[Fish Sandwich]

There's a part of me that feels like this is an unusually understated penultimate episode, and another part of me that feels it did an excellent job putting everything in place for a thrilling conclusion.

I'm not really sure if those two feelings are even at odds with each other? I phrased that opening in a way that vaguely implies the "understated" part is a flaw, because it seems like it should be, based on how these shows are generally structured? The overall scale and complexity of the plot are ultimately not much grander than usual for Gavv, and the ultimate evil plan is basically already thwarted before the finale. And yet, none of that feels wrong to me? On the contrary, it feels very *right* for Gavv to be using its remaining time like this.

It's like the opposite of how I felt about AmazinGummy last week. Fuwamallow Form floating up in the sky like a candy cloud saving the day with sugary sweet raindrops is an idea that's absurdly specific to this particular series, and I love that about this episode. I love seeing an old suit suddenly thrust back into the spotlight. I love that it's an act of heroism that doesn't require violence. I love that it becomes this microcosm rebuttal to everything Lango believes, by way of encapsulating everything Shouma believes. It feels like a story that could've happened as any random weekly plot, but that's exactly the beauty of it. Shouma saved the world by having fun eating tasty candy with his friends, and that's the same way he's *always* saving people. That's exactly why he's so sure his plan will work! It sounds silly, but silly things have a way of bringing happiness to people.

So that's the little thing that's secretly maybe a huge thing, but there's also the material in here that more obviously drives the story towards a big crescendo, and I can say with even less hesitation that all that stuff lands super well. I've made note of how rare it is for all three Riders in this show to actually all be fighting in a group at once, and suggested there's sort of an implication these guys are simply *that* tough put together. As such, I'm really liking the idea of deliberately isolating each of them to their own final battle, rather than having another big team-up fight where they gang up on Lango. This show is about togetherness and companionship and all that, yes, but it's just as much about personal growth and self-actualization. Creating a final episode where each Rider gets to shine as an individual, first and foremost, is liable to end up being smarter than anything I would've guessed. We've already got some sick Vram action out of the decision, so here's hoping these various groupings all end up delivering a conclusion that feels properly meaningful.

In the moment, at least, the biggest complaint I have with this one is honestly just that Vram should've been using Pudding Custom at first if he was going to transform into A La Mode Mode later anyway. Because of course that's what I'd complain about. I mean, come on, while we're already bringing back Fuwamallow, Chochodon, and even Surprised Lango In His Chair, you know?