[r4bbitdragon]

Yeah, the plotline for Mei this episode...

I think people have generally tried to be hopeful about Reiwa, about it being an upgrade for Rider's female characters? How true that is series to series under close examination is it's own matter, but at least visually: hey! It's basically standard the tertiary rider is a Girl now! Big win for Women, right?

Which ends up not looking great for Saber, the notable exception. And it's not just lacking a female tertiary that clouds Saber's handling of women, but the actual female characters are largely... well. When we finally get Reika as a female rider, she immediately gets derailed to (weirdly) fawn over her brother. Sophia gets kidnapped (due to actor obligations, but) with barely an impact on the narrative for ages. Luna... is not a character! She really just exists as motivation.

Mei, at least, breaks the doom and gloom by being generally a delight. She's got energy, she's got spunk! Love to have her around!

But... she /is/ in that more traditional supporter/helper role. And then times like this, when she gets damseled to further Rintaro's despair during this arc for him... Eh. Even Saber's Best Gal can't quite escape, huh...?