Recap: Kamen Rider Gavv, Episode 16 – The Gift of Noel

Shoma arrives, but he is weak from using too much cake power. That allows Rojoe to whisk the unconscious Hanto away.

Meanwhile, an Agent delivers the Presses from Lage 9 to Lango and Glotta who are very impressed by his haul. Glotta says this was to be expected considering Lage 9’s ability to amplify the victims’ joy in order to produce high quality Presses. And with Shoma and Hanto busy with the singing Granute, Lage 9 can quietly work with getting more Premium Presses.

Back on Earth, Shoma visits Uncle Dente to talk about his disappointment in being wrong about the Granute. Uncle Dente says one cannot simply quit the Dark Treats once they’re addicted. He acknowledges that he really did create a troublesome vice.

Uncle Dente says Shoma gets fixated on strange things despite being born into the Stomach Family. He wonders who he takes after.

Hearing that reminds Shoma that Hanto still does not know he is a Granute. Uncle Dente says it’s best to keep it that way as he could become Hanto’s next target if he is not careful.

Speaking of, Hanto wakes up and finds himself tied up in an abandoned warehouse. He is able to free his hands. But he pretends to still be unconscious when Rojoe brings Jiip to see his captive. Rojoe wants to be paid in Treats, but Jiip says he only wants the Red Gavv. Not this guy.

After Jiip leaves, Rojoe regrets sucking up to a laid off worker and thinks he should butter up boss Lango instead. Hanto realizes he might be able to learn more about Granutes and the Stomachs if he stays put here. He hopes he can find proof that no Granute can be trusted.

At Hapipare, Shoma gets a report from the Gochizos with no news about Hanto. Sachika calls him over to the table for lunch. Though she notices he seems down and guesses that he has not yet made up with Hanty. Shoma says it is his fault. But Sachika says fighting is normal amongst friends. They can argue over silly things or serious things. But Shoma just needs to apologize. Though it is still up to the other person to forgive. Until then, Shoma should keep trying.

Sachika reminds him about The Gift of the Magi and how it was all about being thoughtful of each other. Shoma understands and he hurries out, promising he will bring Hanto to their Christmas party later.

On the other side of town, Lage 9 goes into a movie theater and infuses the moviegoers with toxins, raising their joy before Pressing them. He delivers the Presses to an Agent who relays how pleased Lango and Glotta are with his work.

The Agent hands him a box of Treats and leaves. Good grief, I guess I’m in their good graces now, Lage 9 says. He knows he just needs to keep building up their trust in him. He tosses the box of Treats aside.

An Agent arrives at the warehouse to inform Rojoe that his request for Treats was denied. Rojoe begs to speak with the big boss, but the Agent just orders him to continue collecting Presses.

Hanto decides it’s time to wake up and begs Rojoe to spare his life and he will give them information about Gavv’s weakness. But the Agent says they do not need information from a human.

After the Agent leaves, Rojoe laughs and tells Hanto that it was a nice try, but he should do better next time. Rojoe kicks Hanto in the face, knocking him out again.

The Gochizo Shoma gave Hanto earlier pops out of Rojoe’s pocket and hops over to Hanto to check him out.

Meanwhile, Nyelv is happy to have Uncle Dente’s old files and Suga-san’s findings. With all this date, he can create the best new tool.

Back in town, Shoma has no idea where to start looking. But the Gochizo he gave to Hanto comes to lead him to the location. Rojoe welcomes Shoma and laughs at him wanting to save him from Dark Treats.

Shoma unzips his jacket, but Rojoe warns that one wrong move and Hanto will be in trouble. Shoma zips his jacket back up and Rojoe laughs at how gullible he can be.

Rojoe knocks Shoma around and seems to knock him unconscious. He rolls him over to Hanto’s side and leaves to find a way to get in touch with boss Lango and Jiip.

Turns out Shoma was just pretending and he quickly wakes Hanto up. Shoma gets the Gochizos to untie his hands. Shoma is then surprised to find Hanto is already untied.

Hanto says this was his chance to infiltrate the Stomachs. All so he could uncover the truth and show Shoma that they are truly evil and irredeemable. Then Shoma could fight them without hesitation.

Shoma cannot believe Hanto was doing all this for him. He flashes back to Sachika telling him about the two lovers from The Gift of the Magi showing each other that love and care are the most important thing.

Shoma and Hanto both apologize to each other.

Shoma tries to convince Hanto to not go through with infiltrating the Stomachs, saying that it is far too dangerous and they need to gather more info first. He reminds Hanto that he can’t do anything if he’s dead. Hanto reluctantly agrees.

Just then, Rojoe arrives and realizes he has been tricked. They all henshin and transform and battle.

The Gochizo arrives and both Shoma and Hanto can uphenshin to Caking and Bushel, respectively. They work together to finish Rojoe off for good with a Caking Breaking finisher.

That evening, Shoma, Hanto and Sachika are enjoying their little Christmas party at Hapipare. They enjoy pizza and chicken and cake.

As they are eating, Hanto thinks about Shoma’s protests earlier and wonders if maybe he knows more than he is letting on. Maybe even hiding something. Shoma wonders if he will ever be able to tell Hanto the truth one day.

Meanwhile, Nyelv has finished his new tool and looks through a list of potential candidates for it. But he is sure there is only one: Lage 9-kun.

Episode Thoughts

Okay, we’ll get to the bromance in a bit. But I’m most geeking out about Takamichi Crystalia becoming a Rider?! Hello?!?!?!

So even before this episode, I was already spoiled since Kohei Shoji tweeted it out earlier. Lol. But it would’ve been even more exciting had it been a complete surprise since it actually happens next week. I was totally expecting it would be in this episode. But they already spoiled it in the preview? Like, it’s confirmed, yes? No red herring?

Because omg, like, I was already enjoying Gavv. But having Kohei Shoji joining the cast potentially in a big role is just more bonus points in my book for the season! I’m very excited to see where his character goes especially with that intriguing moment in this episode implying a big mystery with him.

Man, I would not have expected this. But I am definitely happy and very excited!

Meanwhile, all the kudos to Yousuke Kishi as well. He was so much fun and so good as Rojoe. Having followed him after Kyuranger, it’s actually very fun to see his personality really shine through in this character. I remember mentioning back after the season just finished how seeing him be so different from Stinger in real life made his performance in Kyuranger all the more awesome.

It’s hard to pick a favorite Kyuranger since they’re all awesome. But Stinger could be my #1. And again, it’s a great treat for a fanboy like me to see two of my biases/faves from their respective seasons pop up on another Toei toku series. Particularly when it’s Sentai-to-Kamen Rider!

And speaking of, it was fun seeing Atomu Mizuishi in that movie playing in the theater. Which, I have just found out, is actually an “actual” movie starring Shiguru that was part of a Yodonna TTFC special. And because of that face, I also just learned that there have been multiple Yodonna specials. Lol.

Okay. Enough fanboying. Let’s talk about the developments of this episode.

I think the plot of the episode served its purpose very well. And that is to really highlight the continued tension between Shoma and Hanto with regards to Shoma’s identity. They are working together very well and very much have each other’s back. But one big revelation can tear them apart. And I think that is a very exciting tension to have. Especially when we know it will all blow up sooner or later.

I actually suddenly think of Revice and how they did the same. Building up a tension that climaxed in, I forget which episode in the 20s, to maximum and successful effect. Very emotional episode. Too bad everything went downhill from there for that season. But I definitely don’t expect the same decline on Gavv. *knock on wood* *fingers crossed* lolol

I definitely had to chuckle when the show, using that scene with Sachika, specifically pointed out The Gift of the Magi was about two lovers. Juxtaposing Shoma and Hanto’s relationship and how they selflessly care about each other? Come on. This is more overt than Sento and Banjo. Or Eiji and Ankh. Or Tsukasa and Daiki. lololololol

Well, playing up the bromance (or more) definitely adds to the aforementioned tension and the eventual angst that will come afterwards. I hope!

Though I also notice that in every one of these strong bromance pairings, they have a supportive female BFF too. So perhaps this is just a standard Toei/Kamen Rider trope. Lol

I also really love Shoma’s visits with Uncle Dente. It’s a great way for Shoma to express himself without having to resort to inner monologues all the time. And of course we can continue to learn about the world via Uncle Dente’s experience and knowledge. Especially considering his involvement in everything.

Anyway, elsewhere in this episode. Very interesting to see the quick snippets with the Stomach Sibs. Back to (literally) business as usual for Lango and Glotta. Jiip continuing to wander in his grief. And both situations really highlighting Nyelv as he is about to make the biggest move yet amongst the Stomach Sibs.

I mean, Nyelv making Takamichi… I mean, Lage 9 a Rider is already enough to make me actually like him. But of the Siblings, I really like how they’ve moved along with Nyelv so far. He’s making moves. Showing his intelligence and sneakiness. Showing that maybe he is the biggest and most cunning threat amongst the Stomach Sibs. He isn’t a spoiled brat like the twins. He isn’t all-business like his older siblings. Maybe it’s because he’s technically the middle child?

But he is easily my favorite non-human sibling right now. And with the relatively bigger focus/development he’s gotten, I hope that does not mean he’s up for an early exit! Lolol I think all the sibs should survive until the 40s.

Overall, lots of exciting developments this week. Both in and out of episode. But just very good character building for both Shoma and Hanto. And it’s always a good thing to have strong main characters with depth.