[Actar]

Geats 100% lived up to the hype and then some. That was one of the best first episodes of a Rider series I've seen in a while. It's so, so refreshing. Where do I even begin?

I really, really liked how the main Rider is just overconfident and overpowered right out of the bat, and it seems that he's not even going to be the character we as the audience sympathize with the most. It reminds me of the Tendo/Kagami dynamic from Kabuto. I also like how Sakurai starts off the series applying for a job and having his idealism shut down by reality. Great motivation for competing in the Desire Grand Prix.

I'm just curious about how (or even why) Geats is going to continue participating in the tournament, considering the fact that he's already won it already. Does he want another wish? What was his wish before? Here's hoping that they are able to keep him interesting and maintain that overconfident air that he has.

There's also a sense of weight and gravitas to the Desire Grand Prix, thanks to the lack of any kind of obtrusive slapstick comedy and goofy editing that recent Rider shows have been known for. Speaking of which, with Boost flying off at the end, does Geats have to go find it every time he uses the special or finisher, or was that just a comedy thing? Regardless, I was absolutely glued to the screen from start to finish. Needless to say, all the suits and action were top-notch.

Really looking forward to following this one weekly. Haven't really been doing that since Gaim.