[SPLIT LIP]

I actually like the second half of the Nightmare arc, because it actually makes Akiko's crippling mental instability useful.

[Locke]

W 30.

This has way more fun with the concept, and is immediately much more interesting. The scene of Akiko as W was brilliant, but even more brilliant were the implications of why Sho appeared in her dream as everything Sho imagines HIMSELF to be. Clearly there are some feelings I'm not sure Akiko realises herself.

And although that ugly Prince obsessed girl was super annoying with her desu business, her dream was really fun as well with Sho appearing as that ridiculous prince.

Plus the editing and cinematography of the non dream bits was really funky. Metal Illusion is really awesome as well.

[Thessair]

I started back in on Agito the other day and just finished episode 22 (the one where Ozawa -who is awesome by the way- drinks about a dozen glasses of beer and then cranks out the design for G3-X). While I loathed Kuuga, I'm enjoying the heck out of Agito. Unfortunately, some the corresponding SHF products are a bit pricey and liking the show means I want to grab them.

Edit: I hope Hojo gets his comeuppance. That guy is totally scummy.

[Locke]

W 31. Shouldn't that be Belle and The Beast?

This is one of those shows, where everyone is so great, I can never work out my favourite character. From one episode, to another, I just can't make up my mind. I just love everyone. It reminds me a lot of OOO in the regard, where I love every Rider equally.

Any way, in terms of the actual episode, it was a bit weird. Aren't we going to question the wider implications of this? Like...Dopants were around ten years ago? Well how does that fit with everything we know so far? Gaia Memories existed before USB sticks?

[SPLIT LIP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locke

Any way, in terms of the actual episode, it was a bit weird. Aren't we going to question the wider implications of this? Like...Dopants were around ten years ago? Well how does that fit with everything we know so far? Gaia Memories existed before USB sticks?

The post-series OOO crossover movie actually deals with this very subject.

But of course, don't watch it until the show is done. It is a marvelous little half-movie, though.

[Locke]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPLIT LIP

The post-series OOO crossover movie actually deals with this very subject.

But of course, don't watch it until the show is done. It is a marvelous little half-movie, though.

Is that the one with Skull in the title? Can't wait!

[SPLIT LIP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locke

Is that the one with Skull in the title? Can't wait!

Yup. "Message from Skull."

W typically has really good movies, and it's no exception. But the OOO half is terrible, sadly.

[Locke]

I was starting to think OOO could do no wrong in the movies!

[Locke]

W 32.

While watching this episode, it made me think about a lot of stuff. Is toku meant to be watched weekly? I'm sure that question is baffling in both its inherent simplicity of the complex ramifications of what I'm really asking. Allow me, to divulge.

The core dynamic between Sho and Phillip is one of the best on screen duos I have ever seen. They are a much better Batman and Robin than well...Batman and Robin. BUT there are a lot of moments, especially since Ryu was introduced, that have fallen flat enough to get the creases out of my clothes. But I can't help but wonder if that isn't in the fault of the show but because I have to wait thirty seconds between episodes, not a whole week.

When you have a whole week to sit and chew on things, it makes the inherent reveals that much more powerful, and makes those epic moments linger all that longer. Remember when Sho almost died saving Ryu? That was probably EPIC when you were watching this weekly, but honestly it was a moment that was over in a flash and never mentioned again, for me and I watched it yesterday.

Same with basically Ryu's entire arc, going from angst filled avenging angel to brimming with human compassion, this played out in a single day for me, not over a quarter of a year. And it lost a lot of its meaning because of that.

Similarly then, is the repetitious plot of Sho and Phillip falling out and finding themselves once again. I'm pretty sure this is like the fifth time the show has done this character arc, and I'm sure when you watched these episodes over a month, and not a single day, it probably felt really epic.

All I kept thinking to myself is that in the space on one episode, Phillip went from ONE HUNDRED PERCENT about Sho, to completely dishoning him, to making back up with him. It was just kinda underwhelming.

HOLY BALLS WAS XTREME EPIC THOUGH! From the Ultra Futuristic look, to the subtle changes that don't distract from the great design that W already is to the sword and shield combo like some of sort of epic future knight. I love it.

The Prism finishers are gorgeous as well even if I'm not sure that I like how they basically skipped from TWO MAXIMUM DRIVES WILL KILL YOU. And then they do eight on their first trip out in this new form, I mean Jesus that is a fucking power leap.

[Suzu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPLIT LIP

But the OOO half is terrible, sadly.

I always try forget about it actually. Because it breaks my heart what Toshiki Inoue has done to my favorite Rider series.
I hope he NEVER EVER gets to write some of Kobayashi's stuff again.