On the trail of the stolen Digitama. Taichi, Onii-chan and Takeru finally reach Château Devimon, who decides to pad an already stretched plot out a bit more by setting the non-bishie/loli Splashmon on them. Inevitably this leads to a big drawn out fight as Onii-chan forgets to use reverse psychology on Takeru, who (and with a sizable collection of moulted feathers by this point) climbs down a big hole.
Meanwhile back in the real world the other kids desperately try to keep themselves relevant by focussing on stopping a hijacked oil tanker, before some muscle-headed idiot has the bright idea to try and fight it.
After a good deal of getting their arses kicked over the course of some stiffly animated sequences, Taichi decides it is time once again to blur the line between reckless and courageous, and follows that up by delivering an 'inspiring speech' that is (rather gratingly) centred on concern for their mission, rather then his partner's suffering...
*Cue some magic Shōnen stuff*
Metalgreymon miraculously regenerates, and it turns out all that miasma stuff we spent several episodes avoiding can provide the protagonists with handy items like railgun attachments. Which is of course the ideal thing for dealing with a Digimon that can turn itself into liquid.
Once that obstacle it out of the way, we end on the revelation that the castle was built on top of an imprisoned ElDoradimon, which the disobedient Takeru has befriended and released.
As apparent thanks it opens up its skull, allowing the group entrance as Devimon looks on, quietly relieved that no asked it to roll over.
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In short, a fairly mediocre episode, mostly devoted to hyping up Metalgreymon's new toy. Which is apparently enough for Bandai to market as a separate mode.
The fight with Splashmon was essentially an underwhelming combination of both the Metaltyrannomon and Eyesmon encounters. Where the Partners futilely utilize conventional tactics against an unconventional opponent, until a more powerful conventional tactic does the job.
In addition, my noted shallowness of Taichi's character up to this point, which added no real substance to what was seemingly meant to be a heartfelt moment between him and Metalgreymon, rather then (another) easy narrative device to gain a power-up.
The most positive thing I can probably say, is at least they didn't forget the existence of Mimi's grandpa. Whilst Devimon's expanded role is currently the only real thing maintaining my fluctuating interest.
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Additional:
Turns out Gomamon is aerodynamic.
