[Switchblade]

I cheated a little and got a jump on this week by watching episode 1 yesterday. I really wanted to keep going, but I decided to pace myself.

It's a really good premiere episode - we get some set-up for the world and the heroes, but a lot is still left up in the air and there are some mysteries already working into the plot. I assume we'll get to know the Night Raiders better, as so far the only one we know much about is Jabi. But it's Jabi, and that means she's more awesome than the rest put together anyway.

I'm liking the effects so far - the CGI looks much better than anything Rider or Sentai pull off, although I liked the more armored look of the Next suit more than Nexus's obvious fabric costume. Love the helmet, though. The Night Raider's jets look a little too toy-ish for my tastes, though.

Two other things that stuck out:

1. Apparently the Moe Howard look is still alive and well in Japan.

2. If your girlfriend keeps drawing pictures of couples, she is trying to drop a hint.

Also, Mele is... not in this show.

But still hot.