[Sh Ranger]

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Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

And that sorta gets at the key to why these episodes clicked with me -- it's the first time I've truly felt the whole balance of the formula working the way I think the show has intended from the start. Crucially, the way the plot is framed around that national secret makes it very clear this *isn't* some big emotional story about the Dreamer, and that ended up carrying all the way through this back part, where there isn't some climactic emotional catharsis for the guy I feel like I don't have context for. He's here, he's important, he's worth saving -- they even still do some clever things with him like the gap between his dream self and his real self -- but he's just one element of the story, presented as just one element, which means that I can finally let the show off the hook about that for once.

Agreed. The way the plot frames Atsumi's role clinically rather than emotionally ensures there are no unnecessary distractions from the focus on the national secret, which has consequences beyond. Seems like Zeztz works best when it commits a story to either a guest character or moving the plot, instead of halfheartedly trying to do both. Maybe there is a way to do that, but this show hasn't proven that yet.

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Originally Posted by Mesnick

Unfortunately for all his future missions, NOX has received a driver and will reveal his rider form in the next episode.

That's not a Rider. That's Nox Knight. Think of him like Gord Drive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mesnick

The microscopic fight was also very fun and inventive. Perhaps my favorite of all. The purple form isn't my thing, though.

Paradigm Wonder looks a lot better in action and the powers are cool, but I maintain what I said before that the purple design on the chest is too minimal compared to other forms. If it was more emphasized, it would probably be my favorite. Now that we've seen all the base forms, here's how I'd rank them:

1) Physicam
2) Technolom
3) Paradigm
4) Espirim

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mesnick

I was surprised by Zero's menacing insistence on hiding national secrets. I wonder what exactly is so shocking stored in those folders? Baku is a disciplined agent and stops Nem, but a clever spy sooner or later breaks the rules.

I'm sure Baku will have his Ethan Hunt goes rogue moment at some point. Maybe the in-universe fictional Zero had a plot like that. Although it could be awkward if this happens, considering Baku and Zero literally live in the same house.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mesnick

Also: can't Baku sleep anywhere but his own bed or the hospital bed? Or is Atsumi's house so poor in reality that he doesn't even have a comfortable chair?

Some people just can't sleep easily in unfamiliar places. Perhaps that's the exchange for Baku having the ability to fall asleep instantly.