[Switchblade]

So, I guess controversial statement time? I am not a fan of Kengo. At least, I really distinctly remember disliking him a lot. Part of it was definitely the whole "shaking!" catchphrase thing, but a lot of it I chalk up to finding him obnoxiously exuberant and pushy. I can see why some people are into the whole band thing, but I read it as Kengo basically taking advantage of Wataru's meek nature to pressgang him into it. I don't know. It's possible I'm reading more hostility into it because I wasn't thrilled about Kengo showing up.

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Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

You can’t give me a story like that and expect me to be as invested in trips to Graveyard Cliffs (so iconic from Kabuto that I half expected Tendou to be brooding in the middle distance) or Nago’s psychotically single-minded quest to destroy Kiva.

I was really amused to see that site again. I continue to love how it's obviously not a cemetery and someone just built a grave (or two, in this case) there. Definitely a good way to get yourself banned from the country club.

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If this episode has a flaw, it’s central to the storyline regarding IXA. Basically, the show hasn’t yet come up with a legitimate reason why Yuri and Megumi can’t be IXA. I’m sure we’re heading for a resolution where Megumi (at least) will choose not to be IXA, but that’s not the same thing. The vague explanations we’re given here are totally unconvincing and blatantly patronizing. Why Zanki got the nod over Yuri is up in the air (still not a great look to choose Mononymous Mystery Man over Dedicated Legacy Lifer), but the explanation for why Nago got it over Megumi is ridiculous. They didn’t give it to Megumi because she wants to be IXA for personal reasons, so they gave it to a maniacally violent narcissist who thinks he is chosen by God to dictate what is right and what is wrong. I would never suggest that W.A.K.E.U.P.’s decision-making is capricious, but this justification seems slightly disingenuous. Pretty much calling bullshit on Megumi getting passed over, if this is how they’re selling it to her.

Yeah, this is a whole storyline that never really worked for me. The show tries, kinda, but it's pretty hard not to read is as "Silly girls, Kamen Riding is for boys!" I choose to believe that it's Shima being a sexist jerk in-universe and coming up with ways to rationalize handing the suit to a strange man he just met over his best (only?) experience Fangire hunter because his reproductive organs are on the outside. It makes sense, especially in the past where you would expect more implicit gender bias. I can kind of accept that, but at the same time I know that we're still 6-7 years before a female Rider showed up outside of a movie and even longer before one got to be a regular part of the cast.