[Switchblade]

Den-O is the show that set the roadmap for Phase 2. I was just talking about this in regards to Wizard a few days ago, but the pre-Gaim (and some post-Gaim) shows very much follow a formula and that formula was developed in Den-O. I've spent a good amount of time trying to figure out what it is about the Den-O Formula that made the later shows feel so different than the earlier ones. I focused a lot on some of the details like the non-human partners (Momotaros, Ankh, Mr. Belt, etc.) or more aggressive comic relief, but I realized a few months ago what the main difference between the Den-O influenced shows and the early Heisei era is. It's about the structure.

Heisei Kamen Rider has always done two-part episodes. I assume it's easier for the production department to double down on stuff than to scout new locations and build new suits every single week. The big change that Den-O brought is how these episodes are focused. In earlier shows, the monster attack is usually the B plot while the A plot is some aspect of the ongoing story or the continuing character development (not always; sometimes the A plot is a wolf monster trying to steal a sweet new motorcycle). Look at Kabuto, for a recent example: the monster attacks in that show rarely even have stories. The average episode of Kabuto is all about the ongoing relationships between Tendou, Kagami, and Hiyori. Next to that we have some shenanigans with the Hoppers or Tsurugi. Meanwhile, some Worms are doing stuff that necessitates the action scenes.

Den-O is the show that shifted the monster attacks to being the A plot. There is a person, that person is being stalked by a monster, the Kamen Rider gets involved in that person's story. Anything else - ongoing storylines, character development, changes in the status quo - those all happen off in the B plot. I find that the Den-O style shows tend to feel more episodic (or maybe bi-episodic?) then shows like Faiz or Kabuto where it felt like more elements carried across multiple episodes. It's not necessarily a bad change, but I generally like having the show be a bit more serialized. At best, the case of the fortnight format can work really well, like it does in W. At worst, it can feel like important elements get sidelined for awhile, like that stretch of Fourze where Kengo almost disappears because the show wants to spend all of its limited B plot time on Ryusei.