Ride Back Discussion Thread

[Fencedude]

I know it involves a ballerina and some mecha...motorcycle...things...

ANN (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=8049)
Official Site (http://www.rideback-anime.jp/rideback.html)


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[TheGreenMan]

Looks very cool. On my this list for watching for sure. Ballerinas and mecha-motorcycles = win.

[dreamweaver3d]

Very nice first episode. Animation is gorgeous too.

Gives a bit of backstory regarding the current state of the world as well as introduces characters who will no doubt be familiar faces in the coming episodes.

The yuri radar lit up briefly too. Can't be too sure at this point though.

From all the new offerings of this this season that I've seen so far, this one and Birdy season 2 have the best starting episodes.

[TheGreenMan]

Ah, so the OP is from the same singer as Black Lagoon. I thought her voice was familiar.

[omo]

Very nice first episode. Animation is gorgeous too.
I was floored. Reminds me of some of the more sublime 5cm/s moments.

Great music and background art... Can't say the mecha/bike chase sequence was bad either. Reminded me of AMG/YUA a little.

I just hope this isn't a first episode thing and the production quality keeps up. And it's suppose to get political too right? Crossing my fingers...

[untoldsorrow]

I was impressed by the 1st episode. I can see it becoming a "sport" anime, lol. When the ED song came on, I was like "Wait...I know this song..." And I was right, its Younha's korean song, just in japanese.

[HitokiriShadow]

I really didn't like the CGed Rideback in the OP but it wasn't as bad in the actual episode.

As for the episode itself, its off to a nice start and definitely has my interest.

[Fencedude]

I have concluded the following.

Ogata Rin is the daughter of Morikawa Yuki and Ogata Rina from White Album.

Also, she's voiced by Mizuki Nana, just like Rina. Which is hilarious.

[Leon_Belmont]

I have concluded the following.

Ogata Rin is the daughter of Morikawa Yuki and Ogata Rina from White Album.

Also, she's voiced by Mizuki Nana, just like Rina. Which is hilarious.

And I have concluded Japan has officially run out of ideas. While the execution isn't too bad, I can't get over an anime essentially about a ballerina mech pilot.

[Fencedude]

And I have concluded Japan has officially run out of ideas. While the execution isn't too bad, I can't get over an anime essentially about a ballerina mech pilot.

Why? Its a good idea. Especially considering how this mech works.

[Andrew Cunningham]

And I have concluded Japan has officially run out of ideas. While the execution isn't too bad, I can't get over an anime essentially about a ballerina mech pilot.

That is soooooooooo not what the show is about.

[Fencedude]

And I have concluded Japan has officially run out of ideas. While the execution isn't too bad, I can't get over an anime essentially about a ballerina mech pilot.

That is soooooooooo not what the show is about.

Its like complaining that Getter TV is about a soccer playing Mecha Pilot.

...but I somehow doubt Rin will end up fighting an underground Dinosaur Empire.

But that would be cool too.

[Westlo]

Gorgeous animation, easily the best first episode of the season as well.

[something]

Episode 1:

- And so some mystery army took over the world without warning, but let's not dwell on that!
- Opening ballet scene was very well animated (and Mizuki Nana!!) but if the OP sequence is indicative of what I can expect in the rest of the show itself, I won't be going anywhere near episode two.
- Ah, so the ballet scene is something that already happened. For some reason it felt a lot like a scene from later that we'd build up to, even if only by the end of the ep. I think I prefer it this way, because she'll be able to start a new life right from the get-go (and use her skills at ballet to ride the thingie from the OP no doubt).
- Shouko looks odd with a fang. She doesn't seem like the fangy type. Generally, the character designs in this are a bit meh, even if the (non 3dcg) art is fantastic. I more or less like Rin's design though.
- Hmm Suzuri looks alright too. It might just be Shouko who looks incredibly awkward. ...Suzuri needs to shut up though. Not going to be easy for Rin to escape her fame, especially since news of her quitting ballet never spread too far and people still think she's at it.
- Ick. The weird character designs seemed an ill fit for the lush background to start with, but I was generally okay with it. But mixing those two with the rideback cg is too much. It's not as bad as the OP, but it's still not acceptable and will undoubtedly only become more and more prominent as the show goes on.

I have enough to watch this season so I'll drop this one. Would quite gladly keep watching without the rideback cg.

[ArcticMech]

The animation was very impressive. Very fluid. No problems with the CG as it blended in rather nicely. I think they did a good job capturing the feeling one gets when exposed to something incredible for the very first time. The only thing I'll need to adjust to is the some of the more horrendous hairstyles I've seen in sometime. And the character designs overall are mediocre. Otherwise, fantastic first episode.

[Andrew Cunningham]

And the character designs overall are mediocre. Otherwise, fantastic first episode.

Definitely a style that's hard to adapt. The character designs do look like the manga, but the kind of simplification that's necessary to make them animatable makes them look a little odd.
http://www.din.or.jp/~te2/index.html - the manga artist's website.

[Fencedude]

And the character designs overall are mediocre. Otherwise, fantastic first episode.

Definitely a style that's hard to adapt. The character designs do look like the manga, but the kind of simplification that's necessary to make them animatable makes them look a little odd.
http://www.din.or.jp/~te2/index.html - the manga artist's website.

Their faces are very flat when looked at from certain angles. Its very odd.

[Senku]

Any show where the end of the episode comes to fast, "What, it's over already?", is a show to keep up with. And from the next episode preview, it seems like this could be a sports show, heh. And it looked like Rin TOTALLY accelerated, instead of stopping, going off the edge :)

[TheGreenMan]

In the opening, what is Rin doing with her foot on the pedal(?). She pushes it forward a couple times with the top of her foot.

[Fencedude]

In the opening, what is Rin doing with her foot on the pedal(?). She pushes it forward a couple times with the top of her foot.

Probably some extra control function to deal with the fact that her motorcycle has arms and legs.

[pi8you]

Any show where the end of the episode comes to fast, "What, it's over already?", is a show to keep up with.
That about nails it, wierd head designs aside, I'm all in for this show.

Getting a chance to really see the mecha in motion, its an absolutely brilliant concept (especially when I realized that the grey one was essentially a mini-cycle in rideback form), though I imagine the computer software/AI would need to be pretty obscene to make it dance like it does, oh future, how I want you.

The MELL OP is nice, not as good as with Black Lagoon, but still something that I wouldn't mind keeping on the playlist. The ED was a bit wierd though and doesn't seem likely to grow on me.

[TAS]

In the opening, what is Rin doing with her foot on the pedal(?). She pushes it forward a couple times with the top of her foot.

Probably some extra control function to deal with the fact that her motorcycle has arms and legs.
No she is shifting gears. Motorcycles are shifted with the left foot, you also see the clutch (the lever is on the left grip). You see the same shift on the other rideback during the chase at the end.


http://motorcycles.about.com/od/howtostartridin1/ss/How_To_Ride_6.htm

edit: In upright mode it appears to be controlled like a Segway. Not falling over is automatic and requires no input (or skill) from the rider, simple inputs are translated by computer into the desired movements. Getting it to actually go where you want would be a different story.

[JINROH]

The animation was very impressive. Very fluid. No problems with the CG as it blended in rather nicely. I think they did a good job capturing the feeling one gets when exposed to something incredible for the very first time. -snip- Otherwise, fantastic first episode.



Agree with the above,but I like the character designs,,and the hair,and the CG in this,will watch through til conclusion.Hope the budget stays high,as the first one's animation was just wow material.Also,I really enjoyed the OP/ED.

[Redcoffin]

This episode almost single handedly restored my faith in anime after a long dry spell. I haven't felt this impressed by an opening episode since Dennou Coil. Nothing weird or unprecedented: just really well done. Long may it last.

[Fencedude]

This episode almost single handedly restored my faith in anime after a long dry spell. I haven't felt this impressed by an opening episode since Dennou Coil. Nothing weird or unprecedented: just really well done. Long may it last.

Please follow the instructions in the opening post when responding to this thread.

[Ashyukun]

Episode 1:
- Ick. The weird character designs seemed an ill fit for the lush background to start with, but I was generally okay with it. But mixing those two with the rideback cg is too much. It's not as bad as the OP, but it's still not acceptable and will undoubtedly only become more and more prominent as the show goes on.

I have enough to watch this season so I'll drop this one. Would quite gladly keep watching without the rideback cg.

That's pretty much exactly the reaction I was expecting to see. :catgirl:

For my part, I loved it. The 3DCG is a bit jarring (it always is when they use it to make things really shiny and metallic next to 2D animation), but the rest of the show more than makes up for it IMO.

[Shiroi Hane]

Since the promo every time I look at the lead character I think of Kouji Ogata for some reason. The best friends hair is plain annoying.

[HitokiriShadow]

The best friends hair is plain annoying.

She looked cute when she had her down after her shower, but her normal hairstyle is awful.

[hikaru004]

The best friends hair is plain annoying.

She looked cute when she had her down after her shower, but her normal hairstyle is awful.

Yeah, that hairstyle majorly sucked. I can't believe any teen female would be caught dead with that hairstyle.

[Fencedude]

The best friends hair is plain annoying.

She looked cute when she had her down after her shower, but her normal hairstyle is awful.

Yeah, that hairstyle majorly sucked. I can't believe any teen female would be caught dead with that hairstyle.

Thats just lame 2009 thinking.

Most of us are old enough to be these girl's parents, when you think about the dates.

(also, Rin's friend joins Robin from WHR in the category of "girl's who's hair I'd have to physically restrain myself from grabbing if I sat behind them in class)

[Fencedude]

After witnessing Rin's riding of Fuego, Rideback club leader Tamayo challenges her to a race.

Rin is somewhat uncertain at first, but accepts the challenge. The race is on, and after some incidents (including Rin dumping herself in a pond) Rin wins via Tamayo crashing and getting knocked unconscious. Rin (and her hyperactive fangirl Suzuri) both join the Rideback club, and Rin gets entered into an actual race...

Have I mentioned that I love Rin? Because I do. She's LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE

[Redcoffin]

After 2 eps RideBack is still the show of the season.

The concept is familiar, the characters are all the usual suspects, but the art direction and sheer compelling style add romance and magic even to ordinary scenes. There are so many wonderful small details: the way Rin bows to the guys in the dorm stairwell, or the fact that the cat has the same color eyes as Kataoka. Almost every scene has some subtle or unusual creative touch.

Of course it may turn crappy and prove me wrong, but so far all I can say is that it is a tragedy that this is only going to run 12 episodes.

[malazar]

The race was just awesome. It seems pretty unique so far with the ability of the ridebacks to actually mimic ballet moves in cutting tight turns. That's just classic. I can't wait to see what happens with them entering Rin in the upcoming real race.

So far this is my favorite show this season that doesn't involve boxing. :P

[Sly05]

My thought on the race was that it looked really dangerous. :sweat: High speed races through a campus can't be too safe and they had two semi-serious accidents in this episode alone. I'm surprised the administration hasn't closed the club down yet. :P

Like pretty much everyone else, I think this is shaping up to be one of the best of the new crop of shows. I like Rin a lot and the character design didn't come across as awkwardly flat as it did a few times in episode 1, though I don't think anything can be done to save the hairstyle of Rin's friend. I've also been rewatching the ED a lot. It's a little too slow at first, but its really good once it picks up.

[HitokiriShadow]

I was iffy about the series before but after this episode, I think I'm sticking with it. This looks like it will be pretty fun.

[Westlo]

I like Rin a lot and the character design didn't come across as awkwardly flat as it did a few times in episode 1, though I don't think anything can be done to save the hairstyle of Rin's friend.

IIRC Shouta the guy doing the translations for this as well as the one volume of manga out says her hair changes styles a lot.

Also you should listen to the original Korean version (same singer) of the Rideback ED, personally prefer it though both are good.

[Ashyukun]

Definitely solidified this as being on that I'll be following- the race was great, and we're getting a bit more of some of the rest of the events going on around as well... though it seems a bit unusual that only three episodes into the show it looks like Rin will be competing in a national race. I would have figured there would have been more buildup to it, but it'll doubtless be interesting to watch irrelevant.

[untoldsorrow]

Definitely solidified this as being on that I'll be following- the race was great, and we're getting a bit more of some of the rest of the events going on around as well... though it seems a bit unusual that only three episodes into the show it looks like Rin will be competing in a national race. I would have figured there would have been more buildup to it, but it'll doubtless be interesting to watch irrelevant.

I have to 100% agree, after the outstanding 2nd episode, I am in love. Tamayo is pure love in my book.

[ArcticMech]

Outstanding second episode. The race was exhilarating with the from the turns to the sound effects to the drama between the racers.

Both ladies have an edge. But with Rin it's beneath the surface except when she's on the ride back and particularly when pushed by Tamayo. You can sense the quiet confidence she possesses and that look that she has in her eyes. That pirouette (or whatever that move was called) she pulled on the bike was amazing and executed for full dramatic effect. In Tamayo, they've finally given us a character that's visually appealing with decent hair! She just exudes confidence, cool, toughness and sex appeal. Wow.

Suzuri was a bit too energetic for my taste. Maybe I should avoid watching future episodes in the early morning. Don't get me started on handle bar head.

[Fencedude]

Suzuri was a bit too energetic for my taste. Maybe I should avoid watching future episodes in the early morning. Don't get me started on handle bar head.

Suzuri seriously needs some ritalin.

And I actually like Shouko in all respects, except for her hair.

[Andrew Cunningham]

Suzuri has the most annoying voice in the history of space and time. She completely torpedoed this episode; every time I started to enjoy it she fucking squealed like a stuck pig and ruined everything.

[Fencedude]

Suzuri has the most annoying voice in the history of space and time. She completely torpedoed this episode; every time I started to enjoy it she fucking squealed like a stuck pig and ruined everything.

Never watched Airmaster?

[Andrew Cunningham]

Suzuri has the most annoying voice in the history of space and time. She completely torpedoed this episode; every time I started to enjoy it she fucking squealed like a stuck pig and ruined everything.

Never watched Airmaster?

Airmaster is awesome and the spastic dwarf is hilarious.

[Redcoffin]

Airmaster is awesome and the spastic dwarf is hilarious.

Airmaster IS awesome, but for some reason I wasn't bugged by Suzuri's squealing idolatry in RB2, as I probably ought to have been. Two possible reasons are the erotic quality to her adulation and the fact that Rin really is a superior human being: a soft-tempered, quiet girl with the reflexes of a tiger, who discovers an intensely physical relationship with a powerful machine. Usually the physically adept hero character in an anime is also a posturing idiot. That isn't happening here and it's charming.

[Ingraman]

Oh well...

Little brother Kenji didn't notice. Bad teacher! (although the actions were appropriate to the location/situation... ^_^; )

Too bad Rin's racing bike wasn't up to snuff (trying to run some of Fuego's settings/software on it, or something? <sigh> I should learn Japanese, but I'll probably never get around to it. That would have helped greatly in understanding the dialogue during the political/military conversation in the episode.)... ;_;

Episode 4 looks [snip], but I won't say anything about the preview since that would involve the story content from a different episode. ^_-

[Ingraman]

Suzuri has the most annoying voice in the history of space and time. She completely torpedoed this episode; every time I started to enjoy it she fucking squealed like a stuck pig and ruined everything.

Really? There have been at least a few voices that have irritated my ears much more than she manages (not that I'm recalling any names right now...). The character's somewhat annoying, but I found her easy enough to ignore... I'm not remembering her presence aside from her being at the garage waiting for Rin to arrive, and when she in the road at the start of the race.

[Suwako Moriya]

After hesitating on it for awhile, I finally got around to actually watching the first episode of this for real. I'm honestly not sure what to think about it. Ogata Rin definitely interests me in more ways than one. Also I like some of the views of her.

However I'm not exactly sold on the series yet either and I'm not sure if I want to fit yet another series in my viewing schedule. Actually if anything I should be dropping some series not adding more. Still since I'm on the fence, I think I'll give it one more episode later.

[BigPants]

Finally got around to checking out episode one after a friend told me what the premise was and I loved it so far.

Does the animation keep up with what they did in this first episode? Some of those shots of the sakura were incredible.

Also, I really really really really really want a RideBack for myself. :|

[Ty]

I checked out the first two episodes as well yetserday. I can't really say why, but while I really like this show so far I feel no need to discuss it at all.

[Suwako Moriya]

There's something about Rin, Suzuri, and Shouko that makes me want to watch more of the series. The Ride Back stuff has potential to get interesting if I can get used to the animation style of them clashing slightly with everything else. In any case, I'll likely stick with this at least a little bit longer.

[Ty]

They aren't exactly related but I couldn't stop thinking about Keiichi from AMG and the Auto Club while watching this. Also, Shouko is going to be unintentional comedy relief throughout the whole series for me. Her face looks like a sagging party ballon, and that HAIR..........

[pi8you]

They aren't exactly related but I couldn't stop thinking about Keiichi from AMG and the Auto Club while watching this. Also, Shouko is going to be unintentional comedy relief throughout the whole series for me. Her face looks like a sagging party ballon, and that HAIR..........
For those that have seen High Fidelity... Shouko's giving me serious Liz vibes(John Cusack's girlfriend's brutally frank best friend), but I've no idea why :|

[Fencedude]

Tamayo and Rin enter the race. Fuego isn't allowed to be used because it is too custom, so Rin uses a Rideback known as Balon.

At first she has trouble with Balon, complaining that its too sluggish, so...the skinny guy, forgot his name, unhooks the ACS, a component that is non-functional on Fuego, and it improves her performance dramatically.

Rin makes it all the way to fourth place, but Balon's engine isn't designed to work without the ACS and blows out in the final stretch. Tamayo takes the victory in the race.

[Ingraman]

Rin makes it all the way to fourth place, but Balon's engine isn't designed to work without the ACS and blows out in the final stretch. Tamayo takes the victory in the race.

I posted my initial thoughts about the episode here a few days ago, but I was just wondering how much of a disruption to his class Kenji would have caused if he did realize that his sister was in the race... I could picture an exclamation or two coming from him (especially given who her teammate is). ^_^

[Conri]

Have I mentioned that I love Rin? Because I do. She's LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE
I have to stop after episode 2 to say, "This show is love!" Whoa! at that pirouette jump turn on her second time on a ride back. I feel like it's been a while since a show got me this thrilled, particularly after only two episodes. I hope the show keeps it up.

[pi8you]

I posted my initial thoughts about the episode here a few days ago, but I was just wondering how much of a disruption to his class Kenji would have caused if he did realize that his sister was in the race... I could picture an exclamation or two coming from him (especially given who her teammate is). ^_^
I can totally see him developing a crush on this mystery female newcomer, leading to an epic moment of awkward embarrasment when he discovers its his sister XD

The ACS on Fuego is functional, just so completely different in design/tuning that Balon can only get close to it by unhooking the ACS. As quasi-evidence, the plug for it looks identical to the one Okakawa was messing with to fix Fuego as they tore down the road.

Another solid episode, but man, why do they always associate snakes with the bad guys :(

As Rin was rounding one of the corners before blowing out her engine, I swear it looked like she was riding Metroid's Samus :o

Okakura's shady black ops past: confirmed.

[Fencedude]

Okakura's shady black ops past: confirmed.

Just wait till he starts arming the Fuego.

[ArcticMech]

Rin makes it all the way to fourth place, but Balon's engine isn't designed to work without the ACS and blows out in the final stretch.

I really enjoyed the fact that the bike broke because the rider's ability exceeded the capabilities of the bike. They've done well so far portraying the extraordinary natural talent Rin has at riding ride backs.

Unlike last week, Suzuri was much more toned down. Not only was she not annoying, she was even a bit endearing when she snuggled up to Tamayo.

With all the mystery surrounding Okakura, I'm anxious to see his true skills on a ride back.

[Ingraman]

I posted my initial thoughts about the episode here a few days ago, but I was just wondering how much of a disruption to his class Kenji would have caused if he did realize that his sister was in the race... I could picture an exclamation or two coming from him (especially given who her teammate is). ^_^
I can totally see him developing a crush on this mystery female newcomer, leading to an epic moment of awkward embarrasment when he discovers its his sister XD

Heh heh... He needs a life-sized poster of the helmeted Mystery Rideback Chick #711 for his wall. ^_^; Did Rin ever get around to getting Tamayo's autograph?

BTW, did I do something wrong with my episode #3 post back on the 26th, or was it overlooked when starting this branch of the thread?

[pi8you]

BTW, did I do something wrong with my episode #3 post back on the 26th, or was it overlooked when starting this branch of the thread?
I think we just missed it/forgot it was there since it was so far up the chain(at least in my case, as I never got into that whole threaded view thing), else you'd have had a rain of fire brought upon you by now.

[Ingraman]

BTW, did I do something wrong with my episode #3 post back on the 26th, or was it overlooked when starting this branch of the thread?
I think we just missed it/forgot it was there since it was so far up the chain(at least in my case, as I never got into that whole threaded view thing), else you'd have had a rain of fire brought upon you by now.

I don't read in the threaded format, either. I liked the hybrid from way waaaay back, but when that disappeared, there was nothing to replace it, so I just use the flat/linear layout.

Maybe Fencedude didn't like the "0" that I had placed before the "3" in the subject line. ;p

[Fencedude]

BTW, did I do something wrong with my episode #3 post back on the 26th, or was it overlooked when starting this branch of the thread?
I think we just missed it/forgot it was there since it was so far up the chain(at least in my case, as I never got into that whole threaded view thing), else you'd have had a rain of fire brought upon you by now.

Yeah, I just missed it. Oops.

[JINROH]

I cant wait to watch episode four,looks like things are going to take a different tack from here on in.More info/story/introduction on the rebels from the BMA coming up,looking like some terrorist attacks on campus,etc,are going to
start stirring the pot.Tamayo I think is a likely BMA sympathizer.

I am really loving the character designs on this,and I am already hoping for a second season.

WOT: Sad to see Xam'd is coming to a close,the last few eps have had some killer cliffhangers.

[Suwako Moriya]

I can totally see him developing a crush on this mystery female newcomer, leading to an epic moment of awkward embarrasment when he discovers its his sister XD

That would just be all kinds of wrong. Which sort of makes me hope that it will happen. In any case, the series continues to be surprisingly decent. Although I can't help, but wonder if the series will eventually have a change of mood eventually.

[TheGreenMan]

The political crap is very confusing.
Kind of a bummer that Rin lost.
How the hell did the meganekko yuricon did drunk on fumes? Then she rubs herself against Tamayo (which didn't seem to mind).
I do love the previews for this show. Funny.

[Ingraman]

Damn... I had a couple of paragraphs typed up and lost them when I hit the wrong key combination. ;_;

Short version:
Opening is altered (overlay of horizontally-opposed pistons when Rin's riding switches to ballet and combat ridebacks).

Terrorists attack a skyscraper that also has a shopping mall (and a shopping Shouko). Rin goes to the rescue, and seems to be thought one of the terrorists as she flees the scene. GGP troops are _really_ bad shots; Rin may be fast, but she's incredibly exposed. ?Terror-boss? comes to her aid by shooting down a helicopter that's following her and she heads underground (where she eventually meets back up with the some of the other club members).

Rin made it onto the news coverage (distant shots anyway), and I'm sure that the Japanese government and GGP will quickly figure out who the red rideback rider is.

I'm getting annoyed at the small size of Rin's wardrobe in this show; maybe that's what Shouko and Rin were going to take care of at the mall if Rin hadn't skipped out? The cast all seem to be wearing the same clothes all the time! Argh! ^_^;

I'm still very much enjoying the show (even if I don't know what's being said), but the bad shooting and lack of alternate clothing is going to bug me. I'm curious to see where the story goes from here (and knowing more of what just happened would be good, too ^_^;; ).

Edit: Hmm... Well, the above is very simple, but it seems as though it's accurate. Also, BMA fellow tells Rin that she's been chosen by her Fuego Type L (just after she sees pretty lights in her vision after she jumps from the bridge in her escape). Or something like that. It's late and I want to get some sleep; maybe I'll rewatch tomorrow. ^_^;

[Ingraman]

/me sighs. Twice I managed to hit the wrong key combination this time, which caused me to lose what I'd typed up, so I'll cut 'n' paste from TextEdit instead:

Too much dialogue, and not enough action!!! (...for someone who doesn't know any Japanese, at least) I wish that I knew what was being said. ^_^;;

Everyone's wearing the same clothes as usual... ;_;

Okakura's not happy, it seems (what a surprise!), and the two reporters are trying to figure out the incident (and are watching video of the escape of the girl in white on the red rideback).

Shouko's staying in bed, and Rin arrives at the club's garage to see Fuego which is under a tarp (and disabled?). Shouko's not taking calls or the texts that Rin is sending, and Rin goes to see Okakura.

GGP officer's aide(?) has a nicely-tailored uniform. ^_^; Rin's episode four flight from the GGP makes the TV news (but I don't think that her identity is part of the story), and I'm not sure if the "expert" that's on the news broadcast is there to help tout for the GGP's white rideback patrol. The GGP knows that it was Rin on the rideback (or can you think of another reason why she's in the GGP's paperwork, along with Okakura). The BMA also has photos of Rin and Okakura.

Rin spends the night riding the overhead railway?

[Ashyukun]

Yeah, the government/GGP must have hired Storm Troopers for as accurate as their shooting is. You'd think that with that wall of gunfire that Rin rode right into that there'd have been more than just the few shots that she blocked with Fuego's arm.

It'll be interesting to see just where things go from here...

[ArcticMech]

As unrealistic as much of it was, the episode was too much fun to watch.

Rin is such a badass. She was too caught up analyzing how in synch she was with Fuego to pay much attention to the GGP forces that were converging on her! :laugh:

Ashyukun, I think that storm trooper analogy is spot on. They might as well have been shooting blanks.

The signature image from the show is definitely Rin gliding through the sky on her rideback in mid-jump with her flowing white dress.

Now we've got a mysterious white hair guy calling Rin the chosen one.

Very interesting...

[Fencedude]

FUCK YEAH RIN!

Also...Shouko/Rin is so cannon its not even funny.

[Sly05]

I'm getting annoyed at the small size of Rin's wardrobe in this show;

It's her absolute armour. The white dress distracts the GGP troops with the potential of thigh and pantsu making it impossible to hit her with conventional weapons.

[Ashyukun]

It's her absolute armour. The white dress distracts the GGP troops with the potential of thigh and pantsu making it impossible to hit her with conventional weapons.
I'll buy that explanation... though it's a good thing she's not wearing Haruka's dress from the Okaeri ED, the GGP troops would be shooting each other from the distraction...

[ArcticMech]

This episode focuses on the consequences of Rin's heroic, amazing, very public and (especially in hindsight) rather thoughtless actions. Okakura is freaking out, to the surprise of the other club members. Rin just wants to know about Fuego's fate. Hahaha Rin x Fuego FTW. They don't start to grasp the situation until stills and brief footage of Rin (though you can't make out her face) are plastered all over the TV news programs. But that's not even the half of it because the government higher ups have already correctly determined the identity of the rider in question! Plus, they've apparently linked her to Okakura. The big guy was right to be freaking out. The mysterious guy who enabled Rin to escape is part of the resistance/terrorist organization/whatever you want to call them. Like the military, he also has Okakura and Rin on his radar and he apparently wants to recruit them.

This episode was equally compelling as the last one, but just in a different manner. There was major fallout from Rin's actions last week, but given the circumstances, I would've expected nothing less.

I'm glad they didn't waste time identifying Rin as the mystery girl. Given ample visual records available to the government, the fact that Rin did nothing to conceal her identity, the limited number of Fuego type-L's in existence, the apparently small number of female rideback riders, their existing interest in Okakura, and probably a number of other things, it really shouldn't have taken any them much time to ID her. And it didn't. It wouldn't be realistic if it did.

If I had to use one word to describe my impression of this series so far, it would be "exhilarating." It's got a lot of momentum right now and I'm happy to be along for the ride.

[pi8you]

I'm glad they didn't waste time identifying Rin as the mystery girl. Given ample visual records available to the government, the fact that Rin did nothing to conceal her identity, the limited number of Fuego type-L's in existence, the apparently small number of female rideback riders, their existing interest in Okakura, and probably a number of other things, it really shouldn't have taken any them much time to ID her. And it didn't. It wouldn't be realistic if it did.
I'm a little surprised that journalist lady didn't put 2+2 together when she went out to the clubhouse/garage and saw Rin with the same hair and dress that are the only things clearly visible in the picture(thanks for the helmet, Suzuri!), though it seems like she may have made note of their trash fire.

[ArcticMech]

I'm glad they didn't waste time identifying Rin as the mystery girl. Given ample visual records available to the government, the fact that Rin did nothing to conceal her identity, the limited number of Fuego type-L's in existence, the apparently small number of female rideback riders, their existing interest in Okakura, and probably a number of other things, it really shouldn't have taken any them much time to ID her. And it didn't. It wouldn't be realistic if it did.
I'm a little surprised that journalist lady didn't put 2+2 together when she went out to the clubhouse/garage and saw Rin with the same hair and dress that are the only things clearly visible in the picture(thanks for the helmet, Suzuri!), though it seems like she may have made note of their trash fire.

My comment was directed towards the military/government. I agree about the reporter - not exactly top notch journalistic instincts. Sure she had a preconceived notion that it was Tamayo, but still...

[pi8you]

My comment was directed towards the military/government. I agree about the reporter - not exactly top notch journalistic instincts. Sure she had a preconceived notion that it was Tamayo, but still...
Yeah, caught that, nice to see the government being that on top of ID'ing her instead of her continuing to be a mystery girl. Mostly was adding on with interested parties, and for that matter, her brother still doesn't know its her, heh. Wondering if he was being recruited for the rebels at the end of his scene though...

[Ingraman]

I'm a little surprised that journalist lady didn't put 2+2 together when she went out to the clubhouse/garage and saw Rin with the same hair and dress that are the only things clearly visible in the picture(thanks for the helmet, Suzuri!), though it seems like she may have made note of their trash fire.

Maybe we're supposed to pretend that Rin isn't wearing the same clothes each and every day and that she actually had some other outfit on?

<sigh> I'm loving the series so far, but I'm depressed that they couldn't afford to put more effort and thought into a range of clothing for all of the characters. Everyone wears the same outfit all the time (unless it's a riding suit). I suppose that I'm just not paying attention to anime-character clothing these days (maybe it's quite common), but for some reason it really seems to stick out (and bug me) with Rideback. I wonder why... Maybe because Rideback otherwise seems to have a decent budget? ;_; I'll have to start checking out the range of clothing in other shows...

[TheGreenMan]

FUCK YEAH RIN!

Also...Shouko/Rin is so cannon its not even funny.


Yeah, the whole "I will save Shouko, fuck everybody else and consequences" Rin was pretty cool. The two of them definitely have a strong bond. Look out, yuri-meganekko (I can't remember her name), you've got competition (Well, there's always Tamayo).

[Fencedude]

Maybe we're supposed to pretend that Rin isn't wearing the same clothes each and every day and that she actually had some other outfit on?

Somehow this doesn't really bother me.

Anyway, not much Ridebacking this episode, but still very interesting. Both the GGP and the "terrorists" are interested in Rin, but for what, exactly?

[Ingraman]

School's on break?

Okakura's still there working on his rideback, and Tamayo's not gone too far, either. I wish that I knew what they were arguing about.

Ha ha ha!! The post-OP rideback is a bosozoku model!! ^_^

Reporter guy tells reporter woman (Yoda Megumi according to ANN; did we hear her given name before?) about Rin, since she's featured in the latest issue of some rideback publication because of her participation in the race (and her appearance is suspiciously similar to that of the mystery girl on the red rideback). Then Megumi remembers seeing a girl of similar apearance while making the brief visit to the rideback club's building.

Rin goes to Kenji's room to speak to him, but he's not there. The room's a disaster area (did she say "boy stink"? ^_^;; ), but she sees his rideback magazines and goes to take a look. While flipping through a book that has some more technical details about ridebacks, she notices a small poster on his wall that's a fuzzy still-frame capture from video that shows a woman in a white dress (with yellow helmet) and passenger on a red rideback. ^_^;;;

After Rin has a brief conversation with a seemingly-recovered Shouko, she meets Megumi and brushes her off. Unfortunately, her brother's getting a taste of rideback riding by riding with a gang (on that featured bosozoku-trimmed model). Rin gives chase in Megumi's car (with Megumi driving of course). The bosozoku cause some mayhem (damage some vehicles and people, and tossing some sort of smoke-generating device into a police car), and are being herded by the police.

Uh oh... My guess comes true, and this gets to be a test of the GGP's White Rideback unit. Should we really be surprised that the GGP is trying to keep up their brutal reputation by flinging them off of their motorcycles and ridebacks at high speed, and hitting (just out of frame) one of the riders as he surrenders (off his rideback, watch removed and hands in the air) hard enough to splatter quite a bit of blood on the ground. Megumi's taking pictures, and Rin's heading down onto the road below while trying to figure out what to do. Kenji's not too good at getting away and gets the front end knocked off of his rideback (with resultant error message); a second hit sends the bike through the air and leaves Kenji flat on the ground. Rin spots the rideback of the attempted-to-surrender rider (and his watch laying on the ground in the blood), and goes to it. She manages to get it started and takes down one of the GGP ridebacks by knocking its wheels out from under it (by spinning "her" bike). The GGP boss and his aide (from the last two episodes) are watching a live feed and recognize Rin and see this as a great way to test the new White Rideback. While he was there earlier, it doesn't look like Tamayo's brother is in the conference room to watch the big test. GGP bike misses on its first swing at her, and gets taken down when it tries again (and Rin didn't put too much effort into it, so these white ridebacks seem to be pretty fragile when they're not up against complete amateurs). Megumi's still taking pictures. One of the GGP rider's hacking up blood, and Rin gets surrounded by a helicopter and police/GGP vehicles and is told to surrender.

ED credits.

Will she try to run again? Her brother's laying on the ground unconcious, so her situation's not looking too good (and the preview makes the result pretty clear, but that's for the episode 7 discussion).

<sigh> I didn't mean to type a summary of sorts... I was only aiming for a brief mention of the highlights, but since I wasted all of this time and effort with my typing, I'm not going to dump it. ;p With my luck, someone else has already posted about ep. 6 while I've been wasting time here. ^_^;

[pi8you]

-The reporters figure it out, only Kenji is left! (and I know we knew Yoda, not sure on the Megumi part)
-Haha! huge poster of Mysterious Rideback Girl in Kenji's bedroom
-Shouko avoiding Rin a bit?
-Called it on Kenji hooking up with the wrong crowd.
-Run, Rin, Run!
-Bring on the unofficial test run of the White Ridebacks.
-Wait... that first guy was on a plain motorcycle?
-Oh Kenji, that was a nice turn, but where are your fancy moves?
-Rin to the rescue! Effortlessly clobbers the cops, they should hire her to train them!
-And Kenji may have finally figured it out as well.

Man, this episode went by too damn fast, the wait for the next episode's gonna kill me.

[Ingraman]

-Haha! huge poster of Mysterious Rideback Girl in Kenji's bedroom

I thought that it was at least a medium-sized poster until I noticed the books on the shelf that are to either side of it. Unless those are large books, it's not that big. I still wanted to see a poster of her with the racing gear. ^_^; Maybe it's a poster in that new issue of the Rideback magazine has the race coverage.

-Shouko avoiding Rin a bit?A little at least. She doesn't seem to bear too much of a grudge, though.

-Called it on Kenji hooking up with the wrong crowd.Did _anyone_ think otherwise? ^_^

-Run, Rin, Run!Only after her graceful leap over the armco...

-Bring on the unofficial test run of the White Ridebacks.When watching the raw, I only realized what was coming after the police herded them up that road. If I'd understood the dialogue, I would have noticed a bit sooner... Couldn't they at least supply ridebacks to a group that would use them as more than motorcycles? If not stand them up at least use the arms? The GGP wasn't putting much effort into this. A slaughter isn't a test that you can get much data from...

-Wait... that first guy was on a plain motorcycle?Yeah, it was a motorcycle/rideback mix. Just glancing at the scene when they first arrive and Rin spots them, it looks as though there are four ridebacks and two motorcycles.

-Oh Kenji, that was a nice turn, but where are your fancy moves?I was hoping for better from him, but I guess that he hasn't gained much more experience than what he might have picked up from the arcade.

-Rin to the rescue! Effortlessly clobbers the cops, they should hire her to train them!Wasn't that what she was doing? ^_^;;

-And Kenji may have finally figured it out as well.Whether he put 2 + 2 together to get 4 might have been beyond him at that moment, but I'm sure that her presence surprised him.

Man, this episode went by too damn fast, the wait for the next episode's gonna kill me.It's a long wait until Sunday, and even then most anything non-visual will just go over my head... ;_;

[Sly05]

Rin apparently inherited all the brains, talent, and courage in her family. Her brother only did slightly better than the common thugs in dealing with the white rides. I'm sure he'll feel awkward when he realizes the girl who's picture he's put up in his room is his older sister.

I did appreciate how the this episode showed the brutality of rideback fighting. It forces Rin to realize that high speed fights on vehicles with minimal protection to the rider are bound to cause some pretty serious injuries. I think this places a lot more weight behind her decision to fight against the GGP if she eventually decides to.

With Rin captured, making her become a test rider or assistant trainer for GGP troops seems like the most logical choice, but the GGP is evil so who knows. I wonder if the terrorists are going to try to break her out and try to convince her to join with them? Not that they've been portrayed as particularly good either.

[pi8you]

With Rin captured, making her become a test rider or assistant trainer for GGP troops seems like the most logical choice, but the GGP is evil so who knows. I wonder if the terrorists are going to try to break her out and try to convince her to join with them? Not that they've been portrayed as particularly good either.
So far I'm not actually all that sympathetic to either the GGP or the terrorists thus far, mostly as I don't feel they've made either side's current motives very clear yet.

[Ashyukun]

So far I'm not actually all that sympathetic to either the GGP or the terrorists thus far, mostly as I don't feel they've made either side's current motives very clear yet.
Both sides definitely have their problems- the terrorists attacked the shopping center that Shouko was at, and the GGP seem to quite obviously be your typical overbearing military organization. I'd probably be more sympathetic to those opposing the GGP if the didn't seem to be just as inclined to racking up a body count as the GGP themselves...

Will definitely be interesting to see what the GGP ends up deciding to do with Rin- she's obviously far too good for them to just lock up, though they don't seem like the types that would be inclined to offer her a chance to join them either... not that she would after seeing what they did (or almost did) to her brother...

[Sly05]

It also seems like the GGP may have had a hand in setting up the incident with the biker gang. The troops seemed to be too arrive at the scene too quickly, not to mention deploy their experimental units in an ambush. It's not like their rampage did more than create a minor disturbance late at night so I don't see the anti-GGP groups gaining much from such an action.

[Ingraman]

It also seems like the GGP may have had a hand in setting up the incident with the biker gang.

"may"? There's no question... I don't think that the anonymous benefactor who gave the ridebacks to the bosozoku had their best interests at heart.

As soon as the police directed the bosozoku around that corner the situation was _really_ obvious.

I'm still trying to figure out what this was supposed to test, other than the fact that the GGP ridebacks can beat up on motorcyclists. It's not like the bosozoku used any of the unique abilities of the ridebacks. Unless the GGP knew that Rin would get involved... ;p

[Suwako Moriya]

The signature image from the show is definitely Rin gliding through the sky on her rideback in mid-jump with her flowing white dress.

It's like the series is figuratively trying to tell us that there is only one outfit appropriate for Rin to wear whenever she decides it's time take her Rid Back out for a day of win, awesome, etc.

In any case, it seems like the series has shifted gears. One minute it seemed like it was going to be a racing anime. Now it looks more like it's going to be an action series? Then again I probably should be surprised about that.

[Suwako Moriya]

Also...Shouko/Rin is so cannon its not even funny.
Yeah, the whole "I will save Shouko, fuck everybody else and consequences" Rin was pretty cool.

True love makes you focus on what's really important! Although I wonder if Rin will insist on bringing a Ride Back to the wedding between her and Shouko.

[ArcticMech]

It also seems like the GGP may have had a hand in setting up the incident with the biker gang.

"may"? There's no question... I don't think that the anonymous benefactor who gave the ridebacks to the bosozoku had their best interests at heart.

As soon as the police directed the bosozoku around that corner the situation was _really_ obvious.


That's my assessment as well. It was just way too convenient to be anything but a set up to get their troops some field experience without any repercussions (who would miss a few thugs anyway). The fact that they got Rin was huge stroke of luck for those GGP bastards.

Kenji is a real idiot. The secret's finally out, but they've got bigger problems at moment. What's funny is that Rin was apparently profiled in a magazine. Being the ride back enthusiast that he is, I find it somewhat surprising that Kenji didn't come across that article.

Other than to blackmail her into joining their forces and possibly to use her as a bargaining chip to lure Okakura out, I don't really see any other use they'd have for her.

Wow, we're already at the half way point. This show has been so much fun to follow so far. The next episode can't come soon enough.

[ArcticMech]

True love makes you focus on what's really important! Although I wonder if Rin will insist on bringing a Ride Back to the wedding between her and Shouko.

I'm inclined to think that Rin would prefer to marry Fuego. But she needs to pry it away from Okakura. Shouko fits in somewhere, but I'm not exactly sure where. In any case, it won't be your traditional family.

[Ingraman]

True love makes you focus on what's really important! Although I wonder if Rin will insist on bringing a Ride Back to the wedding between her and Shouko.

I'm inclined to think that Rin would prefer to marry Fuego.

Fuego knows what she wants to do, and gets it done. That would make for a good marriage (presuming that Fuego doesn't go down in a hail of bullets while protecting Rin at the end of the show).

Shouko fits in somewhere, but I'm not exactly sure where. In any case, it won't be your traditional family.Shouko can be Rin's umbrella girl / grid girl at the races. ^_^

[Ingraman]

It was just way too convenient to be anything but a set up to get their troops some field experience without any repercussions (who would miss a few thugs anyway).

I'm still not sure that it was much of a test (prior to Rin's involvement). It's like the GGP's done no private training before this experiment. If they were going up against people who had a vague idea of how to use a rideback, then this would have had a little more value. How to swat down easy targets could be done at the arcade since the bosozoku weren't doing anything more than riding in a straight line; only Kenji made the GGP riders break a sweat by being a little more random.

The fact that they got Rin was huge stroke of luck for those GGP bastards.Yup, and it showed them that they still need practice (there are plenty of bosozoku in Japan! ^_^; ). I am somewhat surprised that Rin could get a commercial model of rideback to perform as she did (or were the GGP riders just _that_ bad?), since I presume that the pink rideback had all of the assists that made her race model slow and sluggish.

What's funny is that Rin was apparently profiled in a magazine. Being the ride back enthusiast that he is, I find it somewhat surprising that Kenji didn't come across that article.As stated here or elsewhere (I haven't gone back up the thread to look to see if it was here ^^; ), I think that the issue that we saw that contained her profile was either a pre-release copy that went out to the media, or Kenji hadn't purchased or received his copy yet. If he had seen it, I'm sure that he would have been in much closer contact with his sister (if only for the short term) just to hear all about it firsthand.

Other than to blackmail her into joining their forces and possibly to use her as a bargaining chip to lure Okakura out, I don't really see any other use they'd have for her. I'm looking forward to seeing what the GGP's got in mind for Rin; the preview doesn't really give enough information to make guesses. I'm expecting the next episode to be mostly dialogue (well the early bits, at least), so I'm not sure what I'll pick up from watching it on Sunday.

Wow, we're already at the half way point. This show has been so much fun to follow so far. The next episode can't come soon enough.I've been enjoying it so far. I hope that the series does well enough that it might get backing for a sequel at some point in the next year or so (provided they don't give a definite end to Rin's story to rule out such).

[Fencedude]

Well, Rin's got herself in quite a bind now.

I was hoping her fight against the White Rides would go on a bit longer though, but she utterly humiliated them.

[Suwako Moriya]

I'm inclined to think that Rin would prefer to marry Fuego.

The fact I can't really deny that statement makes it both impressive and scary. Although it would also explain why she wears the dress so much. She knows what Fuego likes. *Runs*

[ArcticMech]

Yup, and it showed them that they still need practice (there are plenty of bosozoku in Japan! ^_^; ). I am somewhat surprised that Rin could get a commercial model of rideback to perform as she did (or were the GGP riders just _that_ bad?), since I presume that the pink rideback had all of the assists that made her race model slow and sluggish.


The show has been rather consistent in demonstrating the huge gap that exists between Rin and most everyone else in terms of maximizing (and sometimes pushing beyond) the capabilities of the ride back. I don't think this was any different. I'd presume the same about the pink ride back, but Rin has had a lot more experience since the race, she's always seemed to perform better in pressure situations and I do think the GGP riders are that bad.

[ArcticMech]

I'm inclined to think that Rin would prefer to marry Fuego.

The fact I can't really deny that statement makes it both impressive and scary. Although it would also explain why she wears the dress so much. She knows what Fuego likes. *Runs*

LOL. In turn, Fuego certain knows what she likes. The compatibility meter is off the charts between those two.

[Ingraman]

The show has been rather consistent in demonstrating the huge gap that exists between Rin and most everyone else in terms of maximizing (and sometimes pushing beyond) the capabilities of the ride back.

Yeah, and I keep forgetting that slow and sluggish to her are mostly just in comparison to Fuego. Hmm... I do wonder how well she would have placed in the race if her bike had been left alone. Her (apparently) poor performance at that point was why I was somewhat presuming that she couldn't do too much with factory-spec commercial ridebacks. She still doesn't have that much experience on them since Fuego's always been around and there was no need to bother with a mundane model.

I don't think this was any different. I'd presume the same about the pink ride back, but Rin has had a lot more experience since the race, she's always seemed to perform better in pressure situations and I do think the GGP riders are that bad.She has built up a lot more experience since then, although I do wonder just how much time has passed by since she started riding. I seem to recall Tamayo mentioning a couple weeks or so between her race with Rin and the race at the circuit, but have we seen/heard any other time references? I haven't watched closely enough to notice if any tv/publications/clocks have had visible dates on them.

[Suwako Moriya]

The atmosphere in this episode was kind of heavy. Also I get the feeling this is more of a set up episode than anything else. Not sure what to think of the reporter lady to be honest...

[Suwako Moriya]

So far I'm not actually all that sympathetic to either the GGP or the terrorists thus far, mostly as I don't feel they've made either side's current motives very clear yet.

That describes how I feel about the two sides. Their actions so far have rubbed me the wrong way and made me feel quite negative towards them. I'd be happy if Rin ended up whacking both groups.

In any case, the episode was quite interesting over all. Rin taking on the White Ride Backs near the end was a definite highlight of a pretty nice episode. This series has been a pleasant surprise so far. Ogata Rin is awesome.

[Suwako Moriya]

I was hoping her fight against the White Rides would go on a bit longer though, but she utterly humiliated them.

Would have been nice, but I get the feeling they're saving the more major battles for later. I'd like to think of those "White Rides" as akin to some random monster sending his generic minions to deal with hero. For the record, I have no idea why I'm thinking along those lines.

[Ingraman]

Kenji's not being treated terribly well as the GGP interrogate him (or attempt to force out of him a confession of killing off the bosozoku himself, according to a poster on another forum). They're holding his sister's presence over his head, along with the physical abuse.

At least Rin's got something new to wear (a blue jogging/sweats outfit with white striping) while she sits behind bars.

News report about the GGP's ridebacks, and Shouko's still trying to call Rin while hanging out with the Rideback Club (minus Okakura). To help distract them and lighten the mood a little, Suzuri wants to try out Balon (and doesn't do very well at weaving between cones, but it gets Shouko to smile ^_^ ). Shouko expands the screen of her mobile so that she can take photos (wear do they hide it?! ^_^;; ).

Tamayo interrogates Okakura. More GGP Rideback news coverage. Tamayo's brother barges into a small GGP meeting and mentions Rin's name, so I presume that he's saying that he knows that the GGP's holding her and wants to know more. Or maybe I'm completely wrong. ^^;

Well, Rin being held captive is at least semi-public, since her grandmother makes a very short visit (opposite sides of glass, talking through phones). What is with that damned glass of water? ^_^; Rin's not handling this very well (what a surprise). Rin dreams and sees that white-haired terrorist who then turns into a GGP white rideback rider with a bloody mouth.

Okakura's off to an auto junk-yard (with an awful lot of current-model Ford Mustangs ^_^ ) to open up an electronically-locked shipping container that's holding Fuego, and then confronts Tamayo, who has been following him. He tosses Fuego's ignition key to Tamayo, and she sees the bullet damage on Fuego.

Rin getting questioned again, perhaps not answering the lady as she wants, since she's getting in Rin's face. Okakura takes out his GGP surveillance (shooting at least one of them ?in the leg?).

Rin's back in her every-day white dress and is shown her personal effects which are being held in a box (Fuego-watch, mobile, and handkerchief), and is now being driven somewhere as she sits in the back of an armored truck (no escort with her in back or in other vehicles). Dialogue, and explosion and blood on the window to the cab of the truck. A lot of automatic-weapons fire.... Silence... Lock to the truck blown, and guys wearing gas masks take her.

Yoda's in her car (with a fresh cup of coffee ^_^ ) watching a news report with some still photos and video of a burning rideback from the bosozoku/GGP confrontation. She then reacts to something in the dialogue or the textcrawl that's overlaid on the news by calling her photographer/assistant. More news about the BMA, and the playing of another web-statement of theirs that mentions the Rideback Shoujo (announcing that they've freed her from the GGP?).

Okakura's at the rideback club's garage, and is also picked up by the BMA. Hmm... I think that I heard the word 'scapegoat' from Okakura, but I don't really know the context of its use. A GGP helicopter is watching the BMA van (only briefly?). Rin wakes up and is seated, handcuffed, as BMA boss walks up to her and says what? "We meet again" maybe? I don't know, but it's not much.

End credits.

<sigh> Why am I bothering to type this stuff up? I'm not being concise enough. Does anyone care, seeing as I don't know most of what's being said, and dialogue is important. <sigh>

[mato45]

<sigh> Why am I bothering to type this stuff up? I'm not being concise enough. Does anyone care, seeing as I don't know most of what's being said, and dialogue is important. <sigh>
I care somewhat, for your own sake though, you might want to trim it down.

[Ingraman]

I care somewhat, for your own sake though, you might want to trim it down.

Heh... The post took me long enough to type up and correct the typos and word choices, etc. (I probably previewed it 8-10 times before finally submitting it); I don't know if I want to spend more time editing it down. ^_^;

[ArcticMech]

The mood of the show grows increasingly dark. The GGP continue with their rather despicable tactics as they force Kenji to falsely confess to killing his buddy. Torture didn't work, but he finally caved in when they threatened to hurt his sister. Having witnessed her brother's torture, being confined to a cell (or in shackles) for the most part, and blaming herself for involving those closest to her, Rin is rather lifeless by the end of her stay there.

Next week, the terrorist group will have their chance to recruit Rin as they manage to intercept the vehicle that was transporting her to another location. Hopefully, they'll do a better job playing the part of host. As an added bonus, the BMA also picked up Okakura.

With both Okakura and Rin presently in BMA's possession, I'm very interested to find out what happens next. Clearly we'll get more background on the group and its mysterious leader at the very least. Hopefully, we'll get more info on their overall objective and their planned roles for Okakura and Rin.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of Tamayo, now that she's been entrusted with Fuego - a prescient move by Okakura given what's happened to him.

Those early episodes when it was all about her new found passion for ride backs seem very distant now. Though recent developments have been very intriguing and fun to follow, a part of me misses that element.

[pi8you]

The mood of the show grows increasingly dark.
That's a bit of an understatement D:

I was really expecting the GGP to, you know, actually try talking to Rin here, get her on their side, and all that. But no, let's go and torture her brother, keep her sequestered, and generally be giant douches. Of course, that's nothing compared to the mental beating she's giving herself over the injured officer. Quite a strong episode, lacking action but serving to get us going on the meat of the show, and I'm very curious to see where it goes from here. We've got two very not nice factions putting the squeeze on people who just want to enjoy the ride, and I don't think Rin's going to take kindly to either side(even with Mr Mystery Rider) when she does get her head back into the game.

Also, the use of the talk shows in the background of it all has been a nice touch throughout, making a nice acknowledgement of things so that events aren't exactly happening unnoticed by the general populace. With any luck this will lead to the rise of a third party opposing both the GGP and the terrorists (perhaps spearheaded by the old order that Tamayo's brother seems to be a part of, which I'm most sympathetic to at this point).

Shouko's so selling those photos to the rideback mags, cute and clumsy fanservice :o

[Fencedude]

The symbolism with the moths there at the end was interesting....

[Sly05]

Rin's little brother gets some points for standing up to the torture. I guess he does share some of her good traits after all. I was expecting the GGP to use Rin's brother as leverage, but they once again prove just how despicable they are with their methods.

I liked the decision to keep the focus on Rin when the BMA was attacking the transport to take custody of her. The sudden splash of blood across the window and the unseen gunfire made it really effective in portraying just how terrifying it must have been. With Rin now in the hands of the opposing side, it stills leaves the problem of the safety of her brother. Heck, given what we've seen so far, I wouldn't put it past the GGP to go after her grandmother if it gave them an advantage.

With any luck this will lead to the rise of a third party opposing both the GGP and the terrorists (perhaps spearheaded by the old order that Tamayo's brother seems to be a part of, which I'm most sympathetic to at this point).
I'm hoping for such a development as well. The BMA hasn't come across as much better.

Really good episode and I like the direction the series is going. I am really looking forward to seeing what Tomayo has planned with Fuego. I also can't wait to see Okakura let loose on a ride back. Given his reputation and experience, he must be pretty amazing.

[Ingraman]

Yoda gives us a partial history of the GGP which I can't understand, which includes the rideback combat footage that we saw long ago and a lot more...

Boom go a few GGP troops as they follow the trail of the BMA and Okakura.

Tamayo and Yoda have a chat which concludes with Tamayo showing Fuego's ignition key to her.

Rin gets talked into rideback dancing with the BMA Bad-boy.

Yoda meets with Tamayo's brother, and shows him a GGP unit-picture that reveals that Kenji's bosozoku back-seater was also in the Romanov/Okakura unit.

GGP attacks the fairly nice place that BMA Bad-boy's using. BMA takes casualties, but inflicts quite a few themselves. Bad-boy takes down Romanov's tall subordinate by a probable head-shot while upside down in a flip in the air. Okakura gets a GGP-inflicted arm wound while staring at Rin sitting on the rideback from earlier (in her white dress, but what else would you expect). Romanov's aide seems to be getting a little too much of a thrill from Romanov's problems; she's smirking, so what does she have planned?

[ArcticMech]

Was it a stroll in the park, a ride back lesson, a courting ritual, or all of the above? If you could excuse the tiny fact that Kiefer happens to lead a terrorist organization, he and Rin looked perfect together. And he gets her.

Aside from the vendetta against Romanov, it remains to be seen whether there are other objectives to the war Kiefer's waging. But so far, he is a rather likable character. He's damn efficient too. In one fell swoop he managed to: save/teach/date?! Rin; arrange for a ride (Okakura) to take her home; reunite with, and attempt to recruit, Okakura; lure the GGP into a trap; and reconnect with Romanov. If ride backing and terrorism doesn't work out, he could be a wedding planner or something..

Rin really is all about the ride. Her dance with Kiefer left such an impression on her that she seemed oblivious to the gunfire around her and didn't notice Okakura.

[pi8you]

Was it a stroll in the park, a ride back lesson, a courting ritual, or all of the above? If you could excuse the tiny fact that Kiefer happens to lead a terrorist organization, he and Rin looked perfect together. And he gets her.
She was certainly snapped out of her funk at any rate!

I hadn't even thought about it before, but his horse analogy is absolutely perfect for the ridebacks, right down to the way it revolutionized warfare (though I've yet to see a horse do a backflip, of course).

Another solid episode, the info dump was handled pretty well, letting us know the real reason the GGP sprang up so quickly was by taking control of a key ICBM-launching base, give us the world or we nuke you! Romanov, Keifa/Keifer, and Okakura clearly aren't that friendly, and in particular it'll be interesting to see what Okakura does.

Romanov's aide seems to have maybe have some plans of her own? Or at least isn't necessarily completely loyal to him (and is goddamned stacked :O).

And lastly, it looks like we may indeed be getting a third faction going with the old government, yay.

[ArcticMech]

Romanov's aide seems to have maybe have some plans of her own? Or at least isn't necessarily completely loyal to him (and is goddamned stacked :O).


She clearly got some amusement out of it at the very least. And yes :nosebleed:. Funny that I hadn't noticed it until this episode.

[Ingraman]

And yes :nosebleed:. Funny that I hadn't noticed it until this episode.

What took you so long? You've had weeks to notice. ;p I made a reference to her back in my episode 5 post (#67). ^_^

[ArcticMech]

Finally, a lull in the action. Okakura and Rin meet up with Tamayo and hide out. Tamayo tends to Okakura's wound and we get to see some nasty scars from his past. He leaves Rin in Tamayo's care...and the girls go fishing. The GGP has instituted marshall law without the consent of the powerless government and is confiscating ridebacks, collecting customer data, and instituting a curfew. Wide scale protests against the GGP are being waged. The club members receive word from Tamayo that Rin is OK. Okakura visits the leader of the terrorist group and tries to make a deal.

The pace has been so fast, that when we're given an episode like this, it probably seems much slower than it probably is - though it's still pretty slow. It really is the calm before the storm and I expect things to get ugly once the GGP initiates its offensive operation against the terrorists.

The biggest development is that Fuego got dumped. Rin declared that she doesn't love Fuego, she was only using it as a crutch after her ballet injury, and that she would no longer ride ride backs. Of course, she then found out that Fuego was still intact...but any wavering ceased when she saw the bullet holes and was reminded of all the pain that resulted from her involvement with ride backs. Poor Fuego - though it's probably only a matter of time before she comes back to you.

[pi8you]

A very good episode, but man, that was not a happy way to start my day D:

[malazar]

A very good episode, but man, that was not a happy way to start my day D:

Yeah, I am glad I watched it after work. I was sad to see the cutest character get killed, but I suppose it will act as the final straw to get the general public to rise up and throw off the GGP's chains.

[pi8you]

Yeah, I am glad I watched it after work. I was sad to see the cutest character get killed, but I suppose it will act as the final straw to get the general public to rise up and throw off the GGP's chains.
At the very least, it solidifies the stance of our core group. I certainly hope there were some cameras pointed in their direction though as it'll cause a media shitstorm of epic proportions.

[Sly05]

As soon as people started assuming she was the Ride Back Girl, I assumed the protest wasn't going to end well. A lot of people saw it, even if by chance nobody took a photo which means the general populace is not going too be pleased with the GGP's brutality against civilians. Of course, given the brilliance that Romanov has already shown during the series, he's likely to respond to any further protests with more violence. I look forward to Rin's heroics in dealing with it.

[pi8you]

As soon as people started assuming she was the Ride Back Girl, I assumed the protest wasn't going to end well.
It was the good luck charm that started my bad feeling, though I'd been imagining more that she'd get rounded up as another terrorist tie to Rin.

The moment they zoomed in and 'confirmed' her as RBG seems a bit informative as well... 'We know its not really her, but she looks the part and taking her down will send a message.' seems to be their line of thinking, and the way they stopped her really serves to, well, obfuscate the identity even more(aside from, you know, the flowing brown hair). Which is why I'm hoping the media'll get some good pictures to prove that they weren't one and the same.

[malazar]

I certainly hope there were some cameras pointed in their direction though as it'll cause a media shitstorm of epic proportions.

Yeah, I definitely agree with you there. I was waiting to see the reporter woman there filming it, but I am guessing she will show up next episode with a tape.

[Sly05]

Yeah, there were a lot of signs to hint that things were not going to end well for poor Suzuri. I'm interested to see if the masses will take the apparent death of the Ride Back Girl as an outrage or a loss of hope. I'm leaning towards the former, but either way, all it takes is Rin showing up on Fuego and defeating a bunch of white ride backs to prove she's still around.

[Ingraman]

As soon as people started assuming she was the Ride Back Girl, I assumed the protest wasn't going to end well.
It was the good luck charm that started my bad feeling, though I'd been imagining more that she'd get rounded up as another terrorist tie to Rin.

I thought that things would end badly as soon as I saw Suzuri wearing Rin's racing gear, even if none of the rally's attendees would associate the promising racing girl Ogata Rin with Rideback Shoujo.

Everyone should know that Rideback Shoujo only wears a white dress.

The moment they zoomed in and 'confirmed' her as RBG seems a bit informative as well... 'We know its not really her, but she looks the part and taking her down will send a message.' seems to be their line of thinking, and the way they stopped her really serves to, well, obfuscate the identity even more(aside from, you know, the flowing brown hair). Which is why I'm hoping the media'll get some good pictures to prove that they weren't one and the same.I look forward to episode 11 and seeing how the public reacts to the murder.

I do think that the level of force used was waaaaaaay too extreme when confronting an amateur rideback operator of Suzuri's level, but if the GGP officer was operating under the assumption (having been [mis-]informed that the girl was indeed the Rideback Shoujo) a greater level of force might be accepted/excused. I'm sure that more than a few of the GGP riders are aware of Rin's skill level, and the fact that she doesn't need weapons to do damage, so just trying to knock Balon out from under her (or damage it in some other way) might not have been regarded as an option when Suzuri was "charging" up the slope at the GGP White Rider. Hmm...

Ah well, whatever... Let's see what happens next.

[ArcticMech]

The way Suzuri met her end was just tragic, especially with all of her friends on hand to witness her brutal murder. Terrorist or not, I don't see how the GGP's handling of the "Rideback Girl" can be spun in a manner that would appease the increasingly GGP-weary public. I'd like to know what the BMA is planning. With the GGP pressuring Tamayo's brother, the only people left to stop Romanov are the BMA, Okakura and Rin. The odds look long, but aren't they always?

[Ashyukun]

I'm still a bit confused by the whole exchange with Tamayo's brother... half of it sounded like the stacked 'aide' was speaking a against the GGP (at least from the translation I saw).

I'd had a bad feeling about the whole thing from the moment they decided Suzuri would be the one riding Balon in the protest. Why the heck would you put your least experienced rider in that situation? Shouldn't both of the guys have been better qualified than her? I'm a bit torn though- while things didn't look good for Suzuri, I was also quite worried that it would be Shouko who would get caught up in things and meet a bad end (not that this is still not unfortunately a possibility...).

[Ingraman]

I'm still a bit confused by the whole exchange with Tamayo's brother...

I was, too. I've only watched the scene once, so far (and can't really recall the conversation, anyway), so I won't try to interpret it.

half of it sounded like the stacked 'aide' was speaking a against the GGP (at least from the translation I saw).It had that flavor, IIRC. I don't know if she's anti-GGP, or just anti-Romanov. She seems to have enjoyed some of his recent troubles.

I'd had a bad feeling about the whole thing from the moment they decided Suzuri would be the one riding Balon in the protest. Why the heck would you put your least experienced rider in that situation?C'mon, what could go wrong? It's a peaceful protest after all (with now-illegal vehicles)!

Shouldn't both of the guys have been better qualified than her?Are they riders, or do they just play with the mechanical bits to support Tamayo?

I'm a bit torn though- while things didn't look good for Suzuri, I was also quite worried that it would be Shouko who would get caught up in things and meet a bad endShouko's had her turn already. ^_^;

(not that this is still not unfortunately a possibility...).Argh! Too many negatives! ;p

[lesterf1020]

It had that flavor, IIRC. I don't know if she's anti-GGP, or just anti-Romanov. She seems to have enjoyed some of his recent troubles.

I get the impression that the GGP has factions and that the Romanov faction that believes in solving everything with force is becoming obsolete. She seems eager to speed the process.

[Ashyukun]

Episode was largely set-up for the finale next episode... but we get to see some interesting new GGP toys in the form of semi-autonomous RideBacks that don't need riders (guess they can't really be called 'RideBacks'...). More political stuff in the background- it seems there's some connection between the GGP and the company that made the White Rides and Tamayo's brother and the reporter are trying to run that down- I imagine that some rather damning info about Romanov will come out shortly before he gets taken out. Most important upshot of the ep though, as if there were any doubt, Rin has finally made up her mind what she's going to do- and it's Kick Ass and Take Names time...

They've got a lot to cover in the final episode... I'm definitely looking forward to it.

[Ingraman]

Episode was largely set-up for the finale next episode... but we get to see some interesting new GGP toys in the form of semi-autonomous RideBacks that don't need riders (guess they can't really be called 'RideBacks'...).

I'll call 'em GGP Roombas. For some reason, that's what came to mind when I saw the collapsed/squatting form. Why didn't the heli pilot take off when he saw them coming over the rail? Since they are armed, he probably wouldn't have got far, but ...

Most important upshot of the ep though, as if there were any doubt, Rin has finally made up her mind what she's going to do- and it's Kick Ass and Take Names time...I'm curious to see what she does next Sunday. I'd love to see her take down Romanov before BMA-Boss can. ^_^;;

[pi8you]

Episode was largely set-up for the finale next episode... but we get to see some interesting new GGP toys in the form of semi-autonomous RideBacks that don't need riders (guess they can't really be called 'RideBacks'...). More political stuff in the background- it seems there's some connection between the GGP and the company that made the White Rides and Tamayo's brother and the reporter are trying to run that down- I imagine that some rather damning info about Romanov will come out shortly before he gets taken out. Most important upshot of the ep though, as if there were any doubt, Rin has finally made up her mind what she's going to do- and it's Kick Ass and Take Names time...

They've got a lot to cover in the final episode... I'm definitely looking forward to it.
All sorts of sad that the next episode is the last, the potential of the setup could have easily gone for 2 cour, and the first 10 certainly felt like that's what they were doing :( Still, this moves things on, sad Shouko is sad, Rin mourns and finally finds her resolve once more.

The new bots are interesting, can't wait for Rin to make a glorious mess of them, but I'm not sure about who'll end up taking out who beyond that. There's the bad blood between Okakura, Romanov, and Kiefer, but how personal/deadly will that fight actually get? And who's Rin's target? The GGP in general? Romanov? And what sort of ruin will Tamayo's brother and the reporter lady deal? Need Moar!

(Anyone read the manga and know about how much of the 10 volumes the show has covered?)

[Ashyukun]

Well. That certainly was... anticlimactic. OK, that's not quite fair... it was pretty good, but it just felt a lot less satisfying than I would have liked, though admittedly I can't think up how exactly to make it more satisfying. Having a bit more of an epilogue would have been nice... we got like 2 minutes running through the aftermath with next to no explanations/where things will go from there including completely leaving out several characters. This episode could easily have been expanded out a bit to make 13 and have a proper epilogue that didn't just rush through things. Hell- lose the normal ending animation and do what most smarter shows do and use the time to close things out in the final episode.

Overall I enjoyed the show... but the final resolution just, well didn't feel like much in the way of a resolution...

[Ingraman]

Rin's dancing was beautiful... Does she return to ballet now that she's changed her mindset? Does Fuego get repaired (or did it just need to cool down after the workout?)? She still needs to race against Tamayo... ^_^

Having a bit more of an epilogue would have been nice... we got like 2 minutes running through the aftermath with next to no explanations/where things will go from there including completely leaving out several characters. [...] Hell- lose the normal ending animation and do what most smarter shows do and use the time to close things out in the final episode.

I would've been happy with both the opening and ending missing to allow for a few extra minutes of animation. I guess the budget couldn't be stretched that far (or maybe the theme music was some sort of requirement).

Overall I enjoyed the show... but the final resolution just, well didn't feel like much in the way of a resolution...I'm not sure how a sequel would work (turn it into the sports anime that it started out as? ;p ), but I wouldn't mind knowing more about Rin's future. Was the GGP only oppressive there in Japan? Do other countries have their own anti-GGP movements? We'll probably never know...

[pi8you]

Well. That certainly was... anticlimactic. OK, that's not quite fair... it was pretty good, but it just felt a lot less satisfying than I would have liked, though admittedly I can't think up how exactly to make it more satisfying. Having a bit more of an epilogue would have been nice... we got like 2 minutes running through the aftermath with next to no explanations/where things will go from there including completely leaving out several characters. This episode could easily have been expanded out a bit to make 13 and have a proper epilogue that didn't just rush through things. Hell- lose the normal ending animation and do what most smarter shows do and use the time to close things out in the final episode.

Overall I enjoyed the show... but the final resolution just, well didn't feel like much in the way of a resolution...
I will echo that overall I really liked the show, and they crammed way too much into those last few episodes to get a properly settled resolution. I know I'm repeating myself, but this could have easily been a 2-cour show, and very much felt like one up until episode 10. Ah well, its in the can, for the heck of it I'll give it a borderline B/B+ with fingers crossed for the manga getting to make its way to the US.

[ArcticMech]

Can't believe I waited so long to catch the second to last episode. I was waiting to see that look in Rin's eyes and we finally got it. You don't want to mess with her when she's like that. Rin and Tamayo make quite the pair. On to the finale.

[ArcticMech]

Anticlimactic is a good way to describe it. After all the evidence was disseminated and the GGP exposed, it was all she wrote in terms of the larger story.

Aside from some decent action, some nice footwork by a certain girl, and a little bit of magic, what was left were the 2 primary personal battles (Rin; Keifer v. Romanov). So if you can live with just that, then it was a satisfactory ending since this is all we basically got in the end. As everyone has commented, it would've been nice to get an epilogue rather than the usual (though beautiful) ED. A budgetary move perhaps?

All things considered, I'm at peace with it. Definitely could've been better and certainly longer to allow for better pacing and elaboration. However, it was still a very enjoyable experience and the Ride Back ranks in the upper half of the shows I've been following this season.

[untoldsorrow]

I got quite disappointed with the series. So much could have been done but didn't. I did wish it was a sports anime. They even had kickass music for the racing only to spoil it by a serious plot.

[ArcticMech]

I got quite disappointed with the series. So much could have been done but didn't. I did wish it was a sports anime. They even had kickass music for the racing only to spoil it by a serious plot.

I think it would have been terrific if it was a sports anime. Those early episodes were fantastic.

[Suwako Moriya]

I think it would have been terrific if it was a sports anime. Those early episodes were fantastic.

I do have to wonder if perhaps I would have more interested in this had the later episodes been more like the earlier ones. Not to say I'm big on sports anime because I'm not. Although I'm not against it either.

However the early episodes did have me somewhat curious. Yet sometime after the change focus the series lost me. At which point I decided it was better to just read about the rest of it.

[Sly05]

Well. That certainly was... anticlimactic.

That pretty much sums up my feelings. In the grand scheme of things, Rin really didn't have much of a role. Keifer along with all the people working in the background were the ones who brought about change in the GGP. I was expecting Rin to at least serve as an inspiration to turn popular opinion or something. I guess she at least got broadcast while fighting the unmanned ridebacks.

I did enjoy the series even if the conclusion didn't have much payoff. I agree with sentiments that perhaps a longer run could have allowed for a more exciting conclusion, but then again maybe the source material is just as anti-climatic in its conclusion

[Magewolf]

I got quite disappointed with the series. So much could have been done but didn't. I did wish it was a sports anime. They even had kickass music for the racing only to spoil it by a serious plot.

I liked the series but I do agree that it would have been better to either focus on the racing or make it 26 episodes so they could have explained the plot.But Rin did look great in her red skirt and white top ballet dancing the drones to death.
I was watching this with a friend and he wanted the drones to at lest try to shoot her when she stopped in front of them at the park.But I told him that it would not have done any good since she was a newtype on a size SS dodgy mech equipped with a proto psychoframe system and her will pegged at 150 on the last stage of the game.They could have carpet bombed the city with nukes and not touched a hair on her head.
Which made me think that Rin got gimped on her upgrades.Fuego was a very good mech at the start but Goblin really let her down,I mean he never installed the Magnetic Coating or finished building her new mech with the builtin gatling guns in the arms.If Goblin had done his part Rin could have chased the out GGP of Japan all by herself

[Fencedude]

Eargh. That was...harsh.

Also the preview was painful to watch after that.

[Fencedude]

Huh...robo-ridebacks, interesting.

Also, this new outfit of Rin's is interesting, it looks like she's wearing a fencing tunic with a skirt. Very odd.

[Fencedude]

Very good ending, but you know, instead of the OP/ED again, how about some actual epilogue? You know? Just a thought.

Ah well, Rin/Shouko's pretty much confirmed at this point, so I'm happy.

[beatmania]

I got quite disappointed with the series. So much could have been done but didn't. I did wish it was a sports anime. They even had kickass music for the racing only to spoil it by a serious plot.

I think it would have been terrific if it was a sports anime. Those early episodes were fantastic.

It would've been terrible as a sport anime. You have people riding bike with arms that can punch other people out of the way and whatever rules they come up when the situation calls for, it would not be fun. People need to have some sort of familiarity with the sport to get into a sports anime. They need to know what are or aren't allowed. That's why all the futuristic racing animes suck too, because they just sort of defy physics as we know it or have guns to shoot people out of the way or whatever.

[pianocello]

Having finished this, I must say that while it started great, I can't say that the 2nd half was as awesome as it should have been (it was okay but still...). Rin spent too many episodes in an emotional slump and the whole political conflict was too rushed towards the end. I'm still not getting what the motive of the big-boobed GGP woman was. And it's kind of lame to watch Rin fighting with some characterless machines as a climax.

[Redcoffin]

Having finished this, I must say that while it started great, I can't say that the 2nd half was as awesome as it should have been (it was okay but still...). Rin spent too many episodes in an emotional slump and the whole political conflict was too rushed towards the end. I'm still not getting what the motive of the big-boobed GGP woman was. And it's kind of lame to watch Rin fighting with some characterless machines as a climax.

To me it looked like they were leaving their options open for another series. The manga's up to something like 10 volumes and this short anime had a suspiciously introductory character to it