[Zolda]

It was established since the last episode that Spanner's parents who appear in the last and this episode are merely marionettes created by Angel Malgam and thus can't use their alchemy powers. Yet, in this episode they suddenly regain the ability to use their alchemy powers (along with their Rings) without any explanation. So, which one is it? They can't use it, or they can use it? The story established a rule and immediately contradicts it in the next episode. This contradiction is basically the easiest and the most convenient way for the writers to give Spanner a new source of power to balance his black flame power.

And yes, Spanner's Gotchar Igniter is a copy of Houtarou's like I hypothesized last week here. Spanner's Gotchar Igniter can provide higher amount of power than Houtarou's, probably due to the use of RCC pairs which levels amount to more than 10, and probably also due to his black flame power. KR Valvarad's main ability is the fusion of 2 RCC's with the same number that function as gauntlets and chest armor attachment. Does Spanner's Gotchar Igniter also overheat like Houtarou's? I wonder what would happen to Houtarou if he forgot to switch the slider on his Gotchar Igniter before transforming? Would he transform into KR Valvarad? Haha.

My hypothesis a long, long time ago waaaaaayyyyyy back in episode 2 here was very likely correct. Several Chemies are able to evolve into stronger form(s), especially Chemies that are the best matches of each Rider, as shown in this episode @ 15:57 when Madwheel evolves into Machwheel. If this hypothesis is true, then Hopper1 and Steamliner will also evolve into stronger form(s), especially Steamliner that will evolve into Tenliner (Level 10 evolved form?) and grant Houtarou with a new form (KR Iron Gotchard) as shown recently with the reveal of the DX Tenliner toy. What will Hopper1 evolve into? Will it evolve into Hopper1on1 of which the sound already exists inside the DX Gotchardriver?

It turns out that Lachesis has been secretly harboring suspicion of Glion's motives. She suspects that Glion is planning to dispose of The Sisters if he manages to control Spanner, especially after she saw Glion's plan unfold in the last episode. She tries to persuade the other Sisters to join her in defiance, but she's immediately scolded by Atropos who is the most loyal to Glion, and warned by Clotho who is seemingly a bit reluctant as well. I think Lachesis will attempt to foil Glion's plans behind the scene in the next few episodes. She'll probably join forces with Houtarou's Alchemy Club temporarily.

As I hypothesized last week here, now it's clear that Minato is planning something against Glion. His ultimate goal is perhaps to sabotage Glion's plan (i.e. opening the door of darkness). Or could he be planning to claim the power of the Ouroboros for himself as well? And is he doing this out of his own volition, or did someone order him? Minato could be a double agent sent by the elders of the AU to uncover and sabotage Glion's plan. From this episode, it's implied that he and Lachesis will collude and attempt to thwart Glion's plan in the next several episodes.

Rinne channels her modest girl aura when she politely walks in front of the enemies to get into the frame @ 09:27, haha.

Next week:

The first onscreen appearance of a human-shaped Chemy, Zukyumpire (Occult 5), that will make almost everyone enchanted, especially Renge who'll be the focus of this episode. So, there's finally an appearance of a Chemy with an actual human actor, not just 2D anime avatar. And he's seemingly able to speak like normal humans like X Wizard is?

Clotho will debut a new variant of her costume. Does this mean that Glion upgrades her powers?