[Frontier]

Really feels like a darkest hour type scenario what with Humagear/Human relations taking a hit, Hiden's reputation taking a hit, and the antagonists winning on several fronts.

I like how Oowada was willing to give Humagears a chance in good faith, only to be undone by tragic irony. I wonder if they considered actually having him die (although he's basically playing himself so maybe that would've been in bad taste). Feels like you don't see people legit getting shot as much in modern shows.

I also like the rivalry they're setting up between Aruto and Horobi, where Aruto still wants to believe in the potential of humanity with Humagears and Horobi represents everything that goes against that and just keeps wrecking everything. I dunno, I just like Riders having Rivals be they Kaijin or Riders. I just like Rival characters, really!

I had honestly forgotten Gai first properly appeared in this episode. I remember being all hyped for him and ready to get to meet this pivotal new character in the show and from the get-go they set him up as a really nice contrast and foil for Aruto both professionally and character-wise and pit them against each other in such a way that really ups the stakes for the status quo.