[Locke]

I was fairly unconvinced by the first episode, even though it was still totally solid, but this episode? I am one hundred percent sold! Am I too late to board the hype train?

Man this is like the episode of toku I have been waiting for since I started watching it. For so many franchises built around ordinary people gaining extraordinary powers from silly costumes, they rarely have fun with the concept through their protagonist, so seeing Kouta just have fun with his Driver was just amazing for me.

It's the little touches, that really add to Kouta as well, like the fear he felt during his battle or how he goofily works his way around his powers, seemingly as impressed as the audience is that he actually won - and surprised! Badass protagonists are all well and good, but it's refreshing to have someone who feels so human, it allows a deeper emotional connection. He strikes a really good balance with Haruto, who both excel in their own areas. Hell, I even really liked Baron. I know his character is as generic as they come, but he strikes a great balance with Kouta which suggests these characters were really well thought out.

That Rider kick as well man, so good.