[Switchblade]

Wow, I do not remember the last time a Rider series clicked this hard for me right out of the gate. Gaim, maybe? Fourze? In any case, I am absolutely loving this show already. I like that, Aruto jokes aside, they're going for a really serious take on this. We have a mini apocalypse, a government task force, and a robot terrorist organization. This is definitely looking to be one of those shows that tries to add some legitimate drama and stakes to its weekly toy commercials. I appreciate that it seems to be following in Ex-Aid and Build's footsteps in that sense. I'm definitely happy to see that we're already diving into some "oh crap, that likable HumaGear just got brainwashed" territory.

I'm continuing to really like the action. The monster suits are very streamlined this year, which is giving them a good range of flexibility for more complex fight scenes and so far the CGI is mostly looking good (Aruto stopping the bike was a little rough, but that bullet hole tunnel dripping molten liquid was on point). Vulcan's transformation was also pretty freaking great. I'm sure we won't be seeing much of the bike after these first few episodes, but it's a good one and I liked the brief chase/fight scene with it.

It's probably too early to read much into the characters, but I like that we're seeing a kind of Kiva/Ixa relationship starting between Aruto and Fuwa. I'm not usually a big fan of the main Rider hiding his identity from other characters, but if the show pulls it off well (and doesn't drag it out too long) it can make for an interesting dynamic. As for Aruto's jokes... honestly, they don't bother me. That's only because everyone else thinks they're terrible, though. I'd be way harsher on the character if I thought the show was actually trying to pass him off as funny (see Shunpei, Onari, and most of Drive's supporting cast). It also helps that he can snap out of joke mode and be serious when he has to be. I think I'm going to like him, at least when he isn't being a dumbass.