[Suzu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeoRangerV

I had no idea he was Tamaki in that. I definitely need to go back rewatch more of that now

It's great when it comes to Toku actors. The main cast has Sasword, KyoryuRed, GekiBlue (and his evil reflection from episode 38) and GoseiRed, after all.

[NGW]

Episode 38 of Hibiki

I guess this is kinda the Empire Strikes Back of Hibiki. That low point for the heroes.

The makamou is immune to the ongeki, meaning that, at least right now, the oni have no means of really dealing with it. Hibiki gets his ass handed to him pretty bad at the end of the episode.

Todoroki is still dealing with his reliance on Zanki, who is now dealing with the consequences of his transformation at the end of the episode prior.

Ibuki is dealing with potentially losing his disciple as well as coming to terms with his heritage and doubting himself because of it, as he basically was guaranteed to become an oni rather than making the choice to become one and working for it.

Adachi, in addition to being kidnapped alongside Midori (was nice to see her at least try and step in and fight back), has his own worries with Kiriya's revelation that he aims to be Hibiki's disciple in addition to basically being told he wasn't needed in the brass band..right as he was putting some effort forth into it.

I also enjoyed the talk Hibiki had with Adachi about finding your own rhythm, then again I usually enjoy their conversations, as this show, at least to me, is ostensibly about their relationship, it just happens to also have oni fighting with giant monsters too.

[KyoryuGreen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzu

Ah well, from what I know, I'm pretty sure I'll like Sasword (or however you may spell him) because I loved the actor in Ouran HSHC and he plays basically the same character in a different context here.

Sasword is absolutely one of my favorite Riders of Kabuto, he has a great story arc. I have to watch the Ouran HSHC myself for him.

Also thanks for the Sasword mention he got lost in my sig and had to fix that lol.

[SideswipePrime]

Gaim 6:

I still don't get the love for Bravo. He's still a pretentious jerk. What is he even doing bothering all the other Riders/dance teams? Go back to your Easy Bake Oven, jerk.

Spikey Fruit Guy aside, I liked this episode. Watermelon Arms was cool.

[KyoryuGreen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SideswipePrime

Gaim 6:

I still don't get the love for Bravo. He's still a pretentious jerk. What is he even doing bothering all the other Riders/dance teams? Go back to your Easy Bake Oven, jerk.

Spikey Fruit Guy aside, I liked this episode. Watermelon Arms was cool.

See I only love how he reacts, I don't like him much as a Rider. When he's a chef he's fun. He's a very weird character.

Gaim picks up a lot after episode 6.

[NGW]

Episode 39 of Hibiki

I rather liked the brief bit in the opening with Ibuki and Akira, well her hiding from him and his lamenting it, plus her little emotional reaction there. I actually am liking this arc with them, yeah it sucks that Akira is going to give up her training, but the way it is being handled is emotional and rather well done I feel.

Todoroki still dealing with his Zanki issues, though this time around it's taken a bit more of a humorous approach.

Adachi biting through the web was kinda..odd, but whatever. Nice bit of backstory for Hibiki though, touching back on what we heard previously and expanding it a bit.

Kiriya, scared of the dark. Starting to get more into his secrets and flaws he tries so hard to cover up and sweep under the rug. And he tries to henshin without the proper training, ouch.

The boss talking some sense into Todoroki, explaining just why Zanki is treating him as he is. Not because he doesn't like him, but because it is for his own good, he needs to become independent and grow and mature as an oni. Todoroki, of course, hears it the way he wants to. "I am a lion." Oh dear...Ah well, at least he seems motivated again.

And Sabaki is getting his ass kicked. Again.

And despite getting his ass handed to him as well, Todoroki at least put forth a good effort.

The dual confrontation (well not exactly a confrontation, but you know what I mean) between Zanki and Todoroki and Ibuki and Akira was pretty awesome. Seeing the mentors and their disciples in some emotionally trying times, it was just a bit of a nice parallel I feel. Was shot nice, and the rain added some nice dramatic impact, even if the use of rain to convey sadness is a bit cliche.

Also, something I forgot to mention previously, while I do really miss Shonen Yo! at the end of each episode, I do like that the instrumental of it is still used regularly throughout the episodes. Just a fantastic song that really fits the series.

Kiriya having his face to face with Hibiki and telling him he wants to be his disciple, and his reasons for wanting to become an oni. I'm pretty sure he had mentioned them before, wanting to surpass his dead father, but I can't say that we really have the complete picture on that yet. At least not that I can recall. IIRC his dad died saving someone from a fire, so perhaps he means in that regard, as a hero. Not too sure. That said, I really do hope Hibiki doesn't take him on as his disciple. I doubt that is the direction things will go, but stranger things have happened, as this series is, as I've said, ostensibly about the relationship between Hibiki and Adachi, and while Hibiki taking on someone else as a disciple would add an interesting dynamic, there has just been too much build up towards Adachi finally taking on the role to not.

And Kiriya already showing that he lacks the understanding of what it means to be an oni. Telling Hibiki that he knows he is fighting a losing battle, that there is no meaning in doing so. Despite the fight being one with little hope, as Hibiki says, there is meaning to it, he's fighting for more than just himself.

Another nice little moment between Ibuki and Akira.

Man the new douji and hime are a lot more..serious. I kinda miss the sinisterly playful ones of yore. That said, these two do seem more dangerous I suppose. I am a bit perplexed by the lack of puppets, unless the new douji and hime basically took the place of them as well as the other douji and hime.

And Adachi putting to use what Hibiki has taught him. Well done boy.

Wha?!?!? Hibiki finally calls Asumu by name, well hot damn.

Overall a solid episode, this arc was pretty good. As I said, kinda like this season's ESB.

[NGW]

Episode 40 of Hibiki and shit is getting serious. Starting to move into the endgame scenario I think.

The introduction of the makamou was pretty cool, with the tree coming to life and attacking the lost hikers.

We get a lot more of both Kiriya and now Asumu wanting to become Hibiki's disciple, with Kiriya getting...really desperate and pathetic about it. This is followed with him asking to take Akira's place as Ibuki's disciple, a request which is swiftly denied with Ibuki telling him just how ignorant he is being.

I also liked the dialogue between the oni about Hibiki's unwillingness to take on a disciple, touching on his own personal issues and worries, not wanting to have to worry about another being his reason behind it. Glad we're getting a little more light shone on the subject.

And finally the reappearance of our mystery couple behind the makamou. Talking about the forest the makamou appeared in disappearing, and that it is a sign of Orochi's coming, and if it has the bad guys worrying..something big is about to happen.

Wow, Kiriya turning towards Todoroki as a mentor. He really is desperate. It's honestly getting pathetic at this point. I struggle to say almost tragic, but Kiriya doesn't quite deserve such sympathy.

I take that back, asking Akira to be her apprentice is somehow even more desperate and pathetic.

Asumu, not you too...

And Akira transforms! Oh snap!

Finally entering the home stretch. And I gotta say, unless it isn't until the last handful of episodes (I am aware that the final episode did have a lot of issues with rewrites, even during its actual filming) that things get really bad, I can't say that the show has suffered that much from the production changes. While I agree that it was a bit of a dick move to do, and that it is a shame that the show didn't proceed as it was originally envisioned, the actual quality itself hasn't really declined all that much, and some of the story arcs have been really rather good IMO.

Episode 41 of Hibiki

And Akira promptly has her ass handed to her. Can't say I'm surprised.

And everyone is disappointed in our trio of youngin's. Certainly don't blame them. Scene was pretty well acted, especially Hibiki's reaction to Asumu saying he is the same as Kiriya, you could just see the disappointment in him at hearing that.

And now more about the looming threat.

Good to see Asumu genuinely regretting his actions. Kiriya on the other hand...continues to be Kiriya.

Oh Hibiki, that jacket looks terrible on you.....

Rather nice scene between Ibuki and Akira. There's this sad tension between them. They were such a good pair starting off, and they're growing apart as they both deal with their doubts and worries.

And Hibiki trying to teach the boys to do the salute. Maybe this'll be my chance to learn it too haha.

Nice bit of contrast between the two scenes here. With Ibuki seeming to be losing his disciple as Hibiki decides to take one on.

And the boys aren't quite happy with Hibiki's method/leading them on. Little bit of emotion to the scene, with Asumu handing Hibiki back his glasses. It's just a nice little touch that makes things seem more real, more human. Little things like that add a lot to the emotion and mood of things, and I like that this show seems to do this so well.

And the boss meets face to face with our mystery couple. They're telling him to gather the oni to deal with orochi. Seems this is a threat even to them.

And again shedding some light on Hibiki's reasoning behind refusing to take on a disciple. Though him saying that he feels Asumu just wants power is a bit off putting, other than him saying he too is like Kiriya (then again, that may be why he thinks this), you'd think he would know Asumu better than that.

Ya know, Akira isn't doing a half bad job of teaching Kiriya and Asumu. She makes a great point as to how managing the kindergarteners at the crosswalk teaches some very important lessons they will need as oni.

And Kiriya does a completely selfless thing! Diving to save a child from an oncoming car. Why does this remind me of Tiger?

Well, his attitude afterwards is still a bit off putting.

The Kodama forest is proving to be a pretty nasty customer. I can't imagine what is to follow it.

Seeing Asumu and Kiriya work together to save Kasumi with Hibiki watching on was kinda nice. Giving him a chance to see their willingness to help people.

And Akira finally comes to her decision to resign her apprenticeship. Was nice seeing her work so well with Ibuki one last time. And her explanation for taking the boys on as pseudo-disciples was a rather pleasant one, wanting to pass on what she learned to two that she believes in, and so as to not feel her time with Ibuki is wasted by her not finishing her training.

And finally, after so many episodes of build up, Hibiki finally takes Asumu on as a disciple...alongside Kiriya.

These last couple episodes were definitely the game changers. Akira comes to her ultimate decision to leave her apprenticeship under Ibuki behind. And I actually feel it was handled rather well. It didn't really come out of nowhere, there was a good bit of build up for it, and I feel her reasons were quite understandable. We learn of a much greater threat looming, one that even brings the enemy to a point of seeming to ask the oni for help in dealing with it. And of course we get something the series has been beating around the bush and building towards, Hibiki taking on a disciple.

There's not too many episodes left, cannot wait to see what happens next.

[Switchblade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGW

We get a lot more of both Kiriya and now Asumu wanting to become Hibiki's disciple, with Kiriya getting...really desperate and pathetic about it. This is followed with him asking to take Akira's place as Ibuki's disciple, a request which is swiftly denied with Ibuki telling him just how ignorant he is being.

There's a pretty funny moment coming up with Kiriya and training. It was one of the few moments I really liked in this part of the show.

[NGW]

Episode 42 of Hibiki

Was a good episode overall. I don't have a whole lot to say about this one. Hibiki finally begins training his disciples proper, but not before Kiriya overhears him talking with the boss and saying that he plans to eventually drop one of the two.

Curious as to why the douji and hime were attacking the oni, I thought that with the coming of orochi that the mysterious couple would have called off their dogs. Then again, with them having "forgotten" to feed the douji, mayhaps they're trying to. Quite interesting to have the hime start having some individual thoughts, wondering their existence and purpose.

And I must have been misunderstanding orochi, as when I hear the term I think big, multiheaded, hydra-esque dragon..whereas it seems to be more an event that drives the makamou out of control and in great numbers. So maybe this is an orochi an a metaphorical sense, with the makamou all being the heads of it, I dunno.

Ah yeah, the actual training with Asumu and Kiriya. Watching him struggle to even jump in the pool, let alone swim was quite humorous. He's being shown more and more to have absolutely nothing going for him when it comes to the physical side of things. And of course he falls flat on his ass trying to do a pullup. Then again, I can't do a pullup either >_>. Really proving he just isn't physically able to do this.

I also liked the little scene between Todoroki and Hinaka, they're a cute enough couple.

Speaking of Todoroki. That battle at the end with all the makamou was pretty awesome, but damn Todoroki got fucked up. Looks like he may be out of commission, though probably not dead.

Episode 43 of Hibiki opens with our heroes licking their wounds. Asumu with the assistance of his mother, Todoroki with the aid of the hospital, and Kiriya...all by himself.

Good to see that, while in rough shape, Todoroki seems to have pulled through. Poor Hinaka, definitely feeling for her.

Bit more training with Hibiki and the boys. Kiriya questions if it is all about physical betterment, with Hibiki providing his always sage-like advice. If Kiriya's goal is to surpass his father he must first surpass himself.

And Todoroki is awake. Good good, but damn did he get messed up.

Kiriya, not wanting to lose this chance to Asumu, calls for a taxi to beat him to the end of their run. Of course Hibiki catches him, time for you to scrub toilets. He again just completely misses the point. It isn't about being better than Asumu, it is about bettering yourself, pushing yourself. It doesn't matter if you get to the end first or not. Taking a taxi to the end just so completely defeats the purpose of the training. Dude just does not get it.

And Todoroki can no longer push his body to become an oni. With how much this meant to him...probably worse than if he had gone out in battle.

And our mystery couple confirms that orochi has begun, and that it will take more than the oni to deal with this problem. They seem to be losing control.

Kiriya's pride really is going to be his undoing. Dude almost drowned just because he doesn't want to look weaker than Asumu.

Good ol' Hibiki at least finding a way to try and spin it into a positive for Kiriya.

Zanki had the exact reaction I did when the boss said "too bad" in regards to Todoroki no longer being able to continue on as an oni. Way to be kinda heartless about it. I can't imagine how Zanki must feel about this, seeing his student who worked so hard and had so much heart put into this have it all taken away from him in the line of duty.

Mochi's panel theater was kinda cute. Curious if the story she herself was telling has any relevance to the plot or if it was just there. Stuff like that usually has some further meaning.

Absolutely loved the scene between Todoroki, Hikana, and Zanki in the hospital. This season really has managed some incredibly emotional moments. I think I felt a tear well up a bit.

And just as I was about to give Kiriya props for sticking it out and making the climb up...he goes and starts showing off his academic trophies. Hahaha, oh Kiriya you are too much kid. And then you try and throw Asumu under the bus. Hibiki didn't even really seem to mind the showing off, even giving him some due credit, but man his reaction to that last bit.

And off Kiriya goes.

Battles are getting pretty intense, with a mix of larger makamou and hordes of the summer variety. Things are not looking good.

Poor Todoroki. Hibiki is such an awesome guy though. I just freaking love the interaction between the characters, you get this sense of camaraderie that just feels so natural.

Just as the battle seemed won, here's these giant enemy crabs.

Zanki-san, don't do it!

Man, things are getting intense. Freaking love this season.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchblade

There's a pretty funny moment coming up with Kiriya and training. It was one of the few moments I really liked in this part of the show.

Curious which scene that was, there were a few that got a chuckle out of me. Wondering if it was the same.

[Switchblade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGW

Curious which scene that was, there were a few that got a chuckle out of me. Wondering if it was the same.

It was the trophies. The bit where a desperate Kiriya, fully realizing how useless he is, tries to impress Hibiki with math awards.

Literally the only Kiriya scene I legitimately enjoyed. Because schadenfreude.