[Kamen Rider Die]

KAMEN RIDER OOO EPISODE 4 - “DOUBTS, PICS, AND A HELPING HAND”



DOUBTS:
We’re only in the second half of our third story for this series, so it’s the perfect time to interrogate its foundations. With the breathtaking speed of OOO’s storytelling, we don’t really have the sort of stability that would make a test on Eiji and Ankh’s partnership a non-starter. It’s completely believable that Ankh would flip on Eiji, because we just don’t know enough about either one of them – the series to date has mostly been them scrambling to figure out a dynamic that works around various impediments and… I mean, Ankh. A dynamic that works around Ankh.

Which is what makes this episode’s pivot from Will Ankh Betray Eiji so fun. Like, yeah, it’s eminently believable that Ankh would drop Eiji in a heartbeat, mostly for spite, somewhat for expediency. So let’s instead spend some time figuring out what Eiji’s in this for, and why he’s willing to continue the fight against the Greeed even if he loses the Core Medals and OOO Driver. There’s more depth to Eiji right now that we really haven’t plumbed.

What we get is a solid story of how haunted Eiji is by guilt, despite his carefree demeanor. Eiji’s clearly lost before, failed people before, so he can’t live with the thought of turning his back when it’s within his power to help. It’s less about seeing the value in a person, or in people, and more in his own neuroses and hang-ups; it’s a motivation that could be either a weakness or a strength, which makes it perfect for the hero of this show.

(I mean, Eiji clearly cares about people, and would sacrifice himself for others, but the motivation for him is guilt and regret. It’s something within him, not within others.)

PICS:
While we’re getting a subdued and heartfelt story from Eiji and Hina – mostly there to dot i’s and cross t’s about what happened to Shingo, much appreciated – the B-plot in this one is Ankh playing with an iPhone and tormenting children, so you know I loved it.

(I didn’t really touch on this last time, but I love how much the OOO team plays up the bird physicality of Ankh. Last episode had him always up in a tree, or on a roof. This one has him sitting on a beam high above the battle. Even sitting down on a bench, he looks like he’s perched. It’s great!)

It’s mostly there for the eventual reveal that Ankh’s been using the internet to track Kazari, while Kazari has been wasting his time waiting for Ankh to go search on foot. This episode does not do a lot to make Kazari seem unbeatable or all-powerful, despite the mauling he gives OOO in the beginning. Kazari’s sly, but he’s easily countered by Ankh’s modern knowledge and Eiji’s clever fight tactics. Kazari comes off as a guy that haasn’t learned a new trick in 800 years, and that’s a very fun aspect of the other Greeed to get to explore. I like villains that have to work for their success!

AND A HELPING HAND:
Just like the heroes need to work for their success! The Yummy is dispatched with the teamwork of Eiji and Ankh, after Ankh declares his loyalty to Eiji by pointing out that the other Greeed would eventually betray him, while Eiji’s trustworthy despite being a frustration. That OOO teamwork!!! It’s a thing of beauty.

I liked the literalism of Eiji reaching out his hand to pull the unnamed victim out of the Yummy. It’s 1000% on the nose, but it’s such a strong visual, and it just gets to the heart of this show. Eiji can’t promise he’ll save you, and he can’t always make everything right, but he can always reach his hand out. (I mean, the other guy on this show is a literal hand. Kobayashi is not trying to be subtle with this stuff!) I like shows where the promise of the Rider is that he’ll always try, if nothing else. I think that’s a more real thing to be able to promise kids, and it’s maybe even more valuable to adults. Knowing someone will always reach out if you’re in trouble? I think we could use someone like that in the world.