[Locke]

So Black 10 was a proper, plot focused episode and eh...the whole episode felt oddly rushed for a Black episode and strangely forced for a Black episode as well. I really do wish they didn't try and tell these stories over twenty minutes, modern Kamen Rider stretches every episode into two and Black condenses everything into one when it feels like it should be the other way round.

Like...they all know Black's identity, he is a cyborg yet he integrates himself into the Golgom militia with no red flags at all. Do they not test you in Japanese hospitals? Or take your ID? I also like how they just believe Kotaro immediately, with no evidence, despite being a complete stranger and the doctor being the one that saved their lives.

I mean the actual idea is cool, the consistent way Golgom work is making the people assume they are the good guys and making them almost...have a debt to Golgom, converting gratitude to loyalty to slavery but this episode was just poorly realised.

Kotaro was fucking boss this episode though, he is easily one of my favourite Rider's, probably only coming second to Eiji. Plus, coupled with great action scenes and great monster designs Kotaro is fun in and out of the suit. I've actually grown to love the simplicity of Black's fighting, he don't need no fancy sword, he literally slices his enemies with his bare hands that is way more awesome!

So does Kotaro need Battle Hopper to do his Rider Punch and Kick? Because he like launches himself off the bike and never uses them beforehand, if that is the case, I dig that shit, makes the Rider part of Kamen Rider worthwhile.