[Kamen Rider Die]

MASKED RIDER AGITO EPISODE 40



Oh, let me write up a few paragraphs about Hikawa's unyielding view of heroism and how Shouichi's nature runs counter to that, it's not like I'll get another chance to OH WAIT THAT'S LITERALLY WHAT THIS EPISODE IS ABOUT.

Ha ha, whoops.

Yeah, so, I pretty much already accidentally talked about the things I liked about this episode. Just, like, scroll up a bit.

It's all still true, though. I like that Hikawa completely loses his shit, needing to get advice on what to do when he's around a boy he likes from Houjou (!) and Ozawa. The more over-the-top they go with Hikawa, the more endearing it is, and there is maybe no more over-the-top than him running away because he can't talk to a boy he likes. (And, look, I get that it's manly respect and whatnot, it's not romantic, but between Uncle's suggestion that Shouichi would make a good bride and Shouichi telling a nervous Hikawa that their discussion isn't a marriage interview, like, man. They are doing a very specific reference through this story, and I don't think it's out of place to call it out.) It's a cute story, sort-of low stakes considering The Secret Identity Of Agito is a thing the show's been building towards for a little bit, but I definitely prefer it to the alternative. I don't need another Capture Agito plan, spearheaded by Hikawa or whatever. (How could Hikawa think Houjou was Agito when Houjou ran two different Capture Agito plans?!) I like the consequences of the reveal being inflexible Hikawa losing his goddamn mind and acting like a lunatic. That's unique to Agito, you know? It's sweet and goofy, but feels drawn from the characters. And, hey, there's the Bonded By Battle finale, with Agito and G3-X officially teaming up to take down this episode's absolutely nothing Unknown. (How the hell does Hikawa beat Shouichi to the fight? Shouichi left before him, and Hikawa would need to meet up with the G3-X trailer and get into the armor. Shouichi should've beat him there by minutes!) Them teaming up makes for some first-in-the-series visuals, like Agito and G3-X riding the snake bike together for the climax and what do you mean I'm reading too much into this episode?

Moving on to the other characters, uh... not much of them here! After mopping up Kino with his new Exceed Gills form, Ryou gives Kino an I'm Not Mad At You, I'm Just Disappointed speech, and that's pretty much it for both of them this time out. Super curious where the show's going to go with Kino after this. Semi-redeemed hero feels like the logical place, but I'm willing to allow for a surprise.

Seems like next ep is maybe going to bring back Spooky Man and Truegami? There's that letter Houjou found, all runes and whatnot, plus some decidedly apocalyptic imagery to end things on. Fun!