Shinkalion Change the World Ep 13 Review: Counterpoint
Evolution! After the last episode where Akane and Ryota turned back to Taisei, but he turned his sister away instead, we get an episode full of determination and action! And perhaps, we get another glimpse into ERDA as an organization – and Ina’s words don’t seem that out of reach after all.
The ERDA director seems weirdly obsessed with striking down Ina and anyone who might threaten the peace. We see that kind of high executives many times in all kinds of anime, but for Shinka, it’s a first. The Shinkalion Institutes’ director have been very supportive and amicable to the young Drivers in every series…except this one. While Kadomichi-sensei is trying his best to protect the Driver’s innocence and ideals, Director Kaiji is dead-set on making the teens commit literal murder. He even hinted at coercing Taisei and his family to keep ERDA a secret, or even a more sinister means.
That takes us back to Ina’s statement in the last episode. She was mentioning the zoo but it seems like ERDA’s treatment to her (or someone she knew) is also involved as well. The fact that ERDA’s top brass went straight to getting rid of Taisei and silencing him either suggest they’re cold-blooded as hell, or there is a precedence. Ina might have been a Shinkalion driver, and she was discarded when her suitability number went down. It could also mean that someone important to her was.
That takes us back to Ina’s statement in the last episode. She was mentioning the zoo but it seems like ERDA’s treatment to her (or someone she knew) is also involved as well. The fact that ERDA’s top brass went straight to getting rid of Taisei and silencing him either suggest they’re cold-blooded as hell, or there is a precedence. Ina might have been a Shinkalion driver, and she was discarded when her suitability number went down. It could also mean that someone important to her was.
Even so, Taisei still retains his ideal that Ina originally shared with him. “To always protect”. And the reason is pretty cool as well: to be “cool”. Well it doesn’t get much cooler than that. But we know that means Taisei understands what Ina meant. No matter what it is, it is cool to protect something. Even if ERDA was corrupt somewhere, it isn’t right to just destroy everything.
Despite Ina’s extremely intimidating and seemingly insane zoom call, Taisei doesn’t back down and is resolved to stop her himself. Chief Kaiji is being extra douche by pressuring the young teenage brother to take down/kill his sister whom he lost when he was young. “For the greater good” aside, it just seems insensitive and cruel. I think the show is trying to make us doubt ERDA’s prime leader and his methods.
Despite Ina’s extremely intimidating and seemingly insane zoom call, Taisei doesn’t back down and is resolved to stop her himself. Chief Kaiji is being extra douche by pressuring the young teenage brother to take down/kill his sister whom he lost when he was young. “For the greater good” aside, it just seems insensitive and cruel. I think the show is trying to make us doubt ERDA’s prime leader and his methods.
No matter, since Taisei is determined to stop his sister’s assault. And I didn’t expect to get a Dekamaster situation here with 100 Unknowns at the same time. Too bad our protagonist isn’t a badass space cop boss, which makes it all the more fortunate when Akane and Ryota came to his rescue. The action this episode is pretty good. One thing I wish happened is a bit of teamwork combo but eh.
The Phantom Shinkalion’s equipment looks pretty cool. The fact that it hasn’t pulled out its Vehicle Gattai yet means there’s more room for upgrades. I really like the fact that the Gran Cross is a forbidden weapon that can negatively affect the Driver’s health physically. In previous series, the Gran Cross is just a cool attack that uses up the Shinkalion’s energy. The cannon’s output is pretty high and the after-effect is great.
The Phantom Shinkalion’s equipment looks pretty cool. The fact that it hasn’t pulled out its Vehicle Gattai yet means there’s more room for upgrades. I really like the fact that the Gran Cross is a forbidden weapon that can negatively affect the Driver’s health physically. In previous series, the Gran Cross is just a cool attack that uses up the Shinkalion’s energy. The cannon’s output is pretty high and the after-effect is great.
What’s surprising is that it seems Ina has snapped out of her trance – without any memories of when she gone full psycho on ERDA. It *seems* like things are resolved now but we were also introduced to a new antagonist. This guy looks a bit edgy. Definitely not as cool as Byakko, more like a slightly older Seiryuu from the original series. The new challenges that were presented is: what happened to Ina? And what is going to happen to Taisei now that he collapsed?
Aaron
Aaron
Check our more reviews here:
After Reiji and Tender was defeated, the Unknown will most likely stop. With ERDA’s disbandment and the Shinkalions being retired soon, what will our Drivers think? Especially Taisei when Vina is still missing.
After a heroic act of sacrifice, the Red Senshi was transported to another world. Here, he will keep his heroic resolution and protect the weak as the Bansou Sentai Kizuna Red!
The new Isekai Hero Wataru is back! But this time, we’re getting a mix of Minecraft, Youtube and Streaming for the new Gen-Z kids watching.
The return of Aquarion begins with an unexpected but questioning start. Can this series set itself apart and reignite the emotions fans love about the original?
A young girl set out on a journey to reclaim her memory and life in a mecha tournament. What is hidden behind her innocence and cheerfulness?
The hard-fought battle is over – and the mystery behind the Unknown is also solved. A man’s dream turned into a nightmare by his closest friend. Will the fabricated justice fail after this?
The final duel between fateful opponents – Alma and Hikaru versus Fist possessing Jun. The winner shall decide the fate of the world…
The climactic battle between Taisei and Reiji begins now. It’s not just a clash of power, but also ideals as well. And which side will be strong enough to triumph?
When many small efforts result in big results. Everyone from ARMS, the Kagami Group and others unite to bring about the greatest miracle. The final battle approaches…
With the support of everyone, Taisei finally got his head in the game. But Reiji upped the difficulty with a brand new combination – here comes Chaos!
So much ups and downs this episode. An insane revelation, a dramatic battle, an emotional reunion, and an epic alliance. This episode set the stage for the upcoming climax.
The culprit who caused Reiji’s suffering was revealed. And the despicable actions of Commander Kaji are brought to light. But that isn’t enough to stop Reiji’s crusade.
We’re going all out fist blazing against Ordela. But it is just a mid-boss, as we learn about the true mastermind behind everything. And Jun proved to be a crucial MVP.
The tragedy of Reiji revealed. An extremely dark chronicle filled with despair that happened to a teenager that broke his mind and set him on a path of revenge. But who is responsible?
We get a glimpse of Tohdoh Kagami’s true plan of awakening the Ordela. And ARMS is rushing to stop it. And of course, Hikaru is also coming to take back Alma.
Morito, devastated after he struck down Ido, found himself in agony. But wallowing in despair won’t help him. Instead he found the way to a greater purpose.
Alma’s past with Yakumo revealed, a tragic story that separated two best friends. And in the present, Alma once again separated from his current partner. But something else is brewing in the dark…
Two revelations in this episode: one worth celebrating and one devastating. The team learned about Reiji and his story, but also met the pilot of the new Shinkalion.
Amaryllis’ true plan revealed. Caught in the crossfire, Aki intended to sacrifice herself. But Hikaru won’t stand for it. Another blazing episode!
Two revelations in this episode: one worth celebrating and one devastating. The team learned about Reiji and his story, but also met the pilot of the new Shinkalion.
Aki finally found the Worm-type user she so hate, but the user’s identity shock her. Now she has to pick between the two person she value most.
Hikaru officially became an ARMS member. And now we move onto Alma’s past and Aki’s vengeance. The Worm-type user finally showed up, but…?
The story behind Reiji’s disappearance and ERDA’s change revealed. A chain of events that went from good to bad. Even so, time presses on.
Brought him in just to put him down. Hikaru and Alma faced challenges from all sides, but their bonds evolved thanks to that. Time to bring the heat!
We make our return to Rei(Zero) as we looked back at Ina and Reiji before they became enemies. A young ERDA that is quite different to today as well.
More Super Robot hijinks and tropes from Yamato in this episode. A new Deerkalion and an old face coming back to haunt ERDA. Is this episode just for show?
Time for some school life romcom – with murderous henchmen in Kill la Kill style. The perfect mix between seriousness and comedy remove any bore from the series.
A forgotten series making its comeback. And it brought us some huge nostalgia for the early 2000s sci-fi-shounens. Gotta give a hand to Mecha-Ude for making it this far!
It couldn’t get more hot-blooded in Shinkalion as we’re introduced to Yamato – a true-blue Super Robot pilot. But behind his bravado is a worry shared by many new mecha pilots.
The climactic showdown between the one who want to save the world and the one who want to tear it down. And at the end of the road, a miracle occurred.
The finale of the reboot UFO Robot…and it consist mostly of Duke going berserk and forced moments between characters. Wasted potential and missed opportunity is what we are left with at the end.
A surprising focus for this episode. We take a look at Delta and his friendship with an old AI. And they drop an insane plot point about a supposedly “dead” Driver.
If you think Gren U can’t get any more like SEED, you’re wrong. The series take a turn for the worse as it get even more bogged down in drama and no resolution in sight.
A2 and 9S finally meet. But before that, we have some pretty good action leading up to the eventual climax, including the fall of the machine lifeform.
Ep 11 delivers a massive blow to the nuts as SEED director continues to feed his ego
Welcome back to the Rizztival. Akane and Ryota flex their ability to capture people’s hearts with a very laid-back and funny episode.
Another big wave. Tsukumo struggle with both his siblings and a new enemy. But he showed his potential as he overcome his first major challenge after debuting.
A full exposition episode explaining Project Gestalt as well as Devola and Popola’s background. And we can’t forget 9S’ depression streak.
Mazinger Z returns in a new form – Mazinger X, but does it live up to the buildup it’s been given?
The fight isn’t over yet. The final Resistance camp is under attack by the virus. And this episode finally pushed A2 and 9S onto their final destination.
Cut through the waves! A new addition to the team in the Kyushu region is Tsukumo Namikaze – a driver that can match Ryota’s energetic attitude.
The final battle with Norland has taken place. Victory is certain for the protagonist, but will the price be worth it? Is this ending truly satisfying?
It’s time to fight – both in and out. A2 risked her life to protect the machines she used to hate, and 9S walked into a trap that he used to be careful about.
Grendizer U is finally reaching its finale, and all the factions’ motive and thoughts are gradually revealed
A festival episode where everyone enjoy the festivities. Taisei made a new friend as well as some progress on everyone’s relationship. Overall a feel good episode.
The battle has come to an end, with only 2 episodes left until the end of Code Geass. Ash and Sakuya finally face Norland – or the clone of Charles zi Britannia. Will the two be able to defeat Norland?
The best way to resolve conflict is to sit down and talk, but is it true for Duke and Rubina?
Two people who used to be opposites then, are still opposites now – but their personalities have swapped. An expressive A2 versus a raging, seething 9S. Where will the story take them?
Episode 9 ties up some loose ends and prepares us for the final battle.
Every Mecha anime has that underwater fight episode, and ep 7 is that ep for Grendizer. It also introduces the Spazers and hints at some of Hikaru’s secrets
Hitting two birds with one stone. Akane resolved his issue and the SRG formation is possible. But this episode also has a first for the series.
After 2 episodes without any fight scenes, the viewers are compensated with fiery confrontations
Letting special guests go wild with their styles, episode 6 is filled with diverse, full of personality animation.
She sighs, she pouts, and she smiles. A2 show us a myriad of expression this episode that clear out the dark clouds of negativity. However, not everyone is in a happy mood.
The Hades debut is devastating and overwhelming. A complete defeat for ERDA and Akane, Taisei and Ryota has a lot to work through.
Ash’s full past finally revealed and we see for the first time what his adoptive father – Norland’s like. Along came the terrible realization that crushes Sakuya’s soul.
Duke’s sister, Maria Fleed, finally arrived, together with an upgraded opening. But is this really a good sign?
From the past to the present, this episode show the incredible and compelling story of ex-YoHRa soldier A2. And completely shift the series’ focus.
The desperate couple trying to make their escape. But fate will it not to be. A tragic end for 2B sent 9S into a mind-numbing rage.
The aftermath of the Damocles assault. The truth behind Ash’s action revealed, will Sakuya still want to continue her revenge. In the meantime, we get another wacko for the Einbergs.
New enemy and old problem. Akane tried to find himself between track and Shinkalion. Meanwhile a literal god of Death has appeared – and his name is Hades!
The Naida episode finally arrived. Does it hold up to its original? unfortunately, the answer is no.
The student council president takes flight in this episode, taking his Shinkalion to new heights as he unshackle the rules that bind him to the ground.
The return of the Damocles, as well as the debut of the first animated combining KMF. A rushdown operation with absolutely amazing action.
The beginning of the end. YoHRa is completely obliterated. The truth about the humans come to life. And 2B and 9S only has each other for the finale to come.