This is a good episode, with further revelations on the situation and lots of character development for Marcus. We finally learn that Kudamon is actually the ambassador for King Drasil between the Digital and real worlds, which I think is one of the better surprises in the series, as it puts a somewhat different spin on earlier efforts.
Marcus takes some time to process his discovery about Spencer, recollecting the day he left. This flashback, belated as it is, provides a bit more insight into Marcus' tough guy demeanor; toughness seemed to earn his father's approval. His development thus far has amounted to a haphazard series of shallow emotional jumps, so a kick for his one truly distinct trait is welcome. It's also nice to see Sarah Damon provide a few words, in this case pointing out that Marcus has been the one looking out for them since Spencer disappeared. All of this makes an acceptable foundation for Marcus' story and that's the problem.
The effect of a parent's absence on one of the main characters is relatively new to this franchise, the closest exception being Rika, whose father is only mentioned once in the series. Had this transpired in the first act of the season Marcus' character arc would have had much more direction, perhaps outlining how he overcompensated for Spencer's absence by fighting.
It's cool to see Gallantmon join in on the action, but the fight with him is mostly routine and predictable, with the exception of the freezing scene and the best moment, when Shinegreymon futilely shoots him at point-blank range only to get caught in the blast.
With Marcus splitting off from the team, opportunities are laid out for the others to get the spotlight, which should do nothing but help this final story arc.
Marcus takes some time to process his discovery about Spencer, recollecting the day he left. This flashback, belated as it is, provides a bit more insight into Marcus' tough guy demeanor; toughness seemed to earn his father's approval. His development thus far has amounted to a haphazard series of shallow emotional jumps, so a kick for his one truly distinct trait is welcome. It's also nice to see Sarah Damon provide a few words, in this case pointing out that Marcus has been the one looking out for them since Spencer disappeared. All of this makes an acceptable foundation for Marcus' story and that's the problem.
The effect of a parent's absence on one of the main characters is relatively new to this franchise, the closest exception being Rika, whose father is only mentioned once in the series. Had this transpired in the first act of the season Marcus' character arc would have had much more direction, perhaps outlining how he overcompensated for Spencer's absence by fighting.
It's cool to see Gallantmon join in on the action, but the fight with him is mostly routine and predictable, with the exception of the freezing scene and the best moment, when Shinegreymon futilely shoots him at point-blank range only to get caught in the blast.
With Marcus splitting off from the team, opportunities are laid out for the others to get the spotlight, which should do nothing but help this final story arc.
