[DreamSword]

Episode 36: Fighting Ghost

Same, Kenji.

Anyway, this was an interesting one in that, while I did like it... it just doesn't quite sit right with me? Atleast not fully.

And the thing is, I dunno if I can really accurately articulate as to why. On paper, it's fine. It's about how we need to be honest with ourselves and be willing to hear the things that we need to hear rather than what we want to hear.

But the way in which that lesson is carried out? I dunno. Komachi take center stage here, with her having been training over the past handful of episodes in order to become a fighter and further aid Kenji in his battle against the Jamanga. But according to the narrative, she lets her newfound power get to her head.

Except, I didn't really see it that way? I more saw it as her being happy that she could finally directly contribute, and the danger was never at her being full of herself like what Kenji claims(and the narrative backing him). If anything, a more sensible reason for having Kenji not want Komachi to join the battle would be that he's worried about her getting hurt. Which does infact happen.

The upside to this though is that this episode also reframes what exactly the story was trying to say about Kenji when it came to Q1 of the show: That he wasn't taking his job as a SHOT member seriously and was simply having fun with all the toys he was getting. Sure, one could argue against that stance as well(especially given how Kenji always took pride in his position as a protector), but it atleast makes a little more sense than "You shouldn't rely on/use the keys!"

There's also some Jack Moon stuff, with the ties to the Komachi storyline being a hint that Jack Moon might still be alive in some form. But there's nothing in this episode that really hints at that outside of Baron Bloody having a hunch that it might be the case. But hey, if it means that the Jack Moon that I know and love will get to return in the future, then sure, let's roll with it.

So, yeah. I guess the best way I could sum this up is: It has some good ideas and moments, but the overall execution left me wanting more.