[Frontier]

I always like to assume that after realizing how much of a hassle it is for Arutor to summon the bike and then have them drag it back into space (man, that's got to be a lot of work just for a bike), he decided to stop using it less. Not that he had really been using it much anyways.

It definitely feels like something's about to shift in the structure of the show when we have Aruto, with Shining Hopper, finally holding his own against Horobi. Of course in true upgrade fashion he can only use the form for so long.

I liked Raiden's energy and bro vibe, especially with his little bro. Like an old school Humagear who really felt like a human. Which added the sense of tragedy when it turns out he was, unbeknownst to himself, a secret spy for Metsuboujinrai as Ikazuchi. Like, the dude just wanted to mentor his little brother and get him ready for the future! Don't do him like that! I feel like they didn't quite grapple with the emotional tragedy going on.

Speaking of which though...Kamen Rider Ikazuchi is kind of neat! I mean, kind of feels weird to have a Rider debut and get destroyed all in the span of one episode (Cough)Scissors(Cough) but the red really stands out and it's a cool design. Still feel bad for Raiden though.

Assault Wolf! Honestly I can't think of a better upgrade for Fuwa than a form that literally lets him obliterate and go all out against his opponent. Like, pure power and utility in a single form, because Fuwa is so razor-focused on destroying his enemy. It's even in the transformation phrase. Nice to get a good Secondary Upgrade episode after the Main Rider. Again, sucks for Raiden though.