[DreadBringer]

So, now it's a clip/recap episode. Probably I'd still find something like Ryuki's ep. 28 to be one of the best use of recap episode, but this one's actually a decent take too of it (sorry, something like Kuuga), though the receipt is the usual characters being made as crazy and over-the-top as possible. Other than the memetic portrayal of each of them, this does give some further characterization of the characters who appeared here.

Other than his comedic bits in tons of Engrish (what's his ethnicity? Masumi had Japanese name and no English aspect at all) and aerobic video (with henshin pose training!). I guess continuing from genuine concern for the Igarashis or also his declaration to jump on Riderhood, this does further confirm that he turned good. Including explaining about his "ultimate Rider" goal or his treatment of Hiromi, that he claims he was ordered by Akaishi to supervise the Demons Driver. As shown in Daiji reminding it and Sakura threatening to Rider Kick him if he does something suspicious again, that doesn't negate that George had committed wrongdoings opposite to what Kamen Rider embodies, but he showed remorse here while wanted to atone by helping his former guinea pig Hiromi. Daiji now shares mutual predicament to George that it roots from Fenix's corrupt core. Would like to see the bond between George and Daiji for likely potential infighting at Fenix now. He also even displays less narcissism compared to Vice, only getting angry at Vice for mistakes too rather than petty reasons, as he previously displayed Kuroto-like narcissism of boasting his capabilities after reverting Ikki and Vice's position back. George previously surely doesn't act like he's forced though (except when he gave the Crow ViStamp to Kagerou), reacting with glee to use Hiromi as guinea pig and discarding him, unless he's also forced to act malicious too that time.

Said director who is claimed to force George under his order, Akaishi, seems to be set up as the main antagonist here (or at least, further confirming he's evil) along with Giff.... or that he's the main antagonist to carry the story with Giff acting as unseen superior that he recapped the previous Deadman's feats to.... Akaishi seems to at least value Olteca as a companion that he genuinely mourns his death albeit he's still feeling uplifted due to Daiji as the replacement. This seems to show that Akaishi isn't as much of a bastard as Olteca. Not that he's anti-villain mind you, he's not treating all his underlings the same as Olteca such as Hiromi, but a straight villain more on ordinary level similar to the likes of Verde.

As usual, though he grew to become more caring towards people around him, Vice is still an attention seeker, seen in his fights after he became buddies with Ikki some episodes ago (#NiceVice), but this trait is still present until now, with him editing what's meant to be Hiromi movie into being focused on himself with the other Igarashi siblings as the side character. As Ikki noted, his editing is Kamen Rider Vice instead of Hiromi. It'd also appear later in likely what advances the plot in him and Ikki's fight against the True Giftarians, to put a new self-promoting hashtag in #NiceRevice (this'd involve Ikki too though).



Sakura's a physically tough girl (who still wants to seek more as stated here by joining Weekend) and she's also the harsh, stiff, and temperamental type (and was an edgelord before becoming Jeanne) though not perpetually (in reverse she's patient to Tamaki as usual after his turn), and it shines through in her stint as a director here, which'd put her above her older brothers and George, being someone controlling and mean to the crew. Though the other crews was really wacky and genuinely making it hard for them to complete the movie, so it's not fully unwarranted, albeit she's like this too to less severe mistakes like Ikki's directing.

Tamaki returns to his comic relief role, and an even bigger sobbing mess compared to before with Aguilera missing. Not to rag on Tamaki's predicament or overall life, but after previously having a more composed role, honestly, this got a bit repetitive now and that Tamaki seems to be unnecessary character/presence now, with the series likely don't know what to do with him but have to make him appear, from a previously one of the right-hand of the major villain, to assuming a role similar to Genta (pre-Vail reveal).

Another trait of Ikki is revealed here, that he has zero understanding of technology.... which causes him to accidentally delete the footage (of which luckily was saved). And his role goes full circle. At the beginning he's the only one that can become a Rider at that time, of which he prioritizes protecting Happy Spa thus didn't commit to the Deadman fighting and earns him an ire from Daiji for that. He finally agrees to work within Fenix until it falls apart with the rotten reveal of it like Hiromi's fate, George's behavior, Giff research, and Weekend fighting against it. The siblings now go on a different path for those new reveals with Daiji staying at Fenix to cure it and Sakura joining Weekend, thus Ikki goes back into prioritizing his family and protecting Happy Spa.