Kamen Rider Den-O: A Year in Retrospect

Havent seen the finale like most of us who are relying on TVN. But, damn, what a season, eh? I mean, the characters were very inventive, especially the Imagin. At first, Momo was my absolute favorite, and still is. But, the rest of the Imagin are right up there with him now. Each one had something to bring to the table and were a joy to watch fool around. And it was really sad to see Kintaros and Urataros go in the 2 episodes leading up to the finale. The Voice Actors were brilliant in this show, every single one of them.

Sato Takeru was great in this show. At first, he seemed like he couldnt act, which was partially true since it was one of his first, if not his very first, acting venture. But, he pulled it off for the majority of the show, protraying both the various Imagin and his own character of Ryoutarou and the challenges he faced. And the foo' breakdances, how kick-ass is that?

When I first saw Yuuto's actor, I hadnt seen him in Hibiki yet I think, so I didnt have anything against him. Then I saw his character in Hibiki as Kiriya-kun, thats when I was like "That bastard better not mess with Ryoutarou" But, he turned out to be a cool character and the actor was pretty good in the role. Bashing on Deneb was always a treat to see.

The story was admittedly quite confusing at first and seemed like they tried to cover too many bases at once. Then we had the Movie tie-in which still doesnt make sense to me till I watch the Movie. But, the second half of the series is full of win. The story got soo freakin interesting and really kept me thinking of how this whole thing is actually pulled together. I hope the ending is as satisfying as Ryoutarou said it would be.

I think that this show was well worth the journey. Being the first KR show that I followed with the actual broadcast, it was truly a joy to watch. I had lots of fun and loved just about every minute of it. When I get my new laptop, hopefully next weekend, Im gonna re-download it all and burn it to DVD so I can rewatching over and over again. For those who stopped watching at mid-run, like Ryoutarou said above, get back into it. You will thank yourself later.

If I had to rank the shows that I have seen, without seeing the finale and how it all ties together, it would go like this:

1. Hibiki
2. Faiz
3. Den-o
4. Ryuki
5. Agito
6. Kabuto
7. Blade
 
I'm betting those taros-tachi fooled you guys for a tear or two in the last episde when they supposedly* disappear. haha They surely PUNK'D me. That was funny. :laugh:
 
I'll never forget Momo & co for their unforgettable antics and extreme characteristics. Anybody who's been following the series would not forget how Momotaros does his 'Ore, sanjou!' pose nor how Urataros places his forearms.

I guess everybody would agree the show captures us so much, that there have been constant requests for the Imajin-summoning tunes for our cell-phone ringtones, right?

And the revelation that Big Sister Airi ain't as an airhead as we thought she'd be (well, she wasn't, before her memory loss anyway ^^). Kudos for those who speculated that Airi might be someone important early last year (though some speculated that she is, in reality, Ryotaro's momma =X)

And the impact of the show being being either parodied or the guest-starring of the characters and weapons in other famous animations (e.g. Crayon Shin-chan and Keroro). Sure, Rider-1 and Rider-2 have regular appearances in Dr Slump, but it's certainly a breakthrough of recognition of Masked Riders in the modern age.

A strong tie-in between the series and the movie.

Ryotaros. From a bumbling yet nice character, to a gangster, to a charming flirt, to a naive brute, to a childish individual with astonishing breakdancing moves, to a sensitive new age butler who has lost his previous contract master, to a character who thinks he's a noble. THIS GUY CAN ACT! If his hard work aren't commended and praised by anyone, then his efforts would have been a waste.

Adult Hana. Gotta love that short skirt~

Yuuto. He matured from a solo king pest from the early episodes to a dependable comrade.

Owner. Mysterious and forever a weirdo.

Naomi. Erm... to me, she's just an eyecandy to guys who drools at skin-tight outfits.

Sieg. Thought short-lived, this guy's Nobles Obligee (however it's spelt) can certainly level with Tsurugi's (Masked Rider Sasword). He'll be remembered.

The 2 regular admirers of Airi? Ermm... Gosh! Look at the time, and the length of this post... I think I should wrap things up! XD

Granted, Den-O may not be the strongest Rider ever created, but there are certain elements from this series that will forever etch it in my heart.

Something like not forgetting a good friend that you have made even though you and your friend have to bid goodbye.

The Imajin-summoning tunes will forever be used in my cellphone. And the Zeronos EZlink card.
 
There are so many things in this series that made me cry. Yes, I cried...but what I love about it is the music. It makes you want to dance.

It's amazing hearing the imagin sing, especially...*dreamy fanboy sigh* Koji Yusa and Kenichi Suzumura...

I think my favorite had to be Ryotaro. I mean...Takeru Satoh is amazing! Have you seen the live version of the Climax Jump Hip-hop version? Watch him actually dance AS Ryotaro rather than R-Ryotaro! He's so amazing...and...unbelievably sexy!
 
I'm gonna miss Den-O. I love Momotaros, and my favorite moment from the series might be when he's trying to say "Ore, sanjou!" but Hana is standing a little too close, so it goes something like "Ore... wait, get out of the way... Ore, sanjou!" Gotta love someone who takes looking badass that seriously. (That happened in one of the first ten episodes I think.)

I grew to love the fact that it's not serious like other Kamen Riders. Just about everything in the show made me smile (especially how Yuuto treats Deneb - though I feel awful for him 'cuz he's the man :) ), and I almost cried when Kintaros left.

And I wanted a Stationmaster T-Shirt after that one episode... not to mention the Golden Spoon Full Set!

The action was fantastic, but I wish there was more VEGA FORM!!!! I never really got into the whole Liner Form thing. I mean, I know it was important for Ryoutarou to be seen fighting the forces of evil using his own power, but that sword looks downright unwieldy and just really weird. I would have rather seen more Climax Form than Liner Form.

The biggest problem I had with the show (and it was a biggie) is that the time travel elements were downright stupid. I don't wanna get too into that, though. I still adore the show and listen to the music all the time, and I'm waiting for T-N to release the last episode and the movie.
 
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Cool show- I wish they solved some mysteries, though. I'm left curious for some of the stuff they haven't delved on.
 
Cool show- I wish they solved some mysteries, though. I'm left curious for some of the stuff they haven't delved on.

"Past Man" takes off his hat, reveals his face as Yuuto Sakurai, kisses Airi on the forehead and tells her something corny like "Will be together...it's just a matter of time" then vanishes. :laugh:
 

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