[Kamen Rider Die]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchblade

Something I'm appreciating a lot as I go back and look at these episodes again is the variety of the scenery. We've got the office building, the cafe, the park, the gas station, and so many other places that aren't the same stock Toei filming locations that we see over and over again in modern shows. I usually associate more location variety with Hibiki, of course, but it's so nice to see it on something that's more urban, too. I know we'll see more of the familiar locations as the show goes on (including the debut of one that the franchise will go back to a lot), but for now I'm enjoying the change of scenery.

This episode sees the start of one of my favorite recurring features on Faiz: the emergency phone call for help with zero location information. We're not at "Takkun! Orphenoch!" yet, but I'm still happy to see the debut of the characters' miraculous innate GPS.

Yeah, they're really all over the place in these first episodes, aren't they? It sells the whole Wandering angle, which you need if them deciding to settle down has any weight. I mean, they still manage a few favorites from the good folks at Rider Realty: that stairwell for Yuuji and Yuka's first meeting is in at least Ryuki, but probably Agito; I think the embankment Michiko gets run off of by the car is all over the franchise, but especially Fourze; and the sidewalk where the girls rob Yuka is from Ryuki. Still, a lot of the Takumi/Mari scenes are different enough locales.

And, maybe it's just in the copy I got, but there's a scene in Episode 4 where Keitaro laments that Takumi is going to be a hopeless Kamen Rider, and he'll probably try and run off again, so he injects a small tracking chip into his neck while he sleeps. He just wants what's best for Takkun! Don't judge him for caring too much!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreadBringer

Keitaro's story is really Kamen Rider protagonist's! Finding a belt, noticing that the power can be used to do more good deed (becoming a Rider is something that shows your heroism more clearly, someone's goodness wouldn't be as clear/significant in their daily job), taking up the mantle of Kamen Rider (by stealing but they refuse so..) and trying to henshin. In any other series, that'd quickly happen espeically with Takumi and Mari not being interested in that with Keitaro as the protector and the only problem being the burden he carries. But this is Faiz.... and yeah, this is the part where at the beginning, I talked about how it's unfair to mock Faiz for females failing to henshin, as you see here, the males aren't exempt from this, gender equality! Keitaro attacking Takumi's personal space though, asking to instantly calling him Taku-chan. Also here...

I don't know, I think this is in line with how Ryuki treated Wanting To Be A Hero, where that character is best served by having that dream denied. It's easy to imagine a version of the story where Keitaro takes over and is either a) just the wrong hero for the mission, or b) immediately killed by a monster because he's got a good heart but weak muscles. Keitaro getting what he wants from stealing the belt and assuming he knows best... that would not be a great lesson!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreadBringer

I don't know but boxer feels like the most simple form of self-defense, and brawler moves can be similar to that too, typically applied if someone never learns to fight but has enough power to pack a punch. Not a criticism as it makes sense for someone who never fights to throw simplistic moves like that.

Yeah, I don't think of Takumi as a very strategic fighter, one who's reading his opponent like a martial artist. He's a very Let's Get This Over With fighter, and that's what a quick-hitting boxing style says to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Androzani84

The new Orphnoch, Kiaido, is one of the first three things I remember about this series, as a result of coming in from later media. The other two, you’ll find out what they are in I think it’s episodes 12 and 13 respectively.

Neat! I'm looking forward to it!