[DreadBringer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

KAMEN RIDER REVICE EPISODE 44 - “DEVOTING IT ALL, THE RESULTS OF HIS DETERMINATION”

If there’s a throughline to Daiji’s character, it’s his almost pathological inability to take responsibility for his actions. I could point out specific instances, but, like: we both watched this show. Nearly every Daiji storyline is shifting the blame onto someone else, or refusing to allow for alternate viewpoints, or doubling down on misguided choices until he’s pointing a revolver in his brother’s face. He’s a guy that can’t see why everyone is screaming at him to stop being such a screaming lunatic about things. He’s… he’s this, for virtually the entire second half of the series:

Other than self-righteousness, Daiji here is also about someone who felt that he had come too far, thus he's left with nothing but to continue his self-righteous path. So Genta's words did reach him, but after he's crossed the line like being ready to sic monsters to civilians. This may result in another part of how this conflict can be dragged, but "I've come too far" is a common outcome for someone who had realized what they did is wrong, like feeling they've come too far to deserve redemption, pointless to turn around at that point, or due to realizing that everything they sacrifice was for nothing unless they sacrifice even more to reach their goal which requires to go through with it. In Daiji's case, it's about how he copes with his previous failure, of which the lesson here, other than to forgive yourself before, is about how failures aren't the end of the world. It seems that Daiji, being the most serious, achiever-oriented, and uptight of the Igarashis, has an upbringing that forbids failure, which gotta have Hiromi convince him that failure is ok and you should just try again. It's something that gotta be taught from early on, and me myself also had some of this failure-intolerant feelings too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

And yet, there’s something sort of charming about Daiji’s fragile ego and almost instinctual self-sabotage. He’s got all of Hiromi’s penchant for screwing up, but without the self-awareness and sheepish warmth that makes Hiromi such a lovable loser. (Hiromi's fan-favorite catchphrase, now retired, is all about how each fight almost killed him!) Daiji’s got a prickly dismissal of anything even approaching a good reason to stop being a weirdo, and his insistence on staying the course – even when the course is The Giant Monster Just Said He Was Definitely Going To Destroy All Of Humanity, That Is What You Are Agreeing To Assist – is one of the most infuriating aspects of this series. I love this show, and I love Daiji, but it’s a fair criticism at this point in the show. Daiji refuses to change.

Daiji almost making a contract with Giff had Ultimate Vice being absorbed through Giff portal, and turns out that Giff's voice/language can be heard in his own dimension. Now this is a proper introduction of who Giff personally is and what he'd want. It seems that Akaishi had some truth about how Giff like how he wanted to keep humans alive and saw the Igarashis as his family, thus Akaishi also refrained from killing humans or especially Igarashis, until his defeat at ep. 41. I wonder if Giff terminated Akaishi's contract due to his decision to kill off the Igarashis to take Daiji for himself. But of course the motive is full on malicious, he wants them as his food source by producing devils. And what changed his mind was how the Igarashis bonded with their devils and the other humans can self-destruct in their devil producing, thus he'd want to kill all humans except Igarashis and repopulate the world with those derived from his blood. Previously there's Tasuke using Nazi salute... and, the real Nazi here is Giff who only wants a world with his bloodline.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

But, yeah, I like that? I like Daiji getting to the deadest of dead ends and being completely bewildered about how to turn around. Like, that’s his one and only flaw, if you want to get back to it: Daiji doesn’t know how to say he screwed up. (And he studied under Hiromi! Hiromi screwed up teaching Daiji to be okay with screwing up! AMAZING. Hiromi!!!) Everything that comes after that initial mistake – killing Kagerou or joining Akaishi, take your pick – is just rationalizations to keep from having to own his mistake. He pushed away his family, when all they wanted him to do was admit he was wrong, because that’s impossible for him. They tried to give him space to figure things out on his own, but that only led to him digging a deeper hole.

Now it's clear the old, complete Daiji is back, and without being blinded by self-righteousness, he'd process the current situation differently, he's tactical like the reliable younger brother Ikki knew, he'd think up ways to deal with problems like Giff, even as Ultimate Revi informs that basic attacks don't work on Giff, of which if it's Kagerou-less Daiji hearing it, it'd further increase his vow to eliminate Ikki as. Shows that resigning into cynical perceptions of reality isn't the level-headed way many think (including Kagerou-less Daiji mocking Ikki), level-headed is finding solutions towards problems. For Kagerou's return, so far he treats it casually, and being really prideful to know that Daiji depends on him. I'd have to see it later if Kagerou's redeemed here but keeps his unpleasant personality, or that Kagerou still needs to be kept in check (but had easier solution now like the curry).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

So of course it’s a weepy Hiromi speech that turns Daiji towards self-analysis and admission of guilt. Hiromi’s a guy whose whole outlook is that he’ll screw up and try to do better next time, even if he technically hasn’t screwed up yet. He’s the guy that’s going to root for Daiji to acknowledge his error, because Hiromi knows that true strength comes from seeing your flaws, owning them, and using them for good.

Hiromi's back as Demons, and he now fights to survive as well, successfully. He of course still fights to help the Igarashis, in not letting Ikki and Sakura carry all the burden and bringing back Daiji, but as Daiji said long ago, self-preservance is important as you can't save anyone when you're dead. So Hiromi gotta think of surviving, which'd be done if he beat (or in this case, tied) his opponent into submission so that he can u̶s̶e̶ ̶t̶a̶l̶k̶ ̶n̶o̶ ̶j̶u̶t̶s̶u̶ convince them better without being threatened. If it succeed, would be a good outcome for all parties involved. I guess this scene rather worked despite of lack of onscreen interaction between Hiromi and Daiji when they're at Fenix, as the focus is about Daiji's remaining problem of being failure intolerant and Hiromi gave appropriate words as well as having right experience to deal with him.

Though despite the above, the fight between Demons and Holy Live is perhaps more impactful than Over Demons' fight as Hikaru was like an extra muscle for Weekend and the Ushijimas in general are wasted, which'd include the 'rivalry' against Akaishi/Gigademos. But in terms of performance, I would say previous Over Demons fight is leagues better (for those who's still underwhelmed to Over Demons, due to suit or particularly Hikaru hate), it was the time Over Demons finally showed its abilities. Though of course Hiromi didn't have Genomixes for Demons here but the fight with him too is a standard hand to hand beatdown, other than the finisher, albeit with context Hiromi'd make it great that it goes against Holy Live (who beat another Demons - Orteca before in his debut).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

Not a great episode, arc-plot wise (I do not want to talk about Giff this time), but a thrilling conclusion to Daiji’s series-long mental breakdown. I don’t know that I love the idea that Kagerou was waiting for Daiji to hit rock-bottom before giving him a hand up, but it’s a return delivered with so much charm and swagger that I sort of don’t want to be skeptical about it. I just want to appreciate this story of a boy who realized he needed the worst part of himself back, because the best part of himself wasn’t capable of compromise. The strength in Revice characters is all in weakness: Vice’s boisterousness, Lovekov’s cuteness, and Kagerou’s self-loathing. Daiji needs that to even himself out, just as his siblings need their own counterbalance. Kagerou’s disgust offsets Daiji’s conviction, creating a mindset where uncertainty is healthier than self-righteousness. Kagerou lets Daiji see where he’s going wrong, and that’s just as valuable as a new form change. (Which I do like!)

I know that people'd only want to talk which matters to the main plot, but the other stuff is ok to be brought up, of which I also can want to do that. The other fight which is the showdown against Giff, other than Over Demons, I'd say that finally Ultimate Revi and Vice also shows off their capabilities in rather satisfying way here, Giff's ability they inherited here plays an important part, that they can create portals like Giff does (that trapped Ultimate Vice before), and with Evilytylive (what a mouthful name, but the suit looks sick, better than Holy Live), working together (Vice still being attention whore, or being 'possessive', regarding handshake between Ultimate Revi and Evilytylive to celebrate the return of the real brother) to seal Giff, of which ofc it'd not be the end of Giff (dunno why they think so), as Giff can create portals himself, or... Orteca's return, as the reveal of Giff sacrifices being trapped in a bubble, would play a part on it. Hopefully Orteca doesn't return to be redeemed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

Can’t imagine this episode’s gonna be for everyone, because I remember the last few months of Daiji discussion, but I thought this one wrapped up his story in a nice, coherent way. A few odds and ends that I don’t care a ton about, or didn’t matter to the main plot – the death of Karizaki Sr! WHO CARES – but a very solid Daiji story that (I thought) successfully laid out his psychology, and firmly redeemed his character. I’m sure you’ll let me know if you disagree!

The George and Hiromi part showed a difference between how George (as in, the demon-influenced George, according to ep. 43) previously dealt with him, and how he does it now. Instead of gloating about Hiromi being a guinea pig, he now solemnly warns Hiromi over his body condition. Instead of guilt-tripping Hiromi over Daiji, now he just asks if Hiromi would be successful in changing Daiji, the question shows some doubt but isn't used to offend him but hoping for the best for this situation. Instead of mocking Hiromi's heroism (despite being a KR fanboy), he now tried to make Hiromi promise to not throw his life away carelessly. Someone treating another cruelly shouldn't be disguised or romanticized as 'caring deep down', and if they make excuses, it shouldn't be easily bought by people (the audience especially). What George did here is, actual showing of being caring, albeit stern, to Hiromi, but not when Hiromi's in Fenix. Though perhaps the part of George being given Masumi's inner demon now gave stronger proof that George wasn't good before, as sloppy the execution was. Though George felt betrayed by Masumi again, it seems that his words aren't as harsh as I expected, only "senior citizen", and was phrased more like pragmatic time dividing.

[Kamen Rider Die]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreadBringer

I know that people'd only want to talk which matters to the main plot, but the other stuff is ok to be brought up, of which I also can want to do that.

Sure! By all means! If there's ever anything from an episode I didn't bring up -slash- didn't care to discuss, feel free to talk about it in the thread.

[PortalTron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

KAMEN RIDER REVICE EPISODE 43 - ?THE EVERLASTING ENDING, AND BEYOND REGRETS?


Highs and lows, baby.

I'm surprised nobody brought up the absolutely amazing payoff for Hikaru. Literally everyone in his family (and foster family) were killed in some way by Akaishi, and he trains himself to do something never done before in Revice: Use four Genomix at once. Seriously, Hikaru goes through so much throughout this last arc and gets so powerful on his own that he is able to defeat the main general of Giff nearly by himself.

Along with Hiromi's zeal, Hikaru's determination and selflessness really feels like a love letter to Ishinomori's early works. Pretty fitting for the 50th anniversary season. This episode really sealed Hikaru as the absolute GOAT of Revice.

[Kamen Rider Die]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortalTron

I'm surprised nobody brought up the absolutely amazing payoff for Hikaru. Literally everyone in his family (and foster family) were killed in some way by Akaishi, and he trains himself to do something never done before in Revice: Use four Genomix at once. Seriously, Hikaru goes through so much throughout this last arc and gets so powerful on his own that he is able to defeat the main general of Giff nearly by himself.

Along with Hiromi's zeal, Hikaru's determination and selflessness really feels like a love letter to Ishinomori's early works. Pretty fitting for the 50th anniversary season. This episode really sealed Hikaru as the absolute GOAT of Revice.

Neat! I'm not really a Hikaru guy, but it's nice to see he's got some devoted fans out there. I don't know if I'd go along with the GOAT assertion -- pretty sure Lovekov still exists, at the very least -- but I'll agree that Hikaru grudge match against Akaishi was nicely conceived and intensely cathartic. I hope Hikaru knows I feel this way! I know he needs praise!

[Kamen Rider Die]

KAMEN RIDER REVICE EPISODE 45 - “NEVERENDING NIGHTMARE, PROTECTORS AND THOSE THEY PROTECT”



Late! Tired! Revice!

I did not love this episode, despite a massive amount of Lovekov. It immediately undoes the end of 44 in a way that makes Daiji’s heroic plan seem obviously flawed and insufficient – Let’s Throw The Guy Who Lived In A Portal Into A Portal To Stop Him – while renewing Giff’s onslaught via old suits and a little too much action. There’s not really a ton of story in this episode, and what’s here is left slightly too undercooked for me.

Beyond the general housekeeping of an epilogue to last episode’s definitely absolute victory, and Olteca’s reappearance that goes nowhere, we’re left with Ikki’s prophetic misgivings, and a slim story about protection.

I mean, I’m for sure interested in this story. It’s a theme that spins nicely off of Sakura’s desire for strength and need to defend the helpless, while looping in underserved characters like Tamaki and Lovekov. I don’t know if I’m that into this story happening with only six episodes left, though? It’s a bizarre time to boost up Lovekov and Tamaki, even if it’s fairly clear that this story is more about Sakura’s emotional endgame instead of either of her sidekicks. It just feels weird, like we’ve blown past the actual ending of the show, but here’s some V-Cin-esque exploration of the marketable supporting cast.

Still! Despite the incongruity of Lovekov’s In Danger, I think it’s fun to play around with the frustrations of protecting people who won’t stop putting themselves in danger, and the frustrations of those being protected by people who won’t stop putting themselves in danger. In much the same way that Daiji’s story concluded when he was brave enough to admit his mistakes and ask for help, we’re clearly in a story where Sakura needs to let go of the reins a little bit, and Tamaki needs to be okay with letting people care for him. This is one of those stories where it feels like all of that is going to be in Part 2, though, because Part 1 is just raising a question and surrounding it with fight scenes.

And the fight scenes… they’re okay? It’s not my favorite mode, the endgame stuff where it’s swarms of enemies (literally, in this case) and a boss that just no-sells everything. It’s all old suits, and nothing phases Giff, and the entire fight just feels like we’re stalling for time. It’s frustrating to watch, because you know that it doesn’t matter. It’s, again, not my fave!

Which is sort of my main thought on this episode. There’s a concept in here I like, but it’s crowded out by a bunch of disconnected subplots (George going to his Daddy’s grave!) and a big, irrelevant fight scene. Hopefully I’ll find more to like in the concluding chapter! Or, at the very least, I should be more awake!

[Androzani84]

I don’t have a lot to say here. I first watched this on some rough wi-FI out in the Middle East and it kept buffering, which didn’t allow me to fully form a first impression, So I’ll just share my usual things.



George: Hey, hey, hey! Yo, George Karizaki here, with my charming assistant Hana Natsuki, to present this week’s Stamp Navi.

Hana: Since when am I your assistant?

George: Your screentime’s been pretty low since you became a Rider, be grateful.

Hana: You’re only bringing me on for this because you’re severing ties with the Igarashi siblings after a mix of both the stuff you complained about last time and all the abuse you’ve suffered throughout these segments, aren’t you?

(George thinks, bringing up flashbacks to previous segments.)

Vice: (flashback) Hey, Kari-chan. Why is this the only Vistamp you’ve made where the Rider motif actually fits the animal?

(Evolt emerges from the Kangaroo Vistamp and knocks George out)

(An angry Sakura punches George out)

(Chigusa slaps handcuffs on George)

(Kivat and Tatsulot slap George in the face)

(Vice shakes George to the point of unconsciousness)

(Jun and Oiwa punch George out)

(Yukimi backhands George off a cliff. Flashbacks end)

George: No. Anyway, let’s get on with today’s Vistamp.

Crimson!

Crimson Up! Transform! Deep! Red! Crimson Vail!

Hana: It certainly is a red version of Rolling, isn’t it? (George looks at her and raises an eyebrow) Hey, I have no emotional investment in this.

George: Okay then, moving on…

Crimson Up! Crimson Vail!

George: The appearance of Genta Igarashi's demon Vail changed due to the Crimson Vail Vistamp. This further enhances the function of the Rolling Vistamp, which seems to sublimate the heinous power of Vail at once, making it possible to continue fighting in extreme conditions. Even though Daddy created it to liquidate the past, I can't help but think that it was the end of the sad devil who became a mass of grudges.

Hana: So it merges Vail with Genta without any ill effects. Got you.

George: It’s given me some notes I’ve been able to use to complete my own passion project. Along with the aid of Ms. Suzu Saionji, and these. (he holds up two stamp-like cuboids)

Hana: (confused) What are those?

George: These containers absorb the unique ‘Fusion Energy’ that Revice and Live generate when they use the Thunder Gale and Perfect Wing Vistamps. I’ve collected it as part of stage one of creating my ultimate. After all, if they can combine humans and demons, then nothing states they can’t combine two Vistamps (he takes out two Vistamps and activates them)

King Crab!

Crocodile!

He then stamps both down on a machine, before pressing down the two cuboids, with a beam of energy flowing through a tube into an Orange Vistamp, which gains the images of both animals on it.

King Crab! Crocodile!

George: Great! I’ve succeeded in proving my hypothesis. But next, I’m going to have to go a lot bigger than this. (He picks up the newly created stamp and opens a case, which Hana sees inside)

Hana: Is that… your Vistamp simulator?

George: It was. (He places the Vistamp in the case and closes it) But now, it’s part of something greater. But I don’t want anyone else knowing about this. (He injects a needle of red liquid into Hana, rendering her unconscious) You won’t remember this. Goodbye. (He then turns and leaves as the camera runs out of battery)

[Kamen Rider Die]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Androzani84

I don?t have a lot to say here. I first watched this on some rough wi-FI out in the Middle East and it kept buffering, which didn?t allow me to fully form a first impression, So I?ll just share my usual things.

Understandable! Thanks for the fun skit!

[DreadBringer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

KAMEN RIDER REVICE EPISODE 45 - “NEVERENDING NIGHTMARE, PROTECTORS AND THOSE THEY PROTECT”

Beyond the general housekeeping of an epilogue to last episode’s definitely absolute victory, and Olteca’s reappearance that goes nowhere, we’re left with Ikki’s prophetic misgivings, and a slim story about protection.

For the beginning, I like on how the crimes done by the Deadmans are taken more seriously, in how others immediately arrest Orteca (golden chance of him without powers or connection currently), as well as Aguilera acknowledging that she's (and Tamaki) someone need to be punished for that, but waiting after their battle is over. Watched in anxiety for this regarding how Orteca survived and a chance of him to be redeemed instead, but so far Revice doesn't take the crimes made by them lightly, unlike something like Zero-One where Gai gets away scot-free. And after all this time, Tamaki still holds a grudge against him to instantly resort into beating him up the seconds he find him. That'd be the latest display of the furious Furio after so long.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

mean, I’m for sure interested in this story. It’s a theme that spins nicely off of Sakura’s desire for strength and need to defend the helpless, while looping in underserved characters like Tamaki and Lovekov. I don’t know if I’m that into this story happening with only six episodes left, though? It’s a bizarre time to boost up Lovekov and Tamaki, even if it’s fairly clear that this story is more about Sakura’s emotional endgame instead of either of her sidekicks. It just feels weird, like we’ve blown past the actual ending of the show, but here’s some V-Cin-esque exploration of the marketable supporting cast.

After Tamaki's return of display of fury, later the set up seems to be about characters others are protective to, but doesn't want to be like that (and are insisted to stay at Weekend base). Though Tamaki's hella repetitive in this, Hiromi once again seems to be a relatable solution to another character, about how both him and Tamaki are now the non-Riders in the group, Hiromi too was an underdog who got bullied, not only in childhood but also by early George and Chameleon Deadman in Fenix at the beginning, his failures aside, as well as being once the weakest recruit, but Hiromi did become the top graduate and later got his Commander position back, so perhaps he's the one that can make Tamaki feel useful as a non-Rider. Other than that, yeah, of course a nicer Aguilera would directly tell him that they'd want him safe, rather than acting bitchy to drive him away like ep. 23. Sakura should take notice of at least her becoming more honest to her feelings.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

Still! Despite the incongruity of Lovekov’s In Danger, I think it’s fun to play around with the frustrations of protecting people who won’t stop putting themselves in danger, and the frustrations of those being protected by people who won’t stop putting themselves in danger. In much the same way that Daiji’s story concluded when he was brave enough to admit his mistakes and ask for help, we’re clearly in a story where Sakura needs to let go of the reins a little bit, and Tamaki needs to be okay with letting people care for him. This is one of those stories where it feels like all of that is going to be in Part 2, though, because Part 1 is just raising a question and surrounding it with fight scenes.

Then there's Lovekov who Sakura keeps in the base or at safe place especially after noticing her injuries, and it seems that Lovekov had enough of being protected and seems agitated by Sakura giving her similar treatment as the brothers (and Yukimi) gave her earlier, thus she rushes into battle. Luckily for her, Giff wants the Igarashis at his side, so not even the Gifftarians attack her at middle of battlefield, but that still causes a miscommunication in Sakura focusing on protecting her instead of hearing what she wanted to tell. Perhaps the next part would have Sakura, someone who doesn't want to be over-protected (by her family) to learn to not give others that treatment too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

Which is sort of my main thought on this episode. There’s a concept in here I like, but it’s crowded out by a bunch of disconnected subplots (George going to his Daddy’s grave!) and a big, irrelevant fight scene. Hopefully I’ll find more to like in the concluding chapter! Or, at the very least, I should be more awake!

After leaving the Happy Spa in good terms with others, George claimed about Vice being weird for a demon as he doesn't feel like one, which he credited to Ikki. Which Vice is another him and representation of his.. vices. Gotta wait for the next ones or the upcoming movie (again, separating...) if there'd be more explanations about how a demon's personality works (seems that Vice changed for the better when Ikki stops being resentful for himself and found better purpose in life?). And the rest are questions about why Vice can be a vessel for Giff, and how Giff freed himself from the sealing before (my guess can be about how Giff can simply make a portal back to the world, which'd mean Ultimate Revi/Vice's portal was useless and shortsighted). Now Giff does have clear upper hand to the heroes, finally, in how their finishers don't work on him. Wasn't Ikki the one who said that? Perhaps they're just desperate at this point.

[Kamen Rider Die]

KAMEN RIDER REVICE EPISODE 46 - “THE COURAGE TO FACE IT… WHAT MUST THEY PROTECT?”



No one wants to feel like they need to be saved.

It’s a thing that Kamen Rider’s franchise-wide empathy makes it almost uniquely equipped to deal with in superhero fiction. You’ve got a show full of superheroes, saving people on a weekly basis. Sometimes they’re even saving the same people, again and again. They’ve got a supporting cast that generally exists to be either inquisitive or imperiled, depending on the episode’s demands. The structure of the series is escalating heroism, mixed in with spotlight salvations. But how do the people being saved feel about it all?

As incongruent and unnecessary as this Sakura Learns To Let Go storyline looked in the previous chapter, this one does a great job of setting the lesson she learns alongside every lesson this show has taught, to let Sakura’s growth become the proof of this show’s thesis: We become better people by confronting and embracing our weaknesses, rather than hiding them away. Sakura’s story is Daiji’s story is Ikki’s story is Hiromi’s story is etc. This wasn’t a story about Sakura, it was a story about Kamen Rider Revice.

That said, still a pretty great story about Sakura?

It’s nicely filtered through Lovekov’s perspective, which is hilarious when you think about how easy it would’ve been for this show to never bother treating Lovekov as anything more than an adorable mascot to get surrounded by Giff Jrs. But no! We get this nuanced and emotional story about how relentlessly protecting someone from the world robs them of the ability to face challenges and grow, while refusing to let someone protect you risks never getting to lean on someone and find your deepest strength. Like, this isn’t a story about NEVER PROTECT ANYONE or whatever; it’s a story about how protection is a group task, and everyone needs it. Safety isn’t a thing you give or accept, it’s a condition you exist in. Allowing everyone to participate in the maintenance of that condition lets people feel connected to one another and individually discover their heroism.

And while Sakura more elaborately benefits from that discovery via Invincible Jeanne (my new favorite suit on the show), we also get Tamaki becoming Over Demons to both protect Hana, and to follow in her footsteps towards redemption. He’s grown enough to want more than just to shield Hana from harm; he wants to be a man that learns from her example to become as strong as she is. It’s not nearly as solid a plot as the Sakura/Lovekov version, since Hana and Tamaki somehow do not have as robust and fruitful a relationship as Sakura shares with a frequently-intangible mascot, but it’s fine for what little went into it. Tamaki’s actor, as always, does a lot with any screentime, creating genuine resolve and joy out of Tamaki smiling as he finally Henshins. It’s definitely a story beat that has the Why Not feeling of the final episodes in any series, where the production team can rest easy knowing they won’t have to tell months of stories about Tamaki’s fight against monsters within and without, but it’s still a charming development. I already care more about this version of Over Demons than any of the preceding ones!

All that’s left is to talk about the destruction of Giff, a thing I was almost planning on skipping over.

The only time Giff (the ambulatory one) was coherent or thematically relevant to this show was in this episode, just as he’s being detonated by the combined self-actualization of the Igarashi siblings. He’s good as a guy that can be leveled with the full force of a speech encapsulating this show’s themes, less good as an entertaining villain with cool powers and/or views. His objectives never really came into focus, since they were mostly interpreted by minions who had their own goals, and what we get here feels as indecisive and random as any other shift in Giff’s demands. Getting the Igarashis to destroy a humanity that won’t stop destroying itself? Sure! Whatever! He’s a pointless villain that never seemed to have the support of the writers on this show, but I’m glad he could at least be the catalyst for a thrilling speech about how only the complete versions of ourselves, weathered by adversity and humbled by failure, can meet the challenges of a chaotic world.

It’s a very good episode, and not even just because it’s got so much Lovekov!

[Switchblade]

I was kind of expecting to see Lovekov herself transform in this episode, like the form we've seen up until now is more of a chrysalis and something else was going to emerge from it. That didn't happen and honestly I'm not upset about that.

Invincible Jeanne is a nice suit for something that was made when Toei had already moved on to filming Geats and Bandai didn't care anymore. That's no slight against it, but it definitely feels more kitbashed than Eviltylive.