[ryan]

Episode 3
Wataru learns the harsh reality that his mother may not have been entirely honest in her descriptions of his father.

The crosswalk scene is amusing in the way Wataru, Shizuka and the old guy are struggling against the wind, but then when the two little kids come to cross the street they act like the wind isn't blowing at all.

We're introduced to Nago and his button obsession. And he's a badass (for now). Wataru sees him and instantly idolizes him as someone to try to look up to and to be like.

Megumi attacks the Fangire of the Week, so she can get her ass kicked and Kiva can show up and rescue her. I admire her tenacity, but she really should train more, she's not a particularly effective fighter.

I love Kiva's transformation, both the visual effect, and how he becomes a confident and capable fighter.

Be though he has the upper hand fighting the fangire, it escapes into the next episode. And Nago sees Kiva, and swears to kill him. dun dun duuuuunnn!

My favorite thing about this episode is that I know what it's leading to in episode 4. XD


Episode 4

Continues the story Wataru learning about the less pleasant aspects of his father's personality; Wataru decides to try to make it up to those most affected by Otoya's recklessness. The two old guys realize that their lives aren't that bad, and that they're also responsible for their misfortunes in previous times. They forgive Otoya, but oh no! the lawyer chick does not, and surprise! She's been the FOTW all along.

When Wataru finds out Otoya wronged the angire chick, he is unable to defeat her in Kiva form, and we get Kiva's first new form, Garulu, my favorite of the 3 Arms Monsters forms. I like the the wolf motif, the animalistic aggression he takes on, I like that the weapon is a saber (I love swords), and I love the shade of blue used. Garulu is definitely the best of the three Arms Monsters (but also the most featured, so maybe that's not a fair comparison). The actor is great, and I look forward to seeing more of him in the 1986 story lines.

Dammit, I need Figaurts of Kiva and his Arms Monster forms. And of the Arms Monsters' true forms.

I like the way Megumi interacts with Wataru in these two episodes, and her jealousy that Wataru seeks Nago's help and not hers.

Random scene of FOTW attacking some random guy.

People complain that Otoya only plays one song, however, that never bothered me. I find it to be a very beautiful piece. Also, I was a violinist in high school, and I can tell it would be a difficult piece to learn, so props to whoever performed it for the show.