[DreamSword]

BIMA Episode 24

Audio podcast is HERE.

23 and 24 are what I consider the perfect pair of BIMA episodes.

The emotional core of the entire story comes to a head here, with the theme of family being able to pull you through anything showed off fantastically.

The episode focuses almost entirely on Mikhail and Uncle, which is not only a unique dynamic the show had never had up to now, but showcases great development for both characters.

Uncle getting more of a backstory on what happened to his wife and child, and how he continues to pull through in honor of their memory is not only powerful, but is what ultimately steels Mikhail's' wavering resolve after his own experience of great loss. Even better given Uncle was helping someone he saw as a stranger.

Mikhail meanwhile learns what I feel is the ultimate lesson of practically every Showa era Kamen Rider show and, heck, a lesson life has in general. And that is the idea that life is often cruel and unfair, but even so it is an incredibly precious thing and the reason you should keep moving forward; At the very least for those you love if not yourself.

It really helps that everything else is on point here too. The action being fueled by compelling character drama such as Azazel impaling himself just to prove a point, the music score being top notch in utilization, and some surprisingly good cinematography all come together in creating an atmosphere that I find myself getting lost in quite easily. The Double Garuda Crusher at the end is very well earned, all things considered!

These two episodes easily make up the emotional climax of BIMA as a whole, and I wouldn't have them any other way.