[FreshToku]

I'm glad the only imporant parts of this episode of Zi-O landed so well with you!

As it happens, my favourite episode of Build is episode 22. It became a favourite of mine across the whole franchise the very first time I saw it. After several episodes of Sento struggling with the weight and burden of his power and all that good stuff, it all ends with an epic clash with Cross-Z Charge where Banjo saves him, overcoming his own struggles with his power through sheer force of will. The episode as a whole was a really, really good climax and showcase of the two leads' dynamic and their relationship.

I never in a million years would have thought this weird, bizarre, barely-coherent show about time-travel and some doofy kid who wants to be king would ever come out with anything that reached a similar height, but episode 28 of Zi-O absolutely does and even surpasses it. Wow I really loved this one, and I loved it even more when I rewatched it like, two or three times that following week after it aired.

Obviously it's all because of Sougo and Geiz, and everything from the ten minute or so mark onwards is just about perfect. Them both arrivin at that conveniently empty carpark to keep their horribly sacrificial promises with one another, and Sougo admitting he's fine with all this because this way he gets to see Geiz... Aaghgh! (< good anguish).

Anyway, Another Zi-O doesn't stop being pretty weak as a villain but I'll give him thanks for being the one to drive the very next most iconic moment in the whole show for me. Geiz saving Sougo and shouting out how he's the kindest, greatest guy he knows and calls him his friend while Sougo watches in shock.

Folllowing right up is one heck of an extended action sequence featuring a whole gang of Another Riders and a thorough showcase of nostalgic alternate forms. Once again, the music plays a large part in this scene, an awesome track that not only works in Toki no Ouja (and thus firmly establishing it as a consistent, recurring motif in the soundtrack from this point onwards [especially when that sad piano version plays after the fight is over]), but it also brings back those old, goofy instruments from Zi-O's regular fight music for a very dramatic return. Loved it from start to giant sword finish.

And again, while I'm not particularly invested in Hiryu, Sougo's words to him (accompanied by that aforementioned piano piece) is also a really good moment for him, so I'll thank this villain for that again : P

I know I'm just describing things scene by scene at this point but it really is just hit after hit, because Sougo and Geiz's conversation after it's all over is just such a great conclusion to these troubles that's been plaguing both of them for several real-time months. Sougo asks Geiz to come back to the clock store, and Geiz agrees. I guess the only thing I would change is just have Geiz himself explicitly drop all notion of having a 'final battle' at this point, which would have made Tsukiyomi dropping in begging them not to fight even more funny, and even more sweet as they laugh at her (okay that's rude, I know they're not literally laughing at her, but still!)

Honestly? As much as I have never cared about any of the larger plot stuff in this show and always found it actively detrimental to my enjoyment of it, all those previous scenes left such a good impression on me that I was feeling mighty generous. White Woz is potentionally scheming something with Swartz? I decided "You know what, the show has earned me being a little interested and optimistic" so I honestly found myself looking forward to whatever that may be, alongside whatever a certain thief with a shiny new P-Bandai gun was going to get up to.

I mean how could I not look forward to a bright future, after that wonderful scene of Geiz and Woz bickering, and all four of them reunited with a mostly common goal?