[FreshToku]

I do wonder, had this show been the way it was, but the toys were all cool transforming and beeping devices like the ones in Faiz, maybe everything would have turned out okay for the production team after all? Not that it matters, with the unique direction and story choices that purposefully treat the superhero action as mundane as possibly, mixed with the so-and-so merchandise, I wasn't surprised at all to hear that the show didn't exactly sell well nor did it appeal to the average Rider fan. It's great to see you receiving the show well, though I totally get how it must have been somewhat surreal and even disappointing at parts in how it disregards the typical tokusatsu tropes that is expected.

However, barring all that, it's a real shame that Hibiki wasn't allowed to keep hitting it's own beat. I'd be saying that even if I didn't like the show, since I think it's always great when ambitious or creative visions take precedence over being easy to sell. That just doesn't or can't happen in this franchise anymore. ...Well, I mean, it couldn't happen to too far a degree back in 2005 either since yeah, everyone got fired for this show, but still.

But, oh well. Even if I wish for more variety in style and stories in Kamen Rider, I still stick with it because clearly this formula they have and will continue milking for decades is something that appeals to me.

Have fun with the movie! I hope you specifically watch the Director's Cut which has a slightly longer runtime because it has a few extra scenes here and there.