[Sh Ranger]

This show is a GOAT. That's why it's called GOATchard! I've had that pun for a year, not sure if I could actually justify using it, but now, I know I was right to do it. When I see the hate for this show, it just reminds me of how quickly the events of the finale faded in to urban legend after only a few months. Like how the world wasn't ready for Chemies, there are also people who weren't ready for this show.... Yet. Houtarou failed to reach his Gotcha this time, but that's not going to stop him from trying again. Failure is part of the process, you take the lemons and you turn them in to lemonade, or you take the world of gold and transmute it in to a new world for Chemies. That's alchemy! In spirit, anyway. Even if it's not the most elegantly constructed show, it has a lot of spirit. It made me smile and cry and find a higher appreciation for the power of connections.

Houtarou was originally supposed to be an ordinary high school student, but Motojima's eccentric portrayal turned him in to something much bigger than that. When Houtarou says he'll do it, then he'll do it. I really feel like I want to believe him, as he always believes in his own power, as well as he believes in others. Gigist took away his friends and he came back stronger with even more friends. Geryon trapped him in gold and he still kept moving. He's a veritable bad*ss! As long as he's alive, he won't stop moving towards his Gotcha, no matter who he has to go through. Rinne, Spanner, Minato, Clotho, Sabi, Kajiki and so many people became stronger thanks to his friendship and courage. I totally believe he'll make his dream come true, even if it doesn't happen in his lifetime. He's up there with Tenkuuji Takeru as my favorite Rider protagonist and I wouldn't say that lightly.

The finale, while rushed (hence why we're getting a Director's Cut), has a lot of merits. Wind returning to assist Twilight Majade and Valvarad Kurogane in the 3v3 against dolls of the Dark Kings while Gotchard ascends to confront the final boss feels like a better version of the premise of Saber's final arc. These dolls are actually characters we recognize, so Valvarad can have that line about pitying Gigist since we can sympathize that it's pretty messed up for the Dark Kings to be reduced to mere puppets like that, even if they were evil. I'd still like to see if the extended scenes add anything to this, but I love the ideas here. Everything including Beverly's insert songs builds up to the exciting final battle between Gotchard SteamHopper Ultima and Eldo, to determine whose philosophy is right once and for all.

Alas, my favorite Dark Sister didn't survive after all. I was prepared for this possibility, but damn, it was tragic. After being conflicted for so long, Clotho finally made a choice. She died on her own terms, doing what she always did best, fighting this time for her new Gotcha of avenging her family. It was a heroic death worthy of a proud strong person like Clotho, who I consider the true Kamen Rider Dread. She got one last emotional scene being cradled in Houtarou's arms as she entrusted him with her wish, before she finally rejoined her sisters peacefully.... Dammit, Geryon! Well, if anybody wants a little cheer after this (for you Atropos and Lachesis fans as well), I suggest that you go watch the Class 3-G special. It's nice to know there's at least one universe where the Dark Sisters get to live happily.

Overall, I loved watching Kamen Rider Gotchard and I believe with the resolve of Houtarou that people will come to judge it more favorably in the future. Without further ado, here's my Reiwa Rider Ranking:

1) Gotchard
2) Saber
3) Geats
4) Zero One
5) Revice