For the last time, in episodes that introduce new higher-level evolutionary forms it is NOT acceptable to have characters go through a bunch of lightweight actions and call it "build-up". "Justice Equals Power" can only be described as the garbage dump of this story arc, where every perfunctorily treated subject is crammed just to be treated perfunctorily. We have Yoshi and Keenan, the two least successful members of the group, Marcus' family, which has served as little more than window dressing, and Biyomon, who literally drops out of nowhere.
I guess an episode that focuses on both Yoshi and Keenan is an attempt at efficiency, but their roles are nearly devoid of thought. Poor Yoshi only gets reaffirmation of her role as the babysitter of the group (the removal of the "reluctant" aspect is of no consequence) while Keenan just watches the in-training digimon. Actually, there is a good moment here when Keenan empathizes with the young creatures, flashing back to how Marcus looked out for him when he first arrived on Earth. Nonetheless, the whole product feels like an "act 1" episode, something that mostly stunts the momentum of the current crisis. Early on, some images are shown of the calamities in the Digital World (which serve as cheap imitations of the data streams from "Tamers"), but there's an overall absence of tension from the situation. This episode wants to be light hearted and funny when it should be urgent and contemplative.
Concerning Biyomon's return, I didn't care for his partnership with the precocious Kristy back then, and I sure as sugar don't have a reason to care now.
Leopardmon may be the most lazily designed Royal Knight, looking like a lanky brown version of the Tin Man, with wings, a dinky sword that packs a deceptively mean punch, and a mane of hair that a unicorn would applaud. Sadly, the burst mode forms for Rosemon and Ravemon aren't too impressive either. First, the basis for their evolution is virtually mechanical, only based on a desire to protect something. I can buy Keenan's intention, since he actually did do a little bonding with the forlorn digimon, but Yoshi's moments don't count as anything beyond superficial. Had she actually formed a real bond with Marcus in the past, her desire to protect his home and family would be MUCH more meaningful. Second, their abilities are downgraded if you ask me. Ravemon Burst Mode just zooms about while slashing the enemy, which has been done by numerous monsters already, and Rosemon Burst Mode's blown kisses thing is kind of silly. I will admit one thing, however. It was cool to hear the voice of Coleen O'Shaughnessy exclaim "Biyomon!"
I guess an episode that focuses on both Yoshi and Keenan is an attempt at efficiency, but their roles are nearly devoid of thought. Poor Yoshi only gets reaffirmation of her role as the babysitter of the group (the removal of the "reluctant" aspect is of no consequence) while Keenan just watches the in-training digimon. Actually, there is a good moment here when Keenan empathizes with the young creatures, flashing back to how Marcus looked out for him when he first arrived on Earth. Nonetheless, the whole product feels like an "act 1" episode, something that mostly stunts the momentum of the current crisis. Early on, some images are shown of the calamities in the Digital World (which serve as cheap imitations of the data streams from "Tamers"), but there's an overall absence of tension from the situation. This episode wants to be light hearted and funny when it should be urgent and contemplative.
Concerning Biyomon's return, I didn't care for his partnership with the precocious Kristy back then, and I sure as sugar don't have a reason to care now.
Leopardmon may be the most lazily designed Royal Knight, looking like a lanky brown version of the Tin Man, with wings, a dinky sword that packs a deceptively mean punch, and a mane of hair that a unicorn would applaud. Sadly, the burst mode forms for Rosemon and Ravemon aren't too impressive either. First, the basis for their evolution is virtually mechanical, only based on a desire to protect something. I can buy Keenan's intention, since he actually did do a little bonding with the forlorn digimon, but Yoshi's moments don't count as anything beyond superficial. Had she actually formed a real bond with Marcus in the past, her desire to protect his home and family would be MUCH more meaningful. Second, their abilities are downgraded if you ask me. Ravemon Burst Mode just zooms about while slashing the enemy, which has been done by numerous monsters already, and Rosemon Burst Mode's blown kisses thing is kind of silly. I will admit one thing, however. It was cool to hear the voice of Coleen O'Shaughnessy exclaim "Biyomon!"
