[Kamen Rider Die]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurona

I think this might have been where Kuuga started to click for me, as well -- I'm actually not sure what to say here because I feel like I'd just be parroting you! But these episodes, to me, are just really emblematic of what Kuuga's about and what it's saying. This is where the thumbs up became iconic for me -- this might sound a bit corny, but I've actually found myself doing thumbs ups a lot more in real life; it just... it really does seal this vibe of good intent and well-meaning, you know?

But it's not just that Kuuga is nice and about being a good person, there's a good deal of complexity and deeper content in here as well. Like, that line Kenzaki has? It'll of course be a bit different depending on what subs you're using, but:-

"To tell the truth... I know longer understand education. The children themselves say they have no hope for the future... In that case, what should I be teaching them?

Like... damn. Just damn. This was written 19 years ago! And I'm still feeling that! It's just. Such a goddamn line.


I love this series. I really do.

Yeah, Kanzaki's story, it's a good one. It felt weirdly disconnected for most of the two-parter (there is an astonishing amount of whiplash I get between Kuuga scenes, where it's, like, a guy drinking tea pondering his life's choices, SMASH CUT, Godai is getting choked out by a monster) but I really appreciated how, to paraphrase the Simpsons, Godai was the cause of and solution to this guy's problems. It felt, for the first time since the first couple episodes, that this show was telling one story. It also shed light on why Godai is the way he is, allowing several characters to reflect on what Godai means to them... it all just felt meaningful, like there was a reason to tell this story at this time.

Also, I hope Sakurako and Godai get Kanzaki real, long-term help. It feels like that dude is still holding on by a very thin thread. He is allowing random events he can't control to decide his fundamental worth as a person. That is not a good headspace to be in!