[r4bbitdragon]

Okay, this is by far the most fun I've had with the show since episodes 3 and 4! Thanks, Sakura!

Speaking of episode 3, I think this episode mainly continues to play into a conflict first established for Sakura in that episode. It was brought up in a kind of funny way at the time- hey why is sakura is discussing politics with her kidnapper now- but something she's been concerned about for awhile is: okay, but what if the people using these stamps have reasonable concerns in an unfair system where they only have a chance of accomplishing anything if they do something drastic?

This is something that's clearly been eating at her for awhile, and it plays into being so hesitant at the bank, listening to see how her karate instructor will explain herself. At the same time, it seems her brothers fall into a more punitive justice model, saying that it still doesn't justify her actions. Sakura still seems split between these mindsets, while everyone else in her life tells her it shouldn't be something she's concerned with.

I believe, then, that the reason her transformation fails is that she shows up at the end saying she'll 'stop' her instructor. Her driver is designed with elements like a cage, and while we see something glowing within it, it doesn't open. She's trying to gain power as a rider in the model her brothers have demonstrated, but since it's not true to what she actually wants to do, help her instructor, she can't yet open that cage and release that power.