[Switchblade]

This show really does feel harder to talk about when it's between character introductions and interesting guest stars. It's interesting. Kabuto, like all the other Rider shows, still follows the two-episode block format in terms of production and guest cast, but it really feels more like one ongoing story. The bi-weekly elements rarely feel like they override the main character dynamics and development of Tendou, Kagami, and Hiyori's various relationships (and Juka eating, obviously). I'm actually really glad for this, because it's going to give me a lot more ammunition for something I've been looking forward to talking about when we get to Den-O.

So I guess we get Kageyama as TheBee now. I said recently that Drake is my least favorite Rider in terms of design, well Kageyama is my least favorite in terms of character. Not that he's awful, just that he's kind of a forgettable jerk. Not the first jerk Rider, but not one that's memorably douche-y like Kusaka or 75% of the Ryuki Riders. Honestly, I have a lot of trouble even remembering Kageyama's name when he's not on screen.

There's also the debut of the, um... ZECT Rider System Hot Wheels Launcher? I assume it has a name, but damned if I can remember it. This was something that was a result of Hibiki's bad toy sales: Bandai wanted to make sure that new toys got lots of focus on the show so kids would bug their parents to go out and buy them. The ZRSHWL? is one of the more egregious examples of forced toy integration. Where did it come from? Why does Tadokoro have it? What exactly does it do? Doesn't matter! 2000 yen at your local JUSCO!