[Librarian]

Really liked the episode. The allusions at the beginning with the broken clock with Woz really helped set a tone for the rest of the episode too. How essentially time is getting broken now. That since Sougo crossed his own timeline, things aren't as clear cut as even Woz thought it was as he points out with his confused why he doesn't know of this either.

Also found it interesting in Sougo 2's more affectionate reference of Tsukuyomi in phrasing, and the callback to that in other ways that heightens how Woz did that, but hasn't since. And even how Sougo 2 seems to lean on it more, but Sougo 1 doesn't as much. Never noticed it used as much until Sougo 2 showed up. And it almost sounded like his first interaction didn't use -kun, but instead used -chan for even more friendlier connotations(unless I misheard it). But then in the .5 we're back to -kun, which isn't something Sougo had noticeably been using for her before either. Woz hasn't either except for that once. Makes me want to rewatch to see if I'd missed when that started.

Overall, very interesting episode and some great character building as well as interesting details to help make this feel like a fresh start and new beginning while continuing on the story. The callbacks to episode 1 in that regard were perfect, and works really well with the other themes present in Gaim itself to compare to that original episode 1 time visit, and how even Sougo points it out as familiar.

Really loving how the writing and directing is fully bringing this series together more and more and how the characters are growing and we see those bonds form, some even one sided, though it is interesting how Woz pointed out the inconsequential nature to Oma Zi-O, but also said nothing of Tsukuyomi, and many ways compared to their previous interaction, Woz seemed borderline walking on eggshells towards Tsukuyomi.

Also in the side details, it was interesting how it seems Woz is becoming more part of the team to play Sebastian to Sougo's Ciel, while Geiz and the Time Jackers finally started to have their talk about crimes of changing time. But then it seems the only one to actively actually commit that crime now, has been Sougo himself in rewriting his own history. Which really brings us back to other themes of the show about forging one's own destiny and the power of self to do that.

Absolutely loved this episode and cannot wait to see how more developed, and the action scenes are getting more and more fun with each episode too.

Also on the .5 got a giggle out of Woz having to clear his throat. And avoiding explaining the eye writing. xD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Exile

Does anyone know if those clock masks are just a prop for Zi-O or are they popular/ common in Japan? They're the ones worn by the ladies with Ora

Were likely part of that scene itself for emphasis on Geiz and the Timejackers discussion about time. Their discussion and positioning was as much interpretative dance as the two with the clock masks dancing. Which was likely the intended symbolism point on posturing...

Rider shows tend to be artsy like that, which is what makes them such a rich art form even though they are trying to sell toys. The artsy aspects are what elevate it to more than simply a 30 minute toy commercial, and help allow for fantastic creative outlets and ways to experiment with toku as an artform itself. Because while the intent is to sell toys, there's no reason they can't make art in the process. In fact, it's encouraged. Grants more and more rewatches and depth to a show.