[DreamSword]

Episode 4: Wako's Song

This essentially what the "Dream" episodes of the Gridman anime should've been.

A plan is set in motion to trap Takuto and Wako in a world of memory and illusion, and what follows is an episode that's rather subversive of the usual formulas.

The two don't instantly fall in love or pour their entire lives out all at once. They just get to know one another and grow a step closer. Heck, there isn't even a big mecha fight at the end, and the catalyst for the memory world isn't a fighter, nor would she want to.

What really helps sell all of this is the general atmosphere, with the world the two are in really feeling rather empty and barren. Combine that with the primary goal of character development for both characters and you have a great episode.

There's some plot beats that get elaborated in a rather natural way too. Maidens can't leave the Island due to the magic seal placed on them, and as a Maiden they inheret memories of past Cybody users. Takuto also used to be a rather closed off kid, but grew to open up more over time. Both characters bond over the fact that they learned how to embrace who they are in different ways.

Anyway, the title of the episode is kind of clickbait, because while Wako does sing a bit of her Maiden Song in it, the show is gonna make you wait to hear the version that every viewer is gonna want. That said, the regular, non-vocal theme that's associated with Wako is actually rather clever in its use and composition. As it's primarily used during more lighthearted moments with the group, and the song itself is actually a rather subtle remix of Wako's' Maiden Song.

While I don't know if I'd say this is my favorite episode in the entire show(I actually don't remember if I even had a favorite beforehand), this one is definitely a contender.

[DreamSword]

Episode 5: The Meaning of Mandrake

Star Driver is a very horny show, if you couldn't tell by now.

Not in the sense that you're constantly seeing TnA everywhere or anything like, but more so the utter suggestiveness of alot of aspects of it.

And I'm sure that in some ways, that makes sense. The show does deal with alot of hormone-addled teens, afterall. And thankfully, it's less done for fanservice and moreso for humor than anything else.

But with that in mind, this episode kinda sorta goes a little bit too far with it? With the very end of the episode essentially being the final nail in the coffin for any sort of poignant point that it might've been trying to make. It really makes me wonder if there was any sort of lesson in mind to begin with.

Pretty much the entire episode deals with the school nurse, who's lusting after alot of the boys at South Academy. Problematic angle aside, the episode at first seems to be trying to showcase how her desires are a manifestation of her wanting to return to her youth, and how her utter defeat at the hands of Takuto are a lesson in not thinking with your nether regions, so the speak.

Only for the very end of the episode to not only give her exactly what she wanted, but play it off as a sort of positive/humorous outcome. It really didn't sit right with me. Not to say the entire episode ending up a total wash because of it; I did get some chuckles out of the episode, afterall(loved the scene with the Drama Club discussing the love letter). But the end did kinda paint the whole experience in a bit of an uncomfortable light.

This was the first episode that I had absolutely no memory of during this rewatch, and I can for sure see why. Such a waste of some cool ideas. Like that precognition system straight out of Gundam Wing. What a letdown.

[Sunred]

KIRABOSHI!
Ah, Star Driver. The reimagining of The Little Prince starring Ultraman Zero and the current voice of Ultraman Mebius.

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunred

KIRABOSHI!
Ah, Star Driver. The reimagining of The Little Prince starring Ultraman Zero and the current voice of Ultraman Mebius.

Huh. You know putting it that way, I guess my recent Gundam Wing comparison was actually kinda apt.

[Name]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 5: The Meaning of Mandrake

And I'm sure that in some ways, that makes sense. The show does deal with alot of hormone-addled teens, afterall. And thankfully, it's less done for fanservice and moreso for humor than anything else.

[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Name

That's right Krillin, mondo cool. I mean, fanservice.

[DreamSword]

Episode 6: The King's Pillar

Just what is Sugata's' deal anyway?

We know what's going on with Wako and her duties as a Maiden of the islands, but what role do Sugata and his family play in all of this?

Well this episode is almost entirely about that, and as such there is alot of exposition. Not mecha battle, though the mechs are still important to everything going on and we even get a bit more insight into their magical nature.

There's been alot of talking of "Phases" in the show so far. Here we learn about the 1st and 2nd. A "First Phase" is a magical ability that someone gets when their Cybody awakens for the first time. A "Second Phase" is the Cybody in question gaining their true form that can be piloted in Zero Time.

So, since Sugata has a mark, and thus has a Cybody, what's going on with him? Well, his particular Cybody is actually the King of all of them, which ranks his family very highly on the islands. But as far as anyone is aware, the King Cybody is nonfunctional, with any attempts at calling it making the user fall into a coma. But because of the sheer power it wields, those bound to it are forbidden to leave the island and live lives of their own.

Sugata learned all of this on his birthday five years ago, and as such not only hates his own birthday now, but has grown rather aloof about life over time. He still loves Wako, but just because someone can smile on the outside and appreciate others doesn't mean they aren't holding alot of hurt on the inside. Wako herself notes how sad Sugata's' smile actually is.

With all this in mind, it's only fitting that Sugata's' theme is not only quite somber in itself, but plays during alot of the more dramatic talky scenes in the show. The episode itself really excels in following up on that atmosphere too; With a story that starts off rather cheery slowly becoming alot more downtrodden. And it all culminates in an explosive climax that arguably does more harm than good. Sugata saves Wako, but at the cost of himself. And all on the combined birthday of both him and Takuto.

It's rather telling of Takuto's' character too. It's his birthday, and a day he wanted to celebrate. But once he sees the signs of his friends suffering, he doesn't make the day about him at all, and is instead putting everything into helping those he cares about.

I really liked this episode overall. It has some great character interactions and development ontop of making sure that the heavy exposition is never boring. And again, it's all carred by a solidly done atmosphere that kept me engaged. I have no complaints.

[DreamSword]

Episode 7: The Faraway World

The evolution of the relationships in Star Driver is kinda what I wanted out of Dynazenon.

My biggest issue with the friendships in the latter show was that there was no real growth or journey. Everyone is BFFs from second one with little else to it.

Here in the former though, we not only see how the "Power Trio" meets and grows to care about one another, but also how much the inner workings and dynamics of the group have affected those involved.

Of course Sugata and Wako are going through the worst of it right now, and Takuto in his head realizes that, but he can't help but feel like he's possibly getting screwed over in some way as well. He's not even sure where he lies in the group dynamic, and it frustrates him, even if he doesn't vocalize it.

And if he really is a dear friend to the Island Couple, then he should be able to do something to help them, right? What good is he if he can't? These are feelings many of us, myself included, have struggled with before, and thankfully, the head of the Drama Club is there to give a solid answer: Sometimes, all you can do is be there, and that in itself is a wonderful thing.

This is very much the more action focused part 2 of the previous episode, and so I felt it fitting to finally highlight the battle theme here, which is surprisingly dramatic sounding for how swift many of the fights in Star Driver tend to be. Given all the tensions surrounding Sugata's' awakening and possible mind control during the climax though, it certainly fits the general mood. An invisible sword now hangs over our cast. It'll be interesting to see when it falls.

[DreamSword]

Episode 8: Always Like A Shooting Star

Man this show so is pretty.

This episode is all about answering the question as to whether or not Sugata is mind controlled, and what exactly that answer means.

Turns out he's not, and his behavior up to this point has been a mixture of frustration at the life he was born into as well as his immense dedication to protecting Wako. For better and worse.

So of course, it all results in a clash between him and Takuto, in an effort to get through to and understand one another. Both have their secrets and their ideals, and they plan to go all out in displaying just how much drive -- how much "libido" -- it grants them.

This episode is also notable in that it's the first time we see all four maidens on screen at once. See, I've neglected to mention it up to now, but the North Maiden, the one who got her seal broken at the start of the show? Her name is Sakana, and she's been imprisoned by Head(the literal head of the Glittering Crux) up to now.

Every episode has featured her telling Head the story of "Sam." A hero of the Fish Planet who had to do some not so savory things in order to achieve his dream of sailing across the galaxy. And while each segment had something vaguely to do with the plot of the episode at hand, given this episode, it's not hard to see that the story also mirrors Head himself in some ways. And, on rewatch, there's a nice little bonus to it for way later down the line as well.

Thus I felt it only fitting to have the the North Maiden song featured here, as it's what plays during this story segments. It's a rather somber remix of Monochrome, fittingly enough. And it's all capped in this episode with Sakana now free of the Crux's' control, as well as the island. And she uses her newfound freedom to try and make a better life for herself elsewhere.

It's a rather high emotion and dramatic episode of Star Driver, all things considered. But really, the tense melodrama is what makes it all work. Yes, even the minute long scene of panting at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

[Name]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 8: Always Like A Shooting StarSo of course, it all results in a clash between him and Takuto, in an effort to get through to and understand one another.

The story of Sam seems super disconnected from everything during the episode string it's told! On rewatch, not so much.