[Layton13]

I don't think I have had such a desperate need to watch the next episode of a Rider show since thefinal 4 episodes of Saber (not counting the Revice crossover).

This was gutsy, hard to pull of and an insane idea.

And somehow, they pull it off flawlessly!

This episode is as stuffed and paced as fast as any episode 1, but given the experience with this world and cast, they were able to nail it!

The way they make everything till now still matters is great!

The power Baku has accumulated leads to an immediate different outcome, and the knowledge he has about his friends leads to them all assembling when he needs them most. It wasn't Seven's pure determination; it was his belief in them, the wish to help, and pulling back when he came in too strong and was about to hurt them, giving them space.

We now know how great and awful everyone in this show can be, and we can see how they edge out that happy ending for themself. This time, they can become even better. Not broken people, angry and confused at the cruelty of the world, but people who will defy that.

God, Zeztz is just knocking it out of the park so hard!

This is exactly how I like my Rider! And it really feels the change in production, starting with Gavv, to be able to simulcast in China has paid off in spades in this season. I don't think this episode would have been nearly as good if they had more chances to "course correct" with viewer feedback like they used to.