As is the case with many episodes this season, a lot occurs but there's a pervasive feeling of "going through the motions". The subplot of Thomas working for Kurata continues to act like it's fooling the audience, which is a sad reminder that the most original and promising aspect of Thomas' character has been reduced to a red herring. When Thomas reveals that he was just playing along to save his sister the "surprise" revelation falls completely flat, and Gaomon simply following difficult orders is merely a fraction as personal as what Gabumon did during the corresponding subplot from the original series. When all is said and done, the matter is adequate from a logic perspective, but not from a storytelling perspective.
Marcus continues to sulk over Agumon's egg, but this matter will continue to be marginalized only to make an obligatory leap forward; it simply does not have the substance or introspection to resonate. The best parts of the episode concern Kurata's ultimatum and intimidation of the leaders of Japan, though this is mostly because of Belphemon, who manages to live up to its build-up as a secret superweapon in spite of its cutesy appearance. Truth be told, I think his Sleep Mode is better than his Rage Mode. There's something unsettling about a monster powerful enough to sleep through whatever attacks are thrown at it, a quality of tension and mystery that gets lost in Rage Mode's typical berserk antics.
Also, I've got to mention a couple of things concerning Thomas' betrayal. Seeing Kurata stomp on the control device while declaring his outrage over Thomas' betrayal is so patently pitiful, that you can't help but laugh. Also, the notion that Thomas would be needed to build a remote control device for Belphemon is quite a stretch. Kurata has been able to create artificial monsters, successfully hybridize humans with digimon, create portals through space and even convert himself into D.N.A yet he a simple remote control device was apparently too much for him. Whatever, it's more amusing than anything else in a show like this.
Marcus continues to sulk over Agumon's egg, but this matter will continue to be marginalized only to make an obligatory leap forward; it simply does not have the substance or introspection to resonate. The best parts of the episode concern Kurata's ultimatum and intimidation of the leaders of Japan, though this is mostly because of Belphemon, who manages to live up to its build-up as a secret superweapon in spite of its cutesy appearance. Truth be told, I think his Sleep Mode is better than his Rage Mode. There's something unsettling about a monster powerful enough to sleep through whatever attacks are thrown at it, a quality of tension and mystery that gets lost in Rage Mode's typical berserk antics.
Also, I've got to mention a couple of things concerning Thomas' betrayal. Seeing Kurata stomp on the control device while declaring his outrage over Thomas' betrayal is so patently pitiful, that you can't help but laugh. Also, the notion that Thomas would be needed to build a remote control device for Belphemon is quite a stretch. Kurata has been able to create artificial monsters, successfully hybridize humans with digimon, create portals through space and even convert himself into D.N.A yet he a simple remote control device was apparently too much for him. Whatever, it's more amusing than anything else in a show like this.
