Kamen Sentai GoRider
 

I wasn't sure where to put this and I didn't see a thread for it so I decide to make my own. TV-Nihon has translated and released the first episode of the mini series so I decided to share my thoughts.

Right off the bat, the first thing you'll notice is how... subtle it is. Its no secret that modern day Kamen Rider tends to be very... in your face with loud noises and flashing lights. This episode however was, for the most part anyway, very quiet save for the talking drivers.

Something I'm also surprised about was how long it was. I didn't really put much thought into the length of the show but whoa, I was not expecting this to be 32 minutes long. Look back...was this length really necessary? Despite the long length, not all that much happens in this episode. Its mostly just the characters meet, talking, and a little bit of battling. The rest of the time was spent building atmosphere which, while good and all, probably didn't need to take as long as it did.

One thing that I also liked about this episode is that the revived characters are the one who receive the focus, not Emu. Not counting that 6 minute long opening that was just Emu walking around a carnival repeating the same thing, very few scenes in this episode lacked at least one of the revived characters. Most of the focus was on their interactions with each other and the way they introduced the characters I felt did a really good job of giving them a bit of individual characterization for those unfamiliar with them before putting them with the rest of the group.

All and all, I really enjoyed this first episode. It was probably longer then it really needed to be but I enjoyed myself none the less. I love it when early Heisei Riders meet modern Heisei riders, the stark difference tone and gear is always amazing to see. I can't wait to watch more.

I have to disagree about the length of the episode. I think it worked quite well. The slow burn of characters arriving and the story unfolding helps tremendously. There is an almost Agatha Christie vibe going on as the mystery deepens. Those extra minutes help ratchet up the tension for whatever comes next. I'd be fine if the whole thing continued on like this. Of course, it can't and I expect as things head towards the conclusion it will be a lot more action and fewer character moments, which is a shame in a way.

I never get tired of seeing actors returning to their roles, especially when they aren't from recent series, and I always get a thrill when old drivers and driver sounds are revisited. I wasn't much of a Blade fan overall but seeing that character again, not to mention ones I genuinely liked like Another Agito, really brings a smile to my face. Of course, I will never tire of Gaim characters/costumes returning and it's always bittersweet because I'm reminded of how much I missed them. Of course it isn't all good, at least for me. Seeing the old characters and their gear only reinforces how much I really, really dislike the Ex-Aid design aesthetic. It just does not appeal to me in any way, shape, or form.

Suffice it to say, the story so far has me intrigued. I'd happily watch a whole Amazons-length series of these characters unraveling a mystery with as much, or as little as one may see it, action as this episode had.

When the Shocker appeared, Kino sounded like he knew about them. How did he know about them? I am sure he has never met them before... or atleast, never on-screen.

Continuity is very loose in these crossovers , you shouldn't really think about it too much.

Very intriguing episode, really interested how it develops in the future.

I liked it.
The episode was a lot longer than I thought, but it worked out. I really liked the tension rising as the mystery deepens. The slow scenes of the characters just talking is always nice in an action based series like this. It helps set the tone of what's to tome.
I hope they don't mess it up.

Anyway, I love seeing the deceased characters returning, my all time favorite, Blade, especially. I haven't touched Agito, but Another Agito seemed pretty cool. He seemed abrasive, but not Kaixa or Baron levels of abrasive. He kept a semi-level head throughout the episode. Seeing Baron and Marika make a return was also rather nice. Haven't watched Ex-Aid, so...Yeah.
I'm glad it isn't overly focused on Emu, so I can get into the mystery a little more rather than Emu's struggle.

Pretty good episode. Kinda sucks that the GoRiders didn't actually appear, but with the pacing in this episode, I think it would've ruined the flow otherwise, so I'm fine with it~

Technically speaking, he has fought Shocker on 2 occasions. Both off screen and during major crossovers that have dubious canon, but still.
I think at this point, we just have to accept that all Riders know about Shocker, despite it never being actual canon.

That was my thought, too. With all the crossovers, maybe they remember some of that in another crossover, even if they necessarily wouldn't in a series environment. I would expect that to work for everyone but apparently Ex-Aid (who I suppose hasn't run into Shocker yet) and Marika don't recognize them. I can't remember if the character was in a crossover film with Shocker, though.

Looking at the Kamen Rider Wiki, apparently he hasn't, which is strange. I would've imagined he participated in the All Rider Break.
What, did that happen when Toei was on the fence about treating him as a Rider?

I guess he hasn't met Shocker. Odd.

Technically he met with Shocker if the video games are canon, Rider Revolution had Shocker kidnap him iirc

I'm guessing not since he explicitly asks who they are in this.