[Fish Sandwich]

Ninnin Rewatch! 43 + 44

Episode 43 is one last nostalgia trip, in more ways than one, since it's a recap episode featuring Shurikenger. I like how the show keeps the continuity nice and tight by mentioning that he was sent by Jiraiya and that Ninja Red and Hurricane Red told him how the team were pretty rough around the edges. The Ninningers object to that last statement, pointing out it's been well over half a year since then, and the episode is naturally another showcase for how much they've all gone through. It's fun. The actual "watching old clips" part of the episode is relatively minor and just like the last one of these there's a really goofy/awesome climax. One last breather before the final few episodes of the show.

Episode 44 is awesome. Like, man, Ninninger knew how to make an great final stretch. This particular one is largely focused on Takaharu. Or more like it's focused around him. Yoshitaka pulls him aside at the start for a duel now that things are getting serious, leaving the rest of the team to fend for themselves. In his fight with Yoshitaka, Takaharu shows just how much sharper he's gotten over the course of the series, coming off downright mature, a word you wouldn't expect to associate with Takaharu based on the earlier parts of the show. It's kind of crazy how different he actually is at this point, with his big moment being to assert that the others don't need him around to be strong, and sure enough, the entire fight this episode is fought and won without Takaharu ever stepping in. Even when he IS the focus, Takaharu still manages to not be the focus.