Kamen Rider Zeztz 24

Watch Analysis

The Real Tragedy of Episode 24

Baku’s apparent death is not the most important thing that happens in Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 24.

The most important moment is much smaller.

Baku sees an injured man lying on the floor. Whether he was a civilian or a CODE employee, the man is dying. Baku has the recovery capsule. He could save this man’s life.

But he walks away.

That moment says more about Baku than anything else in the episode.

Baku Used to Be a Hero

Earlier in the series, Baku risked his life to save strangers. In real life he even put himself in front of a truck to save a child.

That established a clear pattern. Baku was someone who saved people even when it was inconvenient or dangerous.

Episode 24 breaks that pattern.

Now, as Zeztz in Catastrom form, Baku ignores someone who needs help and continues pursuing his mission.

Something fundamental about him has changed.

Destroying Nightmares Becomes the Only Thing That Matters

Throughout the episode Baku annihilates Nightmare after Nightmare while the Lady releases more of them with the Lady Gauntlet.

CODE accuses him of going rogue, but from Baku’s perspective he is still carrying out the mission. The Nightmares are in his way, so he destroys them.

The problem is not that he is destroying the Nightmares.

The problem is that he no longer sees the people around him.

The injured man becomes irrelevant because Baku is focused on the mission.

Saving Nem at Any Cost

Baku claims he chose his own mission: to save Nem.

But that raises a troubling question.

If his goal is to save one person, is he justified in ignoring the life of another person lying in front of him?

Is it acceptable to sacrifice one life to save another?

And if Nem herself is a Nightmare based lifeform, does that change the equation?

The episode never answers these questions directly, but it clearly puts them in front of the audience.

Has Baku Lost His Heart?

That brief moment where Baku turns away from the injured man may be the most important scene in the entire episode.

It suggests something terrifying.

Baku may already be dead in a moral sense. Even though he is still fighting as CODE Number Seven and wielding the power of Zeztz Catastrom, the person he used to be might already be gone.

The hero who once saved strangers without hesitation now walks past someone who needs help.

A Small Moment That Changes Everything

Episode 24 of Kamen Rider Zeztz is full of spectacle, lore reveals, and chaotic action.

But the most important moment lasts only a few seconds.

Baku sees someone who needs help.

And he walks away.

That single choice may reveal more about the direction of the show than any of the explosions or battles happening around him.

What Did You Think?

What stood out to you most in Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 24?

Did you notice the moment where Baku leaves the injured man behind?

What do you think that moment means for Baku, for Nem, and for the story going forward?

Let me know your thoughts.

Drop a comment below or tag me @MJ_Scribe on Twitter. Let’s have some fun talking about this.

If you enjoy thoughtful stories for kids and families, check out my book Mockwing Mayhem. It is a heartfelt adventure about magical bugs battling monsters and protecting children.

You can find more of my reviews, reflections, and stories with spine at mjmunoz.com, and join the mailing list there for behind the scenes updates and new releases.

Bonus Reflection

N

A