[Sh Ranger]

I watched Juuga VS Olteca.

I mostly enjoyed it. The comedy here was amusing, which is the easiest thing to recommend. Like George getting excited over meeting another sempai and lampshading all the Drive references, Daiji's and Hiromi's endurance contest, George sporadically singing parts of his theme song and Wizard Girl reminding everybody that she's Wizard Girl (why KR Girls keep getting typecast as villains in these specials though?).

Regarding the plot, it's pretty thin, but I appreciate how it stays connected to Revice with the other Gif Eyeball. It's easily the most Revice-y Revice content I've seen since Episode 46. I liked George's epic speech to Takada, about how any technology created to surpass humanity is inherently a waste of time. It sounded appropriately insulting to Takada, with George giving him so much sass while also making a good point.

However, my favorite scene is the brief exchange between Tamaki and Olteca. It's the first time in a while we've seen these guys, like, have a talk, without Tamaki blowing a fuse and wanting to punch Olteca on sight. Last time we saw him, he was working for Aguilera's detective agency, but now he reveals he's moved on from following Aguilera. There's sadness in letting go of somebody you've dedicated so much time to, but this bittersweet independence gives him the freedom to look for somebody who will reciprocate his feelings. I think that's partially why Tamaki is able to speak so amicably to Olteca now, like the friends they used to be, since Tamaki has put the hurt of that betrayal behind him and encourages Olteca to do the same. He doesn't explain exactly how Olteca is supposed to that, being a super notorious criminal and all, but the sentiment is there and the advice is more helpful than trying to crush his wrist (looking at you Aguilera) at least. #NiceTamaki!

Despite being the title and premise of this special, the climactic fight of Juuga VS Olteca feels more like a formality. George's and Olteca's rivalry is a matter of pride, as they fight each other to prove who's the better genius prodigy. But I think it's more intriguing to consider what they have in common, their mutual refusal of Takada's belief that surpassing humanity is necessary for humanity's improvement. George and Olteca both want to become better versions of themselves, by their own means, which seems to be a foundation for their respect. Takada essentially serves as the main villain of this special, but once he's dealt with, George and Olteca revert to their old ways. George is still kind of a narcissistic a**hole (albeit a lovable one), while Olteca is off to go conquer the world again, maybe join the Outsiders' fight against Zein if he feels like it. I think Olteca's dynamic with Tamaki is ultimately more, like, dynamic, than the "I'm so much smarter and cooler than you" thing he has going with George.

Overall, I'd say this is another one of the pleasant oases in the desert called Revice. It's got flaws, of course, but I thought it was worth watching for the humorous jokes, the minor but overdue development for side characters who needed it the most and stuff for Drive fans as well.