[Kiwami]

Episode 14 is exactly what I like about Ultraman Orb: You have a perfect little slice of life moment which is just great to watch, then something happens but it’s absolutely in line with the setup. And even though they didn’t really had to open with flashbacks to put the emphasis on it, but this is exactly the kind of episode Shin-san needed.

I like Galactron’s design a lot, the monster suit is awesome (and I had to chuckle during the naming bit since they could also have easily named him Galvatron) and I enjoy having a monster which isn’t necessarily bad, only misguided. Or mis-programmed in this matter. I still fondly remember the episode of X with the guardian plant monster, and Tokusatsu in general makes some great "The monster isn’t really evil"-episodes. Those are my favorites.

I enjoyed how Galactron initially scanned Orb and was like "Oh hey, an Ultraman. 'Sup" and walked away without bothering him but continues to destroy the city. I was a bit surprised they didn’t use the opportunity to add some depth to Orb by identifying him as an incomplete warrior of Ultra, but I have the slight suspicion this will happen next episode so that the audience gets a hint on Orb’s next upgrade: His true form. Like, I fully expect Galactron to note that Orb is "damaged" in some way.

Anyways, it was a great episode, some really fun stuff (Gai bringing the heat at the grill), a cool monster, a character episode which is long overdue, and best of all: More Thunder Breastar next week. I can’t get enough of that suit, it’s gorgeous.