Deep into November, the season brings the leadup to the holidays, shorter mornings, chillier nights and a hot cup of Kamen Rider W to warm the soul. Big secrets are revealed in this week’s Retro Ride Review!
I’m back to continue my investigation into the fan favourite series, dissecting its secrets and riddles, all in the name of discovering why this Masked Rider entry is so beloved. There’s 3 edge of your seat episodes to get through today, so brandish your magnifying glasses as we take a look at what these three exciting episodes had to offer.
Episodes 13-14: The Q on the Radio / Targeted Princess and Live Catastrophe
Otherwise known as the episodes where Wakana’s tongue clicking will be perpetually burned into your memory, episodes 13 and 14 presented an interesting teamup between the half-boiled detectives and the Sonozaki Family’s youngest daughter. A Dopant stalker has his eyes on disrupting Princess Wakana’s radio show, rampaging across Fuuto and wrecking her favourite city spots, prompting superfans Shotaro and Philip to rush to her aid and track down the enigmatic Mr. Question.
What I loved most about this two parter was the relationship formed between Wakana and Philip as the investigation carried on. It gave that oh so delicious sprinkle of ‘bad guy and good guy become friends without knowing either one’s true identity’. Yet, it also focused more on Wakana and the type of person she is: a villain who deep down doesn’t want to hurt people, which really helped me grow more fond of her. I especially geeked out over how her Clay Doll Gaia Memory is inspired by her childhood, when sister Saeko broke one of her dolls and shouted at her. Traumatised characters are the way to my heart (and wallet).
Moments between Wakana and Philip were superb: the detective supporting her during this difficult time. Unbeknownst enemies bonding together, with nothing but a door separating them from Wakana discovering who Philip really is. She speaks of her younger brother, now missing for years, and how much Philip reminds her of him. Chin scratching ensued…
Ending on Philip and Wakana promising to stay in touch, a genuine smile on the princess’ face, the case is closed on this story; leaving us to ponder who her brother was, what happened to him and how long this friendship will last before Philip’s true identity is discovered. Lovely stuff!
Episode 15: The F Afterglow / Burglary Rider
PHILIP IS HER BROTHER?!
Sorry, I couldn’t wait any longer to bring that up. Literally, in my notes for episode 14, I was theorising if Philip could be Wakana’s missing brother, so I am quite pleased with myself on that call.
Anyway, this episode’s focus is on a Dopant who robs and steals from the city of Fuuto, all while chanting that he is Kamen Rider. It’s a real Sonic Adventure 2 situation because apparently everyone in Fuuto is blind and can’t tell the difference between a colourful green and black superhero and a literal hell monster with a skull face.
He’s certainly a worthy faker, with this Dopant able to mutate his arms into swords and guns, while carting a massive broken blade on his back – making him an imposing adversary and sky rocketing him to the top of my list of favourite monsters. It’s a great twist to how Double can freely switch abilities and gain new weapons with his different Gaia Memories. The showdown between the two look-alikes was a treat.
What certainly gave episode 15 a lasting impression was its ending. Cornered by the gaslighting Dopant, Shotaro at his mercy, with an army of foot soldiers surrounding them, Philip flees to avoid being captured by the very organisation that once held him captive. He’s soon confronted by Saeko and this is where his true identity is revealed, and why the Sonozaki family is after him: they are his family and his real name is Raito (by this point my notes had devolved into manic scribbles in the middle of my freakout).
There’s nothing better than a satisfying answer to a question served on a silver platter, even if I didn’t expect the show to reveal it so quickly. Yet it comes with a serving of tension and suspense, as Philip is on the run; his friends helpless and captured. I was so invested that I couldn’t resist watching the preview for the next episode! Sufficed to say, it’s gonna get good from here.
Case Review
While I’ve been enjoying my time with W, episodes 13-15 were a turning point in how the story will unfold from here. I do enjoy my episodes of just taking down the monster of the week, but you do reach a limit when the whole premise is about street dancing. Now, I’m itching to take a chunk out of W’s following episodes, excited to find where these big reveals will take the characters and what the baddies have planned.
Bonus: Best Dressed in Fuuto
Stories and characters are great and all… but there’s nothing more important than what those characters are wearing. I’m a sucker for fashion, so it’s not often I get to sing its praises while watching a Kamen Rider show! Welcome to Best Dressed in Fuuto, where each week I pick a character out of the episodes I’ve watched that were dressed to impress! This week’s winner? Wakana! Her sleek grey checkered coat, with a dash of pink and a pair of black thigh highs, won me over this week – not to mention the totally adorable and whimsical pink skirt she was sporting in episode 13. Stylish enough to beat Philip in the flamboyant department!
Thank you for joining me on another Retro Ride Review, it’s been a blast! Until next week!
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!
