[Kiwami]

Dread's design is pretty cool. Reminds me of Guyver, I like that.

I wasn't initially sold on it being a mind-control Dark Rider and much less Sabimaru as the host, but I was quickly proven wrong as the episode progressed, the drama that ensued was very well done. Sabimaru essentially being the attacker and the hostage in one package works, the way the helmet opened up as a defense while also revealing him crying inside was great. They went really dark in certain scenes too, like the way Dread pummels Houtaro and Rinne being forced to watch. Or Minato being immobilized with his hand stabbed. Gutsy stuff for children's TV.

So I liked all of this, what I did not like is that through the appearance of Gotchard's new weapon as well as the preview for next episode it is painfully obvious that Dread was created just to be immediately disposed.

Like, use the drama and have the situation on the slow burn for a few weeks. The gang trying to figure out the situation and continue catching Chemies while Dread lurks in the back and strikes occasionally. That would be cool. But no, of course the hero immediately gets the power-up and wins next week, lame.

I hope they somehow keep Dread around and maybe even have the guts to let Gotchard fail regardless of his power up, so the situation isn't immediately reset to the status-quo.

I also noticed Houtaro was able to "see" his future new form in his mind's eye, much like he did with SteamHopper in the first episode. That's kinda neat, especially if it is a puzzle piece to tease his dormant abilities. Like, him being able to see what he will become is essentially a way to look into the future in of itself, or a way to link with Chemies to see unseen possibilities.

I don't remember if I said this before, but that is also an elegant way to explain a Rider being immediately familiar with how a form they just gained operates. We are so used to just accepting that they can, but I prefer it if the writers at least attempt coming up with a reason for it.