[Kamen Rider Die]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

Honestly, arguing about Ghost with people on this forum probably taught me everything I know about expressing opinions in a respectful manner.

Forged by the flames of having to explain why Takeru is a viable hero, incinerated by people's loathing of Yurusen, reborn from the ashes like some kind of... uh... I had something for this! Sorry. It'll come to me.

Anyway, I think this is going to be one of those agree-to-disagree situations. To me, the speed at which the show burned through plot points in the early going kept me from being able to get a sense of either Takeru's character or any growth thereof. It was a lot of Things Happening, but not a lot of Things Mattering. I feel like the show just assumed a connection between the audience and Takeru, so they skipped over a lot of helpful character building in favor of rocketing through Eyecons and showcasing his feud with Specter. All of the stuff about Makoto's desperation and dedication reflecting on Takeru, man, I'm just not sure I saw that, at least not in a way that made me connect with Takeru. Mostly in a way where I was like Makoto Is Making A Lot Good Points Re: Assaulting Takeru.

But where I can't disagree was Takeru choosing to sacrifice his resurrection for Kanon. That, yep, got it, understood why he'd make that choice, loved that show did it, loved how zen he was afterwards... but felt like they used up a lot of that good will with his dad just being like What If I Became A New Coat For You To Wear And Also I'm Bringing You Back To Life For A Few More Weeks Go Get Those Eyecons Again. But, like, that moment, when he decides to save Kanon, I can't imagine how someone could dislike that choice, or dislike Takeru for making it. Like, what franchise do they think they're watching?!

It's just, for me, all of the arc stuff that defines Takeru's character, that uses a supporting cast member and secondary Rider to codify and personalize his heroism, all of that is in the Alain/GanmaWorld arc. Everything you're saying about how one character's unwavering desire to save someone else reflects on Takeru, or how his heroism comes into a starker relief, like, he does all of that with Alain, and they both come out looking better for it! It's tough for me to fly the flag for the Makoto/Takeru arc as some character defining high-point, when the Alain/Takeru arc is sitting right there.

I will say, though, that Makoto's best stuff is in the first dozen episodes. Once Kanon gets to live outside his pocket (uh), it's like the show never had a great second act for him. He got a little lost in the shuffle, narratively.

It's so weird to be doing so much thinking about Ghost after all of these months. I'm digging it, though! It's nice remembering the good things PHOENIX LIKE A PHOENIX THAT'S WHAT I WAS GOING TO SAY.