Without a doubt, the conflict here is the best one of the Deva arc, bar none. However, this is not entirely the result of Vikaralamon. In fact, if you only focus on the scenes where he actually does something, this would be a pretty short fight. For an opponent that looks so intimidating (and apparently is very powerful), it really wasn't all that difficult to get rid of him, since WarGrowlmon, past a certain point, was able to trudge right through him, albeit spectacularly. The only reasons the other two were there was to limit collateral damage.
The real success of this conflict is how its multiple facets are balanced and interwoven, creating a story that flows exceptionally well. There's a real sense of crisis, as the Juggernaut is activated again, prompting Makuramon to crash the system and turn the tide. And once the dust settles, he swipes Calumon; it's just one surprise after another. Makuramon is probably the most interesting of the Devas, being a lot more sneaky and unsettling in demeanor. Not only are the scenes of him talking pretty creepy, but his dialogue provides more insight on the Deva's intentions. Hypnos and Yamaki also reach another pivotal point, with everything falling apart and Yamaki remaining rather steadfast through it all, probably willing to accept failure this time. It's a nice contrast to his behavior in "Grow Mon Grow". Combined with above-par animation throughout, this all brings a palpable sense of excitement and leads into the next phase of the journey.
The stuff with the tamers, however, continues to be the problem. First, it's INCREDIBLY intrusive for Takato to talk about his concerns with the nature of evolution. Concerning WarGrowlmon, who hasn't expressed any disconcerting behavior this episode, this matter hasn't received any attention aside from that "blink and you'll miss it" hint at the end of "Out of the Blue". It doesn't technically come out of nowhere, but it feels like it does. Second, I think more thought could have gone into how Jeri becomes a Tamer. As it is, Leomon just pops out of nowhere, as does Jeri's digivice.
Despite these warts, this is a very successful episode, and a staple for how this series should handle multiple plot strands within a single chapter.
The real success of this conflict is how its multiple facets are balanced and interwoven, creating a story that flows exceptionally well. There's a real sense of crisis, as the Juggernaut is activated again, prompting Makuramon to crash the system and turn the tide. And once the dust settles, he swipes Calumon; it's just one surprise after another. Makuramon is probably the most interesting of the Devas, being a lot more sneaky and unsettling in demeanor. Not only are the scenes of him talking pretty creepy, but his dialogue provides more insight on the Deva's intentions. Hypnos and Yamaki also reach another pivotal point, with everything falling apart and Yamaki remaining rather steadfast through it all, probably willing to accept failure this time. It's a nice contrast to his behavior in "Grow Mon Grow". Combined with above-par animation throughout, this all brings a palpable sense of excitement and leads into the next phase of the journey.
The stuff with the tamers, however, continues to be the problem. First, it's INCREDIBLY intrusive for Takato to talk about his concerns with the nature of evolution. Concerning WarGrowlmon, who hasn't expressed any disconcerting behavior this episode, this matter hasn't received any attention aside from that "blink and you'll miss it" hint at the end of "Out of the Blue". It doesn't technically come out of nowhere, but it feels like it does. Second, I think more thought could have gone into how Jeri becomes a Tamer. As it is, Leomon just pops out of nowhere, as does Jeri's digivice.
Despite these warts, this is a very successful episode, and a staple for how this series should handle multiple plot strands within a single chapter.
