[Androzani84]

So yeah, the whole bit about Makamou getting stronger in the summertime, with Hibiki having to get stronger to match? Not only is that a joke on the usual formula for Tokusatsu shows that run through the summer, but it’s also a reference to Japanese folklore, where evil apparently increases in power around that time. It’s become one of the traditions of Japanese media, along with having the heroes on the right during a fight scene.

And Hibiki Kurenai/Crimson. Mixed feelings on that one. On one hand, it’s nice to see the Super mode debut in the middle of the show instead of at the beginning of the second quarter, as most Rider shows today are prone to doing. But on the other hand, since there’s no obvious way to make merch off it, other than the Souchaku Henshin series (which I checked. They never released a figure of the look), I have to wonder if this is another Amazing Mighty situation, that backfired on Taketera this time. Because remember, he only got away with Amazing Mighty because the show was doing so well Bandai could afford to make a loss on one suit. Whereas Hibiki… do I even need to tell you at this point?

And as I’ve said before. I really love episode 24. For me, it’s the equivalent of Johnathan Frakes coming back to TNG with his baby face covered up. Namely, it’s the part where the show gets REALLY good. I just love the fight scene of Ibuki and Todoroki using the Taiko style Ongeki.