[Frontier]

I kind of imagine anyone checking out this first episode with NO frame of reference for what this shows' plot is thinking it's some kind of Super Spy Kamen Rider season. And it is! In the protagonists' dreams!

I can't help but look at that Nem hostage sequence and think of Neon's backstory. I wonder if Takahashi was intentionally going for a parallel/reversal.

Don't worry, it's a kid show so he's only shooting the criminals with blanks! Also, I know it's a dream, but I appreciated how one of the thugs was a woman. Women can commit crimes too!

Every time I hear the English in this show I'm going to wonder if it's just in there for the "cool" secret agent factor and because this is trying to appeal to a worldwide audience.

It feels like we've been getting some great fashion plate Heroines as of late and Nem in that red dress is quite eye-catching.

In his dreams, Baku is a suave, capable, and effective secret agent. In reality he's just a wholesome fan of spy and action movies who wants to help people in any form he can.

If I had a nickel for every Kamen Rider who lived with their sister...though Minami is a little harsher than usual, even if ultimately she's just worried about what's going to happen to her brother every time he leaves the house (how did he survive the meteor?!)

Okay, so he technically DID save the little girl by causing enough of a scene that the abductor realized it was better to hightail it out of there rather than keep kidnapping the girl.

Kamen Rider Lopo as a beautiful lady cop is pretty on-brand. Rinko would be proud.

I wonder if everyone in the department thinks Fujimi is a nutjob for what he thinks is causing these rash of crimes...not only can the Nightmares seemingly induce people into committing crimes but also kill them in their sleep.

I appreciate they capture how crazy traveling through your dream can get, Inception-style.

Kaijin can't even let a Rider rest in the hospital these days!

Maybe it was a bad idea attacking a dude in his dream where he's literally a more capable, confident, version of himself. Then again, an ordinary dreamer can't effect a Nightmare and this Nightmare was effectively destroying everything he had built up for himself in his dream. That's why you need a Kamen Rider!

Is it just me or did the hand that pull Baku into the office look like a woman?

Oh hey, Cyclone! Kind of!

It's going to take me time to adjust to the belt not being on the waist. It's like there's something on the chest that shouldn't be there. But nevertheless: Arize, Kamen Rider Zeztz!

It's cool how much Zeztz can effect the environment with his massive strength, creativity, and the fact that this is a dream world. Not sure how consistent they'll be able to keep that, but it probably depends on Toei's budget.

I love how the Rider Kick is like him winning the jackpot...and putting the Nightmare to sleep before recreating them as a harmless butterfly?

I wonder...was the red dress Nem ever the real Nem at any point? Or will he not meet her until next episode?

Well, the driver now exists in the real world (meaning he can also Henshin outside his dreams?) and Fujimi knows Baku is connected to this case.

Next week: Baku a wanted fugitive! The bike! And the bomb Nightmare!