[Kamen Rider Die]

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Originally Posted by dreamcastegirl

I remember these moments! Whilst you're a lot kinder in your summation of Ryuki, I agree these episodes were absolutely stand out points for the show!

Ryuki's completely a show that has improved in my memory (particularly the final episode) (particularly one shot in the final episode), so you would maybe not have found my view of it as kind if we were talking a year ago when I was first watching it.

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Originally Posted by 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.

I guess I can see that? It's not my experience, even a little (Wataru seems overjoyed to have someone share their passion with him), but I can see Kengo coming off a little manipulative. He's fully committed to putting together a new band to play an already-booked show, so you could read his embrace of Wataru as beggars not being choosers.

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Originally Posted by Switchblade

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.

I just feel like you shouldn't be allowed to be buried on a cliff if you haven't been monster-murdered there, or possibly flung off in a fatal grapple with a monster. It's deceptive, and confusing. It trivializes all of those people who had cliffside death duels with monsters, you know? It's just tacky to me.

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Originally Posted by Switchblade

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.

I think that's an okay headcanon (Why not? Yuri's incredibly sensible objections to Otoya joining the team are largely waved off because Shima thinks Otoya's entertaining), but I'm not sure there's much narrative cover for it yet in the show. Beyond some questionable interview processes and bizarre-even-for-a-show-after-Kabuto meeting locations, Shima's been shown to be a fairly level-headed and considerate boss. If it's paternalism that's driving him, the show isn't even letting Megumi or Yuri call him on it, so there's no way to blame it on his character over the writing.

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Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

Just as a refresher for everyone, Die is referring to episodes 29/30 of Ryuki, and you'll never guess who the writer for those was.

I recall people being mildly to incredibly offended when I declared that Inoue two-parter as maybe my favorite Ryuki story. Good times!

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Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

I will say though, in a sort of ironic reversal of how Den-O is most memorable to me for its drama despite being known for its comedy, a lot of my fondest memories of Kiva come from the most lighthearted aspects of it even though I think it's mostly known for that trademark Inoue melodrama. Mostly, anyway. I've probably said this quite a few times in different places, but in general, I think Inoue can write very strong raw comedy when he feels like it, probably due to his love of extremes, and that makes episodes or even just subplots that lean into that so much fun.

It's a little weird how overlooked that part of his filmography is, you know? Dude did a Blade two-parter that took the most relentlessly morose and taciturn character in the series, gave him a scheming doofus for a doppleganger, and then told a story about food cart Romeo and Juliet. Also, like, the Faiz HBV.

It's no surprise to me that this show is as funny as it has been on occasion. If anything, the surprise to me is that it doesn't have more occasions to show it off.