[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchilada645

Overall definitely a favorite episode of mine from the show.

Yeah, same here. Now, my all time favorite of Ryukendo, that's something I'll have to really think about. Because this show has had some absolute bangers.

[DreamSword]

Episode 52: Farewell, Caster Warriors!

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

When the Power Spot begins to go out of control, our heroes are left with two options: Either give up the Dragon Cores forever, or let Akebono go up in flames.

And while the episode does its best to make the sacrifice of Gekiryuken, Goryugun, and Zanryujin be the most optimistic take it can, it doesn't take much thought to realize that the three are being sent off to die.

But, if you're willing to buy into the character dialogue that the three will still be alive and running around somehow, just in another dimension, then yes, this episode's' overall message is fine, and the character interactions and sense of finality surrounding it all is very satisfying.

The best part is absolutely seeing the different ways inwhich our main trio say goodbye to their partners. Koichi promises Zanryujin to find new meaning in life with Kaori, Kenji decides to practice his swordsmanship with Gekiryuken one last time, and Fudo... Fudo gets drunk and confesses his love to Goryugun. I did not see that one coming and it was surprising just how heartfelt it was.

Very low on action with a rather mellow mood to match, I felt this was a great way to send the show off.

And plus, you know, Takara beat Toei to the Dance Ending, which was its own great treat to see.

[Enchilada645]

I will say, I do like it when shows kind of give us a chance to just wind down with the characters as an ending.

Like yeah we could've finished with the big bombastic battle against Gren Ghost and that'd be fine. But as much as I've enjoyed the action and stock sequences, Ryukendo's always best when it focuses on its characters.

So having our final two episodes focus on smaller scale stories was really nice. Jack Moon got an excellent send-off and while the threat of an explosion was imminent for our final episode, it was still very subdued as we got to take a look at the relationships between our main characters and their partners as they say goodbye.

It's a unique ending that really plays towards Ryukendo's strengths.

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchilada645

It's a unique ending that really plays towards Ryukendo's strengths.

Like, the only thing missing to make this the most Ryukendo ending of all time is a scene where a bunch of the townsfolk are looking back on the Caster Warriors. But I mean, I suppose the dance ending helps fill that gap somewhat.

[DreamSword]

Beyond the Recollection

So remember how neither Q3 or Q4 had a recap episode? Well here ya go.

But the thing is, while it is a recap episode, it barely qualifies as one. It's more like an HBV from Kamen Rider than anything.

And that is to say that this is every bit as fun as a given HBV tends to be. Full of high energy silliness that I just can't help but love even if I don't feel like I fully process it.

Because really, how I can I possibly dislike an episode where the Jamanga Generals looks back on their lives by playing the Game of Life while in the afterlife? The sheer premise alone would be worth buying the DVD for. And the fact that it's all very fun to see play out just makes it better.

[Enchilada645]

My favorite part about this is Jack Moon, because of course.

Mostly because the guy's finally satisfied and is able to move on, so he doesn't have any real regrets like the others. Which means he gets to have the time of his life while everyone else is suffering, and considering how some of them treated him at various points, well deserved lol

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchilada645

My favorite part about this is Jack Moon, because of course.

Mostly because the guy's finally satisfied and is able to move on, so he doesn't have any real regrets like the others. Which means he gets to have the time of his life while everyone else is suffering, and considering how some of them treated him at various points, well deserved lol

Jack Moon is of course great, but my favorite bit is how Rock Crimson keeps getting forced to skip turns. Because skipping rocks.

[DreamSword]

Caster Chronicles Ryugunoh: Me? A Hero?

Fudo ended up being my favorite character in the end.

While his personality and arc are relatively simple when compared to many of the characters around him, it was always carried with grace.

He brings a sort of balance to the cast that often goes underappreciated in shows like this. In any cast and/or show full of crazy or larger than life personalities, you almost always need a straight man, and that's Fudo.

That's not to say he's a stick in the mud. He gets more than his fair share of comedic moments. And keeping in the balancing he does for the cast, he himself is also a balanced in character in that he has fears, worries, love, and resolve. He takes up his role with such resolve that it's hard not to like the guy.

And funnily enough, in this bonus episode that's barely half the length of your average regular episode, alot of what makes Fudo great is showcased here. He takes up the mantle for someone he barely knows out of sheer empathy. And despite his own doubts and fears, he powers through them in order to do what he knows has to be done.

It's something only he can do. Something he must do.

But ya know, there's no reason we can't have fun with that very same angle.

The big gag of the special is Fudo doing his best to perfect the transformation pose and signature intro of Ryugunoh. And while it's presented in a comedic light, it's also presented as being very important to the job, and the episode presents it all very genuinely, which makes it all the better once that iconic phrase of 'Shooting In!" is perfected.

For something so short, it speaks volumes, and I dug it alot.

[Enchilada645]

This is a fun DVD Bonus they made, it's got the usual Ryukendo charm and humor while focusing on what makes Fudo who he is. Plus we get a rather unique origin story too in how it plays out in a more personal way.

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchilada645

This is a fun DVD Bonus they made, it's got the usual Ryukendo charm and humor while focusing on what makes Fudo who he is. Plus we get a rather unique origin story too in how it plays out in a more personal way.

To the point that he's matched up against a little girl, even now.