[AkibaSilver]

Honestly, despite this being the big grand finale, I was kinda underwhelmed? It's not bad, and it definitely concludes the story of Geats satisfactorily, but I struggled to really connect to it. Ace is in full all-loving hero mode here, literally ascending to godhood through an unspoken scheme, which... fine? It's putting the "deus" in "deus ex machina", especially coming right off the "Oh yeah Tsumuri was possessed by evil Tsumuri" twist, which feels like a weird dead end for that plot. (I do think my biggest criticism of Geats on my brain at the moment, is the Gaim-esque treatment Tsumuri has gotten in these last couple of arcs, being fought over by every side whilst having nearly no agency in the entire finale). Suel, meanwhile, I get as a stand-in for commercial control of people's lives as product thematically he's very strong, but as a character he's not very exciting to watch get beaten. With his whole time control schtick, I'm just reminded of Masamune Dan (the Zeppan-dad), another Takahashi-penned overlord wannabe.

But, gripes aside, I'm glad with where everyone ended up. The best scenes for me were the other Riders living their best lives, pursuing their own happiness. Be it Keiwa trying for world peace, Neon still making videos (although Kyuun being part of her life is a little weird if she doesn't remember the DGP stuff, given the power imbalance (or does she, just not Ace becoming literal God?)), or Michinaga appreciating the simple pleasure of a well-prepared meal. Ziin and Tsumuri restarting the DGP is both fuel for crossover movies, and also a show that competition and fighting others to achieve your desires isn't inherently evil. Just, maybe, don't start murdering people over it.

Overall, I think Geats worked pretty well for me! I'm not sure all its pontificating over desires landed perfectly, but the story sections, anything involving the four main Riders exploring their own traumas and desires, even the evil Keiwa arc everyone hates, worked for me. The DGP stuff mostly worked, and the mini-arc structure was a nice way to keep things fresh while not just looping a battle royale or having the setting entirely disappear post the mid-section. There are definitely things I would've liked it to touch on more, but as is, I'm glad to be back in the weekly Rider game after dipping out for Revice. Can't wait for Gotchard!