[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

-I don?t think we?ve gotten a full Form Change from Double yet? It?s all CycloneMetal or LunaJoker or whatever. Weird!

Episode 2. HeatMetal.

Anywho, the setup for this episode I felt was pretty weak, especially in terms of the Philip stuff.

He's been in the business for a year now, in-universe, and only now is "Family" some sort of trigger word. Did they just somehow avoid it ever being uttered and/or heard until now?

I also still want Akiko to get thrown off a bridge at this point in the show, given that she actively causes more problems for everyone involved than anything, and is a massive hypocrite about it to boot. It's not funny, it's not endearing, it's annoying. Especially as Shotaro and Philip only become more likable in contrast.

Speaking of likable characters, we get a bit more with Kirihiko, and a very well done, subtle scene about how his new wife and family are manipulating him just as much as he tries to manipulate the people he sells Gaia Memories to. Not a bad start for my personal favorite of the villains in this show. Smart move in not revealing his full on Dopant form just yet, too.

This episode also has what is most likely my favorite gag in the whole show, given it's been stuck in my memory ever since I first saw it(the bit where Money Dopant asks just how many Memories Double has). And I love we continue to get bits showcasing the camaraderie between Shotaro and Philip, with stuff like Shotaro hooking his bro up with an autographed photo of Wakana. I have seen many other shows fumble stuff like that. In other Rider shows, even.

Overall, there's some good stuff here, some not so good. It's a decent episode.