Nico is back to tackle dance, love, undercover investigations, and the woes of watching Kamen Rider outside of Japan in this week’s Retro Ride Review.
One of the first things I mentioned at the start of my Kamen Rider W marathon was that starting a 50 episode show is a daunting prospect. What I failed to mention, while blissfully unaware, was that this task was made even more daunting by the fact you can’t find the 50 episode show to begin with! The first two episodes of each series is available on Toei’s Official YouTube channel, and then… nothing.
Nevertheless, I’ve persisted; crawling out from the dark depths of the internet (all very legal depths I promise), riddled with viruses, to bring you this week’s review of Kamen Rider W. Well, last week’s really, but that’s the boss’ fault! Don’t worry, he met the broad end of Akiko’s slipper.
There’s plenty of fun with equal amounts of dramatic revelations to be had, so let’s pull out our case files and magnifying glasses and get to it!
Episodes 7-8: Find the C/Philip Can’t Stand It and Dancing Hero
Philip, caught in the throws of another hyper fixation, writes an endless stream of information on the walls, much like me when I’m memorising facts about my new favourite fantasy novel. He infodumps to Shotaro and Akiko about a dance move called ‘Heaven’s Tornado’, and how he must find street dancer Dango Inamoto to see it come to life – Shotaro complaining that once Philip needs the answer to something, he’ll stop at nothing to get it. I relate more and more to Philip each episode!
I wasn’t so sure about where the episode was going until Philip proceeded to breakdance in front of Dango upon finding him. “Ah, it’s a silly one”, I realised. I thought the Heaven’s Tornado dance would be related to something Philip saw in his childhood, prompting more questions about his origins but… nope, he really just wanted to see some street dancing! Good for him!
Shotaro’s parts in the episodes were definitely a lot more interesting for me. His investigations are spurred after a rock with a note is tossed through the window of the half-boiled detective agency, warning of a strange figure walking around Kazehana High School. This leads to the encounter with the Cockroach Dopant, a vigilante dishing out harsh and violent ‘justice’ to those he deems as ‘bad’.
I always like when the MOTW is actually carrying out their own twisted version of heroism, but it also shows the variety of people using Gaia Memories to fulfil their own selfish desires. Not one Dopant has shared the same motive, emphasising the desperation these people must have to start these Gaia Memory ‘addictions’.
The Cockroach Dopant also comes with an excellent idea for a monster. A messaging board is dedicated to the monster, where anyone can request ‘Roachman’ to take out someone they feel wronged by – a good idea on paper, but taken to the extreme when this creepy vigilante kills anyone for even so much as ending a relationship.
It’s even MORE creepy when the man behind the Dopant sells his escapades as a hero by creating his own manga, glorifying his actions, while also drawing action scenes of how he’ll take down his next victim.
This is such a chilling and fascinating premise that sadly only gets touched on for one episode; even then, it’s not that big of a focus! I was really engaged by this idea for a monster, and feel it could have benefitted from a whole two-parter entirely dedicated to it, rather than sharing the spotlight with Philip’s quest to bust some moves. Imagine Shotaro and Philip having to read each new manga to figure out where he’ll strike next, or trying to convince the Dopant what he’s doing is wrong. A really cool concept sadly pushed to the side.
It’s all worth it to see Mick the cat actually turn out to be a Dopant. I’d still give him a hug. What a good kitty!
I was still invested by the troubles Dango was facing with his ex-girlfriend Chizuru: he actually vented his frustrations on the Cockroach Dopant messaging board, spurring the vengeful insectoid to hunt and attack her. There’s a lot of emotion between them after breaking up: the passion they both shared for street dancing, and the betrayal Chizuru feels knowing Dango was responsible for the Cockroach Dopant targeting her. I’m always happy to indulge in some good love drama!
“I know your leg’s broken, but can we focus on my special interest now?”
Philip eventually gets his wish of seeing Heaven’s Tornado (I forgot about that while gushing over the Cockroach Dopant), with the climatic battle against the monster ending in Double and Dango performing the sacred move together. Majestic.
Overall, this was a fun pair of episodes that had me more invested in one storyline than the other, even if they both came together for a satisfying conclusion. I’d definitely have loved to have seen more of the Cockroach Dopant plotline, but if it meant I got to see Philip dancing, then who am I to complain?
Episode 8 caps off with Philip no longer interested in street dancing after seeing Heaven’s Tornado; he’s satisfied, he’s seen it, and now he’s moved on to his next hyper fixation. All the neurodiversity flags? Give them to Philip.
Episodes 9-10: The S Terror/The Maid Detective Witnessed It and The Great Detective’s Daughter
Hoo boy. These were some good ones. Buckle up!
Episodes 9 and 10 are Akiko’s time to shine, which I’m very happy about; it hints more at the fateful night Shotaro and Philip came together as Double, but also gives a sinister glimpse at the true power the Sonozaki crime family wields.
When the disappearances of high ranking pastry chefs causes a mass influx of clients, Akiko makes it her responsibility to uncover the mystery and find the bakers, to live up to the legend of her father. The last one to be seen was working at the kitchen in the Sonozaki Mansion, which is where Akiko goes undercover as a maid. Though I’m not sure shouting very loudly at every opportunity about her investigation helped out.
I loved this pair of episodes. Akiko’s comedic timing and physical comedy is at it’s best here, but also her determination and spirit. Much like Shotaro, she is adamant about living up to the legend her father left behind, even if she throws herself headfirst into danger. Sho desperately tries to talk her out of it, but, eventually, gives her the advice she needs to be a great detective.
Shotaro and Philip also debate whether or not they should tell her about the tragic end that her father met, as well as the birth of Double, dramatically known as the ‘Begins Night’. There’s just a taste of it this episode… but enough to keep me egging for more.
It’s also thrilling to see Aki work so closely under the noses of the Sonozaki Family, made even more terrifying when head honcho Ryubei reveals his Dopant form. The power with which he displays sends shivers down Sho and Philip’s spines, even shaking Kirihiko.
Perhaps my favourite part of the whole storyline was when Ryubei and Shotaro meet at the museum, which Ryubei is actually the curator of. Seeing Sho piece together that the last few Dopants were created from fossils, Ryubei eventually speaking to him directly about the importance of memories in a darkly lit part of the museum…that’s the good stuff right there.
It’s ultimately the memory of her father that drives Akiko to stand up for her clients when at the mercy of the Sweets Dopant, fending her off to protect the innocent. Really enjoyed this moment and these episodes overall.
Gosh, they keep finding an excuse to get this man naked!
Case Review
While I’ll admit I wasn’t totally on board for episodes 7-8, I still appreciated what they had to offer, even if I felt certain plot threads could have been given some more wiggle room. Episodes 9-10, on the other hand, struck that harmonious balance between fun laughs and “oh god the final boss is already here everyone’s going to die”. I’m still really enjoying my time with the show!
That’s all for today, stay tuned for this week’s Retro Ride Review, coming on Friday. Bye bye!
Are you keen to rewatch or start Kamen Rider W? What made you fall in love with the show? Let me know in the comments below!
