[DreamSword]

Episode 9: Seriously Yabai Kamen

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The seed of the overall idea of the episode was planted with Jiro in the previous one, and it's explored a good deal more here.

And I won't lie, not only was what the show has to say about trust and friendship is not only rather unique for media in general, but it's something that actually hit me pretty close due to my own life experiences.

It's all about things left unsaid, as well as how, when you get down to it, everyone you make a connection or bond with in turn serves as a sort of mirror towards yourself, and likewise you to them. As well as how while time together is important, so too is time apart.

Jiro was left with a seed of regret in his heart due to being unable to speak his true feelings to Yuki when they were kids, and while he's certainly realized what he felt was the proper thing to say in regards to that specific scenario, he still has to learn about being fully open and honest not just with himself, but with his friends as well.

It didn't matter that the amnesiac girl was I-DOLL, what mattered was that Jiro, whether he realized it or not, did not trust in his circle of friends to see his point of view in regards to how to handle the situation. KitaQman had every right to be upset over the ordeal; If Jiro can't trust in the heroes to have an honest conversation, how exactly can KitaQman trust in Jiro or his heroics as Rookie? Jiro having low self-esteem or not, it still downplays the bond they've made.

It's not just Jiro and KitaQman who suffer from these sorts of things either. Redron suffers with his own self-worth when Blueron and Orangeron aren't around, and it's them coming back that helps him to realize that being the primary controller of Yamashiron isn't the only thing he has going for him. El Brave and Fukuokalibur meanwhile both learn and spread messages of empathy; Not only in understanding Jiro's' point of view, but validating KitaQman's' as well. Outbursts like his usually have some sort of basis to them.

Does the episode still have its usual brand of comedy? Absolutely, but it notably takes a bit more of a dramatic turn and it works very well overall, especially with the stakes having been officially raised due to Yuki being kidnapped and I-DOLL getting her memory back and, subsequently, returning to the Secret Society of Darkness. We're definitely entering into Final Battle territory with this one.

Oh, and that stinger at the end was so good! Definitely wasn't at all expecting it.