[Switchblade]

Fourze 45-46

It feels a little weird to do a split here, since the last four episodes are more or less one long arc. These two episodes are primarily focused on Pisces, though, and I'm already doing the two-episode format so I may as well stick with it.

Okay, so first things first: these episodes end with an ad for the movie and some exclusive Wizard Ganbaride cards. I completely forgot that Ganbaride was a thing. Apparently it's still around, too, albeit under a new name. I'm really amazed that it's managed to last an entire decade.

Secondly, these episodes feel weird. There's something about them that felt a little off, almost like they don't perfectly fit with the rest of the series. It took me most of 45 to figure it out, but I did: the kids aren't wearing their school uniforms. I guess these episodes took place during the Japanese version of summer vacation, because all of the characters are in their civilian clothes. It gives the show this subtly different vibe that makes everything feel just a little bit off.

The plot itself is pretty good. I knew the Hayami fake out was coming this time, but the show still does a good job of making it feel like he really did switch sides. I liked seeing Ran and Haru again, too, although I still think they should have been included more before this point. If I have any issue, it's that these episodes feature a lot of exposition about Gamou's underlying plan and motivations. It's good to know, but it comes out so close to the end of the show that it can't help but feel really rushed. The same goes for all of the Core Switch stuff that's starting up here. That was at least telegraphed a bit earlier, but I don't think it would have hurt the show to start establishing some of this stuff before the last four episodes.