English Dub Review: Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider “Everyone In The World Will Join Shocker”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Tojima reels from the most recent battle, while Ito, Sato, and Ishige stumble onto Bat Man’s wicked plot…

Our Take:
Reality has begun to sink in for Tojima, as he experienced his first loss against Shocker.  As a result, the episode showcases a different side of the overly confident dreamer, in which he questions his desire to become a Kamen Rider.  Usually, Tojima never lets anything stand in his way in his pursuit of becoming one and battling Shocker, so this is a complete 180 for the protagonist.  Fortunately, his dilemma doesn’t last long after he meets a young boy with a similar dream.
To its credit, the episode did a suitable job reflecting on Tojima’s lack of confidence due to his first retreat against Shocker, which he vowed never to do.  However, I think it would’ve been much better if the premise lasted for an entire episode, with Tojima regaining his confidence through his new friends.  That alone would’ve helped further develop the bond between Tojima and the others, with the latter inspired by Tojima’s own resilience and power.  The episode also focuses on Nakao’s underlings, whose jobs as security guards take a horrific turn when they see their favorite idol group transformed into Shocker minions.
Honestly, I don’t really mind this approach in this episode compared to Kubota’s side story since Nakao’s minions provided some amusing moments throughout the season.  Sure, they act as any other minion would in other types of media, but what makes them work for me is their bond with Nakao.  Usually, this dynamic involves a boss being either abusive toward or annoyed by their comic-relief minions.  However, the chemistry shown in the anime suggests that, even though Nakao is a bit irritated with Ito, Sato, and Ishige, he still treats them fairly and with some generosity.  It’s enough to make Nakao’s side plot as a newly transformed Shocker combatant as enjoyable as Tojima’s Kamen Rider journey, and this episode is further proof of this scenario.