English Dub Review: Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider “I Am Tackle”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Yuriko Okada has always idolized Electro-Wave Human Tackle.  But, seeing Tojima forces her into action…

Our Take:
It looks like Tojima isn’t the only person who’s inspired by the Kamen Rider franchise to become one.  Unfortunately for him, she wasn’t pleased with him taking the spotlight as the first Kamen Rider to appear in public.  The individual I’m referring to is Yuriko Okada, a 24-year-old high school teacher who admires Electro-Wave Human Tackle from “Kamen Rider Stronger”.  Upon hearing the news about Tojima’s appearance, she springs into action to take the “spotlight” for herself.  However, it also resulted in them reluctantly teaming up to foil another robbery led by Nakao and his men, leading to an unexpected encounter that transcends beyond “playing pretend”.
“I Am Tackle” functions similarly to the previous episode, introducing a character and their desire to become a hero from “Kamen Rider”.  Not only does it introduce another show in the franchise, but it also provides a bit more depth into Yuriko’s inspiration compared to Tojima’s introduction.  In this case, Yuriko grew up with the desire to become Tackle due to her actions in “Kamen Rider Stronger”, including her sacrifice in its 30th episode, which was made available online to celebrate this episode’s release.
Though heartbroken at first, Yuriko was reminded by her father that Tackle’s sacrifice was part of her heroism.  Additionally, it emphasized the franchise’s legacy of strong female roles, which would be reflected in the anime’s celebration of the Kamen Rider fanbase.  Of course, it’s not without some fan service, with Yuriko changing into her Tackle costume out in public, making me question why they’re not worried about people finding out their identities.  Nonetheless, “I Am Tackle” continues to highlight the “Kamen Rider” franchise’s impact on its main characters through humor and heart, primarily the former.