[Kurona]

This is definitely the happiest Kamen Rider has made me in a while, I think. Like... a lot of the recent projects I've liked most have been ones that have been mired in tragedy, in the inevitability of a cruel fate but still pushing through to do what you believe in despite that. So I think it's hitting me even harder when I see an arc like this about overcoming that cruel fate and going with a brighter future, especially when it's done this well.

These two are characters I've cared about for a while for a lot of different reasons, with a lot of subtle characterisation and implications guiding their paths; and it's just so so deeply satisfying to see them finally get together like this. To see their rivalry come to an apex and turned around so wonderfully.

It definitely helps that the other parts of this episode weren't bad either? Apollogeist 3 is turning out to be a hilariously watchable man, and the soft spot I have for older brother characters who try to do their best for their younger siblings made Ikki's watching but respecting Sakura's decision hit home for me. I kinda love too how it looks like he's just sort of, becoming bros with Tamaki? No huge moments or anything but the repertoire they have with each other is entertaining to watch. It DOES make sense when with Sakura and Daiji having left home, Tamaki is who he's got at the moment. I dunno, just something super fun about watching those two.

Man, just, overall great episode. Absolutely the happiest I've been with Kamen Rider in a while and I'm looking forward to where things go from now on