[DreamSword]

Episode 15: Beautiful Enemy

We open to what is presumably the leader of SHADOW asking for intel on the two Kikaiders. The main thing to take away here is that while Hakaider is back, SHADOW seemingly has nothing to do with it, and it's implied that Hakaider has been getting in the way of their plans as well.

Later on, we learn that Ichiro is solar powered, which makes sense considering his status as a prototype. And further cementing his lack of life experience and also his personality opposite of Jiro, we have a scene I rather like. Jiro points out how he's learned to appreciate the beauty of nature over time, while Ichiro dismisses it all as things that simply are and nothing to really think too deeply about. Rieko also points out that while the sun might bring beauty for some, for her and Akira it's done nothing but bring them dread, due to them being on the run for what seems to be a long time.

Also showing their opposing stances on things, Ichiro makes it clear he prefers to not think to much, and even seems to see the Gemini Circuit as more a burden than anything. Reinforcing what he's learned to far, Jiro disagrees, and tells Ichiro that he needs to be less selfish and more considerate towards the well being of others and their feelings.

After Ichiro splits from the group for some alone time, a strange woman appears.



She's been spying on the group for awhile now(as briefly seen in the previous episode), and decides that now would be the best time to transform and roll out.



I wonder if whoever built her had a thing for hearts?

This is Bijinder("Bijin" meaning Beauty or Beautful), and the only thing I'll say about her in terms of her design is that I do like how she still incorporates the red and blue of the Kikaiders, just a bit more of a subtle way. And before you ask, yes, she has chest lazers.

Bijinder is voiced by Wendee Lee, who like Steven Blum, has been in ALOT over the years. Most will likely know her as Faye Valentine from Cowboy Bebop, but I'll always first and foremost think of her as Twilight Suzuka from Outlaw Star, another of my all-time favorites.

The ensuing fight scene shows that she's more than capable of taking on our heroes, and I think this is the first time I'd ever seen butterflies used in the form of spying, attacking, and capturing, all at the same time. Salvation only coming in the form of Rieko, who seems to have a sort of mysterious connection with Bijinder. Weird!



When night falls, we get a great scene of Jiro having a private talk with Rieko. Rieko hoping that one day Akira can grow to have a fulfilling life, and Jiro using himself as an example to try and reassure her. Afterall, he's grown to have a good many memories himself, and he cherishes every one of them too.

We also learn that Ichiro plays the trumpet!

It makes me wonder if either Kohmyoji or his son had a thing for instruments or even just music in general, considering both of his robot sons were made with instruments strapped to their backs. (Side Note: The trumpet is actually my favorite instrument, so Ichrio wins this round, sorry Jiro.)

Unfortunately, as a good a tune as Ichiro plays, it's also what leads enemies right to where the group is hiding.



The Hakaider Squad is back, and we learn what the deal is. Gill is alive, somehow managing to transplant his own brain into a Hakaider body. The implication being that he was saved by one or perhaps even all three of his most trusted subordinates, who went on to turn themselves into Red, Blue, and Silver.

A well animated fight scene later, Kikaider still proves to be too dangerous to the Squad, and so they come together to form Voltron--I mean, uh, wait, what was it called? Gattaider? Dakkader? Gikkaider? I seriously could not make out what they were saying when they combined together... They become this!



And in the interest of fairness, it too has lazer nipples!

This makes me think though. I suppose, given the color symmetry, that the yellow highlights on Hakaider are actually meant to be gold. Which I mean hey, works for me, I totally love black and gold as a color scheme. Look no further than the Armored Black Ranger and Amazing Mighty Kuuga for great examples of that.

It's here that we get to see what Kikaider-01's' finisher is, the Sunrise Beam!

Which makes me think, I guess that'd technically make Jiro "Kikaider-02" and Saburo "Kikaider-03" right?

Gill manages to get away, but on the upside of things, Ichiro seems to be coming around to Jiro's' way of thinking, and Rieko and Akira are safe for another day. Ichiro does raise one good point though; The group is gonna need some more help, because the way things are going, they won't last much longer.

Overall, this episode gave more time to breathe than the previous one, and I felt it found a good balance between action and character building. Very cool.