Kamen Rider Saber Episode 22- "Nevertheless, I Want To Save People!" Discussion
 

Touma rescues a young woman from the Megid only to learn she has a sister still in captivity.

Okay things are gonna worse... I'm just gonna duck out of this one too.

Not the way I envision Touma going berserk.

A good thing about Saber is that they like to put out reasons as to why Touma would go into using a weaker form over, say, my boi Dragonic. In this case, I guess Touma wanted to prove himself as a swordsman to Ogami, by making use of his skills more than his books, much like last week. Didn't work, though, as he was quickly wrecked by Buster. Not sure what's with the focus on the King Of Arthur WRB, though... Good to know it's still somewhat a special WRB.

Yuri and Daishinji's interactions are also great to see. Those two are easily one of the most entertaining characters in Saber. It was neat to see Slash attempt to apprehend the Megid by shooting at its legs instead of making direct hits in order to buy time till Yuri comes in.

That green screen scene with the Megid was awful, though, but I guess they had some restrictions in filming. Storious continues to be the most proactive of the team and the two just banging tables, unfortunately. Although, they'll be seen in combat for next episode it seems. All three of them, finally.

Ren continues to be as unhinged as ever and, man, they're really stopping Rintarou from transforming. ALtho, he'll be seen next week with Fantastic Lion, so that's something. Dezast seems to be listed to appear next week, too, hopefully something to do with Ren.

Next episode is Primitive's debut and I, for one, am looking forward to how this one goes! After MCH and Hazard's "silent fighter" berserker modes, we are now going back to PuToTyra's screamy berserker. The pictures and previews are really showing Asai getting the mobility he deserves! No more of the restricting material on Dragonic.

I assume the added focus is due to the sentimental value King Of Arthur has. Remember, Touma was only able to unlock KoA's true power by realizing he had to work together with his friends (or rather his associates, if you wanna factor what happens later into the equation) as a team to save Ogami from the Medusa/Gorgon Megids. Also there's the fact that KoA can summon a giant floating sword that turns into a robot, so Ogami taking it probably hinders Touma a fair amount.

Forgot to add. The sound design on Hayate as Ren puts it back onto his holster was 1000% satisfying to hear.

To help sell big robot toy limit chi appearance. Also, it help created lion senki drgonic knight.

*ahem* the SHF brave dragon is finally ready stock on japan market.

But you're right. I love that they don't just put an ineffective form with no reason just because the toys sell need a boost

You can say that, but I was talking about in a broader term. Way before SHF Brave Dragon was even released, Touma made explicit use of other forms besides Dragonic in Crimson, Dragon Arthur, and Brave. Plus, last year's Zero-One didn't follow that supposed theory of making use of the base form to coincide with the SHF's release, considering Rising Hopper only made THREE appearances in Q2 and that was after the SHF was released, not during.

Oh sure. I do agree with you. Looks like I edit my post at the same time you reply it. Bassically, your point is right. Our story writers looks like do more effort to balance the many form with the story

Oh, I quite enjoyed this one—that's two episodes in a row now, let's see if we can make it three, Saber! In all honesty, I think I was probably bound to enjoy this as it was a very Oogami episode, and I do like conflicted older men *wink*. I also feel I could probably get behind Oogami/Reika as a pairing, so if someone wants to write that for me, you know where my inbox is. :p

I still don't like X-Swordsman at all, I think it's hideous, and during his final move, I thought for the briefest second that his face mask was going to attach to the groin, and I was legit horrified. Fortunately, it did not though, and we were spared 'the best shining thrusting' or whatever. Also, if the genuinely intent has all along been to make Ren a boy of questionable judgement who easily finds himself making questionable moral choices, then despite failing to illustrate this in earlier episodes, I felt they did a good job here, the same with Rintaro's doubt.

I am optimistic about the next episode. I don't read the spoiler threads as I'd rather see the events as they happen, so don't @ me with "Yeah, but, dreamcastegirl don't you know that next episode confirms the new Super Hyper Championship World Warrior form?" :p Speaking of which, I am marginally saddened that the trailer does seem to highlight a new, new Rider. I thought we'd got beyond that.

Is it bad that I foresaw the Charybdis book will be released as a P-Bandai item? Mostly because it has a unique design and the episode hints that Charybdis will be the next Desast.

Anyone got an idea where I can watch the raw?

Fuck! Yes!

Touma has really come into his own in this arc!

While I think he was a bit undercooked in the early parts of the SOL arc, he had his Big Damn Rider moment in his fight with Calibur and has just cemented it through this second arc. His characterization has really come into its own and he turned into a protagonist I love following. He also turned into a proper badass!

I really gotta say, the longer the show goes on, the more I love it. The overarching goals and ideas come together and show there is a clear vision for the show, which is refreshing after I didn't get that feeling last year.

While it still has its flaws at times, at this point, I just don't care anymore since it delivers on the emotional character moments wonderfully, which in my opinion, is where it matters most.

At this point, I'd be lying if I didn't think Saber's a good Rider show.

I'm too depressed to watch this. Saber's still his friends' enemy. Which sucks for me in this lonely state in this dark time.

Looks like Daishinji can go Bremen mode without even henshining now. He got really excited about Yuri for some reason.

You can watch it on TuKoz.

Hmm, maybe you could wait for some episodes to accumulate and then watch them in one sitting so you get to the more uplifting parts?

That's a good idea!

But in the meantime, can you recommend me some former KR seasons while Saber is still developing?

Yeah sure! What seasons haven't you watched yet? Since I don't want to recommend something you may have already seen.

Yuri's the Sword of Light. One of the first swords his family made. Of course, he would want to get his hands on him for educational purposes. 🤣

The first sword they created was Rekka if I recall. Saikou and Kurayami were created by the Great Book and Rekka was created based on these two. But yeah, it was only a matter of time before Tetsuo went crazy for Yuri because of him technically being a sentient sword. :lolol

I haven't been chiming in here because honestly I have nothing to say. I'm watching Saber but I'm not invested in it. But this episode I felt like its the best episode so far. Touma just seemed and felt more heroic than before that I bought it. It was a good episode for me.

Tetsuo simping for swords is something I'll never get tired of watching over and over.

Yeah, this makes a lot of sense now. Daishinji is shy and quiet around humans but he has no problem talking to human-shaped swords. :lol

Is it just me, or does Touma seem to have a habit of making big heroic speeches when he can barely stand? It's becoming almost as much of a trademark as Aruto's terrible puns. Kaenken Rekka? More like Kaen-cane! (get it because he's always leaning on it for support)

In all seriousness though, I think moments like that are when he really shines as a character, because it shows that despite all the talk about him being destined to obtain power or Rekka being a special sword, he's not some invincible super-swordsman. Any special destiny, superior gear or sword skills he may have aren't enough to just let him win. His true strength is that no matter how badly he's beaten, he never gives up!

Which, yeah, that's kinda cliche for a hero, but dammit I love it!

I've noticed that too.

He's barely able to keep up with the other fighters, both Rider and Monster. He barely knows what he's doing, but he's not going to let that stop him!

"I'm covered in bruises and too weak to stand, but I will do everything in my power to stop you from hurting anyone else!"

And then, through sheer luck and/or willpower, he actually does it.

That's (part of) why I like this show. That's what a hero is.

(Also, after Zero-One, I'm always a little disappointed when a pun doesn't end with "Aruto Jaaa~ Nai To! Yours was still good though.)

Touma being wounded all the time yet fighting on to save others remind me of the classic image of a chivalrous knight who braves danger to save people. And his promises is a nice callback to a knight's oath whenever they go out to do something.

Getting in on the Touma is great train.

Touma has quickly jumped into one of my favoarite protags because of these last few episodes. Touma has the conviction of a hero but is both physically and idealolgically challenged ever since the splliting from the Sword Of Logos. Touma simplicity in just wanting to save people is both his greatest strength but also his greatest weakness as him rushing through thing sometimes withot thought like seen in his fight with Daishinji wanting to uses all of his upgrades all at once and less reliant on actual skill.

Themes of knighthood already go back to the "oath" that the three Swordrivers made and Touma using Dragon Alangina and the blade of his fallen ally. It's so good to see!

Fell super super behind, just caught up tonight with this weeks episode. I thought it was pretty great, I found the first arc of Saber pretty uninteresting and hard to follow, but the quarter two episodes have been fantastic so far! Love the focus Daishinji and Ogami are getting, and Yuri's been a really fun character too!

Another good episode of Saber. Not sure what to say, so here's some random thoughts I had watching the episode.

Daishinji, when the sword-man says no, it means no. Please respect his personal space.

Those scenes with the twins together and the double possession were genuinely kinda creepy and unsettling.

Nobody at the Sword of Logos seems to be okay with the current situation. Slash has already decided he's done with it. Buster seems like he's trying to keep things from getting too out of hand. Blades is very conflicted between his loyalty to the Sword and doing the right thing, or what the right thing even is. Someone needs to talk to Kenzan and get him to actually think for once.

Speaking of buster, he clearly doesn't want to be Touma's enemy. He just took one book and left without even trying to fight Yuri.

Speaking of Yuri, they got him a phone. Is this the end of the long-standing tradition of Kamen Rider characters stealing people's electronics? Only time will tell.

Reika is still just dismissing every thought that isn't following her orders. But what's her plan anyway?

Saikou X-Swordman is the first Saber Rider designed for kicking instead of just swording. Still loving everything about it.

So Touma's new powers are like Yuri's. Interesting. Very interesting.

Even though Touma and Yuri saved the twins, we'll be seing more of Charybdis in the future.

And next episode is Primitive Dragon and Mysterious New Swordsman! Can't wait.

With very few exceptions, I tend to gravitate towards the title character being my favorite in a Rider show, and while Saber's whole ensemble is so appealing to me it took a while to settle, this second arc has very quickly propelled Touma to that status and cemented him there. It's very hard to imagine me liking anybody else more after this past month or so, and believe me, I really like some of those other guys too!

I guess the secret is that none of those other guys are as much like Takeru?

Some of these recent speeches from Touma, I mean, it could not possibly be more apparent that the staff from Ghost is making this show, and the conception of heroism they want to present is one that resonates with me just as much now as it did back when that show was airing. Despite me griping a bit about the context in episode 20's thread, I honestly still get chills just thinking about that whole "It's because I understand pain that I want to protect people" thing. Fukuda nailed that part of 20's script, and Hasegawa did a great job with these last two. There's a very specific emphasis being placed on concepts like compassion and the worth of individuals that I can't imagine ever getting tired of seeing.

Touma is dropping some premium heroic speeches left and right lately, but, crucially, he's also backing up his words with action, and that's what makes all the difference. It would be trite if saying these things were all he was doing, yeah, but when you get to witness so directly the kind of strength he draws from that conviction, braving impossible odds without ever giving up and shrugging off massive injuries for the sake of the greater good, it becomes a story with real impact, I think. As a viewer, you can see the value in the morals the show is preaching because you can see the value they hold to Touma so clearly. He's just an all around cool guy, you know?

But again, the show isn't exactly strapped for those. I think the only Rider here who I don't any special nice thing to say about in this episode is Ren, and that's probably only because of my existing general ambivalence towards his character. Even he's perfectly good here. And everyone else?

Yuri continues to be an absolute delight, with an extraordinarily endearing childlike sense of wonder and discovery about the world, as regularly displayed in the constant background gags, among other things, and I'm enjoying his gradual arc of gaining an appreciation for Touma's brand of heroics. Daishinji is super fun in his couple of scenes simply because he gets to show off his nerdy side thinking about the prospect of examining Saikou. Rintarou mostly gets that short moment where he's seriously considering cutting down the Megid, but the internal conflict it's clear is going on when he realizes Touma's dedication to following his own path spared him that burden speaks volumes about why I think this current arc is so great about getting the most out of these characters.

This is also pretty evident with Ogami's screentime, which goes to great pains to remind us he's a smart, caring guy who has absolutely no beef with Touma, which is pretty impressive when he's also smashing Saber's face in with a huge rock sword! It's a great fight thanks to Sugihara, naturally, but once again, I think the script is key to what gave his talent that space to shine. I loved the emphasis on how heavy duty Buster is. It comes across amazingly well in the visuals, but I also loved Touma's analytical narration simply because it reminded me that Touma doesn't actually know what it's like to be on the receiving end of that brutal fighting style? It put a spotlight on how fascinating I'm finding this whole idea Saber had to basically do the reverse of any other multi-Rider show. Instead of it being impactful to see the Riders working together after so long bickering, it's a huge deal seeing them cross blades specifically because they've been on the same page so consistently. Heck, in a way, they still are, even. The only one who actually hates Touma right now is Ren, and Ren never liked Touma that much to begin with. Buster's really only here to do his day job, and that's tragic in its own way, because it's so obvious these are two people who still deeply respect one another despite their respective circumstances forcing a wedge between them. It's pretty obvious Ogami didn't actually leave because Yuri showed up.

I love it, basically. All of that. The episode. Saber in general. Take your pick. This show just keeps finding ways to make me happy week after week. Brave Dragon even showed up in a meaningful capacity again!

On the topic of Yuri's phone, from whose wallet did that come out of? Or did Yuri just magic himself some money like he does? I'd think it came out of Touma's, he does own a bookstore, though I don't know how successful that bookstore is. Probably is, though.

Regarding Reika's plan, by putting up what we know, she's looking for the sword of light and most likely has Kurayami in possession. Either her or Master Logos. So, she's most likely a follower to Master Logos' plan of the "Hontō no Chikara" or the true powah.

Personally, I can't imagine working three jobs is going great for Touma myself. He's got nobody to run that store but him, and lately it seems like most of his time is spent being hunched over and covered in bruises and cuts, which probably freaks out potential customers on the rare occasions he even has the opportunity to have the place open. I kinda wish Rider shows were still as episodic as Double or Wizard just so we could get a hilarious two-parter out of this about Touma trying to hire a part-timer or something. :lol

Oh THAT'S why this arc has been blowing my mind so much! I've been thinking this whole time "riders fighting each other is nothing new, why is it giving me emotions in Saber that it hasn't before?" and you just put it into words.

Am I going to be the only one here commenting on just how bad the continuity was in this episode? The time of day was changing from afternoon to sunset back to afternoon after almost every cut. It was incredibly distracting.

Otherwise, another solid episode. I can finally feel myself getting invested in these characters, so I can't wait to see how Fukuda wrecks it when he's put back in charge.

I still like the look of Saikou X-Swordsman. Yes, it's gaudy but that is entirely the point. And the design honestly looks more like an actual Rider than a good chunk of the other Swordsmen (which makes sense considering its roots).

I think Mei paid for that phone since she is probably annoyed by Yuri constantly stealing her phone for his own use/amusement.

Probably bought it off a secondary electronics store, since those really have good quality stuff with low prices.

I am absolutely treating this as canon now.

Welp, can't wait for it to nodded in ya writing.

haha, I was just thinking about how to work it in. :p

Huh? You write? Cool.

I write too much! In fact, I even have a thread about my tokusatsu fanfic here. :p Though, it's lacking any real index by show. I always feel self-conscious talking about my nonsense, because I feel it's unbecoming to blow your own horn, but if there is any interest, I will edit that first post with a proper list of what I've done.

*subliminal message: please buy my books if you like my fanfiction. :p*