[DreamSword]

Fun fact: This was one of the first Kamen Rider scenes I ever saw; back when the friend who I watch most of these shows with was trying really hard to get me into the franchise.

Oh how ironic it was when we finally watched Wizard, and this two-parter became his most hated in the entire show.

And while I myself come out of it mostly neutral, I don't entirely blame him?

Like, look, I'm not here to preach morality to anyone or anything, but the way the episodes flow, some might find it hard t not be totally on Manami's' side here. And for a show that's all about hope and redemption, the ending kinda comes across as really cruel?

It's probably due to subs, but the way Manami ends up having to go to jail, one could easily interpret it not as her turning herself in, but that Rinko was going to arrest her despite everything anyway. And even ignoring that, Haruto doesn't bother to tell Manami that there's no need for that, given that Manami has clearly learned her lesson in all this.

And that's not even getting into the real world context of how society tends to treat convicts, reformed or not. But again, not here to dive into morality and whatnot. So like, please don't.

On a personal note, perhaps it's me reading too much into things, but the impression I got about Manami wanting to buy the house was less about the house itself and more wanting her family to come back. We never get confirmation that her parents are dead, just that they're not currently in her life. And, sure, you could say that buying the house won't bring them back, but the entire situation being left ambiguous as it is means no hard confirmations nor any solid argument that Haruto can make to make the situation any better.

Finally, even worse than all of that...!

These episodes feature what might be my biggest pet peeve when it comes to subtitles. I really don't like when subbers translate "Yo" as "Sup" or some variant thereof. Atleast in my neck of the woods, "Yo" is still a phrase you can hear somewhat often, whereas "Sup" was only popular for a few years and is now very rarely ever said. You'd be more successful listening for anyone saying the full phrase of "What's up?" than the shorthand.

So, yeah. I myself wouldn't call this the definitive Wizard story, and in terms of physical objects holding sentimental value, I feel like there's a later set of episodes that does the concept much better.