You’ve been acting weird, Mai tells Kota. It’s evening and they’re down by the waterfront now. Kota tries to assure her that everything’s alright and says his sister’s curry is gonna get cold…

“Is it about Yuya?” Kota stops and turns. I have a right to know too, Mai says.

Kota decides to come clean. He explains than a human that eats a Helheim fruit becomes an Inves. That’s what happened to Hase. And that’s what happened to Yuya. Not only that, but “I killed him.”

“I didn’t know that Inves was Yuya,” Kota says, “but that doesn’t change what I did!”

Mai falls to the ground as Kota apologizes and says he has no right to be anywhere near them. When did you find out, she asks. Kota says he only found out recently, when they ventured into Helheim.

It must have been hard for you to bear such a burden all by yourself, Mai says. Kota is taken aback. Mai approaches Kota and puts her arms around him.

“I won’t let you do this alone anymore, you don’t have to suffer alone.”

They cry.

Meanwhile, Takatora is reporting to someone that the mass production of the Driver is nearing completion. The man on the other end of the line says they should get started on cutting the population down to the billion who’ll get the Driver.

Mitchi listens. We’re at the point of no return, Takatora adds, all for the salvation of the human race, the fulfillment of Project Ark.

It must be hard for you Niisan, Mitchi says after Takatora hangs up. But Takatora replies, Not at all. This is a sin I must bear. Abandoning it is not an option.

Takatora says those with special talent or status also have a certain duty, noblesse oblige. At times, it forces us to stain our own hands. The time will come for him too, sooner or later. So he must be resolute.

Mai has Mitchi, Chucky, Zack and Peco at the Garage. She tells them everything. Mitchi is silently pissed.

You knew about this too? Zack asks Mitchi. Yeah, I heard from Kota, Mitchi replies, but I couldn’t tell anyone.

Mai says they must tell the whole city, right now! Mitchi:

Meanwhile, Kota is enjoying a drink at Drupers. Bando and Iyo-chan ask if something good happened to him since he seems very at peace today. Which is creepy since he’s been all frazzled and stressed lately.

Kota’s phone rings. It’s Chucky. She tells him about Mai gathering people of the city to tell them what’s going on. But Chucky’s worried and asks if Kota can come.

Mai steps up to the microphone with Zack, Peco, Chucky and members of the other teams on stage.

The city is in danger, Mai announces and asks everyone to please stay and listen. Zack announces they’ll be passing out flyers.

But in the back, Mitchi is fuming. I just wanted to protect Mai’s smiles, he says, why is this happening? Behind his back, he unlocks several Lockseeds and tosses them on the floor.

When the Beat Riders head out into the crowd to pass out the flyers, down drop the Inves from the Cracks. So it was the Beat Riders! the townspeople say. That’s not true! Mai pleads. Mitchi knocks away an Inves about to attack her and tells her to run. But Mai is distraught.

Zack calls over to Mitchi, they henshin.
Kota arrives and uses Strawberry Arms to help out.

They charge up and finish off the Inves, but all the people are gone except for Mai, Chucky and Peco. Mai falls to the ground again. Mitchi glares at Kota as he runs to her.

“Kota-san, this is all your fault!!!”

Mitchi thumps towards Kota and grabs him by the collar. “You’ve made a mess of everything! You’re the one dragging Mai into everything!”

The others watch in disbelief.

“You’ve made Mai sad. I can no longer look up to you!”

Mitchi shoves Kota to the ground and is about to pound on him, but Mai stops Mitchi and gives him a hard slap, a Filipino teleserye-level sampal right to the face.

“What’s wrong with you Mitchi!? This has nothing to do with Kota! Go cool off!”

Kota tells Mai to calm down too. Mitchi is just worried about you, he says.

Meanwhile, Ryoma and Minato are looking over the data collected by Kaito’s battles with the Overlords. They’re very powerful and he’d love to collect more data, but it seems Kaito is done, he’s not strong enough. I’m afraid we have no use for him anymore, Ryoma says.

But Minato isn’t as ready to give up on Kaito. She thinks he still has some untapped power. Why don’t we give him another chance?

Ryoma is very intrigued. Minato Yoko caring about someone other than herself!? Okay, fine. Since you insist, he says, I’ll prepare a secret weapon for him.

Nice, Minato says. Now if they only had a lead on the Overlords.
Mitchi walks in, very confident. I’ve got one, he says.

Ryoma leers at him. Don’t worry, Mitchi says, I haven’t told my brother.

Heh, seems like you’ve got us all figured out, Ryoma says. You really are a shrewd bastard. So, what’s the lead?

But Mitchi says, Wait a minute, let’s make a deal. I’ll dish out info, but you will follow my plan.

Across town, Kaito stands by the Rainbow Line tracks licking his wounds when Minato pops in with a handkerchief. Being reckless again? she asks as she goes to wipe Kaito’s face.

Kaito avoids her advance and says to gain power, one must be prepared to take risks. If he wasn’t prepared, he’d have no right to face the Overlords.

Perfect, because this will take plenty of risk, Minato says. She presents Kaito with a Genesis Driver, a gift from Professor Ryoma. Zack watches as Kaito accepts it.

Zack calls after Kaito. Who’s the lady, he asks innocently. Nonchalantly, Kaito answers “an Yggdrasill employee.”

What? Zack asks, the same Yggdrasill that’s keeping the secret of Helheim from the people? Yes, Kaito answers. Yggdrasill will employ natural selection upon humans to determine the chosen few who will survive.

And you’re still working with them?!

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Kaito says. “I’ve never been interested in weaklings who only care about their own lives. They may be using me, but it goes both ways. If they are just weaklings in disguise, then I will carry out natural selection upon them!”

“You’ve gained your own power, win your own future with your own hands.”

Kota and Mitchi are in Helheim. Kota stops Mitchi and apologizes about Mai. Mitchi turns his smiley face on and turns to tell Kota it’s fine. Kota is happy. What’s done is done, Mitchi says. Now they should focus on finding the Overlord and Kota’s Lockseed is the only way they can.

Kota henshins while Mitchi gives another one of his indignant stares.

Kota henshins into Jinba Peach and starts listening. He hears the Overlords, seven kilometers from there. Kota runs ahead as Mitchi calls the location in to Minato at Yggdrasill base camp who then calls Kaito with the location.

Mitchi has now henshined and follows Kota, but nods up to Minato who’s watching them from a cliff. I’ll play my part in this farce, he says. He gives the signal and Minato shoots at Kota’s back only to have Mitchi take the hit instead. He is forced to dehenshin as Minato jumps down and faces Kota.

Already at the location, Kaito faces the red Overlord. He uses the Genesis Driver and henshins into Lemon Energy Arms.

Kota and Minato face off by the river. Minato is impressed by Kota’s increased power and knows that isn’t coming from the Genesis Driver. You guys forced me to toughen up, he replies.

He powers up to Kachidoki Arms and easily deflects Minato’s attack to force her across the river to dehenshin.

Kota hurries back to Mitchi who wakes up from his fake nap. Go find the Overlord, he tells Kota, I’ll be fine. Kota hurries away and Mitchi quickly gets up to brush himself off.

He beat you eh? he tells Minato as she walks up. No matter, I’ll take it from here.

Well, well, you’ve certainly changed too, she remarks. Mitchi laughs at her face and walks off.

Kaito and red Overlord continue fighting. Kaito loves the power of this Genesis Driver. He is able to go toe-to-toe this time. “How dare you, how a damn monkey cannot beat me,” the Overlord says. Ah! You can speak Japanese now.

Kota arrives and tries to break it up.

We should talk things out, Kota says. But neither wants to listen. Kota notices Kaito’s Driver.

But before either Kota or the Overlord can deliver their Final Stikes, the green Overlord calls over to the red Overlord who suddenly falls back and retreats.

Kaito wants to chase after him, but Kota stops him. Why are you doing this? Why can’t we talk it out?

Shut up, Kaito says. Nothing was ever settled by talking. Just look at the two of us.

While they argue, Mitchi arrives and watches from above. He remembers the slap heard around Zawame and thinks to himself, If Kota never came back…

Kaito says maybe it’s time they settle their differences right here. Fine, Kota says, maybe it is. He takes out the Kachidoki Lockseed, but before he can completely uphenshin, Mitchi aims…

… and shoots.

“I did it,” Mitchi says, happy as Kota de-henshins and falls unconscious.

Episode Thoughts
Oh boy! I’d skimmed through the raw episode and saw all this crying and slapping and thought WOAH, WTF!?

And I was happy to have that feeling again. The last few episodes were definitely huge breathers, but I definitely welcome getting back into the thick of things.

I really liked how that opening scene played out. Kota coming clean to Mai. And Mai, though predictably, caring more about Kota having suffered all this alone. It worked very well and reestablishes that connection between Kota and Mai. That connection is definitely needed with everything else that comes in the episode.

Mitchi. That awesome and absolutely awful sonuvabitch. I can’t help but really love his character. I have not seen such a complex and intriguing character on any toku, Japanese or American, maybe ever. Absolutely stunning how his character has developed over these 26 episodes. And to think this is only the beginning is very exciting.

It was great to see Chucky, Zack and Peco be involved, but where’s Rat and Rica though? Not enough of a budget for them this episode? =(

With Takatora, I’m starting to think we may be seeing him being set-up for some very tragic, yet heroic ending. We see he isn’t as diabolical as Ryoma-tachi or his little bro or even Sagara. He’s been all business, but at the same time resigned to the fact that there is no other choice? If anything, a tragic end for Takatora will only help push Mitchi’s story forward in a huge way and I know Mitchi is a much bigger part of the Gaim canvas than Takatora is. (Right?)

What of Yoko-chan’s attraction to Kaito though? Kaito is definitely here for the long haul, that for sure.

But back to the Overlords. I read the translated Overlord gibberish this week and they definitely paint a much clearer picture of what’s happening with them. People have pointed out too how Sagara, a snake before popping up into his hologram self, could be the same snake that tempted Eve and in the Garden.

Well shit. That’s mindblowing. And it only fuels more into the speculation of what the Overlords are and how Kota, Mitchi and Kaito may be connected somehow.

But ah, when it comes to Kamen Rider and Sentai, I’m not one for deep speculation and spoilers. Since starting my Japanese toku journey, I’ve just watched and enjoyed. But man, if there’s ever a show that provokes a lot of discussion, it’s Gaim, that’s for sure.

Kota falls unconscious. Micchi hops down, ready to fire the final shots to finish him off. But Kaito stops him. What the hell are you doing? Why did you turn on Kota?

None of your business, Micchi says. But if he’s not stopped now, Kota will only continue to get in Kaito’s way too. He’d also benefit from them finishing Kota off now.

He may be a pest, Kaito says, but Kota is not his enemy. His enemy are those who shoot the strong in the back!

Kaito takes Micchi by surprise, knocks him aside and drives him away. Kaito de-henshins.

“A fool like you probably has no idea why someone would hate you.”

Kota later wakes up after falling from a tree being covered in Helheim vines.

At the Garage, Mai asks Micchi if he’s made up with Kota yet. Yeah, Micchi says, and apologies for making her worry.

That’s good, Mai replies. She was shocked to see Micchi act so out of character. So what would be “in character” for Micchi, he asks. Mai is amused that Micchi also isn’t sure of himself sometimes. He always seems so mature, like he knows everything.

“Of course not.”

At Yggdrasill, Takatora is taking a shower when he suddenly feels a pain on his shoulder. He touches a huge scar and flashes back.

The preliminary tests for the Driver prototypes. Takatora is the test subject. Ryoma leads a team as they observe the transformation and its effects. Suddenly, the Lock Seed powers up to dangerous levels. Ryoma orders the scientists to force eject the Lock Seed, but the connection does not allow it.

Ryoma runs over to Takatora, who is now writhing on the ground, and yanks the Lock Seed off. Takatora de-henshins and Ryoma holds him in his arms, trying to get him to wake up.

“This pain is nothing compared to the sin I must bear in the future.”

Ryoma is in his bright, circle office as he reminisces about the previous prototypes. They’ve come a long way, he thinks to himself.

Ryoma flashes back too. Takatora is a hospital bed, but is up and working. You can work when you’re back at your desk, Ryoma says. The Helheim exploration team has a strange report and he hopes to get Takatora’s opinion on it when he’s fully recovered.

Ryoma apologizes for Takatora getting hurt from his incomplete research. But Takatora says Ryoma’s talent is their final hope. He does not mind risking his life for it as he went into this knowing the dangers.

So if you’re willing to sacrifice yourself to save the world, the world should at least return the favor, Ryoma says. He tells Takatora that he is convinced Helheim is not just a disaster waiting to happen, but that it holds the secret to evolution, humanity’s next stage. Or maybe it will even lead them to godhood, perhaps.

The world Helheim will bring will require a new world order, Ryoma suggests, and that’ll require a great power that they need to…

Takatora tells Ryoma to focus on mass production of the Driver, to focus on producing as many Drivers as soon as possible to save as many lives as possible.

But I created the Driver for your sake! Ryoma argues. Yes, Takatora says, so he could save humanity.

Ryoma leaves the room. Yoko waits outside with the analysis of a photo, the photo of one of the Overlords. I will personally handle this, Ryoma says. He tells her not to report this to their superiors, including Takatora.

I thought he would understand our goals, Ryoma says, but he turned out to be a unambitious bore.

Back to the present. Takatora visits Ryoma’s bright, circle office. Ryoma asks about the progress of Project Ark. It’s going well, Takatora relates, their international subsidiaries are entering phase two of production.

Takatora asks, Is there no way we can increase production of the Drivers…

“Nope,” Ryoma answers quickly.

Back in Helheim, Kota picks a fruit off a tree, turning it into a Lock Seed. Ryoma was right, Kota says, attaching fresh Lock Seeds to his belt keeps him from getting hungry. He packed food for no reason then.

Suddnely, Kota sees someone walking up. It’s Oren. He’s lost and hungry.

Oren sits in the shade of a tree with Lock Seeds on it. He picks a fruit from the vine and opens it up. It’s very pretty. He’s about to take a bite… NON!

He remembers basic survival training. Don’t eat unfamiliar plants and animals.

Kota approaches. Oren is surprised.

You entered through a Crack and got trapped here, didn’t you? Kota smiles.
Absurd! Oren replies, Do you think I’d be stupid enough to do that!?

Oren’s stomach growls. Kota decides to share some of his onigiri. Oren’s mouth waters, but wait! What does Kota want in return? What kind of contract is this? Onigiri in exchange for the services of a professional?

Kota has no idea what he’s talking about, so he turns to leave. But Oren jumps on him.

Elsewhere, an Yggdrasill research team gets attacked by the Red Overlord who demands to know where he can find Kaito. Green Overlord joins him, but does not fight even though Red Overlord seems very hot blooded.

Red Overlord storms off as Green Overlord is intrigued by the Driver he picks up from the dead researcher.

Ryoma says even if they increase production, there’s a limit to the rare metals they need.

The alarm sounds and Takatora is told about an emergency call from the team in Helheim. Takatora says he’ll join the Kurokages to help.

Takatora runs off as Yoko and Sid walk in to join Ryoma.

Oren munches on the onigiri. Kota says they’ll have to ask Yggdrasill to let Oren back into their world through the Big Crack. Oren perks up. That means he might see his beautiful white melon prince.

Kota still doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about. Oren thinks Kota also is enamored by the pretty melon and grabs him into a headlock. “I won’t let you have him!”

Suddenly, they hear the screams from the base camp.

The regular Inves are rampaging at the camp, tossing around the scientists and the Kurokages. Takatora jumps in to help out and tells the people to focus on getting to safety instead of protecting the equipment.

The Red Overlord jumps in and fights Takatora. This is his first time seeing such a creature and is even more shocked when it can speak Japanese. Red Overlord insists on finding Kaito.

Kota takes on Red Overlord and Oren jumps in to make sure his pretty melon prince is okay. He seems even yummier now than before!

You again, Red Overlord says. Kota asks him to please cool his head. “I apologize for what my friend did.”

But Red Overlord wants none of that. In fact, he’s insulted.

You and Kaito are so alike then! Kota says. Takatora joins Kota and knocks the Red Overlord aside. What is going on here!? Takatora asks.

Kota explains.

Fine, if you don’t want to tell me, Red Overlord says, then you monkeys can just die. “We femshinmuto are on a totally different level than you!”

Takatora gets the gist of things and he and Kota face off against the Red Overlord. He tells Kota to continue fighting the Overlord until it loses the will to fight, then they can restrain him. “It’s not too late to talk to them,” Takatora says.

The Overlord manages to hold them both off even when absorbing some of their hits. But the Overlord controls the trees to get the upper hand. He sends a huge fireball towards Kota and Takatora. Kota gets slammed into a tree.

The Kurokages thank Oren for helping them when he sees the Red Overlord sending a final ball toward his prince. Oren stands in the path of the fireball and absorbs the impact.

“JE T’AIME!!!!!!!!”

The impact forces Oren to de-henshin and fall to the ground. Takatora takes him in his arms. That was reckless, Takatora says. No, Oren says, it was sincere. “I’m finally in your arms.”

Oren loses consciousness. Kota struggles to get up. But suddenly, Red Overlord, Demushu, hears a voice. His head feels like it’s about to split open.

A White Overlord speaks to him. Reshuo! Red Overlord, in obvious pain, suddenly speeds off.

Takatora tells Kota they must go after it. Takatora hurls Oren into the Big Crack.

Meanwhile, Ryoma processes this new development. He says he didn’t expect the Overlords to attack them. Isn’t this bad, Sid says, soon Takatora will catch an Overlord.

Kota and Takatora are on the trail. An intelligent lifeform besides humans, Takatora says, looks like we screwed up first contact.

Kota says it’s too soon to give up, they’ve only just met.
If we can negotiate with the rulers of this forest, Takatora says, humanity’s survival rate will drastically increase.

“I’m glad you believed me,” Kota says.
“I’m Takatora,” he replies. “I know it’s late for introductions, but at least I was able to before thanking you. I’m glad there’s an option besides giving in to despair.”

Kota goes to hold out his hand. Takatora takes it and they shake.

Takatora spots Demushu creepin in the bushes. They henshin.

But also lurking around is Sid, also henshined. He attacks Kota, but Takatora tells him to stop.

Why, Sid asks, didn’t you tell me to kill him before? Takatora gets in between them and tells Kota to go after the Overlord.

Takatora shoves Sid aside and they both de-henshin. What are you doing, Sid asks.

Takatora says the situation has changed and asks Sid to listen. Sid just smirks.

Kota heads into the caves.

Back at Yggdrasill, Ryoma tells Yoko that he knew this time would come. “It’s time to put the wounded, tired soldier to rest.”

Episode Thoughts
Yes, finally. We’re back with the good stuff.

It was very interesting to see those flashbacks. We get a little bit clearer picture at where both Takatora and Ryoma are coming from. It helps set-up the ending of the episode too. Takatora seems to truly want to save humanity while Ryoma has a much bigger and less noble agenda.

Oren was actually very fun this episode. And I think that’s in part to him finally getting sort of clued in to what’s really happening. What was interesting about all of that was it seemed to match up well with Ryoma’s own feelings toward Takatora in those flashbacks. It seems Ryoma does have a genuine admiration for Takatora. Or had, at least. But when Takatora didn’t share his grand ambitions, Ryoma decided to go at it himself. And that certainly leads into the next episode with Duke popping up again.

I’m kinda sad we got so little of Micchi, that little asshole. But I loved that scene of him and Mai. Micchi either seems to not know who or what he is (that schitzo little jerk) or he’s got the grandest ambitions of them all. The jump though from Micchi merely being a lovesick puppy to him seconds away from cold blooded murder is kinda wobbly though. Yes, he’s a sonuvabitch, but I think we needed a little more development to believe he’d be ready to shoot Kota dead. A little more of Micchi’s bitch faces and getting slapped and glaring maybe.

But it was fun to see Kaito knocking Micchi around like that. lol

So I’ve watched both the non-translated and translated Overlord lines and knowing what the Overlords are actually saying does reveal so much. Not the least of which being their names. But also, you get the clearer picture of them really being on the same intellectual level as humans. When they’re just speaking in gibberish, you kinda think of them as just animals. But when you know what they are talking about, it makes them even that much more scary and imposing. Both experiences are good while watching the episodes, but I think they’d be two very different experiences.

Anyway, a great episode. Loving getting back to mythology-heavy episodes. And the onigiri reminding me of last week’s ToQger episode and all the talk of final hopes and despairs (Haruto, they really do need you!) also added to my enjoyement of the ep.

Back it up two weeks. Akira shows Kota a picture she found of him and a little dog both wrapped in blue and red blankets.. He had found the abandoned dog and wanted to keep him, but they couldn’t. Kota remembers his name was Jiro.

Kota and Mai are walking downtown when they see people have gathered around a strange frozen man. Mai thinks he’s a street performer pretending to be a robot. It starts to rain and concerned, Kota and Mai go to check on him only to find he’s apparently made of metal.

A lightning strike hits a clock which then charges up the guy and he starts moving.

Kota and Mai bring him back to the Garage. They go to dry him off, but he’s already completely dry. The guy wakes up and they find a “Reboot” button on his neck.

I’m a machine, the guy says. Kota introduces himself, Mai and Mitchi. Kota asks for his name. “Jiro,” he says.

Jiro doesn’t remember anything else so Kota says he’ll take care of him until he does. He gives Jiro some books to help maybe jog is memory, but he quickly absorbs all the information and ends up cleaning the entire apartment and is now cooking dinner.

Kota wants to keep him, but Akira says this isn’t like picking up a little puppy. But okay, just for a little while. Finding out his name is Jiro, Akira smiles at the twist of fate. She hands Kota the picture of him and Jiro the puppy again and he tells Jiro the robot what it’s about.

Jiro hurries out and returns with a puppy that looks just like Kota’s did. Kota explains it was a puppy from when he was a kid. Next day, Kota and Jiro are out for a walk. Jiro apologizes and says he thought it would make Kota happy and just wanted to thank Kota for saving him. Kota appreciates his concern and thanks him too.

CAP7

Suddenly, an Inves begins attacking nearby. Kota tells Jiro to wait here and he gets ready to henshin. A surprised Jiro asks what the Lock Seed and the strange big orange in the sky are for and Kota explains that he uses it to henshin.

“Henshin for what?”
“To protect the people.”

Kota henshins and fights the Inves who knocks him into the wall. The Inves turns its attention to a few bystanders nearby and Jiro saves them, fighting off the Inves with his bare hands.

The Inves runs away. Kota asks Jiro if he might be a combat robot. Jiro doesn’t know, his body moved instinctively when he thought he needed to protect people.

Meanwhile at Yggdrasill, Ryoma’s scientist friend has allowed him to test out his android. He shows Minato data from the android’s memories of another robot that possesses two polar opposite emotions, a legendary hero.

“Kikaider.”

Back at home, Jiro has just finished the laundry and Akira asks him to help clean out the air conditioner. Kota doesn’t want Akira to overwork him, but Jiro says it’s fine. Anyway, Akira has three movie tickets and she wants the three of them to go once the movie is out. Jiro would like that.

Later in Kota’s room, he asks if Jiro remembers anything. Jiro says he does remember there is someone he had to protect, but he doesn’t remember who it is.

That’s a good first step in remembering, Kota says. But Jiro doesn’t want to remember anything. “Protecting means I will have to fight. I do not like fighting,” he says.

Before Kota can respond, Zack calls about an attack. Kota hurries over just as Zack gets hurled across the warehouse and de-henshins.

It’s not an Inves, but another android who introduces himself as… Sengoku Ryoma. Ryoma has implanted his brain into the android called Hakaider.

Kota quickly henshins and fights HakaiRyoma. Kota tries shooting at him, but the bullets don’t even leave a scratch. Damn, this guy is almost as if not stronger than Jiro!

HakaiRyoma knows of Jiro. He is a combat robot created by the scientist Komyoji Nobuhiko. Kota up-henshins to Jinba Lemon.

Zack henshins again and helps Kota fight HakaiRyoma who still manages to have his way with them. That’s enough data, he says and leaves.

Kota is researching the scientist Ryoma mentioned when Jiro comes looking for him. He was worried.

Kota proceeds to explain the information he’s found. Komyoji Nobuhiko mysteriously died while taking part in a special project, likely getting caught up in some conspiracy.

What good is that information to Jiro? Kota says he must remember who he needed to protect. What if they try the Reboot button? Jiro might remember something if he’s rebooted.

Jiro doesn’t want to. If his memories are restored, he might become a robot like that Hakaider Kota just fought. Kota says he’s sure Jiro will be fine, but Jiro says he’s fine as he is now. He wants to be with Kota and Akira-san.

“Are you sure?” Kota asks, Jiro has the power to protect people. Is he sure he won’t regret not using it to help people?

Jiro walks away.

Back at Yggdrasill, HakaiRyoma is fighting off Kurokages to collect more data and is about to kill one when Minato jumps in to ask him to stop. She thinks it’s time Ryoma return to his original body. But HakaiRyoma says Don’t be silly. He hasn’t destroyed enough yet.

Jiro is downtown, grocery shopping. He thinks about what Kota said, him having the power to protect people. Suddenly, the Inves from earlier is back and rampaging.

Kota arrives and tries to fight him off. He henshins as Jiro watches. But he hears someone approaching. He turns to see HakaiRyoma walking towards him.

“I will destroy you.”

HakaiRyoma sends Jiro into the parking garage and appears to be consumed with the thirst of destruction. Jiro takes HakaiRyoma’s bullets, but remains standing. They battle as Kota and the Inves take their own fight into the garage too.

Kota goes over to help Jiro just as HakaiRyoma sends him flying. But Jiro gets up, now resolved to fight.

HakaiRyoma sends Kota tumbling toward Jiro who asks him to press the Reboot button. Jiro says he’s sure he won’t turn into another Hakaider.

“You’ll be fine, I’m sure,” Kota says. Jiro turns his back and Kota presses the button.

Jiro restarts and a big wave of energy pulses through the garage.

“Switch on.”

Jiro transforms into Kikaider and he and Kota face off against both the Inves and HakaiRyoma.

Once the pair get the upper hand on HakaiRyoma, he decides to run away. Kota and Jiro turn their attention to the Inves. With Jiro’s help, Kota up-henshins to Kachidoki Arms and sends a Kachidoki Charge to finish off the Inves.

But Jiro is gone. Kota hears guitar music playing. He hurries to the waterfront where he finds Jiro strumming an electric guitar. He calls to him, but Jiro doesn’t know who he is.

Kota realizes it must be because of the Reboot. “You remember your past, don’t you?”

Jiro says he has an important mission that will start soon. A powerful enemy will make their move and he has someone he has to protect. He also has somewhere to go where someone dear to him is waiting.

Jiro turns, starts strumming his guitar and walks away.

Kota calls after him. “I see, take care then!”

Ryoma has his brain plopped back into his human body. He can’t believe he could’ve been possessed with such an impulse for destruction. This Hakaider android is truly dangerous. For the organization DARK to need something like it, how scary.

Kota returns home and tells Akira about Jiro leaving. They both get very emotional about losing their new friend.

Episode Thoughts
Well, setting aside how awkward it is to have Gaim‘s story screech to a halt, let’s just look at the episode on its own.

As a 30-minute commercial for Kikaider Reboot, it definitely worked on me. I definitely want to see the movie now and I know nothing about Kikaider at all.

The story in the episode itself was pretty forced at times, which is not surprising. Ryoma’s brain swap, getting hit over the head with the red and blue or the Jiro the puppy-Jiro the robot connection, there were a few things that could’ve been handled a little better.

Still, Jiro was a very likeable guy. I get the sense he is one of those robots with a heart who has strong emotional connections to a few humans he will end up saving and protecting. Kinda like he did for Kota and Akira in this episode. And I’m a sucker for that emotional stuff, so I liked the quick friendship Kota, Jiro and Akira formed.

Speaking of, great to see more Akira. And a pleasant surprise seeing Zack too since Gaim‘s been saving some money not using a lot of the cast as often as they used to. And since this was a special episode, I definitely wouldn’t have expected anyone other than Kota and a few other characters pop up like in the ToQger special.

Anyway, overall it was a nice, fluffy little episode that got me interested in Kikaider. It sucks that it had to be inserted in the middle of a cliffhanger, but what can you do. Toei wants to promote its movie. And that’s fine.

But let’s get back to the action next week.

Roshuo wraps up his introduction to the Forbidden Fruit of Knowledge. He tells Takatora that the chosen will receive the power of the fruit to control the forests’ plants and the power to recreate the world as he chooses. But Takatora shouldn’t bother trying to obtain it.

Why not!? Sagara joins them and says it’s because Roshuo is keeping the humans’ Fruit of Knowledge for himself. The same species obtaining two Fruits of Knowledge is against the rules, Sagara adds.

Roshuo says the humans will all be destroyed anyway, so there’s no point in wasting the Fruit on them. Instead, he will use it for a more worthwhile cause.

“To save one person you love, you would let 7 billion humans die?”

She is worth it, Roshuo says. He looks into an adjacent room where a coffin lies. He flashes back.

Elsewhere in the forest. Demushu has just jumped through the Crack into Zawame City and both Kota and Kaito follow. Sid wants to go after them, but Mitchi stops him.

The green Overlord, Redyue has appeared. Redyue attacks and they fight, but he quickly surrenders. Okay, I will show you to the Forbidden Fruit, he says.

Sid de-henshins and quickly follows. Mitchi is not as eager.

Demushu looks around this “disgusting” human city and decides to set most of it on fire. The citizens run out of the buildings and it’s chaos downtown as Demushu rampages.

Kota quickly tries to get people to safety as Demushu scoffs at all the weaklings in this world. Why are you doing this, Kota asks.

Demushu says it’s because these humans still have the “glory” they Femshinmu once had. Kaito knew it, this guy’s drunk with power. So Kota, he asks, do you still think you can reason with this guy?

Sagara tells Roshuo that there is someone in humanity who still holds hope. He says it’s not fair for Roshuo to cheat with two Fruits without giving the new challengers a fair chance.

Roshuo summons the Forbidden Fruit of Knowledge which becomes a Lock Seed. He says this is just another tool of power if used incorrectly would lead to destruction. Roshuo gives it to Sagara and tells him to test his “hope” with it.

Minato is on the phone with the mayor, trying to calm him down. Ryoma comes on the screen, henshined, and assures the Mayor that he has a plan ready.

Ryoma initiates the Master Intelligent System. After shutting down all communication services in Zawame, Ryoma orders the Kurokages out to find and subdue the Overlord.

“We wouldn’t need to go to this trouble if the Scalar System was working…”

But that’s okay, Ryoma thinks. This is their chance to capture the Overlord alive, find out the location of the Forbidden Fruit and then dissect its body down to his fingertips.

Kota and Kaito struggle against Demushu. Demushu forces Kota to de-henshin and before he can finish Kota off, Kaito jumps in front of the Overlord’s final strike and gets sent into a nearby tower and trapped in rubble, de-henshined and his Driver out of reach.

“Why do you hate humans so much?” Kota asks.
“Because it’s fun,” Demushu replies, letting out an evil laugh. He just wants to crush the weak and show off his strength.

Kota understands now. He takes out his Kachidoki Lock Seed.

“I was an idiot for trying to depend on you. But I know now why your civilization was destroyed.”

Kota henshins. “Your world had a future, but you lost to the forest because guys like you existed!”

“You also rely only on power,” Roshuo counters, “You also seek the Fruit of Knowledge.”

“I’m different!” Kota replies and sends several big single shots from his Hinawadaidai-DJ-ju towards Roshuo before gearing up for final strike.

Suddenly, Minato fires at Kota from a nearby rooftop. She jumps down with an army of Kurokages and asks Ryoma who their priority target is. Ryoma says Kota, to keep him from killing the Overlord.

Minato and Kurokages attack Kota. Kaito yells out to Minao, What the hell are they doing? Minato says Kaito should help carry out Professor Ryoma’s orders.

Demushu sweeps Kota and the Kurokages up in a tornado and sends them flying around. One of the Kurokages lands near Kaito, knocking his Driver closer to him. Demushu turns back to Kota and takes two slashes to his chest, forcing him to de-henshin.

Kota collapses just as Kaito breaks free of the rubble, henshined. He charges toward Roshuo, but only to grab Kota.

What are you doing!? Minato asks. Kaito sends a blast their way and whisks Kota away.

“Fools! You could have used Kuzaraba in battle.”

Demushu turns his attention toward Minato and the Kurokages and Ryoma tells her to focus on capturing him. The Kurokages uses a “photochemical smog” to blind Demushu and then fire to try and subdue him.

Redyue leads Sid and Mitchi to Roshuo’s lair and tells them they will need to take the Forbidden Fruit by force. No problem, Sid says as he walks ahead.

Redyue asks why Mitchi does not seem as interested. “You’ve got to be kidding,” Mitchi replies. “This is obviously a trap.”

Mitchi theorizes that Redyue wants Sid to fight off whoever has the Fruit of Knowledge so he can take it for himself without dirtying his own hands.

Redyue laughs. Mitchi is very amusing.

Kaito carries Kota into the Garage.

Mai, Zack and Peco hurry over and Zack takes Kota in his arms. Kaito tells them he’ll be fine and just to treat him. But as Kaito turns to leave, Kota tugs on his coat.

“What is the strength that you seek?” Kota asks as he struggles to get up on his feet. The Overlord said earlier that it is only natural for the strong to torment the weak, is that the same strength Kaito believes in?

He’s right, Kaito says. That is the true nature of those with power. Kota grabs on to Kaito’s coat. “Are you going to become like him someday!?”

“Weaklings have no choice but to become prey for the strong. That’s why power is needed. The power to face any enemy!”

Kota collapses and Kaito grabs his jacket.

“Kazuraba, you need to get stronger too! That is your purpose.”

Kaito gets up to leave and Zack says he will come. “Prepare for the worst.”

Sid meets Roshuo as well as coming face to face with Takatora for the first time. Sid doesn’t really care though and just tells him to watch as he henshins and takes on Roshuo.

Roshuo shows Sid the Fruit of Knowledge and he starts drooling. But Roshuo proceeds to use the forest to defend and push back against Sid who is going full force.

Roshuo tells Sid to leave the forest without making any more fuss, otherwise he will take his life. Sid is insistent. “I’ll never be any one’s lackey ever again. No one will ever talk down to me again!”

Takatora watches as Sid struggles to walk through Roshuo’s blast of wind energy. The wind affects Sid’s Driver and he de-henshins.

“I will surpass humanity!!!!!!!!!!”

Roshuo scoffs. “So you give up your life for your own foolishness.” He delivers the final burst that sends Sid toward a newly opened crack in the rockface.

“Pay for that mistake with your life!” Roshuo slams the mountain together with Sid inside.

Back in Zawame, Minato and the Kurokages are being completely overpowered by Demushu. Minato tells Ryoma that it will be difficult to continue the battle. But Ryoma says a few casualties are acceptable as long as capturing the Overlord is their top priority.

“Yes,” an exasperated Minato replies.

Kaito and Zack arrive. They henshin and charge.

Episode Thoughts
This was definitely an action packed episode and all action that would seem to be fitting for the first half of a two-parter. It definitely felt like it was setting up Episode 32 which is definitely looking to be a HUGE episode.

But this one was just as important though. First of all, Sid is dead. Or is he? Who knows. But dude, getting slammed in between the g-damned mountain! His death was definitely as sudden as Hase’s, but not unexpected considering his increasing hubris these last couple of weeks.

I am liking Minato’s subtle doubts in her Professor Ryoma’s ways. I would love to see her eventually break off from Yggdrasill and Ryoma as he gets more mad scientist-y.

Kaito, man. Mitchi is still my favorite and most well-developed character on the show, but Kaito has always been a close second. You just never really know what he’s up to. Yeah, he seems to be just as obsessed with power and strength, but for what reason has always been unclear. Definitely excited to see what he’s got up his sleeve next.

I can’t help but love Mitchi. That asshole, sonuvabitch Mitchi. That shot of him with Redyue, framed as if he was bigger than him:

That could be very telling, maybe foreshadowing, but I just loved that illusion that Mitchi is just bigger than everyone else here. I would not be surprised if he ends up being the big bad. They could go so many places with that.

Kota definitely struggled this episode, which only means he’s going to be getting a pretty prize next episode. It was good to see Mai, Zack and Peco, but WHERE ARE THE REST OF GAIM!? Come on Toei! Spare a couple of yen for them to show up on the show. I loved when they were part of the Kachidoki episode where Mitchi brings them to the evacuation centers. I wish they were part of these episodes too.

Anyway, great episode that I think is a very exciting set-up for the next one.

Kaito and Zack face off against Demushu and they manage to wear him down. Minota asks Ryoma what they should do. He sends in Kurokages who end up distracting everyone and allow Demushu to escape.

Redyue and Roshuo chat. Roshuo’s eyes glow and Redyue turns to leave. But first, he takes Sid’s hat from Takatora and walks away. Roshuo tells Takatora that Redyue is planning to invade Earth.

Redyue tosses Sid’s hat to Mitchi. Change of plans, Redyue says, since Roshuo cannot be beaten head on.

Mai watches over a resting Kota at the Garage as Peco and Chucky walk in. They tell her it’s bad out there and Kaito and Zack are looking for the monster. All forms of communication and even electricity are still down across Zawame.

The citizens of Zawame shelter in place as black Yggdrasill trucks and Kurokages are patrolling the empty streets, taking care of any Inves they come across. Kaito and Zack watch.

Yggdrasill is not hiding anything anymore. Zack is happy the Beat Riders can finally clear their name, but Kaito reminds him they have more important things to worry about. He wonders if the Overlord’s body works like the other Inves.

Indeed, Demushu is in the sewers when he comes across some Helheim fruit. He gobbles them up and reenergizes.

Kota finally awakens and forces himself to get up. He remembers Demushu’s words earlier. Why must they fight though, Kota asks, frustrated.

Sagara pops in and says it’s because Demushu is jealous, he has sadness and regret over the loss of his own species.

Mitchi walks with Redyue and asks why he wants the Fruit of Knowledge.

“To obtain the Monarch’s power of course! But it would be pointless to rule over this desolate world. I seek a toy that’s more lively and bright!”

Redyue explains Roshuo modified the Femshinmu’s bodies so they could survive the forest’s invasion. But the humans developed those strange tools. Their civilizations have developed in completely different ways and that intrigues Redyue.

He had always wanted to see the humans’ world for himself and just needed an excuse to tell Roshuo. Now that he does, Redyue has a chance to obtain what he most wants.

What are you planning? Mitchi asks. Redyue says he can feel his subjects waiting on Earth.

They arrive at the Yggdrasill base camp and Redyue easily reopens the Crack leading into the Crack room.

“You said the Overlords could save humanity,” Kota says, “You lied to me!”

That’s not what I said, Sagara replies. “I merely told you that the Overlords have the power to control the forest, remember? You jumped to your own conclusions about how useful they would be.”

Then what should I do!? Kota asks.
“You’ve got all the hunts, man.”
“Are you having fun mocking me like this!?”

Sagara gets trippy and heals all of Kota pain and wounds. He says Kota wants to save the world, but only an Overlord has that power. So, Kota should become an Overlord.

No! Mai moves toward Sagara, but he freezes her in her spot. Same to Kota when he takes a step toward him as well.

“Overcome the forest’s invasion and win the Golden Fruit. Become the lone monarch and rule. When that happens, you will control the world. Save it or destroy it? It’s all up to you.”

Kota must defeat everyone who is after the Fruit of Knowledge and win. Does Kota have the conviction to do that?

“If that’s the only way…”

No! Mai speaks up. She does not have a good feeling about that and she feels what Sagara is saying is too good to be true.

I admit I’m not telling the whole truth, Sagara says. But even if I have my own plan, you will still play your part.

Sagara flashes a Lockseed.

Helheim vines burst out of the Crack and engulf Yggdrasill Tower. The workers panic. Ryoma can’t believe it.

Mitchi looks at Redyue who is cackling.

All kinds of Inves jump out and storm onto the streets of Zawame.

Kaito and Zack watch as Yggdrasill is covered in Helheim vines. Fires are breaking out across the city. It is utter chaos!

Minato calls Ryoma, but he is getting his ass out of Yggdrasill Tower inside a rocket.

What do we do now? she asks. Ryoma laughs. “My apologizes, Minato-kun. Please take care of the rest.”

A swarm of Inves gang up on Minato until Kaito and Zack arrive to help.

Jonouchi comes running and joins in. “Don’t underestimate a patissier. I’ve been training for this moment!”

Oren arrives. “You’re an adult. How can you let these kids fight alone?” he tells Minato.

But why? Minato asks.

“You’re right. Only a complete amateur would fight without compensation. Fighting simply because of not wanting to lose is a children’s policy. But despite all that, I can’t help but want to watch over them.”

He henshins.

More Inves come running toward them. Kaito tells the others to form a circle, stay calm and protect each other’s backs. There may be facing a lot of them, but they have the advantage if they don’t get exhausted and persevere.

Quite the strategist, Jonouchi compliments.
“A well-reasoned plan,” Oren says, “Glad to be fighting with you.”

Minato is impressed by Kaito’s ability to rally the troops.

I thought you would follow Ryoma, Kaito says. But Minato replies, “I now see who’s most qualified for guiding us to the future.”

The Inves attack and the Riders fight them off together.

Suddenly, the ground opens and Demushu pops up. He vows to send them to their graves.

Back at the Garage, Mai asks Sagara why he is using Kota. “I just want to put all the power in the most unpredictable player,” he says. “A joker like yourself makes this game more thrilling.”

Kota pushes himself to fight Sagara’s freeze to try and grab the Lockseed, even against Mai’s protests. “Right now, I need more power! Even as we speak, Kaito-tachi are fighting. I can’t just leave everything to them.”

“Kota, you’ve done enough! You’ve done your best!”

Kota reaches the Lockseed and grabs it. Sagara immediately disappears and both Kota and Mai are released from their hold.

“I pray that you don’t regret your conviction. If you seek to become an Overlord, then think carefully about what that means as you fight.”

Demushu completely overpowers the five Riders even as they give everything they’ve got.

They are resolved not to give up, but in runs Kota.

“I don’t have time or regrets. I will press forward! That’s my promise to Yuya!”

Kota henshins directly to Kachidoki Arms before using the new Lockseed. He unlocks it and down from the sky comes all of the Rider Lockseeds.

The Lockseed flips open into a key and Kota inserts it into his Driver to henshin into Kiwami Arms.

Kota’s power has increased dramatically and he goes toe-to-toe with Demushu without even breaking a sweat. In Kiwami Arms, Kota can summon any of the other weapons. The others watch in amazement.

Kota uses a Kiwami Squash to trap Demushu. Combining the Hinawadaidai-DJ-ju and Musou Saber to transform into Taiken Mode, Kota delivers the finisher, a Hinawadaidaimusouzan

“This is my new power?”

Episode Thoughts
Whew. That was pretty amazing and definitely a great payoff for the events of the last few episodes.

That fruit basket doe! Kiwami Arms is pretty cool. It’s like a delicious fruit salad that kicks ass.

The five Riders fighting against Demushu was also kickass. It was the first time in 32 episodes and it was amazing. So Sentai. But also, there was a lot of interesting stuff during that whole battle; Jonouchi finally stepping up, Oren’s eyes now open to the power of the “kids” and Minato’s crush on Kaito’ s sexy powerful aura.

We got very little of Mitchi this episode which felt weird considering it was such a big episode. He basically served as a sounding board for Redyue’s exposition. Though I definitely got a sense that he is starting to feel like he’s in over his head. Which is great. I want to see him get in too deep and then regret his whole life. That should be good material.

Great to see Chucky pop up, but where in the world are Rat and Rica. They better not have died during the chaos. Come on now! Akira too. Zawame is going to hell and no word from her. I hope Kota at least checks in next episode.

Anyway, more great developments, another amazing episode.

Kota goes home to check on his sister. But Akira has left a note saying she’s gone to the shelter and tells Kota to be careful.

Akira finds the evacuation center, but an older man walks by, carefully holding on to his wife who seems very weak. He tells Akira the evacuation center is useless, no help is coming. That is why you need to escape the city on your own.

A little boy runs and puts his arms around Akira, looking for his mom. She promises to take him to his mother, but an Inves suddenly jumps out of the nearby alley. Akira takes the boy and runs into the center.

Meanwhile, Chinese, French and American officials are arguing about the failures of the Kureshima fellow and the inaction of the Japanese government’s Self-Defense Forces. Ryoma pops in.

The three officials want him to show himself, but Ryoma says that’s not important right now as he’s found a path to the power of the gods. The officials don’t give a crap about some Forbidden Fruit.

Oh well then, Ryoma says and he flips the switch revealing Project Ark to the world.

At the Garage, everyone is watching the news reports about Yggdrasill’s plans for mass terrorism to eliminate most of humanity and the Japanese government’s involvement in it.

Japanese government officials are resigning, London is panicking, the New York Stock Exchange has collapsed, the world is in chaos.

Mai is upset there is no news on Zawame City. Their cell phones still don’t work and Mai is worried about Mitchi.

Minato says Mitchi’s probably run far away by now. That’s absurd, Mitchi is not like that! Mai protests.

Before Minato can explain, Kota arrives and updates them on the insanity outside. Jonouchi thinks people must be trapped in their homes. Mai wants to help those people, but Zack says the police or the Self-Defense Forces will do that.

Minato says no they won’t. She explains that Yggdrasill is responsible for taking care of what happens in Zawame. The SDF will cut the city off from the outside.

Kaito points to a map of Zawame, which is apparently surrounded by waterways and only accessible to the mainland by three exits, making it easy for the SDF to isolate the city in an emergency. They must have created Zawame City with that intention.

Minato gives them communicators and Mai suggests they work together to patrol the city and evacuate the people left behind.

Back at the Crack Room, Redyue laughs at the demise of the foolish Demushu. Mitchi comments at how Redyue appears to be the opposite.

Redyue says now it’s time to focus on obtaining the Fruit of Knowledge. And he she needs Mitchi’s help. Since she doesn’t know much about humans, Mitchi must help by thinking of ways Redyue can control and manipulate them.

Redyue doesn’t plan on eliminating humanity since being the ruler of ruins would be boring. That’s why Mitchi will manage and she will plan.

Mitchi likes that idea. For now.

Mitchi says they must defeat Kota-san first. Redyue calls the Overlord Dyudyuonshu to accompany Mitchi and help. But Mitchi knows Dyudyuonshu is just a watchdog for Redyue. “You underestimate me,” Mitchi thinks to himself.

Kaito has just finished defeating an Inves and reports to Mai who at the Garage with the map. She asks what he sees up ahead, but Kaito says nothing. It’s pretty quiet.

Mai falls silent and Kaito asks what’s wrong.

Mai says she thought Zawame would stay the same no matter how much she change. But Zawame will no longer be a city if people are gone. It’ll just be empty ruins.

Not really, Kaito says. He’s still here. As are the others. They are free, in a sense and it’s not so bad if you think about it that way.

I’m not strong, Mai says. Kaito tells her to just dance, that is her strength. But why dance when there’s no audience? Kaito says she doesn’t know that. They could return very soon. “I hope so,” Mai says.

“That is one of your abilities,” Kaito says. Mai has something that draws people to her. “Isn’t that true for you too?” she asks.

Before they realized it, people from Team Gaim, Baron and Yggdrasill were all fighting together. Isn’t that because of Kaito?

“So… so…”

Before Mai can finish what she wants to say, a Crack appears and Kaito leaves to take care of it. Kota arrives at the Garage and says he’s taken care of his area. Mai suggests they go to Drupers to eat.

Bando-san says he can’t close the shop while his employees are out working hard.

Mai asks Kota what he thinks of Zawame’s current state and he says things will work out. He doesn’t know exactly how, but he believes the Fruit of Knowledge will help them stop Helheim’s invasion.

Kota says he and the other Riders will do their best to protect everyone.

Kota is done eating, but he hasn’t finished his bowl. He comments to Bando how it wasn’t very flavorful. That’s impossible, Bando says.

Minato calls Mai to report the sighting of a strange Inves. Kota hurries to help.

Minato is at the plaza and tells Kota she saw it somewhere around here. With no sign of it yet, Kota has a question for her. Why did she betray Yggdrasill?

“I’m glad we’re on the same side, but I can’t ease up unless I know why.”

Minato says she didn’t betray them. They abandoned her, so she gave up on them. That’s all.

“But why didn’t you run away?” Kota asks. “Because Kaito is here,” she replies.

Minato says she likes people who seek power. It makes her want to see how far they’ll go.

Mitchi watches from a rooftop. “Hook, line and sinker.” He tells Dyudyuonshu to defeat “the woman” and lure the guy to him.

Are you sure, Dyudyuonshu asks. “Wasn’t he your friend?”

Mitchi laughs, “Friends are those who do what I want.”

“Is power everything to you?” Kota asks. Minato says “Power is useless unless you can control it. What about you? What will you do with that power.”

“I’ll protect everyone.”
“And what will you do after you’ve protected everyone?”

Kota is taken aback by her question. He doesn’t really know the answer.

“Stop saying you’re doing everything for others. You cannot beat Kaito.”

I can if I tried, Kota says. “Stop being so naive! There’s only one Fruit of Knowledge! If you’re not determined to fight, you’ll just get eaten alive.”

Kota lets that sink in when Dyudyuonshu jumps down from the roof. Kota and Minato henshin, but Dyudyuonshu overwhelms them. He easily forces Minato to de-henshin before he charges toward Kota only to leap over him and back up to the roof.

“I’m fine,” Minato says and tells Kota to chase after the Overlord.

“I will avenge Demushu-sama,” Dyudyuonshu says. “Your lives are worth nothing compared to the Femshinmu.”

Kota goes Kachidoki and gains back some ground against Dyudyuonshu until Mitchi arrives, henshined as Zangetsu. Kota still thinks he’s Takatora.

“This is no time for us to be fighting…,” Kota says. But Mitchi and Dyudyuonshu tag-team Kota. Mitchi unleashes his pent-up rage on Kota until Oren pops in to help.

Oren proclaims that this Zangetsu is a fake. There is no “elegance” to him, Oren says. He’d know immediately.

Mitchi fires at Oren. And Kota, now even more angry, goes Kiwami Arms.

Mitchi can’t believe Kota has new Arms, again.

Kota can now go toe-to-toe with both Dyudyuonshu and the impostor. Kota knocks Dyudyuonshu to the ground for a little bit before turning his attention solely on the impostor. Summoning his Musou Saber, Kota slashes at Mitchi sending him towards Dyudyuonshu before taking out Hinawadaidai-DJ-ju.

Oh sh*t, Mitchi says and quickly gets up to use Dyudyuonshu as a shield. The Overlord absorbs the Ichigo Charge and Mitchi gets his ass outta there.

“You damn traitor… someday…”

Mitchi de-henshins, exhausted and pissed. Damn Kota always getting stronger.

“But, no matter how strong he is, Kota-san is still the same. He’s got his weaknesses.”

Mitchi looks up at the Helheim-engulfed Yggdrasill Tower. He smiles.

“I will be one who laughs in the end.”

And Mitchi laughs. Crazily.

Episode Thoughts
This sonuvabitch has lost it. He’s gone off the deep end. He’s too far gone, as Lucy Van Pelt would say.

And yet why is he so awesome. Why Mitchi!? Why must you make me so conflicted with my feelings of absolutely awe and disgust? Hmph.

So this episode started out really well and ended really awesome, but what virtual reality meeting/conference thing. WTF was that!? It was so dumb and completely ruined the mood set by the first scenes.

Thank goodness Kota remembered his sister exists. Him frantically searching for her and then Akira in the empty streets looking for the evacuation center, the man telling her to save herself and the lost, probably orphaned kid clinging to her was a great way to illustrate that the Inves invasion is serious sh*t. Like Zawame is in deep. And they’re being isolated like Chester’s Mill in CBS’ horribly nonsensical Under the Dome.

The Gang regrouping at the Garage was really nice, but it again just made me sad not seeing Rica and Rat who both were very much involved earlier in the season. Now they’re probably dead somewhere. =(

Then there was Kaito and Mai’s intriguing talk. Minato explaining her crappy relationship with Yggdrasill and Mitchi partially getting outed by Oren of all people.

An episode full of great stuff sliced 1/3 of the way through by that horrible scene of floating foreign people. They could’ve easily not included that scene and the news broadcasts would’ve been enough. Even Ryoma simply pushing a button to release the information to the internets would’ve been better. I can’t even express how much of a mood and momentum killer that scene was. Ugh.

So it hasn’t been mentioned on the show, but Redyue is apparently female. That’s definitely adds a very interesting new side to her character.

And Kota losing his sense of taste? On a Korean drama, that would mean he’s got a fatal illness. But maybe all those Lock Seeds and fruits aren’t that good for him? Hmm…

Not the best cliffhanger to go into a two-week break with, but crazyMitchi laugh is still a pretty haunting scene, yeah? Such an awesomely demented little mofo.

Everyone’s back at the Garage. Kota asks if Oren is sure the White Armored Rider is not Takatora. Of course, Oren says, he’d know his beautiful prince anywhere.

Then who is he? Minato and Kaito exchange knowing looks. Maybe it’s…

Mitchi walks in and his Gaim teammates are happy to see he’s safe and sound. He tells them he snuck into Yggdrasill Tower to see that the Overlords have taken over. Kota lets him take a seat and Mitchi comments on how it feels a lot more lively with everyone here.

Of course, Kota says, now’s the time for everyone to work together.

Minato starts to walk over to Mitchi, but Kaito stops her and goes to him himself. “What’s wrong? You look a little uncomfortable?”

Minato follows Kaito outside, asking if he’s just going to let Mitchi off without telling the others. He says the others trust Mitchi too much so it wouldn’t matter what they said. Kaito leaves.

Mitchi comes down from the Garage and asks Minato why she’s here. She asks Mitchi what’s he doing pretending to be Takatora.

Mitchi says he is working with the Overlords and offers to give her a chance at the Fruit of Knowledge if she helps him. First of all, she replies, he just wants to use her to kill Kota. And second, she’s not interested in the Fruit for herself. She doesn’t want to be the king; she wants to be a kingmaker, to see what the people who try to reach for it are like.

Mitchi doesn’t understand. But Minato says bluntly, she’s just not interested in anything about him. He isn’t cut out to be king. Mitchi will always be a lackey.

Mitchi snaps. “Leave!” he yells at her. “This is my place! How dare you outsiders intrude!”

You sad little man, Minato says, “You’ve lost your place long ago. No one will follow you after you’ve spent all this time lying to them.”

Over in Helheim, Redyue is reporting to Roshuo about the interesting technology he’s discovered in the human world. Roshuo calls Overlord Gurinsha to help Redyue with his plans.

Roshuo tells Takatora Redyue wants to use human technology to resurrect his Queen. But Roshuo understands it’s just Redyue’s plan to get him to give up the Fruit of Knowledge.

You’re not going to give it to her, are you? Takatora asks. Roshuo says his only wish is to revive the love of his life. Nothing else matters to him.

Back in the Crack Room, a pissy Mitchi asks Redyue if she will keep her end of the deal; that she will rule and he will manage. Of course, Redyue laughs. She just wants to have some new toys. Mitchi can do whatever he wants, destroy his enemies, save his loved ones… or lovers.

Redyue explains that Roshuo doesn’t know how to feed his Queen the Fruit of Knowledge and would easily give it up if there were another way to revive her. Mitchi doesn’t understand why he would give up such a power.

Akira is still at the evacuation center with four people and the little boy she saved from the street. They are listening to the radio reports of Zawame being isolated and the Japanese government remaining silent on any further action. Akira tries comforting the little boy and tells the others she will try to go look for help.

An Inves staggers around outside and she knocks a row of bikes over to get away.

Kota strolls into Drupers where Kaito is eating lunch. Bando goes to make Kota some food.

Kota asks Kaito what the Golden Fruit could be. He’s been thinking about it since Sagara told him he’d need to take it and become ruler to save the world, but he doesn’t understand what that means.

Kaito says all they know is it is an unrivaled power. And he will be the one that grabs it. He will fight anyone who tries to stop him. That’s fine with Kota, he wouldn’t mind if it was Kaito. As long as the power is used to save the world.

Suddenly, Redyue broadcasts a message to the world. She introduces herself and says the Fenshinmu will use Cracks all over the world to change Earth into Helheim within a year. Resistance is futile” and humans should just submit to their fates as her new toys.

Zack is enraged and he runs out of the Garage. Oren and Jonouchi go after him.

Kota is even more incensed. Bando thinks more help will come to Zawame now that the world has seen Redyue’s threats. But Kaito says no help will come.

Akira comes running into Drupers and tells Kota about the people who are still trapped.

Mitchi storms into the Crack Room and thinks Redyue is crazy for pretty much turning the whole world against her in one swoop. Don’t worry, Redyue says.

Anyway, she’s done with the resurrection gizmo, but it’ll need a lot of fuel. But this world has plenty and she tells Gurinsha to go get some.

Zack, Oren and Jonouchi are running toward Yggdrasill Tower, but they stop when they see a gaggle of Inves gathering humans at the stadium. They quickly henshin.

Zack tosses Jonouchi the Watermelon Lock Seed, but he has no idea how it works. Oren hurls the big watermelon towards some Inves and Jonouchi bounces around, taking out a dozen other Inves along the way.

Gurinsha is at the evacuation center and orders some Inves to capture the people. The little boy, Sato, calls to Akira and Kota and Kaito henshin.

The four grown-ups manage to run away, but an Inves picks Sato up and runs. With Kota and Kaito busy with Gurinsha and the other Inves, Akira quickly grabs a lead pipe and starts hitting the Inves until it lets go of the little boy.

But now, the Inves takes Akira and leaves. Kota pauses, but ultimately stays to help the little boy, fighting off Gurinsha and up-henshining to Kachidoki Arms to give Sota some time to go hide in the building.

Kota then goes Kiwami Arms and he and Kaito take Gurinsha on together. But Redyue arrives to block Kota’s finisher.

She sees the power that killed Demushu for the first time, but she asks them not to interfere with their collecting of sacrifices for fuel. Kota protests, but Redyue reminds them they were planning to kill six billion people anyway.

Kota and Kaito charge after her, but Redyue tells them to think. She’s just declared war on the world.

In the Crack Room, Roshuo tells Takatora that humanity is fighting back. And that includes ballistic missiles heading straight for Japan.

Redyue laughs, humans are amazing. They are ready and willing to sacrifice their own. “You’ve been abandoned.”

They all look up to the sky to see more than a dozen missiles heading straight for Zawame City. Mitchi is freaking out.

On the rooftop, Roshuo, with Takatora, says she’ll play along with Redyue’s little game this time. He raises his staff to the sky and suddenly the missiles freeze.

Redyue proclaims this is the power of their king!

Roshuo waves his staff and all the missiles simply disappear.

Redyue cackles. Mitchi is amazed. This is the power of the Fruit of Knowledge. “Humanity doesn’t stand a chance.”

“Now I know I’ve made the right choice.” Mitchi laughs. “I don’t need a home or a place to belong. I can create the ideal place I want for myself after the end of the world!”

Episode Thoughts
Well Mitsuzane, it seems you’re already living in your own little world. Giggling to yourself all the time. You crazy little Mitchi.

But really, what would Mitchi’s perfect world be like? A world with no Kota-san that he and Mai and repopulate, I suppose.

But dude, I’ve enjoyed the growing worldview these last few weeks. Japan’s abandoned Zawame City and now the world has abandoned Japan. They sent more than a dozen g-damn ballistic missiles to wipe ‘em out man! That’s insane!

I’ve enjoyed seeing Redyue really develop since she was first introduced. Definitely very interesting, especially considering she’s female, though never explicitly stated on the show.

Also interesting is seeing how even if they’ve all come together, everyone still has their own personal (selfish?) goals. The world is ending, but priorities, man!

The preview though. Yay to Rat and Rica being alive! And I really hope the big Mitchi reveal (to Kota and Mai, whenever it is) isn’t just some passive thing. I want more slaps and tears!

Roshuo tells Takatora that he didn’t protect the city and its people, he protected Redyue’s castle since she still has to do something for him. Roshuo lets Takatora go as he has no use for him now and he believes Takatora has a responsibility as leader to see his world destroyed.

Redyue gloats to Kota and Kaito that everything is going according to her plan. Gurinsha tries to finish what he started, but Kota and Kaito take care of him.

Meanwhile, Akira is taken to a dark room with hospital beds inside Yggdrasill Tower where other people are also being held prisoner. Two of those people are Rat and Rica who immediately recognize Kota’s sister. They go over to her, none of them knowing why they are here.

Roshuo is back in Helheim and decides he can’t bear to watch Earth’s prolonged suffering, so he speeds up the process by opening Cracks all over the world.

Over at the Garage, the gang is watching the news, learning about the ballistic missiles and the worldwide attacks. Kota says they need to do something, especially now that it is the world’s problem and they are the closest to the source in Yggdrasill Tower.

Minato agrees and thinks Obama America wouldn’t be so stupid as to try something like nuking Japan again.

Kota says they must also save the people the Overlords have captured, like his sister.

Takatora strolls through the war zone that was Zawame City, lamenting over his noble plans now gone to waste. He hides from some Inves and then spots Kota. He wants to approach, but then he sees Minato and remembers her betrayal. Takatora thinks Ryoma is using Kota’s group.

Kota, Minato and Kaito head to the garage entrance of Yggdrasill Tower, but it is being protected by an army of Inves. Kota wants to go in guns blazing, but Kaito stops him, saying it’ll only put the captives in more danger. Minato suggests they find a way to sneak in.

That reminds Kota that Mitchi was able to sneak into the Tower. They should ask him, but Kaito and Minato know what’s up. Kaito brings up how Mitchi is nowhere to be found. Isn’t that suspicious?

Kota does not understand. Minato wants Kota to get this through his thick skull. “You’re being deceived by Kureshima Mitsuzane.”

Kota still doesn’t understand and doesn’t believe them, saying all the lies and secrets Mitchi has told and kept were all for him and Mai.

Minato and Kaito roll their eyes as Inves come out to attack.

The three of them henshin and take them on before leaving to think up a plan.

Rat and Rica wake up in Mitchi’s office. He’s brought them here and ensures them their safety. It’s chaos out there, but a portion of humanity will continue to live peacefully. Mitchi relates the story of Noah’s Ark which existed to save the righteous people from a world being destroyed. It was a salvation from God. Mitchi says Rat and Rica are two of those people.

They ask about Kota’s sister and Mitchi says he’ll take of it.

He says Rat and Rica will be safe and he is already preparing a home for them.

Back in Helheim, Roshuo is at his wife’s coffin as Redyue begins the transfer of human energy to the corpse through her homemade gizmo.

Redyue explains the contraption to Mitchi in which he’s fused human technology with Femshinmu magic to allow such life energy sucking to revive the dead Queen. And that would mean Roshuo would no longer need the Golden Fruit.

Mitchi makes clear that only expendable people are in this room. And the people that he has chosen, Redyue will allow Mitchi to do what he wishes with.

Mai is at a convenience store, already looted of much of its stock, to get some food and supplies. She leaves money on the counter anyway before leaving when she is met by Mitchi at the door.

She is surprised by this suitedMitchi and he says they have to talk. Our current human world is ending, Mitchi says, but a world where humans and Overlords coexist is about to begin.

I made a deal, Mitchi says. By fulfilling the Overlords’ wishes, they will grant his wish in return. Mai is unsure about all of this.

Mitchi says he’s already got Rat and Rica and they should call Chucky too. All of Team Gaim are welcome in this New Mitchi World Order, as long as they don’t get in his way.

Mai asks Mitchi what kind of deal he could possibly make with murderers. You saw their powers, Mitchi answers. The Overlords can’t be beaten even if the world banded together. The world is ending either way, so they might as well pick out a select few to survive.

“That’s no different than what Yggdrasill was trying to do!” Mai protests. “Kota would never allow that!”

Oops. Trigger.

“Well, Kota’s way of thinking is wrong! He fights back against enemies he can’t beat. And he gets other people caught up in those fights! He has no plans to take responsibility or even ever think of the consequences. It’s his fault that you’ve suffered a lot, remember?”

But Kota is not wrong, Mai says. “I’ve decided to fight with him.”

“Why do you always side with Kota-san? Why do you trust him so much?”
“It’s not Kota that I believe in. It’s hope. I follow Kota because he doesn’t give up hope. And I can’t let him carry this burden alone.”

Mai tells Mitchi not to give up either, he doesn’t need to become an Overlord lackey. “Fight with us!”

Mitchi walks away.

“Hope? That’s the barrier between me and Mai? Well then… it should be pretty easy to break down such a flimsy thing.”

Rat and Rica are carefully making their way through a Helheim-infested stairwell. Rica is unsure about leaving the big office, but Rat says they need to help Kota’s sister. And Mitchi’s acting strangely.

They find their way back to the dark room and see the people hooked up to the strange contraption. They hurry over to Akira and Rat unsuccessfully tries to remove the device from her face.

Redyue watches them.

At Drupers, Minato and Kaito finish their lunch and head back to the Tower garage. Bando notices Kota still doesn’t have an appetite.

Takatora watches Minato and Kaito leave and sees this as his chance to speak with Kota alone. But he steps back when he sees Mitchi walking in.

“Kota-san, we need to talk.”

They head outside and Mitchi does not waste any time. He brings up Kota’s unending hope and his promise that he’d never let another Yuya happen again. That’s where Kota is wrong. He’s always been wrong.

“You sacrificed your best friend to protect Mai. You should be proud of that! Be proud that you made the best decision out of a bad situation. You should’ve been confident in yourself.”

Mitchi walks over to Kota and kicks him in the head. Takatora watches.

Mitchi says if Kota had maintained such a resolve, he could’ve been the hero that saved humanity and a person Mitchi could still respect.

“I thought you were the best man for Mai-san. It’s hollow words like ‘hope’ that have dragged you down low.”

Mitchi punches Kota to the ground and says it’s time to get rid of the contagious virus that is Kota’s hope. He henshins and Kota finally wakes up to the truth that it was indeed his friend all this time. Takatora can’t believe it.

Mitchi says Takatora is dead because Kota “infected him” with his disease. Mitchi charges toward Kota and knocks him around. Kota caused Mitchi to lose someone important to him and he’s not going to let that happen again. To save Mai-san, “you will need to be sacrificed.”

Mitchi fires, but Kota quickly henshins.

Episode Thoughts
Intense, yet somehow underwhelming too. I really wanted to see more tears, but maybe that’ll come next week for Kota. At the same time, I know Mitchi has slowly made his descent into the bowels of hell, but I am starting to feel like we haven’t gotten enough explanation why.

Okay, he was upset by Takatora’s controlling nature of his life. Sure, he crushes on Mai who seems to only have eyes for Kota. Yeah, Kota gets all the power-ups. But it feels like there’s a couple of missing pieces in between all of that teen angst and the Mitchi we have now who wants to play God.

The season has been and still is amazing, but I hope we go a little deeper into Mitchi’s twisted mind maybe?

Yay at seeing Rat and Rica finally. And double yay for them and Akira actually being put in harm’s way too. It adds to the urgency of the entire situation.

So another great episode, though still definitely left me wanting a little more.

Mitchi is about to deliver a final strike against a de-henshined Kota, but Takatora jumps in front of Kota and reveals himself, telling Mitsuzane to stop. Mitchi takes a moment, seeing his brother is actually alive while Kota takes a moment to realize Mitsuzane and Takatora are brothers.

Takatora asks why Mitchi is doing is. Mitchi de-henshins and laughs. This is all Niisan’s fault, after having controlled Mitchi’s life and then not be there when he needed him most.

Mitchi tells his Niisan to back off. Just then, Kaito runs in, but Redyue stops him from getting any closer. She slices at his arm and whisks Mitchi, who she says is still very useful to her, away from harm.

Kaito asks Kota if he’s finally awake, but Kota and Takatora are still trying to process what they’ve just learned. Everyone at the Garage is in disbelief as well.

But Kota still comes to Mitchi’s defense, saying he lied about his true relationship to Yggdrasill because he wanted to remain their friend.

Mai says Mitchi’s love of dancing was no lie. But Kota says Mitchi is not without fault. That he continued to lie is the most painful part. Kota wants to talk with Mitchi to hear his true feelings as he may just be under the Overlord’s control.

Kaito sees his wound is Helheim green, but he gets up to again try to get Kota to open his eyes.

Hasn’t everyone Kota’s ever fought been people who he couldn’t talk to? If Kota faces Mitsuzane, will Kota be able to fight him?

Outside the Garage, Minato and Takatora are catching up. Minato tells Takatora about Ryoma pretty much using everyone, including them, for his own gains.

“Do you hate me?” Minato asks. Takatora says despite their past, now’s not the time to be fighting amongst themselves. If she helps them against the Overlords, she’s an ally.

“So, anyone who helps the Overlords is an enemy?” she asks.
“That’s the only way to look at it, even if they are a blood relative.”

Night falls and Mitchi is in his office with Redyue. He asks her if she Fenshinmu have family. “Like parents and siblings? Sure,” she replies. “They were the first ones I killed.”

Redyue says that was the first time she realized how much joy there is in using people as toys, especially getting to see the shocked faces of those who had once trusted her. It is hilarious.

But what’s more exciting is when a toy you’re playing with breaks. Redyue says she can consider Mitchi her equal only when he experiences that.

Mitchi says not to underestimate him. He has the full resolve to see this through.

Next day, Kaito comes across Mai again practicing in the middle of the city. She has time to practice at a time like this?

When thinking too hard gets her nowhere, she finds comfort in moving her body. But Kaito says she should just accept that Mitsuzane is her enemy instead of having to struggle with wondering why.

“That’s what a weak man thinks,” Mai says. “I can’t forgive such weakness. I’m like you in that way. I don’t want to be a weak person who gives up on her friends.”

Kaito understands, but he reiterates that sometimes you just need to accept things. Still, he tells her to “be strong in your own way.”

Kota is at Drupers and Bando tries to get him to eat again. Takatora walks in and asks to talk.

Outside, Takatora forces Kota to use the belt and a fresh Lock Seed to get some food in his stomach as they have a lot to talk about.

Takatora tells Kota that he has raised Mitsuzane since he was a kid as their parents were always away. Kota relates how he too was raised by his older sibling in place of his parents.

Takatora compliments Kota’s sister for having raised him well judging from what he’s seen of Kota. He too tried to be a role model for Mitsuzane, to have him live a righteous, responsible and proud life. Takatora thinks Mitsuzane must have sworn not to get used and betrayed like he was. “Better to deceive than be deceived, right?”

Kota says No. He thinks Mitchi understands what’s right and wrong and that he is only being forced into making these decisions because of both outside influence and lies of the past. Maybe Mitchi feels there are no other options.

Kota thinks Mitchi must be the one most in pain and yet he hasn’t been able to do anything for him. Takatora says Kota is not responsible for this. If Kota were Mitchi’s older brother, Mitchi probably would not have made these same mistakes.

Takatora leaves Kota, understanding now that he may be to blame for Mitsuzane turning out this way.

That evening, Takatora walks through the old Kureshima manse, now in shambles. He remembers and maybe realizes how oppressed Mitsuzane must have felt before. But now it’s time for them to settle this. He gets a Driver and Melon Lock Seed and contacts Mitchi through a secure Yggdrasill emergency line.

Mitsuzane sees the e-mail.

Next day, at the Garage, Mai and Zack are trying to make plans to save those captured by Yggdrasill. But Kota comes in looking for Takatora. Mai says he hasn’t been around.

Minato gets up and Kota follows her out, asking if she knows where Takatora could be.

What would you do if you knew? she asks. This is a fight between brothers. Kota should stay out of it.

“I can’t just ignore it though!” Kota says.

Mitsuzane meets Takatora by the water. Takatora says he has one last job; to be the one to stop Mitsuzane.

Mitchi says he’s just fulfilling Project Ark. At this time, half of humanity can be saved. “You should be praising me.”

Takatora sees what he’s done to his little brother. “So that’s what you’ve learned from me?”

Kota tries to run to the brothers, but Redyue stops him. She tells Kota that he shouldn’t interfere with a hilarious and delicious fight between blood brothers. They should just watch the fun from afar.

Kota understands Redyue is just as crazy as the “red guy” and he quickly henshins to Kachidoki Arms. Redyue is intrigued by Kota’s toy potential.

“You are my shadow. You are every mistake that I have made.”
“If I’m your shadow, then I can’t be real until you’re gone.”

Yes, Takatora says, “that’s why you are finished.”

Takatora henshins to regular Melon Arms while Mitchi goes Melon Energy.

They battle.

Kota wants to know what Redyue is doing with Mitchi, but she says all she’s doing is watching and enjoying him dance around without even any prodding. That’s the most fun toy anyone could have.

This enrages Kota even more and won’t stand his friendship with Mitchi being destroyed for Redyue’s twisted pleasure.

Kota goes Kiwami Arms and bombards Redyue. But Redyue cannot believe Kota has the power of the Fruit of Knowledge.

She escapes a Hinawadaidai-DJ-ju finisher and laughs that Kota seems oblivious to what the power seems to be doing to him. She tells him she is looking forward to seeing his reaction when he finds out.

Back to the duel, Takatora laments at the fact Mitsuzane only inherited his dark traits when Mitchi had all the skills to outshine and surpass him. But Mitchi says it’s Niisan’s fault for shoving his ways down his throat.

Mitsuzane reminds Takatora that it was Niisan who talked about noblesse oblige. How those most fortunate must be honorable and sacrifice first. But is being used and hurt by others honorable? No one would be happy with that.

Takatora’s frustration reaches a peak as Mitsuzane tells his Niisan that his last act should be to sacrifice himself to little bro.

Takatora and Mitchi trade shots until Niisan gains the upper hand. Takatora prepares to deliver a final blow, but pauses to flashback to simpler times.

Takatora remembers being the caring older brother to a then-cute and innocent little Mitsuzane.

But Takatora’s moment of hesitation gives Mitchi the opening to deliver his final blow, sending Niisan, broken helmet and all, flying into the water.

Mitchi de-henshins as he watches his brother sink to the bottom.

Kota meanwhile continues running toward the docks, hoping he’s not too late.

Episode Thoughts
Oh boy. Another one. Insanely emotional and dramatic, yeah?

So I’ve wanted overflowing tears and screaming and stuff, but Kota and Mai’s reactions are exactly how one who’s watched the show for 36 episodes would expect them to react.

They believe in their friend to the end. And in that sense, I can see them taking that feeling toward some epicly tragic ending.

“No Mitchi! There’s still hope for you!”
“I know you could never forgive me, but I’m sorry Kota-san!” *lastbreath*

That’s definitely Kota for you, even though you definitely have the urge to feel as frustrated and annoyed as Kaito with Kota’s unwavering trust for his bud.

The little conversations with Kaito and Mai have always been interesting. From their shared past to their often opposite, yet not conflicting views on strength and power are really fascinating and add a lot to the events happening around them.

Redyue being a sadistic b*tch should come as no surprise either. But I definitely see her biting the dust sooner rather than later.

All the Takatora scenes this episode were awesome. His painful realization that he basically created this monster that is Mitsuzane was great to watch. And it’s true. I’ve wanted to see more into Mitchi’s head and why he is the sonuvabitch he is, and this episode certainly helped give us a peek. Indeed, Takatora’s heavy hand already played into Mitchi’s jaded view of the world from the beginning. But then seeing his all-knowing, all-powerful Niisan get absolutely played must’ve thrown Mitchi’s world into an even faster tailspin than it already was. I definitely see it.

Takatora and Minato’s little chat was great too. I’m looking forward to seeing them and Ryoma in one place together. Likely soon.

Another cliffhanger with Takatora likely not dead, again. But WTF at the preview for next episode? Another movie promo episode!?!?! WHY!?!?!?!?!

Kota is still running towards the water to try and stop the brothers, but he himself is stopped by a strange new Inves. He henshins into Jinba Lemon, but finds that the Inves is almost as strong as an Overlord.

The Inves runs away.

Meanwhile, Kaito is at the park, reflecting on his current state with an open Helheim wound. Sagara suddenly pops up and tells Kaito that Kota has continually surpassed him, citing all the power ups Kota has gotten.

Kaito says he still wants to beat him, so Sagara snaps his fingers and a Crack opens revealing some other version of Zawame, one already in ruins. A henshined Kota is fighting off Inves and then jumps through before going Kiwami Arms.

Sagara tells Kaito to test its strength, so he henshins into Lemon Energy Arms and fights this Kota.

Kaito has trouble keeping up. Sagara says at this rate, with how strong Kota is, he will be the one that rules the world.

Kaito gets up and charges toward Kota, but he spots a guy watching from the side. The distraction allows Kota to take out the Hinawadaidai-DJ-ju and shoot Kaito, point-blank.

But suddenly Kaito gets hurled right into the crossbar of a soccer goal post.

Peco and Zack, in soccer uniforms, hurry over to check on Kaito. “You did that on purpose!” Zack yells over to… Hase Ryoji.

Hase stands with Jonouchi and Oren, who is henshined. Oren says that’s nothing compared to what his former French teammates would have to go through.

Kaito has no idea what’s going on. Zack and Peco tell Kaito to take a break and they back out on the field.

Hase tosses the ball into play and Oren uses a Durian Squash to send the ball zooming into the goal which a just-henshined Zack still can’t control.

That is apparently game for Team Charmant and Peco apologizes to Kaito for losing the match. Kaito wants an explanation, but Oren, Hase and Jonouchi walk up to them and say their play today was pathetic. They can’t possibly win the All Rider Cup like that.

Kaito realizes there is no Helheim invasion in this world.

At Drupers, Kaito tells Zack and Peco he’s got amnesia and asks them to explain what is going on to help “jog his memory.” Zack says they’re playing to win the All Rider Cup and obtain the Golden Fruit, of course.

Kaito says they should go practice then. The three of them go to the pitch, but it turns out Kaito isn’t a very good soccer player. At all.

Suddenly, Nakamura Kengo of the Kawasaki Frontale appears and offers to help whip him into shape.

Later, Kaito runs into the guy from earlier. He welcomes Kaito to his world.

“Looks like that troublesome memory remains within you. That messes with my plans.”

The flying Inves that attacked Kota earlier appears and Kaito quickly henshins. Zack and Peco arrive and are shocked to see Kaito henshining to fight and not just for soccer matches.

Kaito drives the Inves away.

Back in the real world, Kota is still running around. But someone seems to be watching him.

Kaito’s apparent reemergence on the soccer field is gaining more attention in the city as the first match of the All Rider Cup is set.

Team Baron meets Team Charmant on the field, but Oren calls in a special helper: Ota Kosuke from F.C. Tokyo.

That’s okay, since Team Baron has Nakamura Kengo.

Meanwhile, Kota is attacked by the bird Inves again. After some Gaku Sano acrobatics, Kota henshins to Kachidoki Arms.

Sagara appears and tells Kota that the dimensions are warping and Helheim’s nuisance has reappeared. He points to a nearby Crack where a dark-clothed Kota appears all cool-like, tossing a soccer ball to the mysterious guy Kaito has met.

Sagara leaves and Kota returns to finishing off the Inves by using Kiwami Arms.

Back in altZawame, Baron and Charmant are tied 1-1. Kaito henshins and scores the winning goal.

But one of those bird Inves appears again. The pro soccer players kick a fire-soccerball toward the Inves and Kaito goes Lemon Energy Arms to finish it off.

Kaito turns and the guy from earlier appears again. He admits it was him who brought Kaito here and that his goal is to create an ideal world.

Kaito says it doesn’t matter what world he’s in, he will fight to prove his strength.

The guy laughs, but he still needs to erase Kaito’s memory of the events of the movie before sending him back to realZawame.

Back in Zawame, an apple Rider appears ready for the summer movie a battle for the Golden Fruit.

Episode Thoughts
Well. On its own, this was a fun little episode that is pretty much the premise of any Toei Super Sentai or Kamen Rider movie. Right? Alternate dimensions and alternate worlds with alternate versions of our favorite characters?

So it was fun, especially seeing Hase pop up again.

But in the grand scheme of things? It was a horrible waste of time! Like seriously. I know they want to promote the movie and this episode was basically setting up the idea and premise of it, but damn. What a buzzkill and momentum killer after the events of last week.

Kota gets to the waterfront, but he’s too late. He finds Takatora’s trashed Driver and Lock Seed. Meanwhile, a shorts-wearing Ryoma watches him nearby.

Over at tower, Redyue watches a silent Mitchi. She likes what she’s sees from him right now, his heart must be hurting from having to kill his own brother.

Mitchi turns and laughs. “Don’t be ridiculous! I’ve surpassed my brother! I’m finally free from the Kureshima Takatora curse!”

“You’re wrong,” a voice suddenly says. “You can never escape me.”

Next to Mitchi appears Takatora. He says everything Mitchi has now is because of him. He’s earned jacksh-t. Mitsuzane is a kid that can’t do anything on his own. “Just admit that’s who you really are.”

Mitchi yells at Takatora to shut up and to leave him alone. It is Takatora who can’t do anything any longer.

Redyue watches, intrigued. “Who is he talking to?” she wonders as there is no one in the room other than her and Mitchi.

headTakatora continues to taunt Mitchi. “You are my shadow. If I disappear, you will too.” Mitchi freaks the frak out, yelling for headTakatora to shut the hell up and leave.

“Oh my my,” Redyue says, “could it be that you are… broken?”

Back at the Garage, Mai sees a sullen Kota walk up. He hands her Takatora’s Driver and Lock Seed. Mai can’t believe it. What has happened to their Mitchi?

“He’s added to his sins!” Kota says. “He needs to wake up and open his eyes! If we give up, then he will truly be alone.”

Suddenly, the shorts-wearing Ryoma pops in, mockingly applauding Kota’s passionate display of friendship and about Takatora’s demise.

Kota charges toward Ryoma, but he trips him into the trash. Ryoma says they can play for a while and they both henshin.

Zack comes down from the Garage and henshins to help Kota. But Ryoma manages to easily handle both of them, even as Kota uphenshins to Lemon Energy Arms. Ryoma is ready to deliver a final strike, but Kaito arrives with his arrow pointed at Ryoma’s head.

Zack and Kota surround Ryoma and he dehenshins. Fine, if they want to listen, he has a proposal.

They head into the Garage, now also joined by Minato.

Ryoma knows they want to save the people being held prisoner at the Tower, but they don’t have a way in.

He’s not in an ideal situation right now either, so he proposes they help each other. For them, he will show them a way into the Tower through his secret tunnels. But the entrance is outside of Zawame.

How can we trust you, Zack asks. Ryoma says they have no other choice. Sensing their unease, Ryoma says fine. He’s in no hurry anyway, but them?

Ryoma leaves to give them time to think it over.

Over in Helheim, Redyue, with Mitchi at her side, gives Roshuo another update on the energy collecting. The Queen will be revived in no time.

But we’ve also suffered many losses as well, Roshuo says. That’s why them Femushinmu are even one step closer to extinction.

Wasn’t it all your doing, Redyue says. He shows Roshuo the video of Kota in Kiwami Arms, the power of the Golden Fruit. Why would Roshuo show such mercy as to provide the humans, their enemy, with such a power.

Humans are not our enemies, Roshuo says. “I’m merely hastening the fate of the monkeys who are doomed anyway. If there is a human who can find a different path for their future, I will have to rethink my position.”

“Have you allowed the snake to seduce you, my King?”

Roshuo sends Redyue flying. “We must see this through to the end. As we pass on to destruction, this is our final duty.”

Mitchi is amazed there someone who also thinks like this amongst the Overlords.

Back at the Garage, Oren, Jonouchi and Peco have joined the discussion. Minato warns them against trusting Ryoma. But Kota says they should do it. He hates to admit it, but Ryoma is right. They might not have much more time; his sister and the others.

Oren says Kota needs to cool his head. This might not be a wise decision. But Kaito posits that losing a chance to strike because they are afraid of Ryoma is not a wise decision either.

The discussion doesn’t seem to have gone anywhere. Kota and Kaito head outside to the park.

Kota asks Kaito if maybe they are being reckless. But Kaito says it doesn’t matter. They should just use Ryoma instead. Kota says he wishes he was more like Kaito at times like this.

Mai comes running up to them. She notices Kaito wears his belt all the time now. He says at a time like this, you never know. Kota says he’s also been reliant on his belt too, for food. Mai says he still needs to eat real food. Bando has been worrying as well.

Anyway, Mai tries to stay positive and says once it is peaceful again, they should have a party at Drupers. Kota says that’s a good idea, as long as all of them will be able to make it there.

“Are you thinking about Kureshima Mitsuzane again?!” Kaito asks. Kaito remembers Mai telling him that not abandoning her friends is her strength, but what about Kota.

It’s different with Mai because she is strong by facing her own future. Kota, meanwhile, only cares about everyone but himself.

Mai says she too would like to know what kind of future Kota sees for himself. She hopes he can tell her when all this fighting is over.

I’ll think it over, Kota says. He and Mai walk on ahead as Kaito’s wound bothers him again.

Next day, Peco and Mai are out shopping for supplies. Mai again leaves money at the counter. They leave the store to find some medicine, but outside to meet them is Mitchi.

“I’ve come for you. Please come with me,” Mitchi says with a huge smile.

“Please open your eyes!” Mai pleads. But Mitchi merely replies, “I know you’re just confused. If you calm down, you’ll see that I’m right. I don’t blame you. This situation is enough to drive anyone mad.”

“That’s why I’m going to take care of you now. You don’t have to worry about anything. Please come with me.”

Peco puts his hand on Mitchi’s shoulder, telling him to cut it out. But Mitchi says…

“Shut your mouth, trash.”

An Overlord pops in and knocks Peco into the trash. He tries to fight back, but only gets beaten to a pulp. Mai begs Mitchi to tell the Overlord to stop or Peco might die.

“Please come with me,” Mitchi repeats.
“Fine! I’ll do what you say! Just please stop!”

Mitchi motions to the Overlord to let Peco go and it tosses the bloodied Peco aside.

Mai wants to run over to Peco, but Mitchi says they should go. The Overlord drags the helpless Mai along.

Kota and Kaito come running to Peco who struggles to tell them Mitchi has taken Mai. Kota speeds off.

Mitchi takes Mai to the foot of Yggdrasill Tower where Redyue is waiting. She asks who the woman is, but Kota comes running.

Mitchi tells the Overlord to take Mai as Redyue continues to be amused by this funny little kid.

“Mai-san has been chosen,” Mitchi says. “Trash like you doesn’t deserve to be anywhere near her.”

Mitchi henshins and quickly charges toward Kota.

“Stop it! Open your eyes already!!!”

Mitchi continues to attack and Kota henshins straight to Jinba Lemon. They battle.

Kota can’t believe this is the same Mitchi he’s always cared about. Mitchi just cackles as he continues delivering harsh blows. Kota quickly goes Kachidoki and manages to knock Mitchi off his feet, but Mitchi counters and sends Kota flying.

Redyue is taking absolute pleasure in this scene.

Just as Mitchi is about to deliver a final blow to Kota, headTakatora appears again.

“Now you’ve attacked everyone close to you. Someday, that will include that woman. She surely will get in your way.”

Mitchi merely yells at headTakatora to leave, but that slight pause allows an opening for Kaito to arrive. Kota manages to get up, but when he’s got a point blank shot at Mitchi, he too hesitates.

Kaito knocks Kota aside and tells him he’ll end up dead if he continues to fight like this. Kaito faces off against Mitchi as Kota goes Kiwami Arms.

Kota and Kaito manage to knock Mitchi around a little easier, but Mitsuzane just continues to laugh. He sends a Melon Energy Squash their way and both Kota and Kaito go down.

Kota and Kaito try to deliver final strikes of their own, but Mitchi just swats them away.

“The future is mine for the taking,” Mitchi says. “No one will get in my way.”

headTakatora appears once again in front of Mitchi, but Mitchi finally fires his finisher straight through headTakatora and right at Kota and Kaito.

Kaito says they must retreat, but Kota insists on saving Mai. Kaito repeats that Kota cannot defeat Mitchi as he is now.

“Go ahead, I’m letting you go,” Mitchi says. “Now run along with your tails between your legs.”

Kota is incensed, but Kaito drags him away. Redyue is very amused.
As is Mitchi who continues cackling at himself.

Kaito tells Kota that that guy is not the Kureshima Mitsuzane he once knew. Can’t Kota tell? Mitchi has the strength of determination only gained by getting rid of all his doubts and hesitation. He is not afraid of anything anymore and that’s a fine line to have been crossed. There’s no going back for him now.

Episode Thoughts
OMG YES. This is the sh-t I want to see. (Sorry movie promo episode.)

Amazing episode with definitely lots of great emotional and affecting beats that really drive home that this is a twisted, screwed up situation for everyone involved.

I think everyone knows Mitchi’s insane, but what’s interesting about headTakatora is that he should basically represent Mitchi’s conscience. Okay, so he’s talking to himself, as Redyue is so amused by. But I take headTakatora to be Mitchi’s inner struggle. The thing is, crazyMitchi is winning that battle inside his head. Mitchi’s light side/headTakatora’s got no shot whatsoever in a futile attempt to get Mitchi back on solid ground.

Standing ovation for Mahiro Takasugi though. Like, seriously. Mitchi’s insane, but Mahiro Takasugi is an even more insane actor. What a tour de force performance, seriously. Such an effortless evolution (or more precisely, descent into hell) for the character and this young actor has absolutely hit it out of the park.

Shorts wearing Ryoma was so hilariously absurd. He’s the less serious evil maniac on this show and that’s completely in line with what we’ve seen of him over the course of 38 episodes. I don’t know if I should expect him to be the evil buffoon who gets done in by his showy bafoonery or if his aloofness means Mitchi’s ascent to being the big bad will end in unsatisfying tragedy.

I’m rooting for a Kota-Mitchi endgame, that is, I want the climax to be between them and the rest of their friends. Or at least to focus on them.

Which is why I love seeing Zack really step into the spotlight lately as a Rider and now this episode Peco getting in the line of fire just like Rat and Rika and Akira in recent episodes.

I was, however, hoping for a bigger confrontation between Minato and Ryoma. They did okay with Ryoma and Takatora the other week, but I was hoping for more snark from Ryoma and more bitchface from Minato.

With the little things, I do love Mai leaving money at the counter of the abandoned stores. So depressing. I loved that Helheim perspective shot of the orange going through the Crack.

And about the Overlords. I’ve always wondered if their colors meant anything. Or foreshadows anything. Roshuo = White = Kiwami Arms/Kota. Redyue = Green = Ryugen/Zangetsu = Mitchi. And Demushu = Red = Baron/Kaito.

I dunno. lol

Anyway. Amazing episode. I hope they don’t let up anymore moving forward. No more movie promo episodes. Just power through to the finale.

Everyone’s back at the Garage as Chucky tends to the injured Peco. Kota gets up, deciding he’ll get Ryoma to show him the secret tunnels so he can save Mai. Oren and Jonouchi still think it’s a bad idea to trust the Professor. But Kota says time is running out before Mitchi does something even crazier.

Kaito speaks up. Kota still can’t stop Mitsuzane anyway, just like Takatora failed to. But Kota says he’s still gotta try. Fine, Kaito says. Taking his lead, the others decide to go as well.

At Yggdrasill Tower, Mitchi smiles. Mai has been all prettied up. “What are you going to do with me?” she asks. Mitchi says nothing, all he needs is for her to be by his side.

Mai again repeats that Mitchi needs to stop this madness and go back to being nice. But Mitsuzane says you can’t do anything by just being nice. Does Mai want him to go back to being useless again?

It’s okay, Mitchi says. “I know you’re just being your usual spirited-self. That’s what I love about you, Mai-san.”

There’s something off about your thinking right now, Mai says. But Mitchi says in time she will understand and will be able to forgive him.

“No she won’t,” headTakatora says. “She will never forgive you. No one will ever understand you!”

“SHUT UP!” Mitchi yells, much to Mai’s surprise… and horror. She watches her friend fighting against an invisible adversary.

Meanwhile, the others have taken an Yggdrasill van. Oren and Jonouchi are driving and navigating while everyone else, including Ryoma are in the back. They reach the Zawame border, but find the blockade has been abandoned.

Ryoma says the Japan Self-Defense Forces retreated and instead of isolating dangerous territory, have moved on to protecting the few safe areas left. He tells them about Cracks having opened all over the world.

“And whose fault is that?!”
Ryoma gleefully takes credit.

Hopping back into the van, Ryoma hints at a more powerful Overlord than Redyue is calling the shots.

Back at the Tower, Mitchi surveys the energy-mining room and sees Rica and Rat. “Ah, this is because you didn’t listen to me.” Redyue apologizes for doing this to two of the people Mitchi wanted to save, but he says it’s okay since they brought this on themselves.

That’s good, Redyue says. Being cold-blooded like that helps make him stronger, but still not strong enough. For example, Mitsuzane was one shot away from killing Kota, but he didn’t.

Mitchi says it’s fine, he can do that anytime. But Redyue says not to underestimate him, especially with the power of the Fruit of Knowledge.

Redyue suggests devising a plan to better prepare Kota’s defeat. Maybe using Mai as bait? Redyue thinks that he can play his cards right, especially having Mai.

But Mitchi will not have any of that. If Redyue is suggesting that Mai get caught up in the fighting, then their alliance “is over.” Just joking, Redyue says.

Kota & Co.’s truck gets stopped by an army of Inves. Kota, Kaito, Oren and Jonouchi hop out and henshin.

Ryoma excitedly videotapes the whole thing. This rare battle royale will provide excellent data, he says.

Oren tells Kota he and Jonouchi will take care of things here and for Kota and the others to keep going. Kota and Kaito think that’s a reckless thing to suggest, but Oren and Jonouchi insist.

Kaito takes Kota and they jump back in the truck with Minato taking over the wheel.

“I know what we said, but we’re in real trouble, aren’t we?”
“This is where we show what we’re made of, boy!”

Oren and Jonouchi do their best to try and fight off the Inves bombardment.

Over in Helheim, Roshuo watches over the energy transfer. He’s had the ultimate power in his possession twice, yet he still can’t bring his love back to life. “Golden fruit, were you not God’s almighty power after all?”

Mitchi brings Mai to Roshuo. He says Redyue had offered him rule over all humans, but the only human worth anything is Mai. Redyue cannot be trusted, so he is leaving Mai to Roshuo.

“But do you think she is of any value for me to want to protect her?”
“You are a proud king,” Mitchi replies, “You won’t wrong the innocent.”
“You act as if you know me.”
“If you judge her to be worthless, then I will just give up. I won’t care what happens to humanity.”

Mitchi asks Mai to please stay here until he can improve the situation in their world.

Kota and Co. arrive at the location of the tunnel entrance. But Kota thinks maybe they should go back to help Oren and Jonouchi. Kaito says they can’t waste anymore time, but Ryoma adds they’re as good as dead.

Kota is incensed. Grabbing Ryoma by the collar, “They stayed behind to save us!”
Kaito takes Kota off of Ryoma, “He is not wrong.”

Kaito punches Ryoma in the face, sending him to the ground.

“But if you want to speak out of turn again,” Kaito says to Ryoma, “prepare to be beaten down.”

Ryoma smiles.

“You are afraid, yet you appear calm,” Roshuo says. Mai says she’s not afraid for herself, she’s more afraid of her friends who are probably risking their lives to save her.

“How can you be so sure your friends will risk their lives to save you?” Roshuo asks. That’s the kind of people they are, Mai replies.

“But your friend that’s allied with Redyue,” Roshuo adds, “he has betrayed not only you, but all of humanity. Are you saying your other friends are different?”

“We are the all the same,” Mai answers. We all laugh, dance, worry together. As a team.

“Being betrayed is not a good enough reason to lose trust. Even now, I believe in Mitchi. That’s why I want to know why he’s doing all these terrible things. Maybe if we both know the reason, I can help him see the error of his ways.”

Roshuo scoffs at Mai’s foolishness. But Mai asks, “Do you stop believing after just one betrayal?”

“Of course.”
“I see, that’s why this castle is so lonely now.”

Kota, Kaito, Minato, Zack and Ryoma continue through the underground when alarms suddenly start to wail.

Ah! The unmanned security system, Ryoma says. Watermelons and Lock Seed robos pop out from the ceiling. Ryoma says he can only deactivate the system from inside the Tower.

Fine. Kaito, Minato and Zack henshin and take on the security forces. Kaito tells Kota to hurry on ahead.

Kaito tosses Zack the Watermelon Lock Seed.

Continuing down the tunnels, Kota warns Ryoma no funny business or he’ll beat his ass down.

Anyway, for Ryoma to have kept these tunnels a secret from everyone at Yggdrasill, he must not trust anyone. Ryoma says he doesn’t see the need for human relationships. “I’m not like that,” Kota says.

Royuma says that’s why Kota’s likely suffered a great deal from those connections with other people. If Kota were to forget his sister, get rid of his traitorous friend and not feel guilty about killing his other one, he would be free of all his current problems.

They turn the corner and arrive at the door to the Tower. But a Lock Seed alerts Redyue of the intruders. She sends an Inves to meet them.

Kota henshins. You just gonna stand there? Kota asks Ryoma.
Well, I can’t afford to lose any more pawns, Ryoma says as he henshins.

He plays around with the Inves and knocks him down a little to allow Kota to go Kachidoki and then Kiwami Arms to finish it off. Ryoma again takes great pleasure is watching all this data.

Episode Thoughts
Wow. Very nice. Lots of great stuff in this episode even if the last act kinda sputtered, especially as a cliffhanger before the two week break.

SmileyMitchi is back, which has always been maybe the scariest part of the show. His ability to just pop a smile at the most random times, especially being upset or pissed a second earlier has always been so unsettling. And of course, even more now with everything that’s happening and he’s doing.

That scene of Mai being absolutely horrified at Mitchi fighting with the air was amazing. I loved it. You could see the confusion and hurt in Mai’s eyes. Bravo to Shida Yumi.

Mai and Roshuo’s conversation was very interesting. I’m glad we’re getting to see more from Roshuo and it was great to hear more from Mai other than “Mitchi…!”

Kota and Co.’s traveling was so-so. And them finally arriving at the tunnels was actually pretty lackluster. Jonouchi and Oren’s staying behind and fighting to the death was probably the most interesting about that whole thread of the episode. Though it was great to see how isolated Zawame City has become. It also made me randomly realize Yggdrasill Tower looks like a mushroom cloud. Creepy. Or symbolism?

Ryoma being a shady bastard is nothing new either. It should be expected that his own ulterior motives are still his priority. I just hope Kota isn’t so gullible as to fully trust him 100%. But it seems whenever Kota is at his lowest is when he always gets the strongest power. So we’ll see.

TYPE OF REVIEW : GOOD OL’ REVIEW
Some Spoilers

“Are you a magician?” “No. I’m a Wizard!”

I’ve always said, it’s great to visit with old friends. And Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Gaim & Wizard: The Fateful Sengoku Movie Battle was another great catch-up, but even more, an excellent conclusion to my Kamen Rider Wizard experience.

At least, I assume that it is. Because it certainly wrapped up Haruto-tachi’s story pretty well.

Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Wizard & Fourze: Movie War Ultimatum, my first Kamen Rider Movie War experience, was definitely a mixed bag. But this time, I felt a lot more emotionally connected and a lot more excited while and after watching the movie.

The Wizard half, especially, was very well done. The best thing they did was draw upon all the feelings and emotional connections that were forged during Wizard, the season. The climax and culmination of Wizard was Koyomi’s death. Being the final episode, we saw everyone coming to terms with it and Haruto setting off to find a place where the Koyomi ring could rest in peace. But of course, we didn’t really see them go through the emotions.

And I think the movie did a fine job touching on that. They know Koyomi is in a better place, but if they had a choice, they would sure as hell love to have her back with them again. But most of all, Haruto’s struggle of being unable to let go. The season had really built up that bond between Haruto and Koyomi, even in the two-part post-season special. They had a connection that was incredibly deep. Friendship, love; you don’t really need to even categorize it or put it into words.

That Haruto traveled the world, merely to prolong the inevitable separation with Koyomi, was a very emotional realization to come to that played out so well in this movie. Him discovering that the best place for Koyomi would be in his Underworld, this version comprised of all the best and happy memories at Omokagedo, was absolutely beautiful.

I know Haruto pops up in Kamen Rider Taisen, but I doubt Wizard‘s story will be a big focus, if at all. So for a final conclusion to Kamen Rider Wizard, I’d say this was perfect.

For the Gaim half of the movie, it was interesting to basically go back in time. In continuity with the series, the movie is set between Episodes 9 and 10. That was back when it was all about the youths of Zawame City dancing the night away.

Boy, how far we’ve come, yeah?

The warring states and the pseudo-Sengoku period with the past Riders actually ended up not being a huge part of the story really. It actually felt Super Hero Taisen-level fanwanky instead of being integral to the story.

Yes, there was that whole Tree of Life and praying for water and all that was still exciting to watch. But you still could have had the same story, I think, with just Wizard and Gaim fighting together, even in the typical three-part Movie War format.

So in that sense, it definitely felt more like two completely separate movies. The Gaim half was exciting and the battles and explosions were pretty to look at, but it wasn’t the most fulfilling story, especially when paired with the Wizard half.

I guess that’s the same with the Fourze-Wizard since the Wizard half of last year’s movie was just a fun little adventure for them while the Fourze half of the movie attempted to apparently cement Gentarou’s love for some alien ball of light. Which again, I absolutely cared nothing about.

That’s definitely different though from here where the movie is an extension, rather, conclusion to the actual season’s story. Unlike the Fourze portion of last year’s movies that merely jumped off of the OOO-Fourze Movie War and were completely separate from the actual series.

But enough of the movie I felt a strange, hollow connection to. Back to this movie which I absolutely felt a connection to and enjoyed greatly. Overall, it was fun and exciting. The Wizard half was excellent and the Gaim half was exciting as well as interesting considering where the series itself went to after the movie.

Kota and Ryoma get deeper into the Yggdrasill underground until Ryoma finds an elevator he knows was never there before. They get in and the elevator leads up to the energy mining room.

Kota immediately recognizes Rat and Rica, but then sees his sister. He hurries over to her and tries to yank the mask off her face.

Ryoma studies the contraption the people are hooked up to. Kota asks if he can do something about this, but Ryoma says maybe that person can answer his questions.

Kota turns and Redyue walks in. She comments on how Kota has defeated one of her best. He has so much power he doesn’t even know what to do with it.

“How dare you do this to my sister!”

Kota quickly henshins straight to Kiwami Arms. Ryoma tells Redyue he had hoped to talk to her, but he’ll have to wait until his “guest” calms down. He too henshins and they take on Redyue.

Redyue decides to take the fight above ground. She sends Ryoma flying towards a pillar and then focuses on playing with Kota.

Redyue gives Kota food for thought. Isn’t he suspicious why the snake tempted him with a power that appears too powerful for his own good? She rephrases her question. Why is it that Kota is fighting for the humans?

Of course, they are my people! Kota replies.
Redyue says he is wrong, Kota is no longer of the humans. He is of the Overlords. Isn’t it right that he can’t even eat human food anymore?

Redyue decides to show Kota exactly what this means. Ah, hypnosis, Ryoma sees. He takes this opportunity to escape to his underground control room. He reboots his Master Intelligent System and gleefully watches the recordings of everything that’s happened at Yggdrasill and in the forest since he’s been gone.

Meanwhile in the forest right now, Roshuo shows Mai the Forbidden Fruit. Whether it is a force for creation or destruction depends on how it is used. He explains that the Fruit exists to rule over the new world after the current world is engulfed by the forest. But if the Fruit is used to stop the forest’s invasion, what will become of the new king that was supposed to rule over it.

Mai believes he’d be hailed as a hero. But…

“He’d have nowhere to go,” Sagara says as he pops in. The ruler of the new world, in other words, the destroyer of the old world would be hated. People wouldn’t be grateful or compassionate, they would just be afraid of his great power.

“What were you planning for Kota by giving him such a dangerous power?!” Mai asks. Sagara says how this turns out depends on his decision. One that he’s already made.

Mai realizes. Yes, Sagara says. Kota has already obtained part of that power.

Meanwhile, Redyue takes a hypnotized Kota through the hypothetical that awaits him in the future.

Kota awakens in a peaceful Zawame. Or so he thinks. The people enjoying the park are suddenly afraid of a monster. Kota doesn’t understand. What monster? He turns and sees…

Yuya.

“There you are… you monster,” he tells Kota.

Kota is confused, but suddenly he sees his deformed, monstrous hand. Kota then fully transforms into an Overlord.

“I won’t let you do what you want to this peaceful town,” Yuya says.

He takes his Driver out and an Orange Lock Seed.

And henshins.

“I’ll turn you into fruit juice!”

Yuya attacks as Kota begs for him to stop. This is a misunderstanding! A frantic Kota runs.

Redyue laughs.

It is only natural to get carried along the current of fate, Sagara says. But if someone were able to change that fate, then he would no longer be human.

Mai realizes what this means for Kota. “I just gave him what he wanted,” Sagara says, “I even warned him!”

She asks what will happen to him.
“That’s the interesting thing,” Sagara replies, “He’ll have two choices. Which one will he choose?”

Kota, back in his mostly human form, stumbles into Drupers where Rat and Rica are enjoying some treats with Bando. But they see his disgusting hands and they become terrified.

Kota tries to get them to understand he means no harm, but he again turns into an Overlord. He continues to move toward them until Rat protects Rica with his body and Kota inadvertently slashes across his back.

Kota cannot believe it. He runs.

Kaito, Minato and Zack have found the energy mining room. Zack tries to take the masks off of Rat and Rica. Kaito kicks in the machine and the masks all disconnect.

Rat, Rika and Akira awaken.

Kaito says for Minato and Zack to take care of things here while goes after Kota.

Kota, still in Overlord form, stumbles onto the plaza downtown. The townspeople cower in fear even as Kota tries to get them to understand.

Yuya, henshined, appears and attacks. “Don’t you recognize me Yuya!?” Kota desperately asks.

“You are no longer Kota,” Yuya answers, “You don’t belong in this world!”

Kota turns to the mothers and children, shaking in fear. “This can’t be happening!”

Yuya continues attacking a helpless Kota who realizes things could have been very different if he hadn’t obtained the belt. Yuya sends him flying over the fountain and Kota dehenshins back into his mostly human form. He crawls under a tarp to hide.

Yuya runs off to search for Kota.

No, Kota says to himself. If this had been how it played out, he would never knowingly kill Yuya. He only wanted this power to save everyone, no matter the consequence to himself.

Redyue continues to taunt Kota. “By obtaining such power, you have deviated from the law of this world. You are a criminal and a traitor! To humans, you are just a monster.”

“But I am trying to save them!”
“Who would believe that?! Is there anyone left who will listen to you? For it is much easier to hate than to understand.”

Zack and Minato come running toward Kota to attack, but two familiar Overlords appear to save him.

“Go! Everyone’s waiting!” the Overlord Dyudyuonshu says.

Kota runs and is met by Redyue and Shinmugurun.

“You are one of us now, Kazuraba Kota.”

Kaito searches outside Yggdrasill Tower for Kota, but he instead runs into Mitsuzane.

You’re here to save Mai-san, aren’t you? Mitchi asks. “Sorry, but she’s not here.”

That’s okay, Kaito says. Because it is a good thing that they have come face to face without Kota anywhere near. Yes, Mitchi remembers Kaito vowing to personally destroy him.

With Kota not around, Kaito does not need to show Mitsuzane any mercy.

Mitchi smiles. They both henshin.

And they fight. Mitchi take Kaito’s attacks like they are nothing. “Do you still think I’m a weakling?”

“Strong or weak no longer applies to you! You’re just a fool!”

That hurts Mitchi. He charges forward.

“To solidify your position, you become an Overlord lackey?! You’re just a pawn waiting to be thrown out!”
“I’m the one using them!”

Kota is surrounded by the Overlords. He begs them to get the Inves to stop attacking the people, but Redyue says there’s no need to feel bad since it’s those same humans who reject him. He should just destroy their world and create a new world for himself and the army of men he deserves as the one chosen by the Forbidden Fruit.

Kota transforms into Overlord form. Yuya appears and Kota charges. They fight.

Kota slaps Yuya away and he de-henshins. “Go ahead and kill me now, but humanity will never surrender! My friends will definitely come for you!”

“Finish him!” Redyue tells Kota.

But Yuya’s words resonate with Kota.

“What does he wish for? Will he sacrifice the world to save himself?” Sagara asks, “Or will he protect the world and destroy himself?”

“That should be obvious,” Mai says. “The answer’s the same. It’s always been the same for as long as I’ve known him!”

“I’m sorry Yuya. Who’s on my side or who the world is for, none of that matters to me.”

Kota turns to Redyue. “There’s someone here I wish never died, as well as people who I still want to live!”

Kota charges toward Redyue and the other Overlords. “It doesn’t matter who’s on my side. I will still protect the same people, no matter what I become in the end!”

“The humans will reject you! Are you going to sacrifice yourself for such people?!”
“It’s not a sacrifice! I fight for myself! I fight for what I want!”

Kota henshins into Kiwami Arms.

“I fight for what I believe in!”

Yuya smiles.

“For the end I’ve always dreamed of!”

Kota snaps out of his Redyue-induced hallucination. She cannot believe what has just transpired. She runs.

Kota collapses to the floor and de-henshins. Vines sprout out from his spot.

“Yes, that’s right. I will have no regrets.”

Episode Thoughts
Well frak yes! Dude, this one-two emotional punch of ToQger and Gaim this week was insane!

What an amazing episode of Gaim. It’s main purpose was to reaffirm Kota’s willingness to sacrifice himself (yes Kota, it’s still called a sacrifice even if it’s what you want) to save his family, friends and the rest of humanity.

But the way they did it was just pitch perfect. It was beautiful, almost poetically done in spite of Kota being so frantic and desperate. We’ve seen him need Haruto’s services before, falling into the depths of despair only to pull himself out of it like he and his inner Phantom were good buddies helping each other out.

But here, we saw the deepest depths of his pain and despair. Seeing his friends and especially his sister merely brought the dire situation that much closer to home and to his own heart. But that the lingering guilt and suffering he has felt for killing his friend Yuya still stays with him, he takes all of it and uses it to strengthen his resolve.

Akira and his friends have always mentioned how Kota is always doing things for others and never for himself. He’s always putting others’ needs before his own. But as this episode showed, it’s not just because he’s a nice guy. It is because he is a true hero. And for him, the world wouldn’t be worth living in without his family and friends. Roshuo’s own words and experiences help support Kota’s belief too.

Using Yuya and mirroring Hase’s final moments on Earth to help clear things up for Kota was a creative and genius way to really illustrate all of Kota’s inner struggles and to reveal just what is happening to him, care of Sagara’s little gift to him.

Mai’s conversations with Roshuo and then Sagara definitely helped frame Kota’s confusion and eventual realization quite well.

Elsewhere, Kaito and Mitchi going at it and Ryoma’s wanking over his data were necessary, but at least quick bridges between the last episode and whatever craziness is coming next week.

And Kaito and Minato flipping around in the air and Zack using the watermelon like a boss at the beginning of the episode was hot.

Sagara doesn’t think Kota is so big a fool that he would put his life on the line to save the world. But Mai says he wouldn’t have suffered so much if he wasn’t that big of a fool. Well, I’m just an observer, Sagara says. He looks forward to seeing humanity’s fate.

Roshuo asks Mai if humanity is even worth sacrificing oneself for.

Kaito and Mitchi unleash their long simmering hate for each other. Mitchi asserts that he only wants to protect Mai, the only one worth saving. Kaito says Mai is strong enough to take care of herself.

They force each other to de-henshin, but they continue fighting with just their fists.

Ryoma suddenly comes over the loud speaker to announce that Mai is in Helheim with Roshuo, the Overlord King. Kota runs.

Mitchi can’t believe Ryoma could have found out. Suddenly, a very much alive Oren and Jonouchi jump in and hold Mitchi back, allowing Kaito to also run off to save Mai.

Oren and Jonouchi laugh, but Mitchi has better things to do than deal with trash like them. He henshins and manages to take both of them on pretty easily.

Meanwhile, Kaito catches up to Kota inside Yggdrasill. Before they go any further, Kaito makes sure Kota is fully resolved to see this all through. Of course, Kota says, he won’t hesitate anymore.

Over in Helheim, Roshuo tells Mai about wanting the Golden Fruit to help save the Femushinmu from extinction. But now he realizes it was all for naught. That’s why he’s keeping the Golden Fruit from them. Mai said it herself, this castle is empty.

Indeed, Roshuo says he saved worthless lives and adopted foolish ideals only to lose everything, including his beloved.

Even she must regret giving the Golden Fruit to him.

You’re wrong, Mai says. It’s because of him wanting to save their people that she entrusted the Fruit to him. He turns to Mai and a flash, he remembers his beloved giving him the Golden Fruit and believing in his resolve and ideals.

“So you say the same thing?” Roshuo inserts the Golden Fruit into Mai and tosses her back through a Crack. As the king, Roshuo says, he has one final task to carry out.

Mitchi forces Oren and Jonouchi to retreat. About Mai, she’ll be fine with Roshuo.

Not so fast, Redyue says. Mitchi must be pretty foolish to think Mai would be safest with Roshuo. If Roshuo takes a liking to her, he would never let someone like Mitchi near.

HeadTakatora appears. Did Mitchi really think everyone would just do his bidding? No one trusts Mitsuzane.

“The only truly worthless person, Mitsuzane, is you.”
“Screw you!”

Mitchi stumbles up the stairs, crying for Mai-san. Redyue is happy her chance may have finally arrived.

Kota and Kaito find Roshuo who introduces himself. He tells them Mai has already been returned to their world.

But now… Roshuo uses his powers to pin Kota and Kaito against the rock wall as he flashes the Golden Fruit. It’s time for them to battle so Roshuo can see their true power.

Kota and Kaito both henshin, Kota to Kachidoki Arms. Ryoma excitedly watches, invisible.

Roshuo simply waves his hands and Kota and Kaito go flying all over the forest. He blocks all their attacks and easily controls the forest to help with his own attacks. Nothing Kota and Kaito do even leaves a dent.

“You two have no resolve. You are not worthy of the Golden Fruit.”

Kaito exerts all the energy he can to push back against Roshuo, but Roshuo just swats him away, forcing him to de-henshin, now all bruised and bloodied. Kaito wants to continue fighting, but the pain in his Helheim-infested arm wound flares up in a bad way.

Roshuo is about to put him out of his misery, but Kota shoots at Roshuo’s huge sword. Roshuo turns his attention to Kota who tries taking a few swipes at him only to see Roshuo’s wounds instantly heal.

He takes Kota out to a clearing. Kota pulls out the Kiwami Lock Seed, but Roshuo asks if he is sure he wants to use that. As a fragment of the Golden Fruit’s power, every time Kota uses it, it chips away at his humanity. And that’s only a fragment of what the Golden Fruit can do. What will having the Fruit itself be like?

Roshuo takes the Golden Fruit out and instantly creates a field of Inves. This is its power, it has the power to create life! It allows you to change the world into whatever you want, the power of the gods!

Roshuo asks if Kota really has the resolve to own this intense power. Kota fights off the Inves and Roshuo-controlled vines. Kaito is amazed even more by the Golden Fruit. He knows just what he would do with it.

Roshuo will gladly free Kota from the burden of the Golden Fruit, but Kota instead uphenshins to Kiwami Arms. “I will protect everyone!”

But Kiwami Kota is still no match for Roshuo who slashes at the Lock Seeds and belt, forcing Kota to de-henshin. The Lock Seed is fried.

“I have seen your resolve,” Roshuo starts to say. But just then, a shot pierces Roshuo’s back. It is from Redyue.

“You let your guard down. I’ve been waiting forever for this moment!”

Redyue is excited that the Golden Fruit is now hers. She reaches into Roshuo and pulls it out. But the Fruit suddenly turns rotten.

It’s a fake! She kicks, beats and stabs Roshuo, demanding to know where the real Fruit is.

“My beloved, I am coming to you now!”

Kota gets up, angered by this display. His eyes glow red and the previously fried Kachidoki Lock Seed is now as good as new.

Kota henshins directly to Kiwami Arms and fights Redyue, now able to use the forest to his advantage as well.

“Kazuraba, you’re already… an Overlord,” Kaito says.

Kota grabs Roshuo’s big sword and uses it to knock Redyue into the water before flipping out the Hinawadaidai-DJ-ju for a Fruit Basket finisher that finally gets rid of her.

Mitchi has watched this whole thing. WTF is happening?! He thinks about where Roshuo could have possibly hidden the Golden Fruit. MAI! He runs to his Mai-san.

Ryoma realizes this possibility as well.

Mai stumbles into the Garage. Chucky runs to her as she collapses

“I’m fine,” Mai says, “nothing’s wrong.”

But she opens her eyes and her right one glows red.

Back in Helheim, Sagara walks toward Roshuo’s lifeless body. The Femushinmu are now all extinct, he says.

“Looks like your sacrifice was all in vain.”
“It can’t be helped,” replies a white dressed woman. “We did our best, he and I.”
“Then this is really where we part… your highness?”

The Queen’s necklace glows. She turns to Sagara, her right eye glows red as well. She asks what Sagara will do with “those kids,” “with humanity.”

Sagara says it’s not for him to decide, they must decide for themselves.

“Then let us at least pray that they will find a different future than the Femushinmu.”

The Queen dissolves into white sparkles. Her necklace, inside the tomb coffin which is now open, glows as a white scarf falls from the sky.

“Roshuo, we’ll always be together from now on.”

Episode Thoughts

It’s getting close. The end is definitely near.

And by “the end,” I mean when all sh*t hits the fan. Like it hits the fan and it just goes splatter everywhere; a wasteland of emotions, of friendships, of ambition, of thirst for power, of rotten fruits. Just everything.

I definitely did not expect Redyue to go bye bye this episode and definitely not by the hand of a magic Lock Seed. I guess I was expecting Redyue to make a lot more waves before she eventually bit the dust, but she really didn’t. Especially when Roshuo appeared resigned to the fact that his own life was coming to an end anyway after he gives Mai the Golden Fruit.

At the same time, Roshuo’s body still exists. He’s just lying by the river even though his Queen is happy to finally be able to spend time with him. But the coffin in the tomb was completely open, not like before with only a crack for some tubes. Did Roshuo open it up and free her or something?

But how about those red eyes eh? So we’ve already come to expect Kota and Kaito becoming Overlords. I’ve definitely talked about the parallels between Kota & Roshuo, Mitchi & Redyue and Kaito & Demushu. But now we see Mai and her Helheim counterpart, perhaps, in the Queen. Mitchi dressing Mai in white now just goes along with what appears to be fate and destiny.

The Golden or Forbidden Fruit has definitely set the religious undercurrent on the show. So if we’re going with that, where does that place Mai, Kota and Sagara the snake?

Next episode is Mitchi’s Last Transformation. Well damn. I hope not!
Just 6 (or 5) more episodes left though! It is definitely not going to let up from here.

Kota hurries to where Minato and Zack have evacuated the people who had been held inside Yggdrasill. He rushes to his sister and is also happy to see Rat and Rica are fine as well.

Kota thanks Minato, Zack, Oren and Jonouchi for all they’ve done. But Oren says it is not over yet. They need to get these people out of Zawame. Akira, however, wants to stay and help her brother.

A group of Inves appear and Oren and Jonouchi quickly usher the evacuees away. Kota and Kaito henshin and take on the swarm.

Meanwhile at the Garage, Chucky and Peco are looking over Mai who has just come to.

Suddenly, Mitchi barges in, calling for Mai who gets up, but suddenly feels a surge of pain and glowing eye. Peco unsuccessfully tries to keep Mitchi away from Mai, only to get pushed to the floor.

The Golden Fruit in Mai’s chest glows and Mai collapses back onto the cot.

Ryoma suddnely pops in and checks Mai’s vitals. He suggests they take her to the hospital, even if there are no longer any doctors left in the city. Ryoma says he will take care of it.

Kota and Kaito have taken care of all the Inves as Akira, Minato and Zack join them.

The Overlords are gone, but Helheim’s infection is still spreading, Kota says. “I have to stop Helheim myself.”

Why? Kaito asks. He says they should stop concentrating on the current world and let Helheim absorb it so it will be forced to evolve. The Overlords were weak, that’s why they lost to Helheim. That’s why them humans must avoid the same fate.

Kaito didn’t fight next to Kota to save the world, he merely disliked the tyranny of the Overlords.

Minato goes after Kaito as he leaves. Zack asks Kota where Mai is and then suggests that she may be at the Garage. Kota asks Zack to take his sister to safety and they agree to meet at Drupers later.

Ryoma leads Mitchi, Chucky and Peco as they carry Mai into an abandoned hospital.

Kota gets to the Garage to find it empty.

Kaito and Minato come across some Inves, but Kaito’s arm suddenly acts up. They hide and Minato is shocked to see Kaito’s Helheim wound.

At the hospital, Chucky and Peco find they have locked into a room, away from wherever Ryoma and Mitchi have taken Mai.

Ryoma does a scan of Mai’s body to confirm that the Golden Fruit is indeed inside of her. Neither Mitchi nor Ryoma understand why Roshuo would so such a thing.

“Because she’s going to become the Woman of the Beginning,” Sagara says as he pops in. “The one the Woman of the Beginning chooses becomes the hero who obtains the Golden Fruit.”

Sagara says the Fruit should be given according to that race’s myths. And giving the Woman of the Beginning that fruit is his job.

Just who are you? Mitchi asks.

Sagara says they have spread endlessly, surpassed the skies and prospered. They’ve stimulated revolution in ancient tribes. Or perhaps he’s just the snake that he’s been called.

They can also call him by the name they’ve given him… Helheim.

Sagara is the personification of Helheim itself?! He enters Mai’s head to tell her that Roshuo wanted her to see this end and beginning through. “For a new era to start, the old world needs to be destroyed.”

Mai does not want to see the end of the world, but Sagara says no one can change a fate that is already in motion.

“Bulls—t,” Mitchi exclaims. If Sagara is Helheim, then why is he trying to destroy humanity? Sagara says it is up to them to evolve and avoid destruction. He’s traveled through space and changed countless worlds.

Mitchi says he only wanted to save Mai. But Sagara it is too late now, he has already chosen his fate just like Kota and Kaito have. They must continue down their chosen paths until they reach their final destination. Sagara will follow to the end.

Bando-san gets Zack, Oren and Jonouchi to stop being down and to eat up and gain strength. But Akira is worried about Kota and the others.

Minato is lecturing Kaito on not having told anyone about his injury. But Kaito says if he does die soon enough, that will be his limit as a man. Minato asks if Kaito meant what he said about not wanting to save the world.

Yes, Kaito says, not even a little part of him wants to. He wanted nothing in peacetime. His place lies in the future after the end of the world. “Which will end first? The world? Or me?”

Minato cannot believe this. She is not sure if Kaito’s belief is correct, but she has decided to watch over him until the end.

Ryoma says there’s a good chance the Golden Fruit will turn her into an Overlord. The only way to save her is to the remove it from her body. But Kota will be a problem as he would like Mai to become the Woman of the Beginning so he can have the Golden Fruit to save the world.

Mitchi doesn’t think Kota would sacrifice Mai to save the world, but Ryoma says crazy Kota would. He would even become an Overlord himself, what more to let Mai?

Ryoma gets into Mitchi’s head and says even his Genesis Driver is no match for Kota’s power. He takes a Lock Seed out of the drawer. It is very dangerous as it drains the user’s life energy to create an even bigger energy; the Yomotsuheguri, or Hell Fruit Lock Seed.

Ryoma warns that he cannot promise Mitsuzane would survive using it. So he would be giving up his life to save the woman he loves.

Does Mitsuzane-kun have that kind of resolve?

Mitchi picks the Lock Seed up and goes to Mai.

“Mai-san, don’t make that face! Look like how you did in the past!”

Mitchi falls to his knees. “Why can’t I remember the expression on your face you used to have?! What am I protecting?! Why am I fighting?!”

HeadTakatora pops in. “Keep that image in your mind. This is the result of your actions. You have deceived so many people all this time, no one will forgive you now.”

“Despite that, you are still my ray of light,” Mitchi says to Mai. “For you, I would give up this life.”
“You life isn’t worth anything! Don’t even try comparing it to her life! You will die without accomplishing a single thing!”
“Please be quiet.”

It is now morning. Back at the hospital, Chucky and Peco have tied together the bed sheets to allow Peco to escape through the window to get help.

Kota is by the water when Mitchi approaches. “I will stop you,” Mitchi says.

“Please stop Mitchi! We have no reason to hurt each other.”
“In the end, I haven’t won anything for myself. But at least for her, for Mai-san alone, I will give everything to protect her! I would even give up my life.”

Mitchi’s words worry Kota. That’s when Mitchi unlocks the Yomotsuheguri Lock Seed. A dark, stormy whirlpool opens up in the sky and Mitchi locks on. The Hell Fruit engulfs Mitchi and begins to drain his life energy.

Mitchi fires at Kota who tries running.

Mitchi tosses Kota into the warehouse and attacks, all while the Lock Seed continues forcibly extracting his life energy. Kota pleads with Mitchi to cancel his henshin.

Kota finally henshins, straight to Kachidoki Arms. They battle.

Kota sees Mitsuzane suffering through the pain and begs him to stop this before he dies. Mitchi says he only has Mai left. He can’t lose her.

Kota sees Mitchi’s resolve and decides to go Kiwami Arms.

Episode Thoughts

OMG seriously.

Okay. So let’s go to Kaito first. It is really interesting to see his belief now, his quest for power and evolution. Many people were debating his personality at the beginning of the season. Is he a megalomaniac? Not necessarily. Does he resent this horribly corrupt world he’s grown up in? Most definitely. He life, his family was ruined. And then he found out why his family and life were thrown aside like trash? You can sure as hell bet that he’d love to see this world end and get an opportunity to create a new one for himself in the way he sees fit.

His worldview is certainly twisted and full of emotional baggage, but it’s half admirable and definitely understandable.

Minato’s fascination with him is definitely something that’s been underdeveloped. And while she’s awesomely kicked plenty of ass, her character has really been shortchanged.

Another thing we got shortchanged with is Kota and Akira’s reunion and then downplaying the weight of having Akira stay behind in Zawame to help her brother. She’s getting lumped in with the rest of the ragtag bunch, when from the beginning her relationship with Kota has been one of the biggest drivers for whatever Kota does (finding a job, keeping her safe, etc.).

Speaking of the ragtag bunch, it at least has been great to see the likes of Rat, Rica, Chucky, Peco and definitely Zack get a good amount of screentime to help continue building this current state of affairs.

Now to the big stuff.

The biblical themes have been sprinkled throughout the season and could probably be an amazing thesis paper!

Sagara being the snake in the Garden of Eden, which would in turn be the devil. The Golden Fruit that empowers the holder and with godlike abilities to create a new world. This episode still didn’t really lay everything out on the table, but it still did play into the whole idea of temptation and evil. Sagara or Helheim or whatever his name is, if we are to believe his story on its face, he has traveled time and space to tempt worlds with an immense all-knowing power. Dangling the Golden Fruit in front of the people and watching them self-destruct, in essence, watching worlds go to hell. Bringing about their own pain and suffering and eventually their end. Sagara aka the devil would take great pleasure in such suffering, now wouldn’t he? (I’ve watched enough Supernatural to know how twisted Lucy can be.)

In the process of tempting the gullible people, they also get their brains turned to mush. And there’s no better example than Mitsuzane-kun.

Now first of all, we know he’s been doing all this for Mai, the love of his life. While I think they definitely could have done a better job of establishing that than just using stolen glances and the like, they were still able to show Mitchi’s main ambition and effectively depicted his descent into madness.

The scenes with headTakatora have definitely helped shore up Mitchi’s unbelievable emotional journey. That outward and “physical” manifestation of his inner struggle has really illustrated everything we’ve seen Mitchi go through this entire season.

That’s why I think Kureshima Mitsuzane is one of the best and most fascinating characters I’ve seen on television in a long time. This sonuvabitch is absolutely amazing.

I know everyone has seen the feather scene in the preview for Episode 43. I’ve definitely been waiting for a tragic ending with Mitchi dying in Kota’s arms, entrusting the love of his life to Kota-san and saying “I know you can’t ever forgive me” and Kota saying “Mitchi, why!?!?” and both of them crying and, as it turns out, beautiful white feathers flying around them.

But I also would not mind seeing Mitchi survive. Have him actually live through whatever hell will emerge after all is said and done. That would be the biggest punishment for him, wouldn’t it? And also leave it open to future Super Hero Taisens (lol).

Just another amazing episode. Really. Kamen Rider Driver better be all imagination and rainbow cars because it’s gonna take an entire year to get over Gaim‘s emotional roller coaster. Yeah?

Peco is alone, thinking about Kaito and Zack’s betrayal. But suddenly, Zack appears and asks Peco to give a secret note to Oren. Peco wants to know what’s going on, but Zack asks to trust him for now.

At the Garage, the others wonder what could have happened to Kaito. Maybe he ate one of the fruits. But Oren says that’s odd since he thought one loses their sense of reason once they turn into an Inves.

Kota then remembers Kaito’s fascination with Roshuo’s and the Golden Fruit’s power.

Oren says Kaito is not someone they can face while injured, but Kota says his wound is healing quickly. Maybe too quickly, the others wonder. Kota shows them the Kiwami Lock Seed and says maybe it’s because of that.

“Apparently, my body is also becoming something not so human.”

Peco returns and slips Oren Zack’s note.

Back at the hospital, Mitchi is still beside himself. But this time, he’s crouched up on the operating table instead of the floor. He sobs thinking about how everyone has left him.

HeadTakatora appears and tells Mitsuzane that the others didn’t leave him, he just stopped moving while the others moved forward to face their own destinies.

“How long are you going to keep mocking me?”
“How about you? How long are you going to cling to my shadow? You’re ashamed that you’ve amounted to nothing, but that pain pales in comparison to those who carry the fate of the world on their backs. Consider yourself lucky.”

“You’ve failed to become somebody. Think carefully about what that means.”

Minato and Zack watch King Kaito in deep sleep.

So deep, he is able to talk to Beginning Mai. They are at the sacred tree of the Takatsukasa Shrine.

Kaito realizes Sagara was telling the truth, Mai is not dead but she awaits him in the future. Indeed, Mai says, a future that has been laid waste where the weak are gone and only the strong survive.

That’s how Kaito prefers it. Those who gain power by stepping on the weak are doomed to the same fate when they face those even stronger than them.

Is that what you wish? Mai asks.

Kaito touches Mai’s face, “I want you. Give me the Golden Fruit.”
“Is it me or the Fruit? Which one do you really want?”
“There is no choice because there is no difference. I will take the Fruit, become the ultimate man and take you as well.”

Mai smiles, “How selfish. You think you can always just take what you want.”
“Wait for me in my future.”

The others are at Drupers as Oren uses his mercenary past to fashion a bomb. Zack arrives and Jonouchi comments on how strategic it is for Zack to get close to the enemy by pretending to be his ally.

“And this person who considers me an ally is about to be betrayed and trapped by me.”
“Well, he betrayed humanity first. Right now, you’re on the side of justice.”
“Kaito… he’s always fighting something. And now he’s got that power. After defeating Yggdrasill and the Overlords… I always worried about whom he would bare his fangs for next.”

Peco stands, “Are you really going to go against Kaito-san?”

“I will stop Kaito.”

Zack leaves and joins Kaito and Minato on a rooftop as they marvel at the Inves army below.

“We are about to fight the whole of humanity and there’s still not enough.”
“What’s the point in destroying the world?” Zack asks.
“Erasing those who are worthless, that is my battle.”

“I’ve changed since you left me as leader. I’ve learned the meaning of battle and the pride in protecting others. But Kaito, why did you become like this? Is this the strength you’ve sought?”

I have no one left to protect or lose, Kaito says, so there’s no one left who can beat me.

“In the end, you haven’t changed at all.” Zack turns to leave, but first he places the bomb under an electrical box behind Kaito.

Minato senses something is off and turns to see Zack pulling something out of his pocket. She rushes to grab his arm and they tussle, causing the detonator to fly out of Zack’s hand.

Zack hurries to grab the detonator, but Minato rushes over to Kaito. She henshins and pushes Kaito out of the way, absorbing the huge blast as she gets thrown off the side of the building.

Kaito is enraged.

“It is my duty to do this.” Zack henshins, as does Kaito.

They battle as Zack says he’s got something to protect, to fight for. Kaito acknowledges that Zack has become stronger, but delivers a Banana Squash and forces Zack to de-henshin. His Driver and Kurumi Lock Seed are now fried.

Kaito approaches. “It won’t end with me,” Zack says, “Someone else will come…”

Kaito heads down to Minato who lays sprawled out on the ground. “I thought you were going to watch over my future.”

Kaito takes Minato in his arms. “Hey, if I had the Fruit of Knowledge, would you have sought me too?”

“Yoko is Yoko, the Fruit of Knowledge is something different.”

The words sting Minato Yoko. “You really are a tactless man.”

She takes her last breath and Kaito carries her through the streets of Zawame with the Inves army behind him.

Meanwhile, Akira catches up to Kota walking in the park. She sees him about to take a bite out of the Helheim fruit.

“Isn’t that dangerous?”
“In truth, I knew in the back of my head. Ever since I lost my appetite and I started to think this looked delicious.”

Kota sadly stuffs his face with the fruit. “It really is delicious.”

He turns to his sister, “I’m sorry Neechan. I… can’t eat your cooking anymore.”

“But it’s okay, didn’t you tell me before that I should aim to become someone different?”
“But I didn’t mean you should completely change your physiology!”
“I don’t know if it’s right or not, but… now… Now I can fight with those who believe in what’s right!”

They are both in tears, but they turn when they hear the sound of helicopters approaching.

At Drupers, Oren declares that since they haven’t heard anything by now, Zack must have failed. “There’s nothing we can do.”

Suddenly, soldiers storm into the juice bar. “We’re here to help. Sorry we were late.”

The commander says the evacuees told of Beat Riders who had helped them get safely out of Zawame. Now they will be taken to safety as well. Peco wants them to go check on Zack, but the soldiers tell them that they must return in five minutes or the helicopter will leave without them.

Chucky says Kota and Akira are still out there as well. But the commander wants to make sure that none of them have eaten the fruit or have plants sprouting out of their wounds.

Kota and Akira run toward the helicopter and see the others getting evacuated.

“So we weren’t abandoned,” Kota says.

Akira starts to run ahead, but turns to see Kota has paused.

“Let everyone know that I’ll take care of Kaito and Zack. Go ahead and evacuate without me.”

Akira calls after her brother as he runs off.

Mai appears again and asks if this is really for the best. Kota answers that she and Kaito both asked what kind of future he wanted. Now, he may finally have an answer. “So I’m going to make it happen, for Kaito… for you.”

Kaito waves his hand and his own army of Inves falls from Cracks in the sky.

Kota and Kaito come face to face, each flanked by their own armies of Inves.

“I knew you’d be the one to get in my way in the end,” Kaito says.
“Kaito, just what are you trying to do?”
“To create a world no human possibly could, using my own two hands. A world where people cannot seek power just to trample on and oppress others.”

You’re saying our world is hopeless? Kota asks. Kaito says their own history, his own life is proof of that. The stronger people grew, the less kind and compassionate they became.

Kota insists there are plenty of people who are both strong and kind and they are desperately trying to protect this world today. Kaito says those people are the ones that died first because they didn’t have true strength. Like Kota.

No, Kota says, “there’s no way I am losing to you. I will defeat you and prove that power alone is not enough. I will show you true strength.”
“Well, if anyone is to decide my fate, you are worthy.”

They both henshin and fight with the Inves in a free-for-all around them.

Kota and Kaito hop on their bikes and hovercrafts before going Jinba Lemon and Mango.

Kota goes Kachidoki and Kaito goes Overlord form and…

Episode Thoughts

Just kill everyone, why don’t ya?!

I’m not going to count Zack dead just yet (or even Minato or Ryoma for that matter). But damn that was a great scene. Zack passively confronting Kaito and his questionable motivation and still being resolved to blow his former friend to bits was really well done, I thought.

Then there’s Minato sacrificing herself for the guy, we can assume, she ultimately fell for (well, literally and romantically). I can see some reciprocation of the feelings from Kaito when he takes her in his arms. Not so much that he’d forget fruited Mai, but at the very least a small tinge of appreciation for the woman and really maybe the only person who saw him for his potential.

I loved that Kota-Akira scene. I’ve been longing for more and longer sibling scenes. I want my MaGMCMs and Kota basically telling his sister to “GO! Save yourself Neechan!” would definitely get my eyes watery. Just like how those scenes of the others getting saved by the troops and Kota realizing that no, they haven’t been abandoned were.

HeadTakatora telling Mitchi to make something of himself after his self-pity party… oh boy, I can already see where that’s heading.

The melee at the end was kinda pointless outside of Kota and Kaito, but insanity like can be fun to watch from time to time.

But man, just one episode left. (I’m expecting Episode 47 is some kind of one-off, Drive-teaser like last year’s Wizard extras, right?) What an amazing ride this has been.

Kota pleads with Kaito, is anger all that’s left in him? Yes, Kaito says, he wants to end this world where the weak are punished and being strong is the only thing that is important. He wants the power to destroy it all.

Kota goes Kiwami Arms.

Mai is watching the alternate Kota and Kaito fighting. She sees Kota empathizes with Kaito’s pain. But that does not change the future…

Real Kota and Kaito give each other everything they’ve got, neither one ever getting the upper hand for more than a second.

But Kaito manages to knock the Hinawadaidai-DJ-ju right out of Kota’s hands and he proceeds to knock him back. Kaito delivers a near-final blow, which brings Kota to his knees.

“It’s over… Kazuraba.”

In both worlds, Kaito goes to deliver a final strike, but Kota blocks the sword with his arm. He grabs the sword and karate chops it in half. That gives Kota the opening to charge straight through to Kaito’s stomach and use the pointed end of the sword he’s just chopped off.

Both dehenshining, Kota rushes to catch Kaito who collapses to the ground.

Kota has a dying Kaito in his arms.

“Why, Kuzaraba? What made you so strong?”

An oath to never abandon those who call out their prayers. That is everything that makes who I am, Kota replies.

“I cry… that may be my weakness. But I won’t hold it in. Even as I cry, I will keep moving forward.”
“You… truly are strong.”

Kaito light fist bumps Kota’s chest before he takes his last breath.

Kota gently sets Kaito on the ground and stands.

Mai watches the same scene in the other world. Sagara’s voice tells Mai to return to her world and perform her job now that the future has been set.

Kota and Mai reunite.

“I wasn’t able to stop Kaito.”
“It wasn’t his ideals that were wrong, but his approach. So let’s grant Kaito’s dream for him, using a fairer method.”

They hug.

“Will you give me my future?”

Mai takes the Golden Fruit and hands it to Kota.

“It was all… for this?”

Kota takes a bite. He glows and is suddenly wrapped in vines. When the vines pull back, they reveal…

“So you’re finally here, Man of the Beginning.”

Sagara walks in, happy to see fate running its course. “Evolution through natural selection. Destruction and rebirth. It is my duty to encourage that cycle. Now I’ve complete yet another job.”

Kota remarks that even now, he cannot tell if Sagara is friend of foe. “I’m neither,” Sagara says, if anything he is the “hand of fate.”

“It is inevitable. All species and civilizations prosper then fall to destruction to clear the way for the next generation.”

Now it is time for Beginning Kota to end this world.

Indeed, this new power that Kota possesses can destroy the world, sacrificing everything he had been protecting. But he won’t use it. He refuses.

Don’t be absurd! Sagara says. If they don’t sacrifice the world, there will be no future for Mr. and Mrs. Beginning.

Kota says if there is no future here, then they will find another world. There’s always a way if you don’t give up.

Kota waves his hand and a large Crack opens in the sky. This time, it is a Crack to the universe and a planet unknown to others.

The Helheim vines start to recede from Zawame and they, as well as the Inves are sucked through the Crack and onto the new planet, their new stage. Instead of destroying this world, Kota will just create a new one.

Are you crazy, Sagara says. There is no shred of light of life on that planet. How could the two of them even survive?

Kota says he will just remake the world as he wishes. He will fear no darkness as long as he has this power.

He takes Mai’s hand.

He is also not alone. And no matter how painful the future may be, they will be able to overcome it together.

Sagara asks if they are just going to give up this bright, blue planet paradise full of life. Kota says the future is always in the dark, so it is worth bringing light to it.

This result was unexpected, Sagara says. “But it is your decision.”
“It’s your job just to watch, right?” Kota asks.
“As the snake, it might be cheeky for me to say this, but… Be fruitful and multiply! And fill the earth. You’ll fail if you don’t.”

Sagara disappears.

Kota thanks him and tells Mai it is time for them to go. They fly up into the Crack, which zips up behind them.

Sagara, on the new planet, narrarates, “And so the man and woman were driven out of the blessed land into the wilderness. And another creation story has begun. Now, which species will undergo the ordeal of evolution next?”

Three months later, the world slowly tries to rebuild and return to any sense of normalcy.

Jonouchi is at a wall filled with flyers of the missing. He posts one of Hase Ryoji before walking away. Behind the wall, Yggdrasill Tower is being dismantled.

Across town, a very alive, but crutched Zack smiles as Teams Gaim, Baron, Raid Wild and Invitto are enthusiastically dancing on stage together.

Around the corner behind Zack, a baseball capped Mitchi watches.

Meanwhile, Jonouchi has joined Oren at the grand opening of a new Charmant Shop. Jonouchi says it is nice to see Zawame so lively again. Oren says it shows how many people consider Zawame to be home even without Yggdrasill.

Jonouchi again wonders where Ryoji could be, but Oren tries to get him to instead focus on the present and how to move forward while the world is still in shambles.

“I’m one of the lucky ones. I have this job to keep my hands busy. But… Kureshima Mitsuzane? I wonder what will happen to him now.”

“No matter what he’s done,” Oren says, “he was just a child. He was tricked and used by the Overlords. He’s just as much as a victim as everyone else. Treat him as such and that’s the end of that.”

“No, I don’t really think that’s the end of that,” Jonouchi counters. Oren agrees, but he adds that Mitsuzane won’t forget the mistakes he’s made.

“In that sense, he’s the most pitiful of all of us. He has no one who understands his sin and can help him atone for it.”

Zack turns and sees Mitchi walking away. He calls out and hobbles toward him.

“Isn’t it strange?” Zack asks. “Seeing everyone happily dance like this makes the world’s crisis seem like a dream.”

Zack smiles. “We’re the only ones who know who fought and saved the world.”

Mitchi turns to walk away without saying a word, but Zack tries to stop him.

“That’s why those of us who can talk about Kota, Mai and Kaito are important! We’re the only people who can do this. So please, won’t you dance again? With us?”

Mitchi stops at the top of the stairs. “I… have no such right.”

Mitsuzane brings a bouquet of flowers to a hospital room.

Takatora-niisan’s hospital room.

Mitchi remembers the doctor first telling him that Takatora had drifted far offshore before a ship rescued him. It’s a miracle he’s alive at all. As for whether he can recover, the doctor says the brain damage is too severe for modern medicine to help.

“Niisan… what… can I do?”

Takatora is by the ocean, wondering where he is. It is a very bright day.

A smiling Kota appears. “Hope I’m not interrupting,” he says, “but this is my only way of talking to you.”

“Ah, so everything’s over,” Takatora realizes. “That’s why I feel so at peace.”

Kota says Takatora has suffered enough, having such a heavy burden to carry on his own. But Kota has one request to ask of him.

“You’re the only one who can do it,” Kota says. “I want you to return to Mitchi.”

“But will he listen to me?” Takatora asks.
“I know it will be tough. Even now, that place is probably painful for you and you may even be happier if you remained asleep forever. But… I want you to tell Mitchi that no matter what’s in your past, you can find a new path and move forward.”

Takatora says he already failed at telling him that before, but Kota doesn’t want him to give up. “People can change,” he says. “Even I found a new me.”

“If you can’t forgive who you are now, then become someone different. Tell Mitchi that he can do that too. Change yourself…”

As the bright scene fades way, Mitchi notices his brother moving for the first time.

Takatora opens his eyes.

“Niisan…?”

Takatora turns to his little brother and smiles.

Episode Thoughts

I cannot even. Like seriously.

Okay, so I assume this was the “real” finale and that next week is just a fun, one-off epilogue like last year’s Wizard specials were, right?

If so, then ZOMG.

White-clothed First Man of the Beginning Kota doe! I don’t even know. It’s almost hilarious and so damn epic at the same time. With Sagara again mentioning the snake and telling them to go forth and make babies, then Kota and Mai saying they’ll be okay in the darkness, the first thing that popped into my head was:

“Thought Kota walks through the valley of the shadow of death, he will fear no evil for Mai is at his side. Their Golden Apple will give them courage.”

lol, there were more religious undertones here than the angel-themed Goseiger for goodness sakes. But that’s a good thing, since Urobuchi was able to craft an incredible story that transcended, pretty much everything, honestly. It drew from religious and non-religious teaching and mythology about creation and rebirth and created a brand new twisted take on it all.

This final episode worked to sell the idea that no matter what has happened in the past, there is always hope. You don’t necessarily need to kill something or bring something to an end just to change or create a new future. That applied to Kota and Mai’s decision to elope start a new world together and it applied to Kaito’s right idea-wrong approach demise. And maybe most of all, it applied to little Mr. Mitsuzane Kureshima who is absolutely ready to live his life hating himself and depriving himself of any peace until Takatora, we assume, will teach him that very idea.

It’s been an emotionally draining ride, seeing this “snake” nudge the pieces together toward the destruction and rebirth he seems to get off on.

But what made watching this even more interesting for me was that I watched Kamen Rider Taisen right before seeing this episode was subbed. So, SPOILER ALERT!

Kamen Rider Taisen was basically all about true strength and power being that which comes with kindness. Or something like that. But you could say the same here for Gaim the series as well. It is because of Kota’s resolve (which was affirmed several times of course) and sacrifice that the world was saved. And how others learned what it meant to truly be strong. Sure, Kota got all the strongest power-ups. But his strength of will is what made it all possible.

We saw how Kota, maybe reluctantly, initially accepted the power. We saw him several times close to needing Haruto to come in and save him from despair. But he’d always pull himself up and move forward, as he did again in the end.

Pending the final, final episode, I thought this was a great and very unique, but satisfying ending.

Now to the specifics of this episode. I really liked seeing Jonouchi at that wall, used as a way to see the world is a long way from, but on their way to recovery. Not letting him know about Hase is interesting. I wonder if that will play into the storyline for the final episode.

Zack surviving was expected. But it was great to see that he will likely be the head of the Beat Riders moving forward. Zack is really a great example of how a character can really emerge through the course of a season.

Seeing Mitsuzane wandering the city with a cap was actually really fulfilling. He hates his own guts, can’t allow himself to be happy even with Zack’s happy invitation and (before the final scene) now has to sit and watch his brother lying in the hospital, basically brain dead. Ending the entire series with this episode would be perfectly fine. Takatora sent out on a mission by Beginning Kota to have him try be a big brother again and to help Mitchi forgive himself. In essence, a brand new world for both of them. (Hey-O!)

And finally, where is Akira though?! Not even in the final episode at all! I know she could very well appear in the next episode, but everyone else got their tidy bow in this episode. I think we should’ve at least seen her even in just a quick scene at home, looking at a picture of Kota or something. I mean, come on now. That actually made me the most sad from this episode. Sorry Kaito.

Kota hurries downtown where a swarm of Inves are attacking the people of Zawame. He quickly finishes them off with an Orange Squash and de-henshins as Mitchi comes running.

He asks Kota if he’s okay, but Kota remembers he’s got a job interview. He hurries off, leaving Mitchi alone to hear the people gossiping about these Beat Riders who go around acting like heroes but are really behind the Inves attacks.

Back at the Garage, Mitchi asks Kota why he continues to fight even as people think the Beat Riders are the villains and there is no reward for saving the townspeople. What’s the point?

Kota replies that he doesn’t fight to be rewarded, he fights because he has to. Mitchi says Kota-san doesn’t have to go that far, but Kota says he can’t just do nothing when he has this power he can use to fight back.

Kota smiles and grabs Mitchi in a headlock.

“This guy! You complain, yet you still fight with me!”

They both laugh and Mitchi says he just wants them all to be happy, that’s all.

Fast forward back to the present, 7 months after the destruction of Helheim. Mitchi sits alone, remembering those days in the past.

Mitchi returns to the Kureshima manse and sits at the dining room table with his brother, fully suited in front of a laptop. Takatora asks his little brother what he’s been up to lately.

Mitsuzane says he’s fine and asks Niisan what he’s been busy with. Takatora says he’s been helping to rebuild the world which is still in a mess, partly thanks to him. Helping is his way of atoning for his sins.

Takatora says he’ll be leaving for America in two days and hopes that won’t be too much trouble. Mitsuzane says that’s fine and excuses himself.

Across town, the united Beat Riders are performing for the crowds. Mitchi stands and watches from afar as the dancers all cheer.

Rica and Rat see Mitchi standing there and call over to him. Chucky asks if he would like to dance with them now. Mitchi turns to them and says “Sorry” before walking away.

“I see, Mitchi hasn’t been able to forgive himself yet,” Chucky says.
Peco steps forward and says not to worry and to just ignore him. The others feel bad. “There’s nothing we can do anyway,” Peco adds.

Zack says it’s probably hard for Mitchi too so they should just let him be for now.

Meanwhile, some strange insects are attaching themselves to the townspeople.

Over at Charmant II, Takatora is having some coffee with Akira. He says he is a failure as a brother for not being able to understand Mitsuzane before. Akira says she didn’t know everything about Kota either. That’s how it is between siblings.

Takatora bows and tells Akira that he owes a great debt to Kota. Akira says she thinks this is for the best as Kota must have found his path.

Oren arrives with some brand new cakes for his melon prince and special guest. Delicious cakes! Takatora compliments Oren, but Non! It’s not him. The cakes are Jonouchi’s creations.

Jonouchi swaggers out, happy he has pleased them. Oren slaps him upside the head, but one of the strange insects abruptly lands on Akira. She jumps up and suddenly a swarm of the things arrive and join together to form an Inves.

Mitchi runs toward the direction of the Invesects where he meets a young woman with an evil laugh.

“Long time no see,” she says as she pops out a Driver and a Lock Seed. She henshins and Mitchi charges forward, only to get manhandled by the new-old enemy, Kougane.

Mitchi doesn’t know a Kougane. “I see, so that was just a dream for you. But for me, it was an unbearable humiliation!”

Kougane knocks Mitchi to the ground and walks off.

Meanwhile, Oren, Jonouchi and Takatora are fighting off the Inves that formed in front of them. But the Inves just tosses them aside as Kougane arrives. He asks why the Riders don’t just henshin?

Zack comes running toward Kougane who says he is doing all this for revenge. He laughs as he knocks Zack to the floor as well.

Kougane de-henshins back to the young woman body and says he won’t let them die so easily. Heshe wants them to watch as heshe destroys all they tried to protect and they become extinct like the Femushinmu.

The guys head to Drupers to discuss and think she might be an Overlord. But without any Drivers, they are helpless.

Bando asks if Yggdrasill still has those Kurokage Drivers, but Takatora says they and all the Lock Seeds were destroyed so other organizations like Yggdrasill would never get their hands on them for evil purposes ever again.

With the Helheim threat gone, there was no need for the Drivers. And now, even if they rebuilt a Driver using Ryoma’s designs, they don’t have any Lock Seeds.

Zack stands, What can they possibly do then?! Takatora seems to remember something. Jonouchi notices.

Later, Jonouchi waits as Takatora leaves the manse. He’s holding a briefcase and Jonouchi knows it is a Kurokage Driver. He figured there’d be at least one left so he figured Takatora would have it. Jonouchi asks if he can use it to fight.

But Takatora says he doesn’t want to involve any of them anymore. This is his way of atoning for his sins. Sure, Jonouchi says, but Takatora hasn’t even fully recovered yet.

Takatora ignores him and starts to walk past, but Jonouchi quickly grabs the briefcase. Hideyasu pauses and starts to ask, “There was a guy named Hase-chan…”

Takatora answers bluntly, “Yes. Hase Ryoji became and Inves and was eliminated by Ygdrasill.”

Jonouchi opens the briefcase, “Hase-chan probably became an Inves because of me. That’s why… this is my way of atoning.”

Jonouchi runs to face Kougane and the Inves. He henshins and fights the Inves while Kougane just laughs.

She henshins and quickly takes care of Jonouchi, forcing him to de-henshin. “Now you have no way of fighting back.”

“Not so!”

Mitchi walks towards them, wearing a Driver and holding a Lock Seed.

“You’re no Kazuraba Kota. There’s nothing you can do.”
“It’s true Kota-san was a hero. But he is no longer here. That’s why we have to be the heroes!”

Mitchi henshins into the familiar Budou Arms and he does all he can to fight off Kougane and the Inves.

The tag-team knocks Mitchi around. But he asks Kota-san to watch over him as he gets up, grabs his gun and shoots at both his opponents, knocking them to the ground.

Mitchi has Kougane at gunpoint. He transforms back to the human girl’s body. “Are you sure about that? I’m just possessing this kid’s body.” Heshe tells Mitchi to lower his weapon and de-henshin. She cackles.

Mitchi has no choice. He de-henshins. “FOOL!”

The Inves proceeds to beat Mitchi to a pulp. Kougane tells the Inves to make him suffer until he dies. He laughs that the others will quickly follow.

Mitchi apologizes to Kota-san as he’s getting kicked. “I wasn’t able to do anything, after all.”

Suddenly, Mitchi hears a voice.

“That’s not true Mitchi. You’ve worked really hard.”

A large golden apple-shaped light arrives and blows the Inves to smithereens. Mitchi turns to look and it is Mr. Beginning himself, Kota-san!

“I had something left to do. And that was to defeat you Kougane.”

Kota forces Kougane to leave the young woman’s body and is now fully in the body of Kamen Rider Jam.

“Can you fight, Mitchi? We’ll beat him together.”

Mitchi gets up. “Yes, Kota-san.”

Both Mitchi and Kota henshin.

They charge toward Kougane and they battle.

Kougane attempts a Darkness Squash, but Kota just waves his hand and it dissipates. Kota and Mitchi work together to deliver a final combined squash to finish off Kougane for good.

The sun is setting. Mitchi approaches Kota-san who says he seems to look a lot better now. “I told you before, you can always start over.”

Yes, Mitchi replies. But when he sees Beginning Kota start to glitter away, he asks him to stop. He’s got so many things to say to Kota-san.

Kota just tells him to get along with his Niisan and to tell Akira that he is doing fine.

Kota completely disappears.

“Kota-san…”
“We’ll always be friends, Mitchi.”

Mitchi smiles after hearing Kota’s words.

He turns to see the guys running towards him.
Mitchi smiles again and waves as he runs to meet them.

Meanwhile, two young boys are amazed by a large tree that just sprouted up in a vacant lot nearby. One of the boys asks his older sister what it is and she says this is a sacred tree of the shrine.

Anyway, it’s time for them to practice. The three of them start dancing.

Behind the tree, Kaito pops up. He looks out as Beginning Mai appears as well, “What do you think, Kaito? Everyone has overcome their pasts and have moved forward. Humanity still has a future.”

“But they might go astray once more, and fight and hurt each other.”

Mai says that’s true. But each time, they will restart once more, correcting their mistakes and taking a step forward.

“You truly are strong,” Kaito says, turning to face Mai and smiling. He disappears as Mai and a just arrived Kota say farewell to Kaito.

Let’s head back to our own future, Kota says. He waves his hand and a Crack opens in the sacred tree as we see the once dark red planet has become a glowing blue.

Episode Thoughts

And with that, Kamen Rider Gaim is over. (Until the Movie Wars and Whatever Taisen in a couple of months of course.)

But this final episode marks the end of what has been an incredible and surprising series. Playing out like a true epilogue (or even a solid Movie Wars plot), the epilogue tied up all the loose ends from Episode 46, most of which would’ve been perfectly fine left the way they were.

Other than the complete disservice to the character of Kazuraba Akira and the wonderful sibling bond we saw between her and Kota, the other loose ends from Episode 46 were neatly tied up with pretty bows here.

Jonouchi got closure on the death of his ally-turned-friend Hase Ryoji. We saw the surviving members of Gaim (damn, Team Gaim suffered the highest death toll of any Beat Rider team, yeah?), Baron and the rest happily back on stage and dancing for the people of Zawame. We saw Kota and Mai are doing well in getting their new planet up and running. We saw Kaito’s soul apparently able to rest in peace now that the sacred tree is back where it belongs and taking comfort in Mai’s hopeful attitude coming to pass. We saw Takatora taking steps to help fix what he helped break.

But maybe the guy who got the biggest weight off his back was Mitsuzane. I actually really loved how they (or Urobuchi, I guess) wrapped his story up in the last episode. They showed him hating himself, but obviously fully realizing why he deserved such self-loathing. That his Niisan actually woke up from being brain dead and Kota’s mission for Takatora, it was easy to assume that one day (off-screen) Mitchi would be able to forgive himself and allow others to find a way to forgive him.

Perfect ending. But that’s not to say I didn’t like this episode. It was still great and hit a lot of emotional notes too. If anything, it was amazing to see fresh scenes between Kota and Mitchi, both the flashback and Mitchi with Beginning Kota.

This episode was also a great reminder of how amazing Mahiro Takasugi is. To see that scene of Mitchi and Kota still young, happy dancing teens really makes you realize the incredibly wide range of emotions Mahiro had to bring to life over the course of 47 episodes. Just amazing. And he’s only just turned 18 years old!

All in all, this episode was pretty explicit in spelling out everyone’s future. Which is perfectly fine.

But seriously. A simple 5 second scene of Akira saying exactly what she said to Takatora, but alone and to a picture or up to the sky or even at a random orange would’ve been much better than her going on a date with the melon prince, eating cake and sliding into the screaming damsel role.

Anyway, Gaim has come to an end. And this series definitely deserves a full Hindsight Review. But basically it boils down to one word: AMAZING.

TYPE OF REVIEW : GOOD OL’ REVIEW
LOTS of spoilers.

This year’s Kamen Rider Movie War was mostly a fun endeavor with some brutal and bloody battles. But it ends in one of the worst possible ways it could ever end. More on that later.

The annual Movie War crossovers can always be mixed bags, but usually enjoyable in their most basic ways. The more recent films have favored a singular story involving the two Rider seasons over the earlier three act format. And I generally like that one story format more. It helps to make the film a true “event” and a crossover where the characters of both series actually interact with each other.

Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Riders is a unique entry into the annual crossover as it’s part-45th anniversary celebration and a special crossover with the iconic Pac-Man character, also owned by Bandai. In that sense, this film is sort of split into two halves though not in a jarring, abrupt way.

It is a pleasant surprise to see how well Kamen Rider and Pac-Man were woven together for what is essentially the first half of the film. Though seemingly random at first, the combination fits with Ex-Aid‘s video game theme and it provided for some spectacular action extravaganzas. Certainly not as much of a clusterfrak of explosions and CGI as previous films, the Pac-Man scenes, including the decisive battle in a 3-D Pac-Man environment, were very well done. And the fact that “ghosts” are Pac-Man’s ultimate opponents worked with Takeru and Ghost as the other main Rider season of the film.

The second half of the film focuses more on the Next Genome Institute, the main antagonist Michihiko Zaizen, their involvement in Emu’s operation six years ago and the race to cure Takeru and Akari of their advanced Game Disease before they die.

Michihiko Zaizen used Pac-Man merely to find a host (young game developer Togo) of a specific Bugster virus necessary to his plan to revive and continue his research into evolving to a new, powerful lifeform. This was after he and his team was sucked into the game world when Parado emerged from Emu during the operation.

Emu, Takeru and the rest of the gang race to stop the mad doctor and eventually receive help from familiar faces Shinnosuke, Haruto and godKota.

Of the non-headlining Riders, Shinnosuke was integrated the best into the overall plot. Having that relationship with Takeru helped. But this was also more police work for him than most Drive episodes. The call to pregnant wifey Kiriko also drove home a nice point about the risks of working in law enforcement. Any of the films involving Shinnosuke and Drive have really done a better job at highlighting and depicting those aspects of his character (police work, relationship with Kiriko) than the series, to be quite honest.

Haruto’s introduction wasn’t the most seamless, but being the “oldest” veteran Rider helped make his return welcome and fun. While we saw some epilogue-ish bites for Shinnosuke, we didn’t get any of that with Haruto, which is a shame. He was almost just here to provide that extra help. But at the same time, his appearance served as a reminder that maybe Wizard is the most well-rounded one of the non-apocalyptic recent Rider seasons. Drive and Ghost suffered from plenty of missed potential and dropped balls. Wizard did as well, but I felt very satisfied with its finale which is a lot more than I could say with the two most recent seasons.

And speaking of the apocalyptic recent season, it’s a shame they apparently couldn’t get Gaku Sano to come back for even a cameo at the end or just doing the voice acting instead of recycling old lines. Though it would have been interesting to see what they would have done with Kota had they been able to get Gaku Sano since Haruto barely had much to do anyway. What more if Kota actually got more time than he did.

For the Ghost portions of the film, it did feel very repetitive. The entire cast showed up, but barely had anything to do. They were all there to basically stand by Akari’s bedside. Even Makoto-niichan and Alain, literally, got tossed aside.

And of course, as I mentioned right at the start of this review. The final scene was just bad. Takeru dying for the 100th time?! It almost felt like a running joke or gag: Kill Takeru and bring him back to life. That final scene should’ve had some emotional weight to it, especially using it to give Emu some doctoring to do. But it fell completely flat.

Everything was going perfectly fine for most of the film. Takeru and Akari on the verge of death would’ve been enough without that contrived ending. It was so bad, it almost tainted my pretty positive response to the movie up until that point. They should’ve just left well enough alone and went straight to the epilogue scenes.

The film though basically introduces backstory for Ex-Aid which was hinted at in-series and merely glossed over. The film does help provide a bit more context and reference points for Emu’s backstory as well as Kuroto and Parado’s shadowy actions in the early part of the season. This is in spite of more than a few continuity errors between the contemporary events in the film and the series.

At the same time, the rest of the Ex-Aid cast, other than Poppysuna, also had little to do. Parado didn’t even show up until the end.

Still, the film was enjoyable. I think my favorite aspect is just how brutal and bloody it was. Sentai and (especially) Kamen Rider theatrical releases and V-Cinemas are usually a little more violent and gory. (Hello Kamen Rider Chaser!) But everyone had it rough this movie. The Riders were all bloodied and bruised. Akari had giant blocks fall on her. And of course that opening massacre was just insane.

The big battle scenes were also all very well done. Some nice, fresh choreography and special effects. Most of the film was fight and battle sequences. And interestingly, I had no problem with that. It was all cool to watch, though of course more solid writing would’ve been great too.

Overall, Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Riders was a fun, mostly enjoyable outing. Maybe a little above average in terms of entertainment compared to recent Movie wars, for me. And seeing Haruto and Shinnosuke, in person, again was a nice, simple treat.