The purpose of this episode is two-fold: to establish details on Rika's life that will be expanded on down the road and to introduce Kyubimon. It's a promising combination that hearkens back to the formula of the first season, though I wouldn't say it lives up to its full potential. At too many points it feels as if head writer Chiaki J. Konaka is more concerned with completing a checklist than telling a story that flows. However, most of the episode keeps the focus on the pertinent duo, which helps keep things cohesive despite some forced in material.
But, anyway, about the good stuff. Rika's background is more detailed than either Takato or Henry's, with various aspects covered efficiently; the few scenes with her mother, Rumiko, say all that they need to with minimal time. We also learn the extent of Rika's desire to be the strongest through her interactions with Renamon; notice how indifferent she seems to her partner's injuries in battle. Renamon is shown to be just as single minded as she is, but with a sense of honor and loyalty, as shown by her actions. It goes a long way towards making her one of the most unique and contemplative of the rookie digimon.
The strengths of the character notwithstanding, the weakness in Melissa Fahn's voice work is highlighted. She infuses Rika with too much cockiness and snootiness, and not enough raw emotion (though that will change in "The Icemon Cometh"). It makes sense for this character, but also makes me miss the restrained edginess Fahn gave Gaz on "Invader Zim". This makes Rika something of a converse to Takato, who has a dull personality but very good voice work.
The recounting of how these two met is more satisfying than Henry's corresponding flashback, as this is an event based on Rika's desire for a challenge to match her talents in the card game. Yet, it comes across as a little perfunctory. Maybe it's due to the short length or subdued reaction that Rika has to the sudden, frightening appearance of real digimon, but this flashback doesn't resonate. Maybe if it were juxtaposed with glimpses of Renamon's past it would have complemented the real issue here: the inability of these two to actually bond.
On the visual level, there's a discernible trend going on. The gloomier scenes, particularly those set at night and twilight, look very good, but the brighter ones, especially within a digital field, are considerably less refined; such a pattern will persist until the arrival of the boar Deva. The fight with Dokugomon is good, with the spider boasting its most menacing look yet; the sight of Renamon in her jaws is pretty gruesome for this kind of show.
I would argue that Kyubimon's introduction (accompanied by Rika's horrifically embarrassing shout in the dub) is premature and weakens the future schism between these two, though I would keep the scene where Renamon saves Rika's life. This episode would have gotten along fine by simply exploring their relationship. Truth be told, I'm not really a fan of Kyubimon. It's not so much her design that's the issue, but the way it's presented. She looks cool in the evolution footage, where the flames on her body glow and flicker, but normally she looks disorganized, and her paws like they've been dipped in blueberry yogurt.
But, anyway, about the good stuff. Rika's background is more detailed than either Takato or Henry's, with various aspects covered efficiently; the few scenes with her mother, Rumiko, say all that they need to with minimal time. We also learn the extent of Rika's desire to be the strongest through her interactions with Renamon; notice how indifferent she seems to her partner's injuries in battle. Renamon is shown to be just as single minded as she is, but with a sense of honor and loyalty, as shown by her actions. It goes a long way towards making her one of the most unique and contemplative of the rookie digimon.
The strengths of the character notwithstanding, the weakness in Melissa Fahn's voice work is highlighted. She infuses Rika with too much cockiness and snootiness, and not enough raw emotion (though that will change in "The Icemon Cometh"). It makes sense for this character, but also makes me miss the restrained edginess Fahn gave Gaz on "Invader Zim". This makes Rika something of a converse to Takato, who has a dull personality but very good voice work.
The recounting of how these two met is more satisfying than Henry's corresponding flashback, as this is an event based on Rika's desire for a challenge to match her talents in the card game. Yet, it comes across as a little perfunctory. Maybe it's due to the short length or subdued reaction that Rika has to the sudden, frightening appearance of real digimon, but this flashback doesn't resonate. Maybe if it were juxtaposed with glimpses of Renamon's past it would have complemented the real issue here: the inability of these two to actually bond.
On the visual level, there's a discernible trend going on. The gloomier scenes, particularly those set at night and twilight, look very good, but the brighter ones, especially within a digital field, are considerably less refined; such a pattern will persist until the arrival of the boar Deva. The fight with Dokugomon is good, with the spider boasting its most menacing look yet; the sight of Renamon in her jaws is pretty gruesome for this kind of show.
I would argue that Kyubimon's introduction (accompanied by Rika's horrifically embarrassing shout in the dub) is premature and weakens the future schism between these two, though I would keep the scene where Renamon saves Rika's life. This episode would have gotten along fine by simply exploring their relationship. Truth be told, I'm not really a fan of Kyubimon. It's not so much her design that's the issue, but the way it's presented. She looks cool in the evolution footage, where the flames on her body glow and flicker, but normally she looks disorganized, and her paws like they've been dipped in blueberry yogurt.
