The interesting thing about the Daemon Corps invasion is that most people claim it has no connection to the rest of the series, which is only half-true. These monsters are really the only thing with no connection, though they do make for truly menacing opponents, providing some of the more intense fights in this season. That's a lot more than can be said for some of the minions in the Myotismon and Dark Masters arcs.
The entirety of this episode is really one long chase/action sequence, but it's so engaging that the story still manages to feel substantial. This is largely thanks to the multiple subplots that are established early on. Ken's confrontation with Oikawa is the most important, showing how the events in the beginning of the series resonate here. Revelations like these are part of why "Digimon 02" has the best story in the franchise, as they bring a new perspective to earlier events and make a re-watch more rewarding.
Aside from the exceptional animation (quality still-shots are abound), the characters are handled very well, largely thanks to a "show don't tell" approach. Ken's expression after he sees the kids implanted with the dark spore data is enough to sell how horrified he is at the thought of others enduring what he did. Yolei and Cody's earlier concerns about destroying living digimon (remember Yolei's arguments in "Spirit Needle"?) are addressed, and, believe it or not, I think her moment is better. After LadyDevimon is destroyed, the writers could easily have had Yolei become hysterical in remorse, but a quick word from Kari and the rather sobering sight of the guy she just saved, and her expression becomes more relaxed. This is one of the better examples of the show using its images to enhance a point. Oikawa's first substantial appearance excellently conveys his madness, bolstered by Jameson Price's voice work, and it's great to see more of the double act between Arukenimon and Mummymon. The only thing that really bothered me was that Raidramon's paws are drawn much smaller than usual. It's a minor thing, but throws off his appearance so much that I couldn't help but lament it.
The entirety of this episode is really one long chase/action sequence, but it's so engaging that the story still manages to feel substantial. This is largely thanks to the multiple subplots that are established early on. Ken's confrontation with Oikawa is the most important, showing how the events in the beginning of the series resonate here. Revelations like these are part of why "Digimon 02" has the best story in the franchise, as they bring a new perspective to earlier events and make a re-watch more rewarding.
Aside from the exceptional animation (quality still-shots are abound), the characters are handled very well, largely thanks to a "show don't tell" approach. Ken's expression after he sees the kids implanted with the dark spore data is enough to sell how horrified he is at the thought of others enduring what he did. Yolei and Cody's earlier concerns about destroying living digimon (remember Yolei's arguments in "Spirit Needle"?) are addressed, and, believe it or not, I think her moment is better. After LadyDevimon is destroyed, the writers could easily have had Yolei become hysterical in remorse, but a quick word from Kari and the rather sobering sight of the guy she just saved, and her expression becomes more relaxed. This is one of the better examples of the show using its images to enhance a point. Oikawa's first substantial appearance excellently conveys his madness, bolstered by Jameson Price's voice work, and it's great to see more of the double act between Arukenimon and Mummymon. The only thing that really bothered me was that Raidramon's paws are drawn much smaller than usual. It's a minor thing, but throws off his appearance so much that I couldn't help but lament it.
