The biggest problem with this episode isn't that it introduces all three mega-level digimon at once, but that it does so in an uncompelling fashion, which is remarkable because it addresses a natural question. Namely, what exactly is the D.N.A. charge?
The answer that it is a manifestation of human emotion from which the digimon draw power is kind of a washout, since the concept has been present in previous seasons in some form or another. I think there was real opportunity here to put a new spin on the nature of the bonds between human and digimon, which may have led to some contemplative moments for the teens on why they were drafted in the first place. Instead, we just get the easy answer. Unlike in, say, "The Empire Strikes Back", where the element of emotions was complemented by discipline and a mythic quality, any concept or accomplishment here just feels like an obligatory video-game power-up.
BanchoLeomon's training methods are particularly annoying. On the one hand, they at least have some aim in mind, unlike with Piximon. On the other hand, they lack thoughtfulness (no one is going to compare this to the TV series "Kung-Fu"), and are ultimately pointless; it was actually the threat to the partner digimon that gave the Data Squad the focus they needed to harness the D.N.A. charge. Sure, he still gives them a little bit of instruction, but, considering the past, I don't think it's anything they wouldn't have done on their own anyway.
At this point, the main reason for these kids' relative inefficacy has become clear: they largely lack the unique challenges that preceded new evolutionary forms in the previous seasons. This episode is no exception, as what the Data Squad does is fundamentally a recreation of Marcus' moment in "The Rise of RizeGreymon", only with a handy instruction manual and the dial turned up. It's too basic and not attuned to the deeper aspects of their personalities, and this pattern of perfunctorily gaining a stronger desire to protect friends and loved ones pervades much of the series. On top of that, once again Marcus is the one given the most detail, while the other two just follow suit.
The three mega-level digimon are impressive and defeat the bio-hybrid trio quite handily, though when you think about it, this isn't even the 30th episode. Introducing all of the mega digimon this early is unprecedented, making it more rushed than it otherwise would have been.
The answer that it is a manifestation of human emotion from which the digimon draw power is kind of a washout, since the concept has been present in previous seasons in some form or another. I think there was real opportunity here to put a new spin on the nature of the bonds between human and digimon, which may have led to some contemplative moments for the teens on why they were drafted in the first place. Instead, we just get the easy answer. Unlike in, say, "The Empire Strikes Back", where the element of emotions was complemented by discipline and a mythic quality, any concept or accomplishment here just feels like an obligatory video-game power-up.
BanchoLeomon's training methods are particularly annoying. On the one hand, they at least have some aim in mind, unlike with Piximon. On the other hand, they lack thoughtfulness (no one is going to compare this to the TV series "Kung-Fu"), and are ultimately pointless; it was actually the threat to the partner digimon that gave the Data Squad the focus they needed to harness the D.N.A. charge. Sure, he still gives them a little bit of instruction, but, considering the past, I don't think it's anything they wouldn't have done on their own anyway.
At this point, the main reason for these kids' relative inefficacy has become clear: they largely lack the unique challenges that preceded new evolutionary forms in the previous seasons. This episode is no exception, as what the Data Squad does is fundamentally a recreation of Marcus' moment in "The Rise of RizeGreymon", only with a handy instruction manual and the dial turned up. It's too basic and not attuned to the deeper aspects of their personalities, and this pattern of perfunctorily gaining a stronger desire to protect friends and loved ones pervades much of the series. On top of that, once again Marcus is the one given the most detail, while the other two just follow suit.
The three mega-level digimon are impressive and defeat the bio-hybrid trio quite handily, though when you think about it, this isn't even the 30th episode. Introducing all of the mega digimon this early is unprecedented, making it more rushed than it otherwise would have been.
