What are your thoughts on Kamen Rider Zeztz 07?

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Kamen Rider Zeztz 07 – Punish: Lore, Loss, and a New Resolve

By MJ Muñoz – Rider Tears

Baku’s Mission Begins

Episode 7 of Kamen Rider Zeztz, titled Punish, delivers huge revelations and a powerful emotional pivot for Baku. I honestly really liked this one. There’s lore, mystery, solid character moments, and some great action, both in and out of suit.

What Happened to Nem?

So here’s the big reveal: Nem was in a major bus crash four years ago. Her boss Masumi survived, but Nem was seriously injured, placed in a VIP hospital… and then disappeared.

Just vanished.

That’s wild enough on its own, but it raises questions. Was Nem already special before the accident? Or did something change after she crossed into the dream or nightmare realm?

It reminds me of Baku constantly being put in life-or-death situations when helping others. Maybe Nem was similarly fated or chosen. I used to think she and Nox might be siblings, especially after the whole pink-and-blue dream aesthetic, but I’m suspending that theory for now.

Dream Logic and Heartbreak

There’s a really emotional throughline here with Masumi. He refuses to accept Nem’s death and chooses to live forever with her inside a nightmare prison. It’s tragic and strange and deeply human.

And we get a nice bit of dream-mechanics lore: people who are actively dreaming are officially called Dreamers. Yep. Literal dreamers in a nightmare. I’ll allow it.

But I was honestly moved. Masumi pushing his wife aside to save the memory of Nem, even if it’s just in a dream? That hit me. It’s messy and complicated, but it works.

Capsule Combat and Classic Callbacks

Speaking of things that work — Baku using the Impact Capsem in the dream world was great. He smashes it against the floor to activate it, just like an old-school Rider move. There’s even a nod to the classic Kamen Rider (1971–1973) in the hospital scene: Nem’s heart monitors flash 73 and 98, likely a reference to the original show’s run of 98 episodes through 1973.

I love that kind of craft. It didn’t need to be there, but it adds texture and care to the storytelling.

Also, I’m just going to say it, I much prefer seeing Baku use the capsules creatively in dream sequences compared to strictly suit action. The fighting’s cool, but the capsules in weird dream logic settings? That’s special.

Nox, Lies, and Consequences

The confrontation between Baku and Nox is brief but heavy. Nox warns him he’ll one day learn the cost of his powers. Classic villain tease, but effective. What exactly is Nox trying to achieve by trapping the world in nightmares?

We still don’t know. I’m not sure he knows. But it’s compelling.

There’s also this question of truth vs. comfort. Masumi’s been protecting the public from the knowledge that Nem is missing. Baku initially sympathizes because it’s easier to believe the lie, but he eventually finds the resolve to face reality.

That emotional shift becomes his mission: Find Nem.

Dynamic Trio and Closet HQ

One detail I loved was the interior of Baku’s “closet HQ.” Fujimi and Nasuka being there with him adds great energy. Fujimi’s wild. Nasuka’s reserved. Baku is right in the middle. Together, they give him room to grow, whether he leans more pragmatic or passionate.

It’s a good dynamic. And the set itself is full of detail — I spotted a floor hatch that might lead to a basement or secret lab someday. Fingers crossed.

About That New Form…

Now, about Technolom Projection…

It’s not even called a form, which makes things more confusing. It swaps out the subsuit from the green muscle look of Impact to the blue flowing pattern of Stream. I really don’t get why these subsuit changes are necessary.

The gray-charcoal detailing on the base suit looks great, and I’d love if they just stuck with it. Especially when paired with contrasting colors, the suit pops without needing all the layering.

Still, I’m excited to see the red, blue, purple, and green progress unfold — even if the rules aren’t totally clear yet.

Director Spotlight: Kyohei Yamaguchi

I forgot to shout him out last time, but let me fix that. Kyohei Yamaguchi directed this episode (and Episode 6), and I’m glad he’s on board. I’ve liked his work since Kamen Rider Fourze, namely episodes 23 and 24 — The Swan Alliance and Hero’s Desire — which gave us some fantastic suit choreography and emotional weight.

He’s also directed key episodes of Drive, Ghost, Ex-Aid, Build, Zero-One, Gotchard, and now Zeztz. The action in this episode was tight, expressive, and fun, definitely a strength of his.

Final Thoughts

“Punish” is a great title for this episode. Everyone’s carrying pain. Everyone’s chasing redemption. And Baku? He finally has a purpose beyond just being the guy who fixes nightmares.

He’s searching for Nem now.

This episode made me care more, not just about the plot, but about what happens next. And that’s what good storytelling does.

Thanks for joining me. What say you, fellow traveler? Drop a comment below or if you’re on Twitter, tag me @MJ_Scribe. 

If you’re looking for something with magical creatures, high stakes, and a whole lot of heart, check out Mockwing Mayhem. Learn more at grobugs.com.

You can find more of my reviews, book reflections, and stories with spine at mjmunoz.com.