[Enchilada645]

So I've been absent for a bit, mostly because I couldn't keep up for various reasons, mostly real life related, though partially the show kind of just, repelling me. I'll be frank? Episodes 11 and 12 are probably the worst power-up/form debut debuts I've seen in a while. That said, I'm back and doing it in binges as a result. I'm currently up to 26 as of binging so hopefully I'll be catching up soon but I do want to get my thoughts out.

General thoughts though is that I'm finally jiving with the OP because they just added more stuff to it. Also the second ED has popped up for me and while I enjoy it, I'm not sure it fits well with the ED visuals they already have. If it's used to accent extra scenes they filmed it works fine enough though.

Note that these were written after I watched each episode, as I wanted to give an accurate watch of everything.

Ryukendo Catchup Corner Part 1:

Episode 13: This was... alright? It was kind of just there as a recap episode if I'm being honest (and apparently there's more, oh no). I've seen shows handle this better and while the character work is fine, getting back into the show with this episode after taking a break just didn't really do anything for me.

Episode 14: Also alright tbh. We've got an interesting plot this time which makes me think more and more about how Akebono's community is just bipolar (affectionate). And we've got some new characters coming into play on both the hero and villain sides. Also is like... is Jack Moon dead? He's in the redux of the OP we get with the other Generals but like he's kind of just not around anymore and if so um, what a terrible anticlimactic way to go out and it only sours my opinion on Episodes 11 and 12 even further.

Episode 15: Okay this was a pretty cool episode since I'm always a fan of infection plotlines and of course this is very much our new hero intro via Ryujinoh this episode. Pretty standard but I'm interested to see how the Koichi stuff goes given he's well versed in everything going, even more so than our heroes.

Episode 16: For a new toy debut this works surprisingly well. It really speaks to how far we've come in this short amount of episodes that we have Fudo actively risking his already injured life for the sake of getting Kenji a new weapon. The camaraderie on display is honestly great to see, as was Ryugunoh?s trek through the Power Spot. Oh and also Rock Crimson is a cool villain suit.

Episode 17: I think the one thing I appreciate is the fact that Akebono Tower is just, still damaged from Rock Crimson's debut. It gets into how I just love the world-building in this show, though the side cast this time didn't have like the most interesting usage even with wacky dream shenanigans in place. But hey we get to learn a bit more about Koich's deal is and I instantly don't believe the Commander going "I killed them" and confirming Koichi's words. I've seen way too much media where "I killed them" means something entirely, especially in regards to guilt.

Episode 18: Trauma is a hell of a thing to weaponize, but hey, if it works it works and it nearly worked here! Also I called it, the whole "what I did was the same as killing them" remark of guilt. Figured there was a different angle here. Though admittedly the way this whole bit was resolved felt a bit haphazard, but given how Ryukendo is I can't really be surprised. I still find it silly that we're treating an elemental armament as a legitimate upgrade after Fire and Aqua, but hey we finally get Thunder Ryukendo again after a good chunk of not using it and we finally get its Beast King.