Mimi: What if we get lost and can't get out?
Crow: *Mimicking* Gee, What if we conveniently forget we have three Digimon that can fly?
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We start off with a familiar scenario, Yamato acting Kuudere.
Things then cut to a quick update at what's going on in the Real World (I like how some of the trapped people are thoughtful enough to wear face masks) before catching up with the writer's favourites.
Now my primary gripe with the episode emerges regarding the decision for the characters taking the more difficult option by going through the maze of canyons in the first place, rather then simply having Kabuterimon ferry them over the top.
Keeping a low profile from the enemy is becoming a rather flimsy excuse by this point. Group B don't seem particularly all that arsed about it, nor do the Soundbirmon appear to have much of a problem keeping a general tab. In addition to the fact both Groups now have two Perfects each.
The canyon walls themselves impose a massive restriction on the protagonist's ability to spot and react to any approaching danger, along with providing enemy Digimon with a huge tactical advantage via ambush from above. Something the Kuwagamon take full advantage off
Very quickly the central plot becomes apparent in Koushiro's continuing
computer problems. Causing him to experience an attack of character development.
Action pornography commences as Greymon and Togemon fail to evolve due to *insert hand wave*. The arrival of an Okuwamon ensures the cast thoroughly have the shit kicked out of them, though not enough to incapacitate.
After some more faffing about, Koushiro finally realizes that he's still Iron Man without the suit, or something like that...Atlurkabuterimon's strength makes the Kuwagamon cry.
One small detail I quite like, is that despite having no visual expressions, they balance it out by giving Tentomon's forms a vibrant personality. If they ever get Jeff Nimoy back for the dub, he's going to have a lot of fun.
It is perhaps fortunate the Kuwagamon are not bright enough to understand Koushiro's plan (despite shouting it from the top of his lungs) to re-enact a scene he saw in Jurassic Park.
Imagine how embarrassing it could have been if one of them suddenly piped up in a well-spoken accent, that they just heard all of that. '>_>
The plot suddenly allows Greymon to evolve at last. Mimi fulfils her comical quota for this week. Okuwamon puts up a miniscule of resistance, before being finished off with a Choudenji Spin.
We end with Yamato deciding to stop acting Kuudere, and end that with a new ending. A somewhat trippy looking one... O _ o
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Overall, it was a bit of a mixed bag. Koushiro getting some growth beyond 'Mr Walking Database' was nice, even if it took a fairly simplistic and predictable route. Though it remains to be seen if this is something that will stick and not be forgotten about in a few episodes.
The Tentomon line has always been my favourite of the original eight, and IMO has the most enjoyable bond with his human. Getting a chance to properly face off one-on-one against his long-standing nemesis, it was something of an improvement over Kabuterimon's first appearance.
The main weakness for me laid in several contrivances such as the setup, and dancing around the problem of having two Perfects already on hand with several opportunities to bring them out during the fight. Lillymon certainly would have been suited to the tightness of the canyons.
Either way I shall be glad to see the end of this current slog of evolution debuts, and whether or not Joe can salvage something for Group B before we can finally get back to the plot.