[TheFightingSpirit]

Well, put it this way. The focus on dancing makes perfect sense in a story telling way. No only is this what they care about, not only does it have hints of the theme of "the people standing up for themselves in the face of adversity", its the perfect joyous moment to make the bad shit seem all the worse when it inevitably start hitting the fan in the next few episodes.

And if anyone thinks they aren't setting Mai and the Beat Riders up for a fall then I disagree. It's the Butcher, you just know with all those episodes to go that this is a high point to make the lows seem extra low.

It's a stark contrast to the rest of the story, yes, but that really doesn't diminish anything in my opinion. Only highlights certain important things like... I don't know... Micchi saying he'll betray anyone or anything if it means he can stay happy?!

Ignoring everything else going on under the surface (like Jounouchi's flat out attacking the very people who are supposed to be his peeps), That's some dark stuff right there. It's just more hidden than usual is all.

Now, I will say this was a weaker episode than most, but only because the writers set themselves up for a fall by going all out so damn soon.