[Kamen Rider Die]

TOKUMEI SENTAI GO-BUSTERS MISSION 45 - “HAPPY NEW YEAR - TINY BUT DEADLY, AGAIN”



This was an incredibly fun episode, but one that’s sort of difficult to really dig into.

Mainly it’s an HBV? The vibes on this are real HBV-ish: The Metaroid is a reskinned riff on a previous suit, the combat is minimal, and the characters are all competing to see who can be the most cartoonish version of themself. And I mean that last part as a compliment! It’s a goofy episode of misunderstandings and pointless secrets, complete with ridiculous disguises and unconvincing lies. The whole thing is a clown show, despite Hiromu not literally dressing like a clown for this one.

But it isn’t really about much, beyond the gags. The idea of Ryuji looking to a future beyond fighting the Vagras is interesting, but he has zero chemistry with this girl and seems like he’s a scene away from gnawing his own leg off in order to escape the date. Similarly, Hiromu and Nick’s desire to make sure Rika enjoys her date feels untethered from the narrative at large, because haven’t there been about 44 other battles going on in the background for the past year while Rika was living her life? Why would Hiromu going off to fight the Mochiroid be something he needs to hide from Rika, other than For Laughs?

Like, this isn’t really an episode about being there for each other, or family, or whatever. The episode leans in that direction, but this one’s just a frothy comedy episode and that’s all. But it’s really good at being that, so why kick?



IT’S TIME FOR Costumes!

Look at these three. A+ episode for this shot alone, but if I’m being honest? I’d’ve maybe preferred the episode where J dates Ryuji.