[FreshToku]

Okay, but imagine if the title character of one of these shows really did just leave half-way through.

Anyhow, this episode was such a great way to top of 2018 for me (I didn't do much other than watch toku then, okay?). This whole two-parter is what completely reignited my investment in this story, after I had settled into just expecting this show to be nothing but half-hearted tributes to other shows. I'm all here for Sougo and his story about fighting his terrible destiny. It doesn't like, retroactively make me think the first 14 episodes are greater than they are or anything, but it does make me appreciate having spent the time with the show anyway.

The scene where Geiz convinces Sougo to take the driver is just iconic. Or at least I think it should be considered an all-time great! Technically speaking, the status quo is actually not that different. Sougo wants to be a king, and Geiz says he's ready to take him down if it goes bad. I love that with this episode though, both characters now have a completely new, stronger resolve behind them. Not only is Sougo choosing to commit to his dream no matter how much he fears the future and how much the whole world is telling him it's a bad decision, he'll do it because he's putting his trust in Geiz to stop him. It's so good...

Oh, and the scene right after? With Sougo transforming into Zi-O, with Woz's most grand declaration yet and accompanied by Toki no Oja kicking in? I'm one-hundred percent serious and not exaggerating when I say that This is my favourite implementation of an insert song across this franchise. It's perfect, and the song itself is perfect for the context. Not a blood-pumping action song for a new form debut, but a more low-key, almost melancholic melody for our hero being 'reborn' as Woz puts it, starting over from scratch but with a new resolve.

The Decade Armour using the Ex-Aid watch to turn into Mighty Brothers XX is really fun too. I wouldn't have mind a few more seconds of them beating up Decade!