[DreamSword]

Episode 39: Rise to the Stars on Wings of Light

Man, I can't believe Shin Ultraman ripped off of Ryukendo.

The Jamanga plot this time? Launch a killer satellite into space called Gren Star; armed with an orbital lazer designed to fire on anyone who defies the Jamanga.

This results in Akebono briefly becoming a police state under Jamanga rule, and our heroes desperate to find a way into space without getting blown up themselves. And can their suits even survive in space?

There's alot of cool aspects that go into this one in terms of plot, but on the character level this episode is all about Kenji and Koichi finally being able to see eye to eye. And while it's not pulled off ideally, I think it overall works, and results in the birth of Lightning Ryukendo.

In terms of the climax, this is the sort of thing I don't think a Kamen Rider show(specifically) has ever done, nor will it. A blast off into space with Ryukendo against a giant space weapon. All while the citizens of Akebono cheer God Ryukendo on and giving him the edge he needs in saving the day. Sound familiar? If you said Kamen Rider Fourze, you lose!

It's not my favorite episode of Q3, and it's not what I'd immediately think of in terms of placing it as a final episode of a quarter, but I'm overall satisfied. And very shocked that it wasn't another recap episode ontop of that. Solid stuff.