Kamen Rider Zeztz 26

Watch Analysis

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 26 Is the Best Recap Episode in Tokusatsu

Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 26 might be the best recap episode in Kamen Rider history. Honestly, it might be the best recap episode in all henshin hero tokusatsu.

That sounds like a big claim, but I think the episode earns it. In fact, I think it adds even more proof to my ongoing assertion that Yuya Takahashi either is, or wants to be, remembered as one of the greatest writers the Kamen Rider franchise has ever had.

Because this recap episode is fantastic.

And the reason it works comes down to three things.

1. The Recap Feels Natural

The biggest problem with recap episodes is that they usually feel forced. Characters talk about events they already know, or the show awkwardly stops to replay old footage.

Zeztz avoids that completely.

The entire recap is framed around Baku explaining what happened in his dream or premonition to people who genuinely do not know the story. His sister, Fujimi, Nasuka, and Nem were not present for the events of the first arc, so it makes perfect sense that they would want to understand what he is talking about.

Because of that, the dialogue feels natural.

They ask logical questions. Baku explains what happened. The audience gets the recap at the same time the characters do.

It is a very clever way to structure the episode, and it never feels like the show is stopping just to explain itself.

2. The Recap Is Extremely Efficient

Another thing this episode does really well is efficiency.

The show manages to summarize the entire first arc of the series in roughly eighteen minutes. If you subtract the opening sequence, the actual recap moves very quickly while still covering the important events.

You understand:

who Baku is
what the Nightmares are
what CODE is
what Nox represents
how Baku became Kamen Rider Zeztz

Everything important is there.

In fact, if someone wanted to jump into the show late, Episode 26 would probably work as a starting point. You would still miss a lot of great moments from the earlier episodes, but the recap gives you a clear picture of the story so far.

That alone would make this a very good recap episode.

But Zeztz goes one step further.

3. The Episode Still Moves the Story Forward

The most impressive thing about this episode is that it does not pause the story. Instead, it actively pushes the plot forward.

We see Agent Three issuing orders to Agents Five and Six to capture Baku. Five is clearly uncomfortable with the idea of attacking a fellow CODE agent, but Three reminds him that their orders are absolute. That moment alone tells us a lot about how the organization operates.

At the same time, Baku shows how much he has grown.

When Five and Six try to ambush him, Baku anticipates the attack and uses the Projection Capsem to create a decoy. Instead of getting caught off guard, he outmaneuvers them. It is a great little moment that highlights how far he has come since the beginning of the series.

Then the episode delivers its final surprise.

A completely new Rider suddenly appears and attacks everyone present. The newcomer uses twin blades and unleashes a barrage of guillotine like energy attacks that explode across the battlefield.

In other words, the recap episode ends by introducing a new threat and changing the direction of the story.

That is not something recap episodes usually do.

A Recap That Actually Builds Momentum

By the end of Episode 26, the show has accomplished three things at once.

It has:

summarized the entire first arc
reinforced Baku’s character growth
introduced a new Rider and a new conflict

And it does all of that without feeling slow or repetitive.

Instead of stopping the show, the recap resets the board and launches the next phase of the story.

That is why I think this might be the best recap episode in Kamen Rider history.

Maybe even the best recap episode in all henshin hero tokusatsu.

But I am curious what other fans think.

Can you name a better recap episode in Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, or Ultraman?

If you can, I would genuinely love to hear about it.

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.

Inspector’s Notes

Dawn of a New Threat

Kamen Rider Dawn appearing at the end of Kamen Rider Zeztz Episode 26 holding twin blades and launching an attack during the dream world standoff.

Baku has his mission: don’t make my dream come true.

CODE has their mission: stop the Nightmares, the Lady and… other stuff.

CODE Agents 5 and 6 have their missions: Capture the Zeztz Driver.

Nox has his mission: get his groove back.

All of that gets interrupted by a new player. A yet unnamed Kamen Rider interrupts their fight by attacking the 4 combattants. It’s unclear why he is here now, but I think he is going to help things get even more exciting.

Who is this guy? What does he want? Why does he look so cool? Does he give you Catastrophe Gore vibes? Does he give you Hibiki vibes?

Kamen Rider Zeztz 26