This episode is largely a laundry list of different people's perspectives on Jeri, which hurts the flow, but enough is done right to earn a hearty recommendation.
Key things that transpire include the first, and best, exploration of Jeri's background and developments for both Mr. Kato and the group's weaponry. It was already stated before that the D-Reaper is using Jeri to learn more about humans, and we see the extent of that here. The opening scene reveals why the concept of death has such a strong effect on her, and does so with a twisted, disturbing sequence that was probably intended to reflect the confusion and exaggeration that a child might experience. It's one of those moments that really stay with you after the series ends.
Within the new headquarters of Yamaki and the Monster Makers, things start to get a little unwieldly. First, Rumiko and Jeri's stepmother have a brief exchange that epitomizes one of my biggest gripes with this series. Rumiko attempts to console Jeri's stepmother and things quickly shift to Rika, denying us what could have been an insightful and helpful conversation. Rika's reflections on Jeri at least encourage the former to change her outlook. It shows introspection and a semblance of one kid facilitating the growth of another. Yet, this scene's throwaway nature and disregard for the "show, don't tell" approach betray its purpose as an attempt to bring consequence to the friendship between Rika and Jeri. No offense to fans of these two, but even with this scene that friendship, while believable, fails to resonate because it isn't bolstered by action.
Despite only having a couple of significant moments in the series, Mr. Kato makes a stronger impact than Jeri. Earlier he gave the impression of a gruff, insensitive guy, but now we find out that he's only been doing what he believes is best for his daughter. He's the type that cares but isn't as open in expressing it, and revealing that in this manner works because it's supposed to be surprising. I felt for his plight and wanted him to get the chance to amend his relationship with his daughter. Why he believes Jeri's predicament is his fault is unclear; maybe it's natural for parents to blame themselves for their children's predicaments.
After this, things become more conventional and light, which is a little jarring. The paratice head is a suitably bizarre new agent, but the fact that it uses Jeri's child-like voice makes it less threatening. It doesn't have the same unsettling quality as the feminine computer voices from certain video-games. The end fight is mostly less thrilling than the previous one, but the introduction of Grani, who actually makes a really cool battle combination with Gallantmon, is what gives it distinction. He'll continue to be a great asset. It's more than a little contrived that Gallantmon suddenly can't fly, but never mind.
Key things that transpire include the first, and best, exploration of Jeri's background and developments for both Mr. Kato and the group's weaponry. It was already stated before that the D-Reaper is using Jeri to learn more about humans, and we see the extent of that here. The opening scene reveals why the concept of death has such a strong effect on her, and does so with a twisted, disturbing sequence that was probably intended to reflect the confusion and exaggeration that a child might experience. It's one of those moments that really stay with you after the series ends.
Within the new headquarters of Yamaki and the Monster Makers, things start to get a little unwieldly. First, Rumiko and Jeri's stepmother have a brief exchange that epitomizes one of my biggest gripes with this series. Rumiko attempts to console Jeri's stepmother and things quickly shift to Rika, denying us what could have been an insightful and helpful conversation. Rika's reflections on Jeri at least encourage the former to change her outlook. It shows introspection and a semblance of one kid facilitating the growth of another. Yet, this scene's throwaway nature and disregard for the "show, don't tell" approach betray its purpose as an attempt to bring consequence to the friendship between Rika and Jeri. No offense to fans of these two, but even with this scene that friendship, while believable, fails to resonate because it isn't bolstered by action.
Despite only having a couple of significant moments in the series, Mr. Kato makes a stronger impact than Jeri. Earlier he gave the impression of a gruff, insensitive guy, but now we find out that he's only been doing what he believes is best for his daughter. He's the type that cares but isn't as open in expressing it, and revealing that in this manner works because it's supposed to be surprising. I felt for his plight and wanted him to get the chance to amend his relationship with his daughter. Why he believes Jeri's predicament is his fault is unclear; maybe it's natural for parents to blame themselves for their children's predicaments.
After this, things become more conventional and light, which is a little jarring. The paratice head is a suitably bizarre new agent, but the fact that it uses Jeri's child-like voice makes it less threatening. It doesn't have the same unsettling quality as the feminine computer voices from certain video-games. The end fight is mostly less thrilling than the previous one, but the introduction of Grani, who actually makes a really cool battle combination with Gallantmon, is what gives it distinction. He'll continue to be a great asset. It's more than a little contrived that Gallantmon suddenly can't fly, but never mind.
