[Androzani84]

I think one person pointed out that the main issue with the Ikki/Daiji conflict is that the show never truly pits their ideals against each other. Instead, Daiji gives several perfectly good reasons for why he’s working with Giff (and the fandom suggested that he also has the perfectly shallow reason that as far as he knows, Ikki killed Akemi), but Ikki doesn’t offer any counter-arguments and basically treats his reason for changing sides as unresolved angst.

And also, there’s the elephant in the room of Akaishi becoming a new Giffdemos and killing Hikaru’s not-dad. There’s certainly more emotional torque to this moment than the death of the not-mother in the last episode. And as pointed out, the subplot not only gives a lot more dimension to Hikaru than he had prior, but is the only time the show has actually discussed the concept of family, rather than having Ikki say “kazoku” every fifth line. The main issue with it is that they probably should’ve held off on Hikaru becoming Over Demons until after this one-two punch tragedy. That way, he’d probably be far less controversial.







Ikki: It’s Ikki’s…

Vice: And Vice’s…

Both: Stamp Navi!

Ikki: And today’s stamp is this one!

Crocodile!

Teeth-crushing Style! Biting Showtime! Crocodile! Jaws are the Final Hope!

Ikki: Crocodile Genome grants a stronger version of the Demon Digzon, the Croco Wizarolling, which generates spinning energy for a drill attack. Objects caught by its blade will be reduced to dust by high-speed rotation.

Vice: Hey, who’s the guy in white using it? I haven’t seen him before.

George: I’ll explain later. For now, let’s discuss today’s Legend.

Desire Driver: Wizard!

Haruto: Henshin!

Flame, Please! Hi! Hi! Hi Hi Hi!

George: Kamen Rider Wizard, Haruto Souma, was one who used the power of the Dragon Phantom within his mind, allowing him to fight other Phantoms using its magic. He commanded Flame, Water, Hurricane and Land magic to Dave people from despair.

Haruto: I am the Final Hope!

Ikki: ‘Save from despair’? You think we could ask for his help in saving Daiji from Akaishi’s thrall?

George: Now, now. Let’s not bother the Sempai Riders with trivial things. (Picks up a phone and answers it). Yes, Mr. Fukami. I am requesting a date with your younger sis- Hello? Hello? HELLO?

Vice: (he grabs George by the jacket and starts shaking him violently) Hey, be. More. Helpful! (He throws him back so hard that George crashes into the wall and falls unconscious) I think I killed him.

Ikki: Eh, not much of a loss. We still have his dad.

(George awakens)

George: I’m not dead, you morons. And I’m going to be back for the next instalment, so I hope you enjoy that.

Self-production note: I almost included a reference to the promo for this Vistamp (which featured Ikki, Hiromi, Genta and George screwing around and impersonating the Wizardriver), but couldn’t think of how to incorporate it.