[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunred

Ah, Ryujinoh. The Kamen Rider Chalice/Leangle of the show.

Oh he's very much Leangle. That said, I can give him this: I don't outright dislike him like I do Mutsuki. I just find him kinda bland.

[DreamSword]

Episode 21: Farewell, Swordsman of the Moonlight

Jack Moon is back, but his time is limited.

I know I compared him to Koragg of Power Rangers Mystic Force before, but they ended up taking his character in a much different direction.

The episode provides alot of insight into Jack Moon's' past action, as well as what exactly his deal is. That being that he basically has a split personality; Just not in the sense that media usually portrays it.

It makes his sendoff episode actually rather compelling overall. Sure, the show could've maybe made an attempt at redemption, but bottom line is that Jack Moon is still out to cause mayhem, just on his own selfish terms rather than anything towards what the Jamanga want.

This scenario speaks alot to Kenji's' character too. He is a fellow swordsman afterall, and as such understands where Jack Moon is coming from in wanting to die in an honorable battle. He doesn't exactly like the scenario, but he still feels empathy, and decides to give Jack Moon the best send off he can; An uninterrupted one on one duel.

The editing, the atmosphere, the character drama, it all came together really well in this one. And while Kenji and Jack Moon are the stars, it was nice to see that Fudo and, surprisingly, Koichi had some nice moments too. Namely in how the episode keeps it ambiguous as to whether the the two fought off screen or not. Either Fudo fought Koichi off, giving him more awesomeness points, or he managed to convince Koichi to stand down, meaning that Koichi isn't beyond reason or empathy either.

It's a shame that Jack Moon is no more, but I rather liked how they ended his arc overall, even if you could make a cas efor taking it in the opposite direction.

[DreamSword]

Episode 22: The Neighborhood Martial Arts Tournament

I have come to the conclusion that Ryukendo is at its best when it's being a shitpost.

Because really, this and episode 3 have been some of the biggest highlights in the show so far, and for very similar reasons.

The baseline plot, that the townsfolk put together a tournament to see who will lead their new vigilante group against the Jamanga seems simple enough, but there's alot of stuff going on here that makes the episode absolutely wild.

And just like episode 3, I dare not spoil everything here. All I'll say is that Umi returns, Rock Crimson Returns, and playing up Koichi's' quirks for laughs works way better than trying to play them for drama. This episode was a wonderful time, even if its conclusion probably isn't going to stick.

[DreamSword]

Episode 23: Visitors from Outer Space

This felt like a mess.

If you want the short version, this is essentially three different episodes all glued together and then presented with the tone only appropriate for one of them.

You have people losing faith in SHOT due to a new protector showing up, the love triangle between Kenji, Kaori, and Rin, and last but arguably most importantly, the death of Goryugun, which is presented as the least important aspect.

And it's that final part that was the nail in the coffin for me with this episode. Because really, it's be a bit rough, but you could probably find a way to balance the A and B plots of this episode well enough, but that final bit, which comes in during the climax of the episode and is then treated almost as an afterthought?

Yeah, I was not okay with that.

There's not nearly enough weight given to the event to make it have an impact, and the timing and pacing of it all takes what should be a major blow to our heroes and presents it as if it's just an event that sorta happened. This is in way stark contrast to the amount of respect that Ryugunoh has been given in most other episodes, and I don't like it.

In regards to the other aspects of the episode... they're fine, I guess. Rin is probably the big highlight in all this, showcasing her maturity in the situation despite her own feelings for Kenji. And to give the A plot some credit, we did get shown just how fickle the trust of Akebono was pretty early on in the show's' run. But again, the entire thing is just soured by what should be the most important event of the episode being treated like it's just some sort of background element.

Not a fan of this one, not at all.

[DreamSword]

Episode 24: The Big Aerial Battle

Now this was more like it.

Pretty much the entirety of this episode is dedicated to the fallout that occurs now that Ryugunoh is out of the picture, and I am here for it.

The character drama is on high, Baron Bloody is an intriguing new villain, Koichi gets a plot hook that's far more interesting than anything he had before, and even the townsfolk aren't left out, with alot of their secrets getting exposed.

I could see alot of modern viewers considering it as relatively minor, but I think the piece of the episode that impressed me the most was actually that bit I used for the thumbnail. The episode sets itself up for the easiest "misunderstood for gay" joke ever, and yet it... doesn't take it.

Instead the moment is actually treated with some grace; with those around Kenji either not minding at all that he might have a thing for Fudo, or understanding immediately that he's talking about Fudo being his ideal work partner. Either way, it's a surprisingly progressive move for a show made in 2006, and is really only rivaled by Faiz's' obvious relationship between its two male leads.

Anyway, the atmosphere all around for this one was really good, and everyone in the cast was very likable in their own way; either via their actions or their interactions. The action this time around wasn't much to speak of, but it's clear that that wasn't anywhere near the main focus. Overall this was a really enjoyable episode and it's so nice to see Ryukendo be back on its feet again.

Oh, also, new ED out of nowhere. It's alright.

[DreamSword]

Episode 25: The Great Infernal King's Egg

I'm usually not one for love triangles, but I rather liked this episode.

As Dr. Worm revives some fallen Demons, Rin gets asked out on a date by Hiroshi, the son of the head of Akebono.

And while I could see some thinking that the monster plot is a bit underutilized, the character stuff surrounding Rin and her conflicting feelings about both Kenji and Hiroshi really did work for me to help carry the episode.

It helps that no one is portrayed as outright in the wrong in this situation. Kenji doesn't realize his feelings until Rin is threatened to be taken away, Rin considers leaving due to Kenji never returning her feelings, and Hiroshi is honestly a sweet guy who just wants what's best for Rin, and takes his defeat gracefully.

The easy route would've definitely been to have Hiroshi be a shallow, unpleasant guy, but no. He's honestly in love and is doing his best to treat Rin right. I actually felt bad for him in the end. I actually would not have minded if he had gotten with Rin and the show then ran with the Kenji and Kaori ship; Which, you know, a bit of a missed opportunity, not having Kaori show up here.

There's other stuff surrounding the scenario too, like the magic nerd who's had a crush on Rin since day 1 still not having the guts to talk to her, the funny stuff with the police chiefs sitting in on the date, etc. But if you're into romance plots, I don't think this one does too bad, and it's very much the main focus. Even if the title and the hook at the end suggest something big coming next episode.

Guess Ryukendo beat Kamen Rider to the punch on diving things into quarters too, huh?

[DreamSword]

Episode 26: SHOT Special Course! Who is the Winner?

Ya know I like this idea Ryukendo has of capping off every season/quarter with some goofy special.

It results in one of the best ways of handling its recap episodes ontop of just having alot of fun with itself and its characters. And I've said it before, alot of times Ryukendo is at its best when it's gunning for the ridiculous.

Now, do I think this recap ep is as good as the last one? No, but it's still fun.

The game show aspect is a very smart way of incorporating the recap elements, and the character humor is still as top notch as ever. Stuff like Koichi somehow setting up an entire table inbetween Kenji and Fudo with the latter two not noticing and everyone dissing Rin's' date gave me a hearty laugh.

In retrospect, it does mean that the previous episode is a bit of a weird one to end a season on, but given how I liked that one, I don't really mind. This was just a nice, relaxed sit to prep us for what's next, and I'm here for it.

[DreamSword]

Episode 27: Power Up! Magna Ryugunoh!

This episode had some of the best directing in the entire show.

The premise? A bunch of kids are getting sucked into a horror game, and it's up to Ryukendo(and later Ryugunoh) to bust them out.

Despite what the thumbnail might suggest, the atmosphere and cinematography all throughout the episode was top notch. Being very foreboding and haunting, and the virtual world feeling very lifeless and empty.

But yet that doesn't stop the episode from having some great comedy too. It's only a couple of moments, but every comedic beat lands perfectly, and all without compromising the otherwise serious nature of the episode either. It's the sort of perfect blend that I see less and less of as time goes on.

And of course there's Ryugunoh's' new form, Magna Ryugunoh, which is very cool looking and has a great debut showing to boot. The new transformation sequence, the new guns,; It all comes together surprisingly well. And wisely, there's no Ryujinoh nor Thunder Ryukendo to run the risk of both making them look weak and Magna Ryugunoh look unimpressive.

This was just a great episode all around. Awesome stuff.

[DreamSword]

Episode 28: A Mechanical Heart

This one episode is better than the entirety of Kamen Rider Drive.

When Baron Bloody decides to invade Akebono with a squadron of Androids, SHOT manages to capture and modify one, and name her Maria.

What follows is an episode centered around Fudo, whether he realizes it or not, teaching Maria about life and love. Ultimately leading up to her doing one of the most human things anyone could imagine.

It really speaks to the emotional strength of the story and atmosphere when you make me care deeply about a one off character who doesn't so much as say a single word. I ended up liking Maria and way she played off of Fudo alot, making the dramatic beats hit all the harder.

The episode never misses a beat either. Even the ending is one of a somber note, with SHOT reflecting on how tragic Maria's' loss is, as well as her situation. Her negative traits were the result of her creator, not her, and that she was able to evolve passed them proved that she and the other androids had hearts all along. It's a concept Drive tried to pull but utterly failed at, so to see it done so well here, in one single episode, was a fantastic surprise.

Quarter 3 sure is off to an incredibly strong start for Ryukendo, no doubt.

[DreamSword]

Episode 29: Birth! God Ryukendo!!

What happens when the Great Infernal King decides that he just wants the Caster Warriors done and dealt with?

A monster that can take control of Gekiryuken, that's what.

Now, the show has been foreshadowing how SHOT, Akebono, and the Jamanga are all more closely connected than what one might think. They share the magic chant of "Bereke", afterall.

So that, combined with the many cues that Ryukendo has already been taking from Kamen Rider? It only makes sense that everyone shares a magic pool and this episode showcases the whole "it's not the tool, it's how you use it" moral stance that Kamen Rider can be known for.

But beyond that, the episode lives off of the character drama with Kenji, and doesn't miss a beat. His efforts and eventual victory on literally reaching out to Gekiryuken are all very emotionally satisfying, and God Ryukendo is a really cool form with an equally neat gimmick weapon to match. If this is Ryukendo's' final form, then I'm satisfied.

Q3 really does seem to be where Ryukendo has hit is stride, and I really hope to not be proven wrong anytime soon.

Oh, they also played the second half of the OP as the ending song for this one, which was a great move.