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What did you think of Ultraman Arc episode 24?

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Ultraman Arc Episode 24: “The Descending Dream” – Analysis

By MJ Muñoz – Author, Artist, Analyzer – MJMunoz.com

A Penultimate Masterpiece of Suspense

“The Descending Dream,” which aired January 11, 2025, directed by Takanori Tsujimoto and written by Jun Tsugita, delivers exactly what a penultimate episode should: maximum tension, stunning revelations, and characters pushed to their absolute limits. By the episode’s conclusion, Arc and Yuma find themselves in unprecedented peril, with their identity exposed and a ticking time bomb threatening everything.

Hoshimoto City’s Shocking Absence

One of the most startling elements that hits viewers immediately is the complete obliteration of Hoshimoto City. The opening shots reveal the SKIP crew—YouPi, Ishido, Rin, and Chief Ban—staring in disbelief at the massive void where their city once stood. This visual establishes the dire stakes right from the outset, setting a somber tone that carries throughout the episode.

Dream Manipulation: Swede’s Deception

The episode’s psychological elements reach new heights when we discover Sweed masquerading as Arc in Yuma’s dreams. She presents him with an irresistible temptation—reunion with his parents—creating a moment of genuine emotional vulnerability. Sweed-as-Arc claims his parents are waiting for him, that there was an accident while camping, and all Yuma needs to do is let go and say goodbye to Ultraman Arc to be with them again.

The dream sequence features exceptional suit acting by Hideyoshi Iwata, who brilliantly portrays Swede’s growing frustration as Yuma begins to question the illusion. When Yuma’s watch alarm disrupts the dream, we see Sweed-as-Arc looking back and forth between the watch and Yuma’s face, confused by this intrusion of reality.

The tension builds through masterful editing techniques as the camera cuts back and forth between them at increasing speed, culminating in a perfect blackout moment. This showcases how tokusatsu can deliver sophisticated storytelling through seemingly simple techniques.

Ze Su’s Masterplan Revealed

In what amounts to classic villain brilliance, we learn that Ze Su has implemented a long-term strategy that has been unfolding since his seeming. Biorno (temporarily controlling YouPi) reveals that Yuma and Arc have been slowly poisoned since shortly after the Onyx was transformed into the Galaxer. This explains Yuma’s shaky hands and Arc’s weakening power, recontextualizing symptoms we’ve observed throughout the series.

The poisoning creates an ingenious fail-safe for Ze Su—even if Yuma and Arc defeat him directly, the Onyx will eventually explode, destroying Earth while channeling its energy back to the Rutions’ galaxy. It’s the perfect villain contingency plan, ensuring Ze Su wins regardless of the immediate outcome of their confrontations.

Identity Revealed

Perhaps the most significant turning point comes when the SKIP crew finally confirms their suspicions about Yuma being Ultraman Arc. Chief Ban suggests the “crazy theory,” and the team resolves to protect Yuma just as he has protected them. When Yuma overhears their conversation, he immediately runs toward danger, accepting his fate.

The scene culminates in Yuma transforming directly in front of his friends, acknowledging his identity with a backward glance before rushing into battle—a powerful moment captured in the episode’s thumbnail. This revelation changes the dynamic completely, as Yuma can no longer hide behind his secret identity.

Guilebaku: The Dream Manipulator

The episode introduces Guilelbaku, a dream-manipulating kaiju that serves as the final obstacle before the series finale. While visually reminiscent of Alien Barossa from Ultraman Z (perhaps too similar in color scheme and texturing), Guilebaku demonstrates formidable abilities by turning Arc’s own Galaxer Feathers against him.

The battle sequence takes a devastating turn when Guilebaku drains Arc of his energy, leaving the hero standing but defeated, with darkened eyes and a rapidly blinking color timer—the perfect cliffhanger to lead into the finale.

Looking Forward

The finale, titled “Time to Run, Yuma,” promises to resolve multiple dire threats. Arc is completely drained of energy and standing helpless. The poisoning of Yuma and Arc continues to progress. The Onyx is essentially a ticking time bomb. Ze Su only needs to run out the clock to win. This is truly the darkest moment for Arc, Ishido, Yuma, and the entire world of Ultraman Arc.

My prediction? We might see Biorno form a bond with Ishido, creating a new Ultra form to help revive Arc and Yuma for the final battle. This partnership would mirror the connection between Yuma and Arc while offering a fresh dynamic for the conclusion.

Whatever happens, the finale has been perfectly set up by this masterful penultimate episode construction—balancing revelation, action, and emotional depth while raising the stakes to their absolute peak.

Final Thoughts

“The Descending Dream” delivers everything fans want from a tokusatsu series approaching its conclusion: high stakes, emotional weight, and visual spectacle. The creative team has constructed the perfect foundation for a memorable finale, and I can’t wait to see how Yuma and Arc overcome these seemingly insurmountable odds.

Speaking of memorable stories, I’m excited to share that my book project, Grobugs: Mockwing Mayhem, is moving forward with cover art currently in development. If you enjoy stories about heroic beings battling monsters (and if you’re reading this, you probably do!), you might find something to love in this tale of magical bugs facing their own epic challenges. Visit Grobugs.com for more information.

Until next time, take care and be well!