironically the way the film wrapped up

I actually much preferred the back up fight, being that Brotou and Ryu are probably my two favourite secondary Riders. I mean don't get me wrong, I love the way Eiji and Sho/Philip all play off of one another, like Sho's reaction to Ankh and Eiji's reaction to their signature line but it isn't quite as much of a dream team for me.

Overall though, Skull's part of the film is one hundred percent worth watching but everything else is pretty throwaway.

What episode did Ryugen debut at the end of again?

4.

So I need to watch 7 JUICY hours to catch up?

Okay. *ties bandana around forehead* Let's go.