This one is a considerable downslide from the previous three, which is unfortunate because it contains the first real exploration of Henry's character.
As is the case with many of the lesser episodes of "Tamers" it starts off on the right track, showing the resolution to the mishap with Gargomon and further hinting at Henry's overall attitude about having a digimon partner; the unearned jump from "power drunk Gargomon" to "docile Gargomon" will significantly weaken the 11th episode. Everything goes south once the digital field shows up, and any hopes for an efficient, streamlined storyline are dashed. After a chase scene that seems to drag on (despite only lasting about 1.5 minutes) we are given the first lengthy action sequence in the series, which is where the majority of this episode's warts stem from. From recycled footage, to sluggish animation, to poor pacing, this fight suffers from darn near every problem that could hamper it. About the only positive thing I can say about it is that there is an established grudge between the combatants, but even that brings more harm than good.
The biggest problem lies in trying to forcibly blend the action with the story of how Henry met Terriermon. The resulting flashback is so haphazardly intercut with the current fight that, at points, it feels more like watching events from parallel dimensions unfold simultaneously. Furthermore, it's so eviscerated that half the time it was difficult to accept certain things, like the pragmatic Henry instantly believing the existence of a digital plane. Truly, this backstory, while providing an adequate experience from which Henry's aversion to fighting stems from, would have been much more effective if it were intercut with an exploration of Henry's home life. It seems the staff was not willing to risk putting off the action any longer (they couldn't just have Rika be the opponent again), so they insisted on inserting this skirmish with Gorillamon to keep younger audiences interested. Of course, that's pure speculation.
Maybe it's just me, but Terriermon's catchphrase is already becoming tiresome, probably because he utters it about 3 times this episode. His first words after popping out of the computer effectively establish his laid back attitude, though.
As is the case with many of the lesser episodes of "Tamers" it starts off on the right track, showing the resolution to the mishap with Gargomon and further hinting at Henry's overall attitude about having a digimon partner; the unearned jump from "power drunk Gargomon" to "docile Gargomon" will significantly weaken the 11th episode. Everything goes south once the digital field shows up, and any hopes for an efficient, streamlined storyline are dashed. After a chase scene that seems to drag on (despite only lasting about 1.5 minutes) we are given the first lengthy action sequence in the series, which is where the majority of this episode's warts stem from. From recycled footage, to sluggish animation, to poor pacing, this fight suffers from darn near every problem that could hamper it. About the only positive thing I can say about it is that there is an established grudge between the combatants, but even that brings more harm than good.
The biggest problem lies in trying to forcibly blend the action with the story of how Henry met Terriermon. The resulting flashback is so haphazardly intercut with the current fight that, at points, it feels more like watching events from parallel dimensions unfold simultaneously. Furthermore, it's so eviscerated that half the time it was difficult to accept certain things, like the pragmatic Henry instantly believing the existence of a digital plane. Truly, this backstory, while providing an adequate experience from which Henry's aversion to fighting stems from, would have been much more effective if it were intercut with an exploration of Henry's home life. It seems the staff was not willing to risk putting off the action any longer (they couldn't just have Rika be the opponent again), so they insisted on inserting this skirmish with Gorillamon to keep younger audiences interested. Of course, that's pure speculation.
Maybe it's just me, but Terriermon's catchphrase is already becoming tiresome, probably because he utters it about 3 times this episode. His first words after popping out of the computer effectively establish his laid back attitude, though.
