With a title like "The Digimon Army Makes its Move", one can't really expect much beyond one big action sequence, which is the best way to describe this one. The resultant story is thin, but entertaining enough.
First, a word on the initial scene. Considering the concerns of Merukimon and behavior of Gotsumon, it only makes sense that there would be other powerful monsters who believe that humanity deserves to be destroyed. Bringing in this new Saberleomon was an inspired decision because (a) the original portrayal left much room for improvement (b) this one's malignant demeanor is surprising for the usually friendly Leomon family and (c) it adds complexity to the conflict by showing that there are radicals on both sides (Gotsumon is too much of a lackey to be of consequence). It's a promising development, one that will be criminally underused, especially considering that this episode strongly implies a clash between Saberleomon and Merukimon.
The second half of the episode is given over to the large scale assault by the digimon army. Such a sequence sounds great on paper, but I would have done with more variety. The Pteramon look cool, but suffer from those awkward squawks, while the Boarmon look more pudgy than monstrous. I would at least give this event credit for setting off an actual war between the two worlds, which would be a bold direction to take, but, as the final scene indicates, that won't be the case. It does, however, show that the premise that this show lifted from "Tamers" will finally have something new done with it, despite being used for routine mishaps earlier. Oh, and Keenan is still running around dealing with his identity crisis.
One good thing I can say is that this episode represents a highpoint for this kid's story. Some of those early scenes really sell the feeling of not belonging anywhere, but I would take it further he doesn't belong in this show at all. Even so, the scene of him surrendering to Gotsumon is quite moving, mostly because of Falcomon and Marcus. At this moment when he doesn't feel wanted, here are two individuals who are willing to go to great lengths to show that they care. It affirms my opinion that the best thing about Keenan is how people react to him, which is only another reason to lament Merukimon's ultimate fate.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel that the writers are desperately trying to keep this kid relevant. Gotsumon's reasons for including him in the ultimatum are too personal and kind of distract from the larger conflict, especially since it has been made abundantly clear that this kid ultimately has little bearing on the overall plot.
First, a word on the initial scene. Considering the concerns of Merukimon and behavior of Gotsumon, it only makes sense that there would be other powerful monsters who believe that humanity deserves to be destroyed. Bringing in this new Saberleomon was an inspired decision because (a) the original portrayal left much room for improvement (b) this one's malignant demeanor is surprising for the usually friendly Leomon family and (c) it adds complexity to the conflict by showing that there are radicals on both sides (Gotsumon is too much of a lackey to be of consequence). It's a promising development, one that will be criminally underused, especially considering that this episode strongly implies a clash between Saberleomon and Merukimon.
The second half of the episode is given over to the large scale assault by the digimon army. Such a sequence sounds great on paper, but I would have done with more variety. The Pteramon look cool, but suffer from those awkward squawks, while the Boarmon look more pudgy than monstrous. I would at least give this event credit for setting off an actual war between the two worlds, which would be a bold direction to take, but, as the final scene indicates, that won't be the case. It does, however, show that the premise that this show lifted from "Tamers" will finally have something new done with it, despite being used for routine mishaps earlier. Oh, and Keenan is still running around dealing with his identity crisis.
One good thing I can say is that this episode represents a highpoint for this kid's story. Some of those early scenes really sell the feeling of not belonging anywhere, but I would take it further he doesn't belong in this show at all. Even so, the scene of him surrendering to Gotsumon is quite moving, mostly because of Falcomon and Marcus. At this moment when he doesn't feel wanted, here are two individuals who are willing to go to great lengths to show that they care. It affirms my opinion that the best thing about Keenan is how people react to him, which is only another reason to lament Merukimon's ultimate fate.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel that the writers are desperately trying to keep this kid relevant. Gotsumon's reasons for including him in the ultimatum are too personal and kind of distract from the larger conflict, especially since it has been made abundantly clear that this kid ultimately has little bearing on the overall plot.
