Gosh, this was so much better than the last few episodes have been. I'm gonna start with the episode's main problem to get it out of the way:
As others have noted, the show really needs to show things like Koh's coldheartedness earlier instead of explaining it only when they need to. Koh's anger issues were explored a bit with his early revenge complex against Tankjou, but he's usually pretty cheery; having Koh instead have to deal with kinda jerkish tendencies could've been a really neat move for the story altogether (interestingly, I believe this is the third time in the series that I've wished it would spread its plot points and/or character development across more episodes). On the other hand, the Asuna flashback really worked for me as a reveal for this episode; it seems like the right time to drop a larger character element like that one.
Despite that issue, there are a lot of really great moments that really enhance the episode. Use of subtle bits of worldbuilding like recalling "No using KakureSoul!" in hide-and-seek; the latest Ryuusoulger's introduction of casually cheering someone up and walking away without ulterior motives
(*cough* unlike Canalo *cough*); Koh needing a realistic processing period after losing control and harming his teammates. There's so much here to appreciate, especially in contrast to how hollow the last few episodes felt for me. It's probably the best Koh episode we've had (which feels like it's not saying much, but still), it gives some much-needed definition to Melto (this time as an encouraging figure only hinted at before), and it introduces a generally cheery but not overly comedic character with a pretty well done personality by the standards I was used to. Definitely hopeful that they keep up the momentum from here!
Also, I think the flashback confirms that Melto's hair is naturally blue.
ViRGE wrote: ↑Sat Sep 21, 2019 3:23 am
Alright. Seriously, what the sam hell is going on with the mecha fights? It's Super Sentai, and Super Sentai is primarily known for two things: multi-colored spandex, and giant robots beating the stuffing out of giant monsters. This is the fifth episode in a row without a proper mecha fight - hell, it went entirely sans-mecha - meaning we've gone over a month without one at this point. Normally Sentai doesn't go more than a handful of episodes a year without at least a quickie fight.
I dunno, I felt in this episode the lack of a mecha fight ended up letting the characters shine more? Still, I wonder if something broke down behind the scenes.
Watching:
Kamen Rider Kuuga, Gotchard
Watched:
KR W, Gaim, Ghost - Build, Geats
Ultraman '66, Leo, Great, Nexus - U7X, Ginga - Blazar
Donbrothers
GS Sho, HwTM, Dogengers S1-4