[Kamen Rider Die]

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Originally Posted by Switchblade

With Sawada dead we're basically done with the Ryusei school storyline. Mari has her memories back, Kusaka knows exactly what happened and who was responsible, and those two plus Mihara and Rina are the only survivors left. From here on the show is moving into its final major story arc.

It's so nice to have a story that feels relevant to everyone again, that feels drawn from their experiences, that's looped into the show's themes. Real cool to see.

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Originally Posted by DreadBringer

It's crazy yeah.... Minami IS Truegami?! I thought he's someone significantly older than that. And it's crazy for an actor to play a such contrasting role in different series. Here, he plays Minami, one of the worst person to exist in the show. Basically, Kusaka without being in the protagonist side.

He seems very excited about bringing a giant grey monster to life, so, probably not a great guy!

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Originally Posted by DreadBringer

What's the difference to you between this Yuka spotlight episode compared to episode 15 (which is mixed bag) at the past? But for Kitazaki on the shelf, he's already a recurring member of Lucky Clover so no point for looking for new member (because it's to make it 4, which assumed brings luck on Lucky Clover). In the past probably they just see Yuka as an ordinary Orphnoch, just like every MOTW, but Murakami researched her further to be convinced that she's a good candidate. Also wdym by powerful? About fighting wise, Takuma whooped her's ass with Yuji and Kaido together. With the cops knowing about Orphnochs, I guess that can be chalked up to Minami above.

(I had to go back and see which one Episode 15 was, and how I felt about it.) It seems like I really ended up enjoying that episode, so this one is sparking some of the same excitement.

Yeah, I wasn't suggesting that Yuka'd be taking Kitazaki's place, just that it's probably more important to have that 4th member when Kitazaki isn't reliable.

I think a lot of Yuka's limitations, as far as previous losses go, are self-imposed. Kageyama specifically criticizes her in this one for holding back in the fight.

Good point about Minami!

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Originally Posted by DreadBringer

Also Mari third-wheel? Yuji is the only man she likes and the scene is her together with him too!

I honestly don't think Yuuji and Takumi even knew Mari was sitting at that table.

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Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

Now there's a guy with an interesting redemption arc!

He really does! I don't have anywhere near enough time to go into it (I'm definitely doing this post when I should be working), but the Adel stuff largely worked better for me because redeeming him is the theme of the show, while redeeming ("redeeming") Sawada is something that is at best of reflection of the other characters' struggles, and at worst a distraction from more interesting thematic work.

Like, redeeming Adel is what Ghost is about, while the Sawada storyline never felt as integral to me.

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Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

It's to the merit of the show that they have lives beyond the plot and actually get to hang out and have fun and we get to have fun watching them.

Yeah, I think it's super important to have their Big Day Out, and not just for catharsis. It's important to see Yuka as a human teenager, since she's about to be objectified by numerous parties as A Dangerous Orphnoch.

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Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

The dynamic between him and Takumi is so unique as well. It's neither the first nor the last time the Primary and Secondary Riders have been rivals but they seriously don't get along even out of combat and yet they still have some kind of twisted camaraderie between them while being as passive aggressive as possible. Kusaka would never consider another Orphenoch a comrade but he made an exception for Takumi even though he would rather kill him. Takumi respects Kusaka for being generally competent and unhesistant which in turn helped Takumi to become more assertive in his principles. It's intriguing how their perpetual rivalry and mutual dislike can actually be beneficial for development.

I think they sincerely hate each other? I feel Takumi is okay hanging around jerks because he's been a jerk to tons of people (which is to say he doesn't care even a little bit if Kusaka hates him), while Kusaka knows he's going to need more Riders if he wants to bring down Smart Brain.

I don't know if I think they even grudgingly respect each other? Like, I think they view their actions as Riders as The Mission, and that exists in a strata so far above emotions that things like respect or camaraderie don't even enter the calculus. Fighting together... it's like they're both in the same fight, but they aren't fighting together.

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Originally Posted by Sunred

Speaking of, Kaixa Day is a few months away.

I've already started growing out my eyebrows in anticipation!