[Fish Sandwich]

Kengo and Gentarou's dynamic was probably the thing about this show I was most excited to see going in. I recall the basic plot summary when the show was first being promoted specifically highlighting that the Fourze Driver is a thing that belongs to Kengo, but is used by Gentarou, which I just thought sounded fascinating?

I guess it's not a million miles off from what OOO just did with Ankh and Eiji, but the angle there was more about a villain trying to make the protagonist into a tool and getting way more than he bargained for. Here, it's like Kengo is this sort of failed lead character, rejected by the universe he's in for his lack of physical capability and general charisma, despite ticking the very important box of feeling a deep responsibility to accomplish some grand heroic mission and live up to the destiny that is his burden. So instead he has to begrudgingly rent out the actual hero work to this careless and impulsive interloper, who doesn't see the bigger picture, but also sees all the things Kengo can't in turn, and quickly starts to make that heroic identity his own, in a way Kengo never could've expected.

It just sounded like a good story? Gentarou and Kengo aren't immediately what I think of when I think iconic Rider duos, because I think the larger ensemble they're both a part of, in its totality, is the real heart of the show, but I loved getting to see how Kengo in particular ends up being shaped by that week after week. I don't think I ever personally found him grating or anything, but I think, at least at the very start of the show, it's maybe just about right if he does seem a little obnoxious?