[Kurona]

Kamen Rider Ghost Episode 5




I watched this episode a couple days ago and had nothing to say!

I kinda dragged my feet on this one because there's just not a lot I can offer, I think -- not because there was no meat on the bone, but because it's an episode that kind of speaks for itself. It's raising the stakes; it's truly introducing a new threat; it's showing more friction and dynamics between the villains; it even takes the opportunity of an episode not focused around a new Eyecon for once to show what else is going on with the Ganma's plans! Great stuff all around, very well-done plot episode. ... but it's a PLOT episode, and I just don't have an awful lot to say about those? It's all about the structure of the medium through which a story and emotions are communicated, and I don't have a lot to offer there. Except that maybe Specter having Tutankhaman should have been treated with a bit more weight than it was; like "holy shit he has two of the eyecons I need?!"

So I ended up rewatching this episode today just to see if I could get a bit more of a post out of it -- and I suppose third time's the charm, because I like a lot of what's going on here! First of all, god, I didn't realise how much I missed Kamen Riding. It's weird that it's the paranormal show that has a lot more spotlight for motorbikes than say, a story playing tribute to 20 years of Kamen Rider or a story specifically about advancing technology that's meant to be the start of a new era of Rider; but I ain't complaining because it rocks what they do with it. It's not just a generic drive down a road, there's a ton of dynamic action and a lot of wonderful symbolic shots which is more than I ever expect. Use bikes more! Please! While I'm at it? AL CAPONE GANMA. Crazy goddamn concept for a monster of the week and everything he does is a joy to watch.

How many times have I let action talk get away from me now? Regardless, I like what's going on here with Takeru being forced and pushed into being more decisive. It follows on from last episode bringing up what he values and whether he's pursuing saving lives or his own -- and I think it's very smart that in both this episode and the last, it still treats him as indecisive but absolutely has him ultimately make the choice to prioritise saving the lives of others over grabbing another eyecon. It's something very Kamen Rider; to have this much conflict but still know in your heart what's most important.