What They Say:
The so-called “hard-boiled detective,” Shotaro gets in over his head as he tries to one man this case.
The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
I appreciate how this show takes a step to build upon Shotaro and Philip’s relationship. Their relationship should be complete with their adventures in Kamen Rider W. But it’s not perfect as the cracks are fully visible in their relationship. Shotaro wants to take on the weight of the world or Fuuto to be more exact, on his shoulders. Philip is fully confident in his talents and seeks his own way but still wants to be part of the duo. He comes off a bit headstrong but it’s all for the purpose of wanting the “two halves of one detective” to work. He wants to be a hard-boiled detective but he really is just a soft-boiled or half boiled as he needs Philip to save Fuuto. They are not at the final step in their partnership but rather still in the middle of figuring out things.
It would have been great if Philip had more time to show off his talent and why he belongs. His power to search the universe is depicted wonderfully. It’s one part of what he contributes to the team. He has a genius personality and stands by his theories as long as he has evidence but he can admit that he is wrong. But there isn’t enough of what makes him a unique member of the team. Maybe Kamen Rider W touched upon this. It shouldn’t have to fall upon this show to explain and it’s just part of the license hell of not being able to see Kamen Rider W. Shotaro needs Philip but why does he need him more than just for his search abilities or needing a partner for Kamen Rider W? What makes him stand out?
Revisiting this episode after a month, made some of the initial impacts mean less. The transformation of Shotaro and Philip into Kamen Rider W was still an exquisite moment. That is just a thing of beauty. That magic still remains with the second viewing. It’s a shame that the rest can’t be said for the rest of the episode. It shares some of the same problems as Philip. It’s leaning toward an inaccessible past and laying down the titles for the future. Maybe others will have a better time as they comprehend everything that is being said and done.
In Summary
Episode 1 of FUUTO PI walked so that episode 2 can jog but it’s heading places slowly. It’s steadily getting better as it creates a new world. There is a new world but the old is still planted heavily in this series. At this point, it gets harder for new fans to be fully aware of what happens in this episode. Terminology
Grade: B+
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
